San Francisco has a reputation as one of the coolest cities in the U.S. and for good reason. It’s full of beautiful scenery and interesting, diverse attractions, and has great San Francisco hotels as well as delicious food. Some people visit the city for business reasons as well so it’s quite easy to also find corporate housing in San Francisco with affordable conditions. If you’re planning a trip to this gorgeous city soon, this is what you need to do and see:
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Bike the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see when visiting San Francisco, but why not take advantage of the ocean views and bike the bridge? You can rent a bike from Blazing Saddles and head out across the most famous bridge in the world, stopping along the way to admire the view. You can also get combos that include bike rental and a visit to Alcatraz!
Eat your way through the Ferry Building
The Ferry Building is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The historic building has been standing since 1898 but has been converted from transportation hub to marketplace. Now, the Ferry Building is full of some of the best cuisine the city has to offer!
Watch fortune cookies be made
A trip to Chinatown is an obvious necessity for anyone visiting the city! It’s the oldest Chinatown in North America and the largest Chinese area outside of Asia. One of the best things to do in Chinatown is visiting the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where they make fortune cookies by hand! You can sample some of their flavors like chocolate or green tea, pick up a few souvenirs and take a factory tour to see how the cookies are made.
Learn something new at the Exploratorium
Maybe spending the day at a museum can sound boring, but not when that museum is the Exploratorium! It’s been called “most important science museum to have opened since the mid-20th century” by the New York Times thanks to its many interactive exhibits. The hands-on experiences are also great for kids!
Visit the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is often considered a tourist’s area, especially by locals, thanks to its many attractions like a Ripley’s Believe It or Not and a Wax Museum. Whether or not that stuff interests you, the area is worth a visit for Pier 39 and the sea lions!
Watch a Giants game
Even if you’re not a baseball fan, it’s worth it to catch a Giants game! AT&T Park has been voted the best stadium in the country thanks to its beautiful views and delicious food — skip the typical hot dog and try a poke bowl instead!
Visit The Mission
The Mission, also known as the Mission District, is a neighborhood with a lot of history. The area has the famous Mission Dolores, the oldest surviving building in San Francisco having been erected in 1776. There’s also some of the best Mexican and Central American food in the city, a vibrant art scene and plenty of live music.
Head down Lombard Street — carefully!
Whether you use your rented bike or opt to drive, a trip down the famously crooked Lombard Street is an iconic San Francisco activity. The street is lined with beautiful landscaped gardens and homes, making it a completely unique and picturesque experience.
Relax at the Japanese Tea Garden
San Francisco is also home to the oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S.! The Japanese Tea Garden, in Golden Gate Park, has an arched drum bridge, koi ponds, stone paths, and a zen garden. If you’re lucky enough to visit in the spring, you can also check out the cherry blossom trees!
Learn LGBT history in the Castro
One of the city’s most famous neighborhoods is the Castro, a hub for LGBT rights for decades. There’s the Castro Theatre, a baroque-style building that still plays movies and events, Pink Triangle Memorial Park, Harvey Milk Plaza, and plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy.
There’s something for everyone in San Francisco so don’t hesitate and visit this wonderful city!
