I have been to San Francisco, California countless times since some of my family lives only a train ride away from the city. It is my second favorite city, just behind Manhattan Beach, CA, so I know how to manage my time to the fullest extent while I am out there. This is my guide to traveling to San Francisco with the best schedule possible and taking full advantage of your trip!
Weather
When traveling out into the city, it is vital to consider the weather conditions. Many people think that San Francisco “can’t be that cold,” but you would be very mistaken. San Francisco is on the border of major oceans and bays, so it is a very windy city. I would recommend jeans and a sweater for times around early April and fall, jeans (or maybe shorts if you are brave) and a shirt for summer, and jeans and a heavy coat for winter. Overall, just prepare for colder weather than you expect!
Transportation
Driving in San Francisco is not for the weak! The extremely hilly and mountainous terrain makes travel by car difficult and terrifying. My best suggestion for getting into the city is to utilize the Bay Area Railroad Transportation (BART). BART is San Francisco’s form of MARTA, but cleaner and newer. This transportation takes you under and above ground and can take you all over the city. I typically get off of the train at Powell Street, which takes you right to a cable car stop. The cable cars are a MUST SEE!! This is genuinely one of my favorite aspects of San Francisco. The lines to ride vary from season to season and time of day, but it is 100% worth it to stand in those lines. The experience is unlike any other, and I have found the drivers of the cable cars to be some of the nicest people ever! I like riding while holding on to the outside of the car, but there is also an indoor seating area and outdoor seating area. The cable cars take you to all the typical tourist spots and other areas worth seeing.
Food
If you have ever been to San Francisco, then you would know how amazing their sourdough bread is! I heard it was something about the altitude and location that made the bread to-die-for. I can guarantee that you will find sourdough wherever you go in San Francisco, and it will, most times, be delicious. When on the West Coast, I have to get the classic In-N-Out burger. Since Georgia doesn’t have an In-N-Out yet, I need to get my craving fixed whenever I get to California. Also, California seafood is supposedly really good. I don’t enjoy eating any animal that swims, so I actually have no clue about the seafood, but I heard it’s great!
Activities
There are so many things to do, and if you like to keep a planner like me, then you must be so overwhelmed with what you want to do on your trip and how to fit it all into a week. I will try and help limit this list down to my top three experiences in San Francisco (no matter how hard this may be). Firstly, this is a bit out of the city, but Muir Woods National Park is a must-do. My family and I hiked seven to eight miles through the tree-dense forest, and the pictures cannot do it justice. It is a super cool once-in-a-lifetime experience that re-centers you with nature. My second pick has to be Chinatown. Chinatown has so much culture built into the town, and is a super cool way to spend the day. You can immerse yourself in the culture, try some new foods, and look at the interesting history of the town. If you go to San Francisco, Chinatown is a must! My third pick for this list of must-do activities is Alcatraz. I will be honest, I have only been to Alcatraz once over this past spring break, but it was very immersive and interesting. There are guided tours taking you through the history of the island, which began as a military fort, developed into a high-security prison, and ended as a home to American Indians. It is very intriguing, and a little bit terrifying, to go through the old prison cells on the self-guided tour, but it is a must-do for any first-time visitors.
Best Photo Opportunities
As with any trip, I like to get memorable photos to look back on, scrapbook, and of course show my friends. San Francisco is no different to this standard, and I have listed my personal favorite places to visit in order to get the best and most iconic photos possible. I have to start off with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This bridge is what most people think about when talking about San Francisco, and it lives up to its reputation. I have never gotten a picture with the bridge, but I know hikes and beaches that lead up to clear shots of the bridge and absolutely stunning photos. I don’t know the exact hikes or beaches, but it is a quick Google search away! The “painted ladies” hold the second most iconic photo spot in San Francisco! For those who don’t know, the “painted ladies” are five pastel colored houses that were featured on the hit sitcom Full House. These houses are super cute, and there is a field right across the street that is the perfect distance for a picnic paired with pictures. Lastly, I could never write an article about San Francisco without mentioning the Fisherman’s Wharf! The Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to get seafood and is absolutely iconic. The cable cars take you right into the Wharf, and it is a must-see when traveling into the city. This is where boat tours to Alcatraz take off and where Pier 39 is!
San Francisco holds many memories for me since I have been visiting ever since I was little. It is one of my favorite places that I have ever visited and is my favorite major city. I hope this guide makes San Francisco your favorite as well!
