San Francisco CA is famous for its intimate,walkable neighborhoods and historic low-rise architecture. San Francisco is known for its lively improv scene,and many of the original shows that start here go on to Broadway in New York.
The city is a cultural mecca for many different ethnicities,nationalities and sexual identities. The majority of residents are transplants,so it’s easy to strike up a conversation with someone new here.
1. Golden Gate Bridge
The famous Golden Gate Bridge,at 1.7 miles in length,is one of the greatest engineering feats ever created. The Art Deco bridge in deep orange crosses the Strait of Marin County between San Francisco.
City officials wanted to accelerate growth,despite the fact that ferry service was the main method of transportation across the Strait. Engineer Michael O’Shaughnessy proposed a bridge. He hired Joseph Strauss to design the structure.
2. Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf,San Francisco’s most famous tourist destination,is a long row of seafood restaurants and quirky attractions. This is a great place to stop for a quick bite,photos and souvenirs.
Locals love watching the sea lions lounge on floating wooden barges,flop around and fight with hordes of tourists watching. The classic two-story carousel is another attraction!
3. Alamo Square
Often seen in movies,and best known to fans of the TV show Full House as the “Painted Ladies,” this verdant hilltop park offers incredible views. The dual-level play area and tennis court are popular with kids,while dogs love to run around in the grassy expanse.
It’s also a great place to eat because of the food revolution that has taken place in this neighborhood. Enjoy a thick bread toast with a cup of coffee at Four Barrel,or try the signature pastas from Che Fico.
4. Chinatown
One of the largest Chinatowns outside of Asia,this historic area oozes with food,culture and heritage. Discover the Street of Painted Balconies where you will find family-run temples and restaurants.
In the past,there was a lot of prostitution in the alleys. (See Bartlett Alley). Visit St. Mary’s Church at California and Grant,which survived the 1906 earthquake. This Catholic church offers daily mass and welcomes all.
5. Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park offers an outdoor getaway with miles of lawns,bridle trails and lakes. There are many things to do,from top museums to botanical gardens and Dutch windmills to a bison paddock.
The entire park is free,though some of its attractions charge admission (de Young Museum,California Academy of Sciences). Spreckels Lake is dotted with mature Monterey Cypress trees. You can ride a bicycle or take a stroll around the lake.
6. Haight-Ashbury
Haight-Ashbury was a popular destination for a variety of people during the Summer of Love. This included young college students with no intention of dropping out,spiritual groups,and runaways from nearby military bases.
The psychedelic period reached its height in June 1967 when local Haight bands got their big break at the Monterey Pop Festival. You can still shop for tie-dyed t-shirts and love beads in the neighborhood.
7. Alamo Square Theater
Whether you want to see the real-life Painted Ladies or Keanu Reeves’ favorite juice bar,Alamo Square is a great place to visit. The charming neighborhood is also home to a number of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
Do The Bay and SF Parks Alliance host Sundown Cinema,an awesome free outdoor movie series at iconic San Francisco parks. Enjoy local food,music,and pre-show entertainment before enjoying a film selection that celebrates the city’s neighborhoods.
8. Golden Gate Park Zoo
The zoo in San Francisco is my favorite attraction. It offers great,natural exhibits and a lot of amazing animals that are ambassadors for their species.
9. Haight-Ashbury District
The heart of the Haight-Ashbury district lies at the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets. The 1960s counterculture movement flower power reached its peak during 1967’s Summer of Love.
10. Golden Gate Park
From top museums to a botanical garden and herds of bison,Golden Gate Park has plenty for everyone. Golden Gate Park’s scenic landscape includes grassy meadows and bridle trails,as well as lakes.