Experience the Best Parts of San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing city, full of life, art, culture and attractions. It is easy to get swept up in the delights made available to tourists, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz, and end up leaving the city without capturing the reason it becomes some many travellers favourite places. To understand the essence of San Francisco it is necessary to explore the city, experience life among the locals, and spend a day relaxing in the sunshine.

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Relax in San Francisco

Arrive early in Golden Gate Park, before the tourists and school trips take over the peaceful landscapes and expel the silence. Breakfast, and delicious accompanying tea, can be found at the Japanese Tea Garden. Wander around the exotic plants, rock gardens and bonsai trees, while enjoying the relaxing sounds of flowing water.

Stow Lake, with Strawberry Hill classically abandoned in its centre, can be found nearby, allowing relaxing walks and a beautiful viewing deck on the eastern shore. The rest of the attractions are scattered around the park persuading you to spend the best part of the day avoiding the city bustle; so pack a picnic.

The botanic gardens are free, but they close at 4:30pm on weekdays so ensure to enjoy the carefully mapped out route in the early afternoon. The gardens are child friendly with simple country file explanations of each area. The de Young Museum is also in Golden Gate Park, hidden amongst the trees. The building is art in itself, but it also holds exhibits from Africa, the Pacific and the America’s, with a stunning collection of photographs.

If you are still basking in the sunshine when hunger hits, Louis’ on Point Lobos Avenue offers a classic American menu with accompanying views over the ocean. Seal Rock and Land’s End remain in sight until the sun sets, allowing the sound of water hitting the cliffs to be your sole entertainment.

Explore the City Districts

A day in San Francisco has to start with a true American breakfast – whether you prefer eggs and bacon, pancakes and a bagel, the challenge to clear your plate is an experience not to miss. My favourite cafe can be found at Mason and Pine Street in the centre. From here, most city sites are in walking distance.

To the south are Union Square and the Yerba Buena Gardens. A series of galleries and museums surround the gardens, including the Cartoon Art, the Jewish and Mexican Museum and the Martin Luther King Junior Memorial. If you have time to visit any museums, as you pass the market stalls that set up around the square, I recommend San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art on 3rd.

Walking is the best way to discover favourites for yourself – walk through the various district in the centre. Chinatown is marked by its gate, the financial district is clearly distinguishable from the mass of large glass office blocks, and Nob, Russian and Telegraph Hills make the tough walk worthwhile with various museums, towers and parks – not to mention the stunning views of the city.

Once over the hill, Fisherman’s Wharf is the main tourist attraction, and easily identified by the thousands of busting sales reps families and visitors. The area is great for kids – just make sure to hold onto them in the crowd. The Aquarium, wax museum, and the wonderland that is Pier 45 can be incredibly fun; with snacks, sports shops and views of the waterfront. Unfortunately this is also its downfall, attracting more people that it can fit.

The boats to Alcatraz leave in between Pier’s 41 and 43, and as one of the most popular attractions (and completely worth a visit) it is necessary to book as early as you can. A day exploring San Francisco wouldn’t be deemed complete until a cable car ride has been enjoyed. To make the most of the experience (and your money) take the Powell-Mason line through the while area; over the hills the views can be fully appreciated, while understanding the geography of the city better.

Chinatown is one of the best places to stop for dinner in the city, mainly due to the large quantity of places offering excellently made, and reasonable priced, food. Plus, once it is dark lanterns fill the streets, magically transforming the simply city streets into something beautiful.

Cycle San Francisco

The best way to experience all aspects of the big city is by bike; you can rent bicycles from one of the piers. They come with routes and maps, but the best route is simple – just stick to the waterfront, and spend your time admiring the views, people watch and slugging up the big hill, instead of map reading. Keeping the bay on your right, you can cycle straight through the Marina District, pause at the Palace of Fine Arts or the beach and reach the famous Golden Gate Bridge by lunch.

The follow the pacific, cycling through Presidio Parks – which if you decided to wait until the tourist thinned out before pausing for lunch, is a perfect spot for alfresco dining. Continuing round the coast, passing Baker and Chine beaches, you arrive at the cliffs, passing Land’s End and the Legion of Honour in Lincoln Park.

If you still have the energy to finish the circle – stop at the Cliff House for a break – the views are stunning. From here you reach the huge expanse of Golden Gate Park. Cycling through is relaxing, and a great way to see the various gardens in one go. At the end of the Park, you reach Haight Ashbury – famous for rebellion, 60s hippies and unconventional shops and he Free Clinic.

Enjoy the busy streets, colourful buildings and the brilliantly arty bars and cafes. The People’s Cafe is a great place to stop for a well deserved snack before either cycling back through the central districts or jumping on a bus back to Fisherman’s Wharf.