There are so many things to do in San Francisco. There are amazing museums and other great attractions, not to mention incredible scenery. The city experiences Indian summers, so the best time to catch the sun here is in September and October. But don’t rely on this. Being on a peninsula, San Francisco is often shrouded in fog and rain, but that’s what makes it so beautiful when the sun does come out.
Coit Tower and Fisherman’s Wharf
Coit Tower sits atop Telegraph Hill and for a nominal fee a short elevator ride takes visitors to the top. Well, almost the top. There are a few winding stairs to maneuver before entering the top of the tower with its three-sixty view of the city. The bay, Fisherman’s Wharf, the piers, the bridges, Alcatraz, and the buildings of downtown San Francisco are all viewable from the top of the tower. It’s definitely a sight to behold, especially for visitors who have never been to the city before. From the Transamerica pyramid to Alcatraz, everything is in perfect view.
San Francisco's Pier 39
Pier 39 is a hot spot for tourists, with plenty of shops geared toward the visitor to the city. It’s also a congregating place for locals. There are some great restaurants here. Bubba Gump’s is a popular place, however Neptune’s Palace which sits at the end of the pier and affords diners a beautiful view of the sea. And the food is just as good as the view. They have great seafood, but if for vegetarians the vegetarian risotto is incredible. And definitely save room for dessert. While eating, enjoy the view of the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and the California Sea Lions that sit on the pier and sun themselves while visitors go about their business. Diners often hear them bark, like they’re serenading the diners.
Pier 39 is also home to the Aquarium of the Bay with its 300 foot glass tunnel which is surrounded by incredible marine life. Walking through this place gives visitors a true appreciation of life under the sea.
The Legendary San Fran Cable Cars
A ride on a cable car is a must for any new visitor to San Francisco. After all, these are the icons of the city. And they are a great mode of transportation, providing they aren’t full. Just remember, at lunchtime they get crowded very quickly. Riders have to be offensive when trying to board a cable car. The driver will usually help passengers find a seat, or a place to hang on to.
For visitors who stay at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, there is a cable stop right there, which makes it easy to get around the city. Take a short ride to Chinatown, the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. Get immersed in Chinese culture with visits to clothing stores, restaurants, markets, herb and tea stores. And they also have many jewelry stores. There is no shortage of stores selling sparkling gems from Hong Kong.
San Francisco City Pass
One way to save money and make life easier in San Francisco is to purchase a City Pass which cost $59 for adults and $49 for youths 5-17. There are plenty of attractions included in the booklet. There is a 7-day passport for the cable cars, entrance to the Aquarium of the Bay, entrances to museums, and a Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure. During the cruise a narration highlights the areas seen from the boat.
And one last thing to do when in San Francisco is to go to Ghiradelli Square for some mouth watering chocolate.
Before taking off for San Francisco, make sure to pack good walking shoes. This is one hilly city.
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