Holidays in san Francisco!
Perched on the Northern edge of California, between Highway 1 and the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco is one of the most iconic cities in the United States. The world-famous Golden Gate Bridge spans the mile-long stretch between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific coast and is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. This regal orange, ‘golden’ bridge makes this popular destination instantly recognisable, with the city sitting on a rolling hillside beyond.
San Francisco is also known for the fog that sits atop the hills, shrouding the city in a mystical haze and giving it its nickname, ‘Fog City’. This fog lingers all along the Californian coast and makes the approach into San Francisco via the bridges and tunnels an awesome experience as the city unveils itself.
Once visible, San Francisco has many unique and fascinating sights that you won’t want to miss. Due to its hilly topography, the famous cable cars run up and down the steep roads, the only manually operated cable car system in the world. When you see how precipitous roads like well-known crooked Lombard Street are, you’ll definitely want to hop on this 19th century attraction. The cable cars run along an underground cable on three routes through the city providing spectacular views from the celebrated hills.
Take a stroll down to Fisherman’s Wharf, a popular tourist area which is known historically as an immigration hotspot during the American Gold Rush. Now, it’s home to Pier 39, a shopping and eating district of San Francisco, and a great place to spot the many sea lions who call the wooden docks close to the seafood restaurants their home.
Things to check out in San Francisco…
- If you’re at the waterfront, then the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park is a great place to see an impressive fleet of historic vessels, as well as the maritime museum housed in the 1909 waterfront warehouse.
- Visit historic Alamo Square Park and visit the city’s famous ‘Painted Ladies’. They are, in fact, a row of Victorian houses that have been ornately painted in bright colours and are often referred to as ‘Postcard Row’. They are some of the few remaining painted Victorian houses in the city that weren’t destroyed by earthquakes.
- San Francisco has always been a haven for the LGBT community, and was home to Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected into public office in California. As such, San Francisco Pride is one of the largest in the world, and the city is filled with a carnival atmosphere each year.
- The beautiful Ocean Beach is adjacent to the Golden Gate bridge and offers visitors a chance to surf alongside one of the world’s most iconic structures. It borders the wild Pacific Sea to the West so is perfect for seasoned surfers who are used to the swells and the cold water.
- Visit one of the many beautiful delicatessens in the city before heading to Golden Gate Park for a picnic with the ultimate view! Enjoy lunch looking out over the architectural wonder, watching the world and its boats go by below, before walking off your food with a quick stroll across the mile-long bridge itself. Golden Gate Park is also home to the botanical gardens, the Japanese tea gardens, as well at 7,000 different types of plant, so you might want to stay all day. Don’t forget your camera!
San Francisco is the perfect place for a city break by the water. It has all the allure of a big city, but with relaxed vibes, great open spaces, fantastic seafood, and views from almost every street. If you’re ready to book, we’ll be glad to help - click here to enquire!
VISIT THE NOTORIUS ROCK OF ALCATRAZ!
The former prison, which some of America’s most dangerous prisoners once called home, was housed on a rocky island within San Francisco Bay, and is clearly visible from the city heights. The prison was legendary, with several films made about inmates trying to escape from ‘The Rock’. Now it’s a museum where you can see what life would have been like for America’s Most Wanted. Book a boat tour to land on the island or book a ferry that takes you around Alcatraz and under Golden Gate Bridge before heading back to historic Pier 33.
Click here to enquire today and let us help tailor your dream city break to San Francisco!