I thought I'd share some of my favorite snaps of our trip to San Francisco, along with my tips for visiting. You can't help but fall in love with this gorgeous bayside city. There is so much to do and see, and of course, eat. But don't worry about getting floppy, the steep hills that you cannot avoid will take care of that for you. Not that you'd want to avoid them, those hilly, tree-lined streets filled with quaint apartment blocks with bay windows are what makes this city so special. A few lunges on holiday never hurt anyone.
If you're thinking of going, you simply have to see the Golden Gate Bridge by bike. You can then cycle over it, stop and take in the amazing views, no, wait, I mean life-altering and breath-taking views, either side, and then head on to Sausalito and get yourself a well earned beer at The No Name Bar before perusing the quirky stores and picking up some taffy. There are a few salt water taffy shops in Sausalito. Pick one and enjoy the sight of barrels overflowing with candy goodness.
Don't do a harbour cruise and simply sail past Alcatraz. Book the full audio tour and go inside. It was one eery, yet fantastic experience. Hearing the stories told by ex-convicts and ex-wardens is truly bone chilling. These are booked out over a month is advance so make sure you book online. Or you'll pay treble for the last-minute tickets.
For the famous clam chowder, skip the touristy Boudin bakery and rather eat where the locals do, at Chowders. Its also on Pier 39, where Boudin and all the other action is, yet so tiny you could miss it. But the clam chowder there is heavenly and we went back on our last day for some more!
You can then head down the road, along the wharf to indulge in a warm brownie sundae at Ghirardelli. Be sure to sample some of their world famous chocolate while you wait. And seeing as we're on a sugar rush, you also can't leave San Fran without sampling something delicious from the Ferry Building. Saturdays are your best bet for this as there is a massive farmers market inside and all around the building.
Take some time out and take a chilled trolley ride to the Castro on one of the more modern trolleys. Each of these trolleys is sourced from a different country throughout the world. Then after perusing the area, hop off again to walk through the Haight/Ashbury areas. Capetonians will love the 'hipster-crossed-with-hippie feel of the place. Quirky restaurants, vintage clothing and record stores on every corner. Then grab a coffee and some picnic food and go enjoy the picturesque view from Alamo Square of the famous "Painted Ladies" houses and the San Francisco skyline in the background.
If you're in the mood for a marathon shopping day, make your way through Chinatown, and then on to Union Square and Market Street. Your wardrobe will thank you, but your wallet won't. There is a heady mix of high-end and budget-friendly stores, juxtaposed with interesting boutiques. It's enough to give a girl a heart-attack.
San Francisco isn't very big, so you can slot in a quick walk down the famous "crookedest street", Lombard Street in-between other attractions. You must do it though. I wouldn't bother queuing in a car to drive down. Just walk from top to bottom and take in the gorgeous view as you look back up at the windy, hydrangea-lined street, before looking forward over the rest of Lombard Street's lush, tree-lined quaintness.
You can also use any of your days there to take at least one ride on a vintage trolley up one of those famous steep hills. Maybe take the one up California. You see, California Road will literally take your breath away. No I mean it, as in stop-and-lean-against-a-lamp-post take your breath away. The cars are not allowed to parallel park at certain points due to potential handbrake failure. There are also stairs where the pavement gets too steep. Aaaaaand lunge!
You can also use any of your days there to take at least one ride on a vintage trolley up one of those famous steep hills. Maybe take the one up California. You see, California Road will literally take your breath away. No I mean it, as in stop-and-lean-against-a-lamp-post take your breath away. The cars are not allowed to parallel park at certain points due to potential handbrake failure. There are also stairs where the pavement gets too steep. Aaaaaand lunge!
Lastly, its a busy city, so look online for events as you may get lucky. We sure did! We were able to see a 49ers football game, and see Train, The Script and Gavin DeGraw in concert.
Oh yes, and pack layers. San Francisco can go from sundress and slops weather, to needing a trench-coat and booties in a matter of hours. So be prepared. No, a light parka will not suffice. Trust me!
FOLLOW ME ON:
this makes me want to book a ticket and get into credit card debt! looks amaze!
ReplyDelete