If You’re Goin’ to San Francisco…: Be
sure to Check This Out!
When thinking of San Francisco, a big golden bridge and an
island prison are probably the most common things that come to
mind. Certainly, these things are two of the key tourist
attractions for people to see, but don’t let your tour of San
Francisco begin and end there. San Francisco has plenty of
other sites and activities to offer that are unique to the city
and will allow you to immerse yourself in the life of the
city.
San Francisco is a great place for walking. The temperature is
rarely too cold for walking outdoors and the city is so
beautiful; a nice walk is a great way to take in all that San
Francisco has to offer. And, should you find yourself worn out
from all that walking, all you have to do is hitch a ride on
one of San Fran’s famous cable cars and let them take you to
your next destination. This form of transportation is unique to
San Francisco, the city where the trolley originated, and is a
great way to immerse yourself in San Francisco culture.
And while you’re exploring the city, head down to Fisherman’s
Wharf. Stop by Pier 39 and experience the culture and
activities offered there. Pier 39 offers great shopping center,
which is filled with shops, arcades, and street performers. And
if you’re feeling adventurous, salute the other local
inhabitants of the docks—sea lions!—easily glimpsed just off
the pier. Fisherman’s Wharf, as you may have guessed, is also
the place to go if you’re looking for great seafood. While
there are dozens of great restaurants that will suit your
taste, be sure to stop by Boudin’s restaurant and try their
famous sourdough bread (you can even see the chef in action!)
and unbeatable clam chowder. Fisherman’s Wharf is simply
swimming with excitement; don’t miss this must-see!
For a real taste of San Francisco culture, get off the tourist
path and check out the local neighborhoods. From North Beach to
Chinatown, each neighborhood has a life of its own that you
won’t find anywhere else. The neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury is
one of the highlights of San Francisco. Considered the Bohemian
center of the city, this neighborhood is the birthplace of such
legendaries as the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Janis
Joplin. The spirit of these artists and their music still lives
on in this district. Haight-Ashbury also boasts of some small
but great local eateries, bars and shops, including Amoeba
Music, a record store that was once a bowling alley. Here you
will find almost any type of music you can think of, with a
huge variety of vinyl. And just a short distance from this
district you will find the Golden Gate Park—a huge, gorgeous
park that resembles New York City’s Central Park.
Also near Haight-Ashbury and the downtown area, you will find
Castro, the gay mecca of San Fran. This district is brimming
with great restaurants, clubs, bars, and shops as well as the
height of San Francisco nightlife. Don’t forget to catch a
flick at the historic Castro theatre and take it easy at one of
the great bed and breakfasts the district has to offer. And if
you visit at the right time of year, you can experience one of
the great San Fran festivals such as the Castro Street Fair in
October, or Pink Saturday in June.
So while planning your San Francisco get-away, make sure your
itinerary takes you off the beaten path. The city offers unique
adventures everywhere you turn. Immerse yourself in the culture
of the city; it’s the only way to do San
Francisco.
| 
