San Francisco is a slice of California renowned for its landmarks; defined predominantly in a holiday-goers mind by its most visually striking monument: The Golden Gate Bridge. Whether you watched Hitchcock’s Vertigo or have perused any of the cornucopia of films and books that reference it: it’s a must see and is praised as one of the world’s most beautiful bridges. With its gorgeous weather all year round the city maintains both summer fog and winter sun. Visually stunning and culturally vibrant it is worth a visit from any explorer worth their salt. This striking city boasts miss-mashed architecture, featuring slap-dash Victorian shunted next to clean contemporary buildings .To add the cherry to the cake, San Francisco lets the city go hand in hand with greenery and this urban environment is framed by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills and also boasts the infamous Golden Gate Park.
As well as offering bountiful cultural delights, it should be noted that this city with an edge does also feature the occasional earthquake. Whatever your cup of tea is, San Francisco will no doubt have something in its cupboards to suit you: whether you want to hang out in Washington Square to people watch and soak up the atmosphere, or visit the Golden Gate Park’s conservatory of flowers. If you want a more unique experience then wake up at the crack of dawn and watch the sea lions lounging by Fisherman’s Wharf.
If you’re seeking out that flawless view and the perfect photograph to accompany it then Telegraph Hill’s Coit Tower can no doubt offer you some potential. And of course as any good history buff knows, there’s Alcatraz, the infamous prison that has housed some of the world’s most well-known criminal faces. These days this island is a hotspot for biodiversity and presents a tranquil haven for wildlife and flowers. It is a busy tourist attraction and if you venture there in summer its best to book in advance. If you’re a culture junkie, then visit the city’s landmark in transit: San Francisco’s Cable Car system began its first run in 1870 and the cable cars are now an iconic part of the cities identity. A quick ride in the vehicles is an experience in itself, as well as letting you get around the city quickly and simply.
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest of its kind outside Asia, and the oldest in North America having been around since the 1840s. It attracts more tourists in San Francisco than the Golden Gate Bridge and if you become part of the swarm, you can grab an unusual bite to eat here. If you want to immerse yourself in culture then there’s also North Beach, San Francisco’s Little Italy and the birth place of the Beat Generation in the 1950s, this district is a unique area, which like Chinatown has overtime developed its own character. Established in the early nineteen hundreds it’s still thriving today and restrictions on building heights means that unlike the rest of the city, the skyline is clear, perfect for a day out in the sun.
Any avid reader should remember to stop off at the very bohemian City Lights Bookshop. If museums are your thing then the Exploratorium, a museum of art, science and human perception is a fascinating exhibit for both children and adults alike.
Whether you want to take part in your own Californian gold rush or check out the glimmering bridge, this is the golden city for any tourist. The foibles of this beautiful city make it not only picturesque, captivating but a modern day fairy-tale location.
