San Francisco conjures up many images: Rice-a-roni, the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars. It also brings to mind gay rights and Silicon Valley.
Whatever your thoughts, San Francisco holds a special place in the hearts of most Californians because it epitomizes so much of the state: its spectacular beauty, its breathtaking views of the coast and bay, and its historic architecture. It’s certainly an expensive place to live, perhaps the most expensive place to live in California, but an incredibly diverse and fun place to visit.
San Francisco hotels are among the best in the world and each seems to have its own charm and window into San Francisco history. Some are located facing the sea, while others are located on one of the many hills that have made this city famous.
Whether you’re a California resident or visiting from out of state, San Francisco should be high on your list of California destinations. While it’s a good 400 miles north of the Los Angeles Basin (in other parts of the country, you’d travel across three or four states to drive that far), it’s so much a part of the California experience that you don’t can be overlooked.
However, before you visit, there are a few things you should know. According to Laurie Armstrong, vice president of public relations for the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau, the number one important fact is: You don’t need a car. The city is already pretty congested with all those people on that little peninsula, but the good news is that public transportation in San Francisco is easy, fast, and cheap. You can find a Bart (mass transit) station at the airport or across the East Bay and let these modern trains take you downtown. From there you can walk, take a tram or take a short taxi ride to whatever part of the city you want to visit. If you take your car, be sure to budget for parking spaces that cost more than some cheap motel rooms.
To save even more money, Ms. Armstrong suggests purchasing a San Francisco CityPass, which will give you seven days to travel on all San Francisco Municipal Railroad vehicles: cable cars, streetcars, and buses. The pass, which is priced at $43 per adult, also includes admission to some of the best museums in the city.
Another important thing to remember when visiting San Francisco is that the climate is much cooler than Los Angeles or the central part of the state.
“We can always tell who the visitors are,” Ms. Armstrong said, “because they’re the ones wearing shorts. You have to remember if it’s sunny and hot in the Central Valley, it’s foggy and cold here. Some cities sell t-shirts – shirts – we sell sweatshirts.”
Some of the highlights of San Francisco that you won’t want to miss are Fisherman’s Wharf with its bustling waterfront, museums, and many restaurants. A trip to Alcatraz is a must – you’ll see firsthand what the maximum security prison that housed “Machine Gun” Kelly and Al Capone was like. Pier 39 is the second most visited attraction in California and is just east of Fisherman’s Wharf. The Aquarium of the Bay is located here, as well as several rides and attractions.
The Golden Gate Bridge should obviously be a part of your visit and you’ll want to visit the Marin County side for spectacular views across the bay to San Francisco. At approximately 1,000 acres, Golden Gate Park is an attraction unto itself with trails, grassy meadows, lakes, and gardens.
Head to the area just west of Van Ness Avenue and you’ll find more than 14,000 fine examples of Victorian architecture. Coit Tower is at the top of Telegraph Hill and inside you will find a history museum. Chinatown is a colorful part of the city, rich in ethnic culture and well worth a visit. And don’t forget to stop by Lombard Street, “the crookedest street in the world.”
According to the folks at the San Francisco CVB, here are some other cool stops to make in San Francisco:
Boudin Sourdough and Bakery Tour – Just opened in the spring of 2005, Boudin’s two-story flagship building is where visitors can watch 5,000 square feet of bakery action. Located in Fisherman’s Wharf, you can take a historical tour showcasing San Francisco’s sourdough legend and enjoy some fresh-out-of-the-oven samples while you’re at it.
The deYoung Museum – This well-known attraction has been around for over 100 years and will reopen on October 15 in a state-of-the-art facility that integrates art, architecture, and natural landscape. The installation will display the museum’s valuable collection of art from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
Metreon at Yerba Buena — Metreon is the first entertainment center of its kind located at Fourth and Mission streets in the heart of downtown San Francisco. This 350,000-square-foot complex features an eclectic mix of the Bay Area’s best dining, shopping, theater and entertainment destinations, including the largest IMAX theater on the West Coast.
San Francisco Presidio – Formerly a military post, the Presidio is a national park and recreational paradise offering spectacular views, winding trails, and historical and architectural treasures. Take a hike, a walking tour, a picnic, to see an exhibit, or take a walk back in time. Admission to the park and most programs are free. The park is open every day, throughout the year.
Winchester Mystery House, San Jose: A bizarre four-story mansion containing 160 rooms. Mrs. Sarah Winchester kept carpenters and craftsmen busy 24 hours a day for 38 years building this Victorian structure, but its strange construction and purpose remain a mystery. Daily schedule from 9 am every day; closed on Christmas day. Admission $19.95; $17.95 seniors 65 and older; $13.95 ages 6-12; children under 5 years free.
USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier Museum: America’s most famous aircraft carrier is a National Historic Landmark. Families experience naval history and space exploration firsthand with authentic aircraft on display, an Apollo exhibit, and a flight simulator available. Hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., admissions closing at 4 p.m. Limited access Tuesday. Admission $12 adults; $10 military, students and seniors; $5 children from 5 to 18 years old, free for children under 5 years of age.
The Exploratorium – Experience exciting, interactive exhibits that make learning fun, regardless of your age or familiarity with science. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm all year round. Closed Monday except holidays. Admission $13 adults; $10 students, seniors, disabled and youth (13-17); $8 kids (4-12) and ages 4 and under free.
Finally, your trip to San Francisco would not be complete without visiting many of the places in the general vicinity of San Francisco. Wine lovers will want to know that Napa Valley and Sonoma are not far away. Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll find Sausalito with its many trendy shops and stunning views of San Francisco. Travel south from the city and you’ll arrive in the coastal city of Santa Cruz, a popular travel destination for Californians and out-of-states alike. Further south is the historic Monterey Peninsula, with many memorabilia from John Steinbeck and his world-class golf at Pebble Beach. Just south of Monterey is the storybook town of Carmel, packed with fascinating shops, great boutique hotels, and great restaurants.
TAKE A LOOK
WHERE: San Francisco is located about 400 miles north of the Los Angeles basin.
WHAT: San Francisco boasts some of the best hotels, restaurants and historic attractions in the state of California and is culturally one of the best cities in the United States. Oh, did we mention the beautiful views of the bay from almost anywhere in the city?
WHEN: Any time of the year. The weather in San Francisco is closer to Seattle than Los Angeles, so dress warmly.
WHY: This is just one must-see part of California and will give you plenty of sightseeing options during your visit.
HOW: San Francisco hotels can be expensive, so be sure to look into travel deals or vacation packages to help lower the cost.