Located in Northern California and bordered by water, San Francisco is famous for its year long cool climate, hilly streets, and captivating architecture. When many think of the city, Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars are often what comes to mind first. This week, I had the opportunity to visit popular attractions that make San Francisco a unique city to explore.
- Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco’s most popular attraction and is often used in many graphics associated with the city. On my visit, it was sunny with clear skies which provided an amazing view of the bridge. While there are many viewpoints where you can get a view of the bridge, I specifically went to the Golden Gate Postcard Viewpoint which offers a ground-level perspective. Even though there were many people taking pictures, I had no difficulty getting a few shots myself and savoring the view. This is definitely an attraction you don’t want to miss!
2. Union Square
Union Square is located in the heart of San Francisco and is known for the amount of retail shops surrounding the area. With high-end shops such as Louis Vuitton, Vera Wang, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more, it is a prime destination to spend hours shopping. The square is also adorned with hearts that display seasonal designs. Overall, the bustling environment shows San Francisco’s true city ambiance.
3. Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is a few minutes away from the Golden Gate Bridge and is a serene exhibition. Despite the crowds of visitors, the atmosphere was not overly stimulating as many were there to take pictures and appreciate the scenery. I walked around the lagoon to view various perspectives of the rotunda and columns. The lagoon, home to turtles, fish, and ducks, provided a tranquil setting with many visitors feeding the wildlife. This attraction is perfect if you’re looking for a picturesque backdrop for a photoshoot or a leisurely stroll with beautiful scenery.
4. Pier 39
Pier 39 is a shopping center that doubles as a popular attraction. Here you can visit unique shops such as Lefty’s, a left hand store, Kwak, a store dedicated to rubber ducks, and much more. Visitors can also ride a ferris wheel and enjoy an ocean view where sea lions can often be seen lounging on the dock, though they’re not always present. Although it was the most crowded attraction I visited, the lively atmosphere, stunning views, and unique shops made it well worth the visit.
While San Francisco is known to be a walkable city with many modes of transportation, I went around the area by car which was more of a hassle. There was limited parking and many roads had restrictions on turning at certain times. With that, I would recommend getting around through other modes of transit as it is a pedestrian friendly city that would be more convenient.
As an ending note, San Francisco is a beautiful city that is worth the visit. It has many unique attractions that are great photo opportunities and are family friendly. However, I would recommend checking the weather before heading to these attractions as it can get windy and cloudy. Beyond the attractions, there is much to explore and enjoy just by strolling through the streets. From iconic landmarks and unique shops to scenic views and family-friendly activities, San Francisco offers something for everyone.
