Often voted the 'best city in the USA', San Francisco is admired for its colourful history, attractive setting and trend-setting persona. The atmosphere is vibrant, friendly and much more down-to-earth than in neighbouring Los Angeles, and some of the most famous sites in the world such as San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge can be found here. The city itself is surprisingly compact, diverse in culture and a centre for both the hippy and gay communities. Temperatures vary widely with hot summers followed by chilly winters, making autumn and spring the optimum time to visit. San Francisco airport is a major international connection point and is accessible daily from the UK with flights taking about 11hrs.
| good as a gateway for a family holiday to the lakes and the west coast... |
Best for...
Best suited to couples and single travellers of all ages, San Francisco is often described as the best city in the USA...
With wonderful views, a wide spectrum of nightlife and a backdrop of extraordinary natural beauty, San Francisco has a little something for every traveller and is good as a gateway for a family holiday to the lakes and the west coast. The city itself is best suited to couples or single travellers who want to experience an active break in a city with plenty of 'get up and go'. Nevertheless, there are some family attractions, including a theme park to keep youngsters entertained.
What to do...
It's not so much 'what to do', but 'where to start' in San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding Golden Gate Park with its gardens, lakes, museums and sporting facilities should be on all 'to do' lists. The bridge itself is best crossed by bike (rentals are cheap) and its towers are probably the best place from which to enjoy views of San Francisco Bay, Angel Island and Alcatraz. A bay cruise is a must-do with views of the San Francisco skyline, the swimming clubs of Aquatic Park, the numerous historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier and the neighbourhood of North Beach. There are photo opportunities at every turn, including the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands, the Angel Island State Park and the infamous Island of Alcatraz. Alcatraz, the most famous prison in the USA was once home to notorious gangster Al Capone and is now open for guided tours with ferries running regularly to the island throughout the day.
San Francisco itself is extraordinarily hilly and with so much to see it would take a very sprightly traveller to get around by foot - instead tourists should follow the example set by locals and hop aboard one of the iconic cable cars that run every few minutes until late at night. Once you've worked up an appetite, head to Chinatown which is busy and colourful and is particularly enjoyable during the Chinese New Year period with parades, fireworks and other festivities. North Beach is known as San Francisco's 'Little Italy' while the Napa and Sonoma Valleys are regarded as 'wine country' thanks to extensive vineyards that produce wines held in high esteem by connoisseurs worldwide.
One of the city's most famous areas is Fisherman's Wharf, which tourists tend to either love or hate. Once a fishing port, there is a multitude of shops, fast food outlets and expensive restaurants jostling for space alongside street entertainers, market stalls and bars. The arcades, shops and sea lion 'seal-ebrities' at Pier 39 are one of the best attractions on the wharf and the cruises around the bay or to Alcatraz and Angel Island depart from this area. For some retail therapy and a laidback hippy vibe, the district of Haight Ashbury is full of unusual stores selling accessories, clothing and vintage goods. Shoppers can blow their budget on everything from records and CDs, arts, crafts and souvenirs to California bounty products. If you prefer designer shopping however, head to Union Square, which is also home to art galleries and theatres. Culture lovers will adore the war ships and many museums, including SoMA (the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art) whilst day trips to Sausilito and Muir Woods are perfect for those looking for a breather from the hustle-and-bustle of the busy city streets.
If you're keen on a little nocturnal fun you will be impressed by the varied nightlife available including blues, cabaret, comedy and jazz clubs. The Sound Factory and Ruby Skye are popular clubs, while fans of swing and ballroom will not be disappointed at Betty Capone Productions or the Metronome Ballroom. San Francisco has a renowned gay scene and is one of the most tolerant areas in California. There are many drag shows and lots of gay bars and clubs, including Daddy's, Mecca, The Phone Booth and the Bar on Castro.
