Top 10 for San Francisco

While living in the Bay Area, I was able to enjoy visiting San Francisco on several occasions. Generally, the weather in the area is temperate. It can be chilly, even in September, so BRING A JACKET. San Francisco is a great city with a lot to do. Outside the city lies the famous 17 Mile Drive and Pebble Beach, Big Sur down the 101, Napa Valley, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, or Redwoods National Park. However, the city itself can keep you busy. I would not recommend trying to do everything in one trip.
But here are the TOP 10 things to do in San Francisco:

Some crazy people swim this

1. Alcatraz. Duh. If you are going to check out the rock, go big or don’t do it. The night tour, which leaves at 6:15 pm (in September) is worth every bit of the $33 fee. 

We drove across it!

2. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge. It is one of the many trademark's of this great city, but  it is mostly  covered in FOG, but everyone seems to enjoy it. Walk, bike, drive, whatever your cup of tea may be.

Underrated... beautiful views

3. Golden Gate Recreational Park. After crossing the bridge, head west and climb the trails to get stunning, one of a kind views of San Francisco (not to be confused with Golden Gate Park in the city).

Got to try local foods!

4. Clam Chowder in bread bowls at Fisherman’s Wharf. Basically anything on Pier 39 will do justice. Do some shopping while you are there, or people watch because both are great! Bushman is real

5. Whale Watching Tour. I never got a chance to do this, but it looked fun. It is about a 6 hour round trip to Farallon Island, and I hear the chances are good of seeing a whale. Don’t hold me to that. 

6. Lombard Street. There isn’t a whole lot to it, but it is pretty cool to see. Bonus is to actually drive down it!

7. China Town! Hard to imagine basically a city inside a city. You almost feel as if you're in a foreign Asian country for the few blocks that cover China Town. Immigrants moved here in 1850 and have grown to be 10,000 strong since. Be bold and try to buy something… maybe food?

Parents came to visit!

8. Coit Tower. Not as popular as Alcatraz, but this 210’ tall tower gives a great 360 degree view of the city and bay. Coit Tower is situated in the ethnic North Beach bordering “little Italy”. But beware of the wild parrots!

9. Aquarium of the Bay. I am an animal lover, so of course this will be on my list. But like all well maintained aquariums, it is worth it. Home to 20,000 marine animals!

You can't actually do this... Dad being himself

10. Cable Car/ BART/Subway. Embrace the public transportation. This is one of the best in the USA and you can get to any of the above locations using public transportation combined with some walking. 

Go Card