San Francisco where to go? After this post you know how not to miss out!
I really excited to write this post, not only because San Francisco is a great city but I just booked my flight to go there in a month! The first time I visited San Francisco was around 10 years ago! 10 years! When I decided to go on a road trip in the USA with my friends. It was the first time I traveled outside Europe. So today I would love to share with you the top picks, and a friendly reminder to myself where to go once I am there.
The City list you can expect this Bonus edition:
Milan, Rome, San Francisco, Perth and Singapore
Ready for this super fun city in “my cities” post here we go!
Why San Francisco?
Because if you ask my its one of the most fun cities to visit in the USA, a great mix of cultures, highlights and history. So are you ready to discover the “Fog City” “San Fran” and the “Paris of the West”
First Impression
San Francisco as mentioned was one of the stops during my roadtrip 10 years ago, everything was new and I just loved everything we were able to see. The road trip took me from Los Angeles to The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas to San Francisco and down on Highway 1 back to the house we were staying in.
San Francisco holds great memories and I am super excited to have some more.
Highlights
When you visit make sure to spend time and see the following highlights:
I do apologize that I state the highlights everybody knows, but they are just a must!
Golden Gate Bridge
Let’s start with one of the iconic San Fran landmarks. I bet you cannot think about the city without picturing this great bridge. New York has the statue of liberty, Paris the Eifel tower and San Fran the bridge.
The build of the bridge costs was 35 million and opened in 1937. Before the bridge was build the only way to cross the bay was by ferry and it took you 20 minutes. Many experts thought it was not possible to build a bridge because of the strong current. But just look at in now!
Ride a Cable Car
San Francisco is very hilly and up and down, back in the days they used horses to help the people up the hills. Cyling is not really an option and the cable car is one of the best ways to navigate the downtown area. The Cable Car in San Francisco together with those in New Orleans are the only moving National Historic Landmarks. So, I would say what are you waiting for and go on this historic ride.
For only $7 you will have a lasting memory.
See Sea Lions
If you are not able to visit Pier 39 just go online and see the sea lions on a webcam, but if you are in the neighborhood enjoy the smell and the loud noises they make.
It all started in 1989 when the city experienced an earthquake and the animals felt safe at the pier for a while. With plenty of food for them, the spot became the new permanent home and while it started with a few, today there are over 1800 Sea lions in the area.
Discover Oakland
Together with San Jose is Oakland part of the greater San Francisco area. By now San Fran is one of the most expensive cities to live in and is getting more and more popular every day. Therefore, head to Oakland to explore a real urban vibe and have a more local experience. San Francisco has a lot of expats and people from all over the USA, Oakland will give you a better understanding about the area.
While I visit we will go to some NBA games, so I have to be in Oakland anyway, looking forward to be there.
Alcatraz Island
During my first visit I was not able to visit Alcatraz because the tickets were sold out! So I learned my lesson and will make sure I buy them on time this time around.
We all know the movie the Escape from Alcatraz? It’s very interesting and you should watch it.
During the 29 years Alcatraz was used as federal prison it had some really well-known criminals locked up there, Al Capone, Machine gun Kelly and Alvin Karpis the prisoner that was in the jail longest.
Ghirardelli Square
The square offers great shops and food! One of the most pleasant places to stroll and shop in the city. The most famous shop there? The Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop! The line can be long but don’t worry it moves fast. Its just a treat so pick your favorite!
The Downside
The city is great but expensive and prices are increasing as we speak, so for people its very hard to life there. That’s about the only thing I can think of, and maybe the weather which can change quite a bit within the day.
Hope you like this first pick of my world cities bonus edition! I will keep you posted once I am there in a month.