Leave Your Heart in San Francisco
San Francisco is an amazingly historical, world famous city with an unlimited amount of fun things to do, beautiful landmarks to see and delicious food to indulge in. It is the kind of city that while vacationing with your family, significant other, or alone for some much needed “me time”, you will be constantly entertained and never experience a dull moment because there is always something exciting to do.
Neighborhoods in San Francisco
With several culturally engulfed San Francisco neighborhoods, you may find yourself eating an authentic Italian meal in Little Italy, shopping and gallivanting in the country’s second largest Chinatown, or enjoying fresh and tasty seafood while watching the countless sea lions lounge on the rocks at Fisherman’s Wharf. Every neighborhood in San Francisco is different from the other but they are all very fun and exciting. For example, there are the artistic streets of SoMa, where you can enjoy a delicious drink at a relaxing coffee shop with a unique interior, walk the streets and explore the surroundings and architecture, or browse an art gallery. Other cool neighborhoods like the Marina, is home to many independent shopping boutiques and bars that cater to the hip nightlife. Fillmore Street is a highly frequented yet entertaining strip and is home to many restaurants, dessert shops, and boutiques for men, women and children.
San Francisco’s Japantown is one of the only three in the United States and has a fun and funky Harajuku vibe with authentic eateries, shopping center and movie theater. A vibrant neighborhood like the Castro celebrates Gay Pride within its own community that has several bars, clubs, stores and eateries. In this popular adult-friendly San Francisco neighborhood there’s always a reason to celebrate freedom and party carefree in an accepting non-judgmental environment.
Activities to do in San Francisco
While vacationing in San Francisco you will find many fun and cheap activities that are very enjoyable. Some of these activities include renting bicycles and biking on the designated bike path to the Golden Gate Bridge , taking a tour of Lombard Street (the world’s most crookedest street), hiking to Coit Tower (the highest point in San Francisco) or taking a ferry to Alcatraz Island and touring the world famous Alcatraz Prison. There is also a plethora of museums to visit that will appeal to a variety of interests and ages, like, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Wax museum and the Walt Disney Museum. Be sure to ask your hotel’s front desk concierge for any discounted rates or special family/couples packages on tours, activities, and museums.
San Francisco has much to offer with plenty of shopping and many tourist friendly and safe attractions, including the popular cable cars that will escort you around to the various colorfully populated neighborhoods while observing the beautiful sights, sounds and smells of this wonderful city, allowing you to hop on or off at any stop you choose. If you love sports you can buy tickets and see a baseball game at AT&T Park and join the crowd in cheering on the World Series Champions San Francisco Giants for a win. You can also take a tour of the local Napa Valley Wine Country and enjoy a wine tasting and a delicious dinner. Perhaps there’s cause for celebrating an anniversary or birthday with a loved one, you can celebrate with a bottle of champagne at the downtown Marriott Hotel’s The View restaurant located on the 39th floorwhich has 360 degree views of the city, or a delicious weekend brunch at the Top of the Mark, located inside of the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins which also has a breathtaking view.
Chocolate lover are you? Stop by and treat your taste buds to an award winning hot fudge sundae at the world famous Ghirardelli Square that is guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth and follow it with a rich and velvety hot cocoa topped with homemade whipping cream. If you are not a huge fan of chocolate then you can buy a souvenir for someone that loves chocolate at one of their many gift shops surrounding Ghirardelli Square. If you are planning your trip during the second week in December and love bars and pubs, participate in the ever so fun SantaCon by dressing up in a Santa suit and partaking in the festivities of barhopping around the city with friendly strangers dressed alike.
Where to stay in San Francisco
Whether you decide to stay at a hotel or hostel, you will discover that there’s a place tailored to your budgeting and price point needs while vacationing in this incredible city. Some hotels offer complimentary breakfast, discounted parking rates, complimentary wifi and/or a certified sitter for your adored pet travel companion. Every neighborhood in San Francisco has many hotels that strive to serve your vacation stay wishes and will do their best to accommodate you and your family. With many hotels to choose from including the swanky W hotel located downtown,the sophisticated and luxurious Westin St. Francis located in the heart of the famous Union Square, the ever so fun and colorful Hotel Triton, or Hotel Serrano you will be guaranteed to have an amazing rest while you recharge during your vacation. If you prefer to stay at a cheaper motel, Inn or hostel that’s more budget friendly there are many of those in the city as well. Some include the Pacific Tradewinds Hostel which offers free wifi or the Backpackers Hostel Green Tortoise. The numbers of hotels to stay at while visiting San Francisco are endless. Luckily most hotels are located next to major city attractions so walking is a very convenient method of transportation along with simple bus routes that are cheap and easy to navigate.
So whatever the occasion calls for, whether you are celebrating something significant or if it’s just for a quick weekend getaway, you will fall in love with San Francisco and perhaps leave a piece of your heart here.