If You’re Goin’ to San Francisco…:  Be sure to Check This Out!

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When thinking of San Francisco, a big golden bridge and an island prison are probably the most common things that come to mind. Certainly, these things are two of the key tourist attractions for people to see, but don’t let your tour of San Francisco begin and end there. San Francisco has plenty of other sites and activities to offer that are unique to the city and will allow you to immerse yourself in the life of the city.

San Francisco is a great place for walking. The temperature is rarely too cold for walking outdoors and the city is so beautiful; a nice walk is a great way to take in all that San Francisco has to offer. And, should you find yourself worn out from all that walking, all you have to do is hitch a ride on one of San Fran’s famous cable cars and let them take you to your next destination. This form of transportation is unique to San Francisco, the city where the trolley originated, and is a great way to immerse yourself in San Francisco culture.

And while you’re exploring the city, head down to Fisherman’s Wharf. Stop by Pier 39 and experience the culture and activities offered there. Pier 39 offers great shopping center, which is filled with shops, arcades, and street performers. And if you’re feeling adventurous, salute the other local inhabitants of the docks—sea lions!—easily glimpsed just off the pier. Fisherman’s Wharf, as you may have guessed, is also the place to go if you’re looking for great seafood. While there are dozens of great restaurants that will suit your taste, be sure to stop by Boudin’s restaurant and try their famous sourdough bread (you can even see the chef in action!) and unbeatable clam chowder. Fisherman’s Wharf is simply swimming with excitement; don’t miss this must-see!

For a real taste of San Francisco culture, get off the tourist path and check out the local neighborhoods. From North Beach to Chinatown, each neighborhood has a life of its own that you won’t find anywhere else. The neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury is one of the highlights of San Francisco. Considered the Bohemian center of the city, this neighborhood is the birthplace of such legendaries as the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Janis Joplin. The spirit of these artists and their music still lives on in this district. Haight-Ashbury also boasts of some small but great local eateries, bars and shops, including Amoeba Music, a record store that was once a bowling alley. Here you will find almost any type of music you can think of, with a huge variety of vinyl. And just a short distance from this district you will find the Golden Gate Park—a huge, gorgeous park that resembles New York City’s Central Park.

Also near Haight-Ashbury and the downtown area, you will find Castro, the gay mecca of San Fran. This district is brimming with great restaurants, clubs, bars, and shops as well as the height of San Francisco nightlife. Don’t forget to catch a flick at the historic Castro theatre and take it easy at one of the great bed and breakfasts the district has to offer. And if you visit at the right time of year, you can experience one of the great San Fran festivals such as the Castro Street Fair in October, or Pink Saturday in June.

So while planning your San Francisco get-away, make sure your itinerary takes you off the beaten path. The city offers unique adventures everywhere you turn. Immerse yourself in the culture of the city; it’s the only way to do San Francisco.