Fun Places To See In San Francisco – When you think of the funnest city in California, where do you think? Los Angeles? Santa Barbara? For me it’s always San Francisco. It is the city of Dungeness crab, sourdough bread and, of course, the breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge. Some people even gave up here. San Francisco is on many travelers
And for a very good reason. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, the City has something to offer everyone and here’s just a taste of the best things to do in San Francisco and attractions you can’t beat.
Fun Places To See In San Francisco
Union Square has one of the largest collections of department stores, boutique stores, beauty salons, art galleries, etc., in the entire United States. Therefore, you can absolutely rest assured that you will be among the best places to shop while in San Francisco. In addition, there are also many live events held in Union Square – it really is not a place where you will not run out of things to do! If you visit during the winter season, there is even an ice skating rink for the additional pleasure of visitors.
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Famed bartender Larry Nolan serves thousands of Irish coffees every day at The Buena Vista, using a recipe that was perfected in 1952. It is not just the quantity that is impressive, but the technique as well. On a busy night, a couple dozen stemware cups will be lined up and strategically filled in low-tech assembly line fashion. Also, if you meet Larry at the bar, he can possibly blow your mind with fun magic tricks while you drink your Irish coffee. Don’t worry if you get a little addicted to this drink because you can learn to make Irish Coffee the Buena Vista way at home.
San Francisco’s Chinatown is not only the oldest in North America, but also hosts the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. It has held a very influential position historically and culturally since its establishment, and there are many points of interest for you to spend half a day to a day exploring, with food being one of the highlights for many. There are many different restaurants for you to choose from, but some of the best places are Good Mong Kok Bakery (if there is one place in Chinatown you will have everyone recommend you visit, this is IT), Dim Sum Bistro, Hing Lung Company, Z & Y Restaurant and Sam Wo Restaurant. Whichever restaurant you choose, you can rest assured that you will be treated to a wonderful and authentic meal.
For a different experience take a 3-hour walking tour of Chinatown that will sample some of the best restaurants in the area.
This beautiful building was built in 1919, and was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture. It is an attraction that must be seen from all angles! It is located at the foot of a lagoon that reflects the palace in daylight, so start with a perimeter walk. Then head inside to stand among gigantic pillars. There are so many little details, statues, and cravings to take in, that you really have to take some time to see and appreciate them all. Don’t forget to go back to the Palace of Fine Arts at night to see it all lit up.
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To make your visit even more bucket list worthy, how about booking an exclusive gourmet picnic in the park. Cheese, charcuterie and wine are provided, as well as cleaned up afterwards too!
Located on the fisherman’s wharf, Ghirardelli Square, is home to some of the world’s best chocolate. Ghirardelli Chocolate, the name of the squares, has been manufacturing in the heart of the square. There is a legendary story that can be heard on the spot, about how the Italian founder, back in 1800, made his way to San Francisco through Peru. And although Ghirardelli removed their main plant a long time ago, they still produce on a small scale here and the shop front remains an iconic symbol of the area.
Get a chocolate sundae or just a plain bar. It doesn’t matter, they are all good. Next to the chocolate company there is an eccentric mix of shops, and restaurants that appeal to all palates, even if you don’t have a sweet tooth.
There is no specific address where you can claim a flock of wild cherry-headed conure parrots roaming around San Francisco. But, your best bet would be to start at Coit Tower and then walk down the 400 steps of Telegraph Hill to discover the trees along the way. This area is where I had my first sighting and was also the inspiration for the documentary The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.
San Francisco Pier 39 Attractions Editorial Photo
The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are a neighborhood project to create beautiful mosaic artwork on a set of 163 steps. The steps are a colorful display featuring turquoise waves, bright birds and vibrant sea animals of all kinds. Make your way to the top, stopping to admire the fascinating artwork along the way and catch your breath because the stairs are quite steep!
This flashy Choices attraction in San Francisco is located in a quiet residential area, with limited tourists and plenty of parking. There were only six other people when we went for a visit!
It’s It’s an ice cream brand in San Francisco, founded over 90 years ago, that specializes in unique ice cream sandwiches. It’s considered so iconic that it’s even claimed to be among San Francisco’s attractions – which of course means you can’t go to San Francisco and not try It’s It! They currently have about 9 different flavors to choose from, with their newest addition to their roster being a large scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies. Especially on a hot summer day, there is nothing better than a delicious and cooling ice cream like this.
What is molecular gastronomy? It is a study of scientific principles where chefs explore the physical and chemical transformations of ingredients. Think powdered food, deconstructed dishes and delectable foams. Atelier Crenn restaurant in San Francisco is a master at creating a bucket list worthy “cutting edge” tasting menu. It will be pricey, $335 for the multi-course tasting menu, but it will also be one meal your taste buds and eyes will never forget. A good meal for your Couple’s Bucket List.
Things To Do In San Francisco In 3 Days
The best view of San Francisco is from Twin Peaks, which is geographically in the center of the city. It’s hard to believe that the first time I went here was only a few months ago and now I’m loving taking in the 360 degree view from the top of the hill. Here you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Mission District, the famous suburb Haight Ashbury and the gorgeous modern houses around the hill.
If you’re lucky you can also catch a glimpse of the endangered mission butterfly while you’re there, or one of the cheeky raccoons or opossums that call the hills their home.
If you want to make sure you “get your steps” while on vacation, then book the Twin Peaks urban walking tour that will give you epic views with every step.
Paxton Gate is a shop that sells a variety of different types of things, many of which you won’t see for sale in many other places. Just walking in and looking around the shop is an intriguing experience in itself! Some of the oddities to browse and buy at Paxton Gate are the octopus wall mount, needlework frog dissection, coyote baculum and diaphonized iguana specimen. Do you dare to surprise a loved one with such a strange souvenir? Or maybe you are interested in buying one yourself?
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Even though it happens often for me, driving over the Golden Gate bridge is still impressive. But, what is even more thrilling is to take a bike or walk around the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco. You can bring your own bike or rent one easily nearby. Blazing Saddles is a reputable company that will take you on an 8-mile guided bike tour that includes a ride across the bridge or you can choose to take a self-guided trip (booking info here). Be sure to follow the bridge laws for bicycles and pedestrians.
The strange ruins at Sutro Baths are a reminder of the past. They were created by the former mayor of San Francisco, as part of an entertainment complex but unfortunately the building mysteriously burned down shortly after the center closed in the 60’s. The Sutro Baths were famous for the swimming pools of -salt water that were fed by the tide. At the time, the millionaire was dedicated to providing low-cost entertainment to the city’s residents. Today, the ruins sit on a stone hill overlooking the beautiful Pacific Coast.
There are several trails that lead in and around the ruins, and there is even one that takes you to a brilliant view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Fisherman’s Wharf has 8 sidewalk stands spread out
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