Of all the California highlights, one city prides itself on being one of the best. San Francisco is arguably the most beloved tourist spot in California. Why is this?
Well, while Los Angeles is wide and sprawling, San Francisco is smaller and more accessible. Its core is in Union Square with its bustling atmosphere, great stores and theaters. Further afield, the hills of San Francisco can be easily explored on foot. Other outdoor highlights include the Golden Gate National Recreation Area with its beautiful trails. However, it is the cultural highlights of San Francisco that it is perhaps most famous for. Take a look at the architecture of the City Hall dome, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, or the wonderful Palace of Fine Arts to get an idea of the variety on offer. Of course, no trip to San Francisco would be complete without a view of the Golden Gate Bridge or an exploration of Fisherman’s Wharf. Another must see is Alcatraz. A tour of the old prison must be completed, if only to hear the chilling stories of some of its inhabitants. Kids will love Pier 39 or the Exploratorium, home to amazing science experiments.
San Francisco is similar to New York in that they both have several neighborhoods, all of which are very different in character. Each offers its own slice of San Francisco. The Castro is San Francisco’s gay neighborhood and is famous for its trendy shops and nightlife. North Beach is the Italian area and, unsurprisingly, has some of the best restaurants in the area. Other highlights include Chinatown and Japantown.
San Francisco once had a reputation for overpriced accommodations and meals. Fortunately, this is no longer the case and prices have come down a bit.
San Francisco is both welcoming and impressive, an unlikely combination these days. Enjoy!