I finally made it to San Francisco! I have been wanting to visit this city for as long as I can remember. So, on my move from Seattle to Phoenix, my Dad and I made a pit stop!
Let me just say, San Francisco is one beautiful city with so much to do and see. I was only there for a day, so I only got to explore a very small part of the amazing city, but I will most definitely be heading back. Sooner, rather than later, hopefully.
We found that it was much more affordable to stay in a hotel outside the city, even though it meant getting up a bit earlier to allow for time to drive into the city. My suggestion? Research surrounding towns to find a good hotel deal.
We crossed the new San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge into San Francisco City; which was cool. The old bridge can be seen while driving along the new bridge. We also crossed the bridge to head back out of the city at the end of our day and the way it is lit up is quite amazing. It is like daytime on the bridge!
First stop: Golden Gate Bridge.
I was a bit disappointed as we drove across the bridge as it was quite foggy. I love fog, but I so badly wanted to get some photos of the beautiful red bridge. When we pulled off at the lookout on the North end, the air was so foggy that we were unable to see the bridge at all.
We decided to go into the Marin Headlands Park (upon suggestion by a good friend from the Bay area) in hopes that some of the fog would burn off by the time we got to the view points. We stopped in the little visitor center to ask where all the best view points were and what type of view they had. They have a free map available that highlights all the viewpoints. We basically ended up just driving around and stopping at all of them. I was not about to miss a photo opportunity. And I was in luck, the fog had lifted!
After we drove through the park, stopping at various view points to snap photos, we were off to the next tourist attraction. We crossed back over the Golden Gate and followed the directions of my handy dandy iPhone.
Second Stop: Lombard Street
Lombard Street is famous for it’s extremely steep and winding curves. To experience the twists and turns of “The World’s Most Crooked Street”, drive east (it is one way in this area) on Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth. It was cool to actually be driving down this street; especially since I had heard about it so often while growing up. It is basically just turn, turn, turn, turn. There are adorable little houses with tiny little driveways all down the street. When you get to the bottom you can park and walk back to the base of Lombard Street to take photos. There were a lot of people just standing in the street taking photos, me included. We parked on a lower straight section on Lombard Street. It was so steep we had to park at a 90 degree angle. A 90 degree angle is necessary to prevent cars from rolling down the hill in case of brake failure. Cars sit at a slant on the hill. We actually felt as if our car was going to tip over (roll sideways) - a very odd feeling! Once I wrapped up my photo taking we were off.
Third Stop: Pier 39 and the Wharf
So, I had a little bit of assistance from some friends from the Bay area. Parking can be a bit tricky around San Francisco, especially down at the waterfront. I was advised to park in a garage directly across from Pier 39. It is not cheap, but it is not terrible and it is convenient. My suggestion would be to research parking if you wish to stop at Pier 39 and explore the Wharf and Ghirardelli Square or even go on the Cable Cars. We planned to be there for several hours and we were planning to eat there (you get part of your ticket validated when eating at one of the main restaurants), so with that being said, we chose to park in the garage.
From the top of the garage I was able to take a fun panorama photo of the city. I recommend going up to the top either when you first park or on the way back to the car. The view from up there is quite beautiful.
From the garage there is a bridge that takes you over the street and down to Pier 39 and the Wharf. We wandered around taking photos of the Pier and the Sea Lions. We then walked out to the water where I could take photos of Alcatraz Prison. Alcatraz is a popular historic prison out in the bay. It is it’s own island. I would love to learn more about the history and about the one and only prisoner who ever escaped. I would also love to go through the tour of the prison. We did not have enough time to actually take the boat out there, but I will be back to do that for certain! By this time the sun was out and it was a gorgeous day.
By this point we were pretty much starving, so we made our way toward Hard Rock Cafe. Along the walk we happened upon a fun looking electronics store, Gadgetronics (I will link to their site when it is back up). I needed a charging accessory for my phone, so we popped in. I came out with the accessory, a whole lens kit and a tripod for my iPhone. How exciting! It was a fun little store with amazingly great prices! After my exciting new purchase we finally made it over to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. It was a pretty average lunch. I enjoyed watching music videos all through my meal.
After lunch we wandered about a little more looking in shops. I wanted to find some sort of souvenir that I could actually use that was not too expensive. I ended up in the San Francisco U.S.A shop where I was able to buy a magnet and aluminum water bottle.
Once we were finished shopping we decided to wander down the waterfront to see some street performers, artists and the view.
Fourth Stop: Ghirardelli Square
As we strolled along the waterfront we spotted Ghirardelli Square. Being the chocolate lover I am, I was not about to pass that up. We walked up to the square and stopped in 2 of the 3 Ghirardelli stores in the square to do a little perusing and shopping. They sell all sorts of chocolate treats and gifts; as well as ice cream. We purchased some chocolate mocha cocoa for my mum, it’s her favorite! It is a beautiful old brick building with a lovely fountain and several other fun shops to explore.
After we were finished touring the square we decided to head back to the car. Along the way we stopped to watch some street dancers perform their show, including help from audience volunteers. They did several break dancing routines then it was time for their grand finale. This involved one of the dancers flipping over 5 men laying down shoulder to shoulder on the ground. It was a fun show to watch. The performers were great dancers and had a great sense of humor.
Once the performance had ended we walked back to the car. I really wanted to visit the bridge again to get a few final shots with the sunlight that was left.
Fifth Stop: Golden Gate Bridge, again :)
We arrived at the bridge and stayed on the South side where the Golden Gate Bridge Pavilion is. They have an information center, historical displays and the start of the walking/biking path. Oh, and of course amazing views of the bridge! I ran around taking photos until there was not enough sunlight left to do so. I had such an amazing time in San Francisco. I will definitely be heading back soon to explore more of the city and experience the sites and attractions I was unable to during this trip.
