San Francisco, along with its famous landmarks, lively neighborhoods and various cultures is a city that attracts visitors from all over the world. Regardless of whether you are a newcomer or have been to San Francisco before, there is so much to do and see in the city. Starting from its historic places to the contemporary wonders, this is a full guide on what to do in San Francisco.
The Magnificent Golden Gate Bridge
Any trip to San Francisco is not a real one if you don’t see the Golden Gate Bridge. That famous structure, which is known for its orange-red color and unique design, is a masterpiece of engineering. The bridge can be experienced in different ways. Besides, walking or biking across it allows you to admire the bay view and its surroundings like the city skyline and Marin Headlands. The viewpoints at either end of the bridge offer a magnificent chance for photos, with the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center on the south end providing historical exhibits and information about how the bridge was built. On the other hand, taking a boat trip from Fisherman’s Wharf allows you to see the bridge from the water and that is why it has such great views, especially at sunset.
San Francisco’s Sports Scene
San Francisco is a city with the most popular sports among its residents. Seeing a game at Oracle Park, the home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team, you get to enjoy beautiful views of the bay and an amazing atmosphere while watching America’s favorite pastime. If basketball is your thing, tickets to Golden State Warriors are a must, the Chase Center is a place where you must go to see the Golden State Warriors in action. The enthusiastic crowd and the modern arena are some of the things that make for a memorable experience. For football lovers, the trip to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara which is just around the corner and watch the San Francisco 49ers play is a must.
Exploring Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island, which used to be the notorious federal penitentiary is now a favorite tourist spot managed by the National Park Service. Start your day with a ferry ride from Pier 33, which has wonderful views of the city skyline and the bay. Take a chance and tour the prison with an award-winning audio guide that is narrated by former inmates and guards, where you will learn about the history of the island, famous escape attempts, and daily life inside. In addition to its historical importance, Alcatraz Island also has splendid gardens, bird colonies and a view of the bay.
The Interactive Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is a museum of science, art and human perception which is situated at Pier 15. It is a magnificent place for people of all ages. Interacting with hundreds of interactive exhibits that cover a wide variety of scientific topics is not only educational but also fun. Going through a pitch-dark dome by using your sense of touch in the Tactile Dome is an original thing to do. The chance to see the natural environment in the Outdoor Exploratorium, with exciting views of Bay Bridge and the waterfront completes your visit.
The Rich Culture of Chinatown
Chinatown in San Francisco is the oldest and one of the biggest in North America. Kick off your tour at the Dragon Gate on Grant Avenue, which is the main access to Chinatown. The discovery of the streets full of people and shops selling all kinds of stuff from traditional Chinese herbs to souvenirs is a pleasure. Eating real Chinese food at one of the many restaurants like dim sum at Yank Sing or Cantonese dishes at R&G Lounge is a must-try. Go to the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum and discover the history and role of the Chinese in this country.
A Ferry trip to Sausalito
A quick trip on a ferry from the city will get you to Sausalito, which is a delightful coastal town with a Mediterranean touch. Savor a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants that give you a breathtaking view of San Francisco Bay. The discovery of the special stores and art galleries that are on the main street is a pleasant way to spend your day. The wonderful waterfront paths or renewing a bike for the way back to the city across the Golden Gate Bridge are just other ways of adventuring.
Golden Gate Park: A City Paradise
Golden Gate Park is a huge city park, which is even bigger than Central Park in New York and it has many different attractions and things to do. Go to the Victorian-era Conservatory of Flowers, which is home to many different plants and flowers from all around the world. Walk around the exquisitely designed Japanese Tea Garden, which has classic Japanese architecture, koi ponds, and calming paths. The California Academy of Sciences is a top-notch museum that has an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a rainforest dome. The paddleboat or rowboat rental and the peaceful ride on Stow Lake are other good ways to relax in the park.
San Francisco is a city of many faces that has something for everyone, whether you like to visit its historical landmarks and cultural neighborhoods or just want to be in nature. The Golden Gate Bridge, the busy streets of Chinatown, and the tranquil gardens of Golden Gate Park are some places where you can always find something new in this lively city. Hence, get your things and be ready to discover the beauty of San Francisco where every street has a story and every visit is an adventure.
