San Francisco - City By The Bay

Founded in 1776, San Francisco is one of the richest cities in the world. Derived from the Spanish word for St Francis, San Francisco is ranked 44th among the most highly visited tourist cities in the world. 

The city by the bay is highly renowned for pleasant weather, foggy clouds and steep rolling hills. With its extensive mix of architecture and design, the focus of the city is the landmarks of historical importance like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Union Square, Chinatown and much more. In exact sense, this city has overwhelmed me since I first laid eyes on it.

In no favorable mandate, here are some of my preferred places in San Francisco.

Lombard Street is one of San Francisco’s top rated tourist destinations. Built with eight switchbacks on a 40-degree slope, its intimidating curves make you squeal in pseudo fear at every turn.

Union Square is home to tons of swank boutiques, trade stores, art galleries, night clubs, restaurants and hotels. From Macys, Neiman-Marcus and Nordstrom to the art galleries touting works by brilliant regional artists, this is undeniably a shopping paradise. Sip a cup of coffee and enjoy watching people enthrall you all around.

Alcatraz or the rock was the prison that no one could escape from. Located offshore in the cold hazardous waters, it is best known as the site of the disreputable reformatory where some of the most notorious criminals were imprisoned. Since its closure, visitors embark on different tours to the island to learn more about its history.

Pier 39 is one of San Francisco’s premier attractions and my all-time favorite pier. This complex by the waterfront houses shops, restaurants and eateries. If you are looking for a fine souvenir, this is a nice place to find some cool artifacts and treasures. Hop aboard the historic carousel, visit the aquarium of the bay or simply enjoy the sea lions frolic in the surf. From whale tours to wine tasting on the bay, Magowan’s infinite mirror maze, caricatures, bungees or street performers, Pier 39 is the place to be while you take in the sights and sounds of the city. 

Fisherman’s wharf is ideal to grab some fresh seafood like the famous clam chowder served in fresh sourdough bread bowls. The popcorn shrimp is indulgent but the famous Dungeness crab is the most delectable of all seafood available.

Just across the Golden Gate, huddled at the northern end of the bridge, two miles from the city of San Francisco is the very prominent waterfront of Sausalito City. This trivial but distinctive city is filled with top notch restaurants, lodges and of course some sunny California weather. It is more like a French Riviera set against the coastal backdrop of the pacific. Enjoy the fresh scrumptious seafood or stroll by the waterfront or just check out the numerous art studious, cafes and restaurants this city has to offer.

Finally, my preferred destination is the reverently historical Golden Gate Bridge: a technical masterpiece that can only be described in superlative terms. The hallmark of superior engineering, it is an impressive sight that stays in your mind like a captured photograph. As you drive across the bridge, just take in the magnificence of the work which is a gorgeous commitment of man’s colossal creativity. The vista points that surround the bridge provide sensational views that make it a great sight to capture this eye-catching orange-red suspension bridge photographically. It is an alluring spectacle that is truly marvelous anytime of the day. Dress in layers as this place can get somewhat chilly due to the elevation. 

With the combination of modern and Victorian style houses, what is truly captivating in this remarkable city is the famed cable cars. Every cable car is pulled along its hilly track by an underground cable. Hop on and enjoy a ride and simply lose your heart to the city of dreams, San Francisco.