San Francisco is one of those cities that has been on my list forever. So when I met a girl on my SE Asia adventure who was a SF native, I had the perfect excuse to head out there. We grabbed our fellow LA Native travel buddy and made plans to head to the Bay in the Fall on a bus going from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. (We travel junkies really can’t live in the moment without planning our next adventure, can we?)
6 months later, we spent 5 fun-filled days in one of my new favorite places. Because there’s so much to see and do, I thought I’d share my list of the top 10 things to do if you should find yourself here with your gal pals.
- Ride a Cable Car
What better way to tour the city than by cable car? Although this is solely a tourist attraction and not truly a form of public transportation, it’s still a really cool and memorable experience. Bonus points if you are able to hang on during those sharp turns!
2. Have a drink at the Cliff House by the Sutro Bath Ruins
This was totally a random tip we got from a random guy in a random bar on a random night in the Mission area of the city. What once served as the world’s largest indoor swimming pool during the late 1800s is now nothing but ruins surrounded by an awe inspiring view. Located on the north end of Ocean Beach, the Cliff House and Sutro baths are one of the best kept secrets in San Francisco.
3. Escape Alcatraz
Channel your inner Al Capone and venture the halls of one of the country’s most infamous prisons. Be sure to take the audio tour and visit at night if you can!
4. Visit the famous “Full House” lawn
Alamo Square was made famous by the opening theme of Full House. You remember, the scene where the whole family is laying on the lawn? Relive your childhood in the same spot. FYI ladies, John Stamos was here!!
5. Picnic in the Presidio
The perfect Sunday hangout with friends- the presidio is a food lover’s dream! With over 30 vendors, sample hundreds of dishes from all across the city in one great location. Bring a blanket and enjoy music, lawn games, and incredible views of the bay.
6. Hike through Muir Woods
There is nothing quite as humbling as finding yourself as a mere ant amongst the redwoods. These things are gianormous! Just make sure you arrive early as parking can be tough. Everyone wants to get a glimpse of this peaceful bit of nature.
7. Sip Tea in the Japanese Tea Garden
We found ourselves back in Asia in the middle of the USA! This popular feature in Golden Gate Park was originally built as part of the 1894 World’s Fair. It’s the perfect afternoon stop for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Truly an oasis.
8. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts
Arguably my favorite place in San Francisco, the Palace of Fine Arts will easily transcend you to ancient rome with its column structures, intricate arches, and stone statues. Be sure to visit the adjoining museum as well to learn more about this 1915 World Fair exhibit.
9. Take a day trip to Napa Valley
Just a short drive North is a wine lover’s dream- Napa and Sanoma Valley. Taste grapes right off the vine, tour vineyard after vineyard and drink until the price of that bottle doesn’t matter anymore. Make sure to take a sunrise hot air balloon ride- the early wake up will be worth it!
10. See the San Francisco Bridge
Walk it, drive over it, or just stop by it- you have to see this iconic structure when in San Fran. It’s a must!
Make sure you add San Francisco to your bucket list. There’s so much to explore that you’ll find yourself planning your return visit before you leave. Luckily I’m headed back out there in a few weeks and plan to explore more of the California coast while there!! Fall is the perfect time to see the area so book your trip now!
