Located on the central coast of California, this sunny, hilly metropolis has a lot to boast about. Everyone from foodies, shoppers and sun worshippers to culture vultures, skateboarders and live music fans can appreciate the broad appeal of San Francisco, or ‘San Fran’ as it’s affectionately known.
Probably the most iconic attraction is the Golden Gate Bridge, a vibrant orange wonder of the modern world stretching majestically across the strait to the Marin Headlands. For more marvellous constructions, explorers can head to the Civic Center area, which boasts a grand collection of classical-style architecture.
Set over a few blocks, this is a National Historic Landmark featuring government and cultural buildings such as the Supreme Court of California, Asian Art Museum, War Memorial Opera House and San Francisco Public Library. There are two picturesque plazas, one of which leads to the stunning domed centrepiece of the City Hall, and various skate and music events take place within the grounds, along with a regular farmers’ market.
San Francisco is home to the oldest Chinatown in North America and the largest outside of Asia; as well as offering delectable food, this area is an impressive sight to behold and a great place to spend a few hours investigating. Union Square is the perfect destination to indulge in some shopping, dining, relaxing and theatre.
Further retail therapy can be provided at the upscale Westfield San Francisco Center Shopping Mall in Market Street and fun for all is waiting at the Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center, which is open all year round.
For picnics, recreation and city views, there is the Lafayette Park in the Pacific Heights neighbourhood. Energetic sightseers climb 400 steps up Telegraph Hill, keeping an eye out for gorgeous wild parrots along the way and visit the Coit Tower at the top for panoramic vistas.
Another essential stop is Fisherman’s Wharf where activities include making a splash on Ride the Ducks San Francisco, feeding the resident friendly sea lions and visiting Pier 39 for spectacular scenery across the Bay; for something more adventurous, there is the short ferry ride over to the notorious Alcatraz prison.
Those seeking more serene surroundings can venture to the golden sands of Baker Beach or the Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina District – a peaceful enclave that is a popular venue for weddings. This stunning decorative structure, a monument from the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, sits amid a tranquil lagoon setting.
After a delicious meal at one of the many quality restaurants, locals head for the bohemian hub of Haight-Ashbury to see the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square. This is a quaint row of Victorian houses amazingly juxtaposed with the modern city landscape in the background, affording a gorgeous view and the perfect spot for watching the sunset.
An unconventional drive can be experienced on Lombard Street - with a whopping eight tight hairpin turns in one block, this residential road is known as the ‘crookedest street in the world’.
Planning your trip? Check out our accommodation options for California.