The Best 7 Things To Do when in San Francisco

If you’re going to San Francisco…be sure to make it a long stay to breathe in the lively vibe and culture of this city!There is so much to do, see eat and experience. My personal list of the top 7 things to do there is just the tip of the iceberg. 

Take the Ferry to Alcatraz

The Alcatraz is most notorious for its avatar as a maximum-security prison of the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Though tours are offered both day and at night, I personally preferred the night tour letting my imagination soar walking in the play of shadows by the prison cells. Remember to buy your tickets a couple of days in advance since this is a very popular destination and tickets tend to fly quickly. 

Fisherman’s Wharf

Initially home to fisherman and their fleets, Fisherman’s Wharf was redeveloped into a tourist attraction in the 1970s and 80s. And very successfully so! Pier 39 boasts of the hustle bustle of shopping, street performances and lots of eating joints. You can indulge in an educational experience by visiting San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, the National Liberty Ship Memorial and Aquarium by the Bay. And of course lots of fun things…Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum and the 7 D Experience are a must do!

Chinatown

The most densely populated part of San Francisco, Chinatown is best explored by foot. Do engage a SF Tour Guide to walk you down the alleys and indulge you in this area’s rich century old history. 

Muir Woods

A bit of a drive away from San Francisco, and you get transported into a magical world of breathtaking giant Redwoods. The broad walk path around the woods allows one to stroll around at leisure, taking in the peace at the quiet corners, the smell of the soil, the play of sun and shadows across the landscape. 

Napa Valley 

If you appreciate wine, then possibly you would already have experienced Napa Valley. This region is one of the foremost wine growing regions in the world owing to the right mix of soil, climate and topography. If you visit during the period from summer to fall then you will catch fat grape clusters maturing for harvesting. Apart from the popular wine tours, you can indulge yourself in cruises along the Napa river and spa treatments. Napa valley may not appear in a regular San Francisco travel guide, but the 50 odd mile drive from the San Francisco Bay area is well worth it.

Ride a Cable Car

One can get a birds eye view some of the main attractions of San Francisco such as Lombard Street, more famously known as the Crooked Street from the Cable Car. The line between Powell and Hyde Street passes over this road and is one of the most popular sections of the cable car route. A one way ticket on the cable car normally costs USD, but, with a City PASS one can undertake unlimited rides.

Visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge

This landmark needs no introduction and can be easily recognized from afar. This masterpiece built in 1937 is considered to be one of the wonders of the modern world. Experience the amazing views on the top deck of a double decker bus, or a bike ride across or even walk the bridge as many people do to fulfil a dream!

That’s my top Seven on the list. Go to San Francisco people; and come up with your own list of amazing things to do, see, eat and experience!