Autumn from September through to November is the best time to visit San Francisco due to its warm days and cooler evenings with the bonus of fewer crowds. But this tourist destination is truly amazing all year round with pleasantly cool summer days that famous morning fog and relatively dry spring days.
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about San Francisco is its steep hills and magnificent views. The Twin Peaks, located in the centre of the city stands at 922 feet above sea level, and offers 360 degree unobstructed views of the San Francisco Bay.
Lombard Street is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the city. It is home to the windiest most crooked street in the world located between Hyde and Leavensworth Streets on Russian Hill. It was originally designed so people could drive down the street safely due to the street’s steep decline. Today there are stairs down both sides of the road so that walking this photogenic location is highly enjoyable. Make sure you remember to take your camera and wear your running shoes as you will experience some magical sights and climbing those stairs to the top will get your heart pounding!!
Along with San Francisco giving us Levi jeans and martinis, they also introduced the cable car. This iconic system is the world’s last manually operated form of transport and rolls down Powell Street and ends at Market Street. Tickets are $6.00 but you can also purchase an all-day pass for $14. These cable cars offer some of the best views of the city including when you go down the north side of Russian Hill and checking out the Bay and Alcatraz, which is spectacular.
Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary is located in the San Francisco Bay and was a military and federal prison from 1934-1963. It was the home for such prisoners as Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelley and Robert “The Birdman” Stroud. Today the island is managed by the National Park Service and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. It is definitely worth the 15-minute boat ride out to the island. Departures leave from Pier 33 at Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ferry Building. At a cost of $38 you are able to spend all the time you like exploring the island with the audio tour and experiencing this creepy yet historic landmark.
Fisherman’s Wharf offers something for the whole family. Shopping, sightseeing, souvenir shops, dining and of course, merry go rounds and kid-friendly activities are all on offer in this iconic destination as well as spectacular views of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Don’t forget to visit Ghirardelli Square, home of the most delicious chocolate you can imagine plus beautiful boutiques, wineries and award-winning restaurants - you will kick yourself if you don’t drop into this busy and fascinating attraction. Just follow the smell of chocolate - you can’t miss it!!
Union Square is the place to visit for high end shopping outlets, fancy hotels, cafes, and art galleries. Not only that but it is the most visited neighbourhood in San Francisco that alone shows that there is something special about it.
While in San Francisco you must visit the Aquarium of the Bay. The aquarium is a clear tunnel that goes on for 300 feet and it is literally like walking with marine life swimming around you. How cool is that! And on display you will see 20,000 marine animals.
Come take a ferry across to the second largest island Angel Island. Once on the island, there are trams and tours. Angel island is home to 60 people and to some of the quirkiest cafes and bars.
If there is a day above 20 degrees the locals will most likely be at the one place; Dolores Park. Dolores Park is essentially a massive yard of grass, with lounges, inflatable couches, that people come to enjoy the weather and outdoors all whilst watching the ocean.
Back in the city, an awesome place to go for foodies is the Fort Point Beer. This indie brewery was founded in 2014 by two brothers and now makes 20 varieties of craft beer. It is said that their bright colourful labelling is found all over the city and is one of the top favourite beers to drink in San Francisco.
San Francisco is home to the first gay bar, first Gay Pride Parade and the first same sex marriage license ever issued. The San Francisco LGBTQ Pride Parade is held at the end of June each year and travels along Market Street making its way to 8th Street. The parade honours and celebrates all who have fought for equality and is a symbol of love and inclusivity.
The Chinatown district covers 24 blocks, which makes it extremely easy to find. Filled with a buzzing atmosphere, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the street food markets and indulge in some authentic Asian cuisine before visiting the Buddhist temple and indulging in the rich heritage and culture of this city within a city.
If you are looking for live performances, San Francisco is the place for you. Jazz, Soul, and Rock and Roll play a huge part of the history in this region. It also offers an extensive number of independent record stores. Yes - the vinyl record is thriving in this phenomenal city! Just the place to explore and find some hidden treasures and memorabilia among the thousands of vintage collectibles.
And last but certainly not least, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge is truly what defines San Francisco. As the most recognisable attraction in the entire city, the bridge connects San Francisco to California’s northern counties and is one of the seven wonders of the modern world. It took four years to build this landmark due to struggles with fog, winds and high tides but today it is easily identified around the world by its orange colour and iconic shape.The Golden Gate Bridge also has walking paths offering those partial to a morning or afternoon stroll an amazing opportunity to experience the bridge on foot and sightsee the city from very different perspectives. The walk takes up to 2 hours. Or why not jump on a bicycle and go exploring? There are lots of bike tours to choose from but you can’t go passed the Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour which starts at Fisherman’s Wharf and travels along the Marina, Presidio National Park and onto the Golden Gate Bridge. This is the perfect way to take in the spectacular views, relax and of course enjoy the weather. Alternatively, hire a bicycle and stick to the bike paths to create your own adventure that ends with a stop at Boudin Bakery Cafe renowned for the fluffiest sourdough bread imaginable.
Tony Bennet famously sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and millions of visitors have done so as well. With its rolling hills, astonishing landmarks, history and phenomenal scenery, this city is a “must-see” wonder and should be on everyone’s bucket list.
