San Francisco, the City by the Bay, is one of those bucket list cities that you will fall in love with as soon as you set foot on its grounds. Many travellers choose to return time after time, and we don’t blame them! This is why it’s time to add San Francisco to your bucket list.
It has an incredible food scene
San Francisco has a cut above reputation for its iconic eats. Don’t miss these local favourites:
- Soul-warming seafood chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin, found on Fisherman’s Wharf
- An array of delicacies in Chinatown, from steamed xiao long bao (soup dumplings) to hand pulled noodles
- For the sweet tooths out there – an apple fritter donut from Bob’s Donut & Pastry Shop
- Creamy ice cream from Bi-Rite Creamery in the famed Mission District
These are just a few of the hundreds of foodie things you can dive headfirst into!
Educate yourself at the California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences offers a fascinating insight into the world complete with an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum and indoor rainforest. Make sure you head to the building’s roof top – its Living Roof. Not only is it beautiful with mini hills and green fields, but it also provides insulation, captures 100% of excess storm water and helps to change carbon dioxide into oxygen!
Step back in time at Alcatraz Prison
Take a quick ferry across the bay to Alcatraz, and step foot on San Francisco’s island prison. Choose from a day, night or behind-the-scenes tour and discover the ruins of the former maximum-security prison.
Hot tip: make sure to book your tickets well in advance! They generally go on sale in the months prior to your trip.
Take a stroll across Golden Gate Bridge
You can’t visit San Francisco and not walk across the world’s most photographed bridge! The Golden Gate Bridge has stood tall over the bay’s blue waters since 1937. Its location and height mean you can take a good photo of it from practically any vantage point!
Explore the Mission District
Whether you visit by day or at night, the Mission District is sure to delight. Its vibrant atmosphere carries through all hours of the day. You’ll find some of the city’s best Latin American food here, along with a buzzing nightlife, a great people-watching spot at Dolores Park, buildings covered in colourful murals and quirky shops.
From hopping on a cable car and soaking in the tranquillity at the traditional Japanese Gardens, to trying craft beers and racking up steps in a very walkable city, it certainly is time to add San Francisco to your bucket list. Visit the West Coast of the USA with Globus or Cosmos!
