By: Bound2explore     May 15, 2016

Maybe those super cute sea lions at pier 39 that have captured my heart, or maybe the sweeping  view of San Francisco from the Twin Peaks and the Golden Gate Bridge, or maybe the tasty clam chowder served in sourdough bread that stole my heart. Maybe the combination of everything and everyone there. Whatever it is, I know I have left my heart in San Francisco.  

On the second thought, maybe all those freebies that I got when I was there that have captured my heart. After all, I do love freebies. One time, some stranger paid for my toll (thank you stranger!) and the best one was when I got a free Double Decker bus tour. I was hanging around in the union square waiting for the shuttle bus to go to fisherman wharf when I finally realized that I had missed the free shuttle courtesy of Expedia. Looking lost waiting for the next one, the manager on duty offered me to take the open top Double Decker bus for free. How could I say no? Can’t say no to free stuff. So I hopped into the bus, enjoyed a free tour and learned a thing or two about San Francisco. I guess, that is why I keep coming back to this beautiful city of San Francisco. Nice city, nice people. Need I say more?

During my several visits to San Francisco, I compiled the lists of my favorite things to do in San Francisco. I would like to share them with you.  Just like me, probably you too, will leave your heart in San Francisco.

1. Enjoy the Golden Gate Bridge by any modes of transportation

For some unexplained reason, I have a strong affinity toward the Golden Gate Bridge. On my every trip to San Francisco, I made sure to make it to the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoyed it to the fullest, from walking, driving and biking on that stunning infrastructure.

Tips: there’s a bike rental store by Golden Gate Park if you want to rent a bike.

 

2. Explore the Golden Gate park

Here, you can explore a beautiful Japanese tea garden for free, complete with a koi pond and a beautiful Japanese structure. Also check the windmill and the other garden inside the park.

3. Hop on the Cable Car

Your trip to San Francisco will be incomplete if you don’t ride the cable car at least once. Hop into it at Powel Street and ride along to China Town or down to Fisherman Wharf.

4. Visit the China town

San Francisco has the largest China town outside Asia, so definitely worth a visit. The food, the store, the temple and the fortune cookies factory surely will entertain you. Did you know that the fortune cookie was invented by a Japanese chef in San Francisco?

5. Drive through the Lombard Street

The most crooked street in the world. It is a lot of fun to drive through Lombard Street. Definitely a must see when you are in San Francisco.

6. Stop at Twin Peaks

If you want to see the view of San Francisco, then this is the place to be. Drive to the top of the hill. Park the car and catch the sweeping view of San Francisco.

The view of San Francisco from twin peaks

7. Go to Fisherman Wharf and stop at Pier 39

You haven’t been to San Francisco if you haven’t been to Fisherman Wharf. This place is so entertaining, from the street performers, seafood restaurants, to those super cute sea lions at Pier 39. Make sure to try the clam chowder at one of the seafood restaurant.

8. Take a cruise to Alcatraz Island

The Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary was a maximum high security federal prison located on Alcatraz Island. The Alcatraz Island is located in the San Francisco bay, about 1.25 miles from the shore and can be reached by a ferry. The now abandoned prison was famous for housing infamous inmates such as Al Capone. This is definitely a cool place to visit and learn about the history. Catch your ferry at Pier 33.

9. Visit De Young Museum

Located inside the Golden Gate Park, the twisting 144 foot tall tower is a distinctive feature, and can be seen from many areas of San Francisco. The museum offers free access to the lobby and tower, and it has a full-service cafe with outdoor seating.

10. Admire the Painted Ladies

Full House anyone? Anyone who remember this old TV show will remember the opening scene of Full House with the background of painted ladies. Painted ladies is a term in American architecture to describe the colorful Victorian and Edwardian houses.

11. Enjoy the Union Square

Regardless of the season, you can always find things to do in Union Square. From outdoor ice skating in the winter to people watching in the summer.

12. Stop at Japan town

Japan town is a small neighborhood in San Francisco next to Fillmore District. Spending time here certainly will give you a taste of Japanese culture. Here, you can find many Japanese and Korean restaurants and structures that inspired by Japanese Architecture.