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| The Painted Ladies |
This was my first time in San Francisco, and I can honestly say it did not disappoint. California is filled with many amazing cities, that I have been fortunate enough to visit, but I think after my visit to San Francisco, this city has earned a special place in my heart. From the moment I arrived, I felt instantly welcomed into the hustle and bustle of the city and its trendy vibe. The air felt crisper, the trees and plants were lush, and the hills up and down every street were filled with breathtaking views of the city skyline.
San Francisco has a pretty mild climate all year round, despite regular rains between November and March. In particular, during my stay in San Francisco, the weather was around 50 degrees to 60 degrees at the beginning of July. I personally, found this weather favorable as it allowed for more enjoyable and less hot and humid weather as most summer days tend to be characterized by. With this in mind, I would recommend bringing a windbreaker, leggings, jeans, and warm jackets to slip on during those cold mornings and evenings. Even on a sunny day, it is chilly, so its best to dress warmly.
Hotel Zoe is the perfect boutique hotel to stay during your visit to the Bay Area. What I loved most about my time here in this hotel is that the location was literally steps away from Fisherman’s Wharf, cable cars, Ghiradelli Square, tour buses, convenience stores, and amazing restaurants. In Hotel Zoe the price was affordable, the rooms were clean, and the location was everything!
Visit Pier 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf. The harbor is a hub for restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. What I loved most about the harbor is everything is so walkable and there is much to see and do. While in this area, you can be amused by the famous seals that sunbathe on the pier decks or watch the sunset on the bay, which overlooks Alcatraz. If you feel like shopping Fisherman’s Wharf is lined with t-shirt shops, souvenirs, and eateries. Also, keep an eye out for the many tours you can take around San Francisco. You can catch tour boats that will take you to Alcatraz Island, whale watching, and around the Golden Gate bridge.
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| Restaurants and public transportation near Pier 39 |
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| Pier 39 restaurants overlooking the bay |
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| Seals basking in the sun by Fisherman’s Wharf |
Take a tour of Alcatraz Island, one of America’s most nototirous prison. The ferry to Alcatraz can be taken from pier 39 to the island and back. Not only is the tour filled with the mystery and lore of the infamous prision, but it is the most informative way to understand the general history and lies of the prisoners that escaped and were housed in the area. This a great experience that is high on many visitor’s to-do list while in the Bay Area, don’t miss out!
Ghiradelli Square
Shops and restuarants fill this former chocolate factory. Make sure to get some of Ghiradelli’s famous chocolate as a well deserved treat. It is a landmark public square that’s perfect for a relaxing stroll and more enchanting views of the bay.
Chinatown in San Francisco is the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America and is a symbol of the diverse mix of cultures present in the San Francisco area. Dim-sum joints, traditional eateries, and herbalists are some amongst the many things present in the alleyways and streets of Chinatown. The area boasts many specialty shops that are fun to explore and if your lucky a festival.
Lombard street is famous for its steep streets. Its quite impressive to see the quirky Victorian mansions built along the curvy road. It is one of America’s crookedest streets and its steep position offers a view of the city skyline and the view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Don’t be afraid to try the public transportation in San Francisco. The Bart is an underground train system that is an affordable and easy way to get around. You could also try riding a cable car, even though they tend to get crowded. It’s always fun to do some touristy activities in a new place your discovering. The cable car is also a useful way to hop and travel to various spots on a national historic landmark. San Francisco’s cable cars are one of the world’s last manually operated cable system.
There are many viewpoints to see the Golden Gate Bridge, but perhaps my favorite is the view point from Baker’s Beach. The area is absolutely stunning! You can see the coastal homes lining the cliffside and of course the Golden State Bridge. If you are a photographer or just want a perfect photo to summarize your memorable stay, this is the best place to capture it. A picture says a thousand words, and the photo I took from Baker’s beach summarizes the photogenic beauty of the city of San Francisco.
