Five Essential Places to Visit in San Francisco—And a Bonus Activity to Try!
San Francisco is a charming and electrifying city that really weaves old and new as you walk down its sidewalks. From its historic buildings to the artsy Victorian architecture to its multiple exhibits, you can really feel its history and culture. In this blog post, I will share my favorite places I went to and why you should allow the streets to help you wander!
Haight-Ashbury
This is, without a doubt, the most charming area to stroll and feel like you've been whisked back to the 1960s. This is what the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin once called it home.
As you wander the streets, you'll encounter a delightful mix of vintage shops, vibrant murals, and historic landmarks. A must-visit is Love on Haight. Even if you're not a fan of vintage tie-dye, you must go there. I LOVED my time trying on some 'Almost Famous' jackets while seeing this guy trying on an orange suit! The store truly encapsulates the spirit of peace, love, and rock 'n' roll.
Pier 39
When I visited Pier 39, it was New Year's Eve, and the entire place was decorated with holiday lights, presents, and Christmas Trees. This transformed the bustling waterfront into a festive wonderland, with the sound of children's laughter from the carousel and the playful sea lions vying for a spot on the docks.
Pier 39 is the perfect spot to pick up a memento of your San Francisco trip from one of the many souvenir shops. If you're feeling a tad hungry, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Plus, it's a fantastic vantage point to catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
De Young Museum
Want to hear a little secret? This is the best place to see all of San Fran! Located in Golden Gate Park, the De Young Museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Sadly, I didn't get a chance to view much art since I was on a limited time frame, but here's a fun fact:
They have a FREE panoramic view of the city from their observation tower! Once finished, you can explore more of Golden Gate Park, which isn't too far from the Golden Gate.
Battery Spencer
Speaking of Golden Gate…if you want that iconic shot of the Golden Gate Bridge, this is where you need to go! Located in the Marin Headlands, this historic military fortification offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. The short hike to this viewpoint is well worth the effort.
The parking here is the only downside. It does get packed very quickly, but if you bring your patience, you'll get a spot, and maybe you'll even do a headstand with Golden Gate behind you!
Castro District
This is possibly the most historically significant neighborhood in San Francisco as it is one of the first LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in the United States. The Castro is a place of acceptance, love, pride, and celebration. The neighborhood is filled with colorful murals, lively bars, and unique shops.
Be sure to visit the local bookstore, which not only offers a wide selection of books about the neighborhood’s history but also serves as a hub for the community. You can talk to the friendly staff and learn more about the rich history of the Castro. It was such a charming place to hang out in!
Wandering the Streets
One of the most enjoyable activities my cousin and I did on our last night was to wander the streets after dinner and explore the different neighborhoods, such as the Italian neighborhood. We continued walking until we decided which bar we wanted to visit. We had a drink, and then we wandered more! Below are a few suggestions to help you determine where you should go. But mostly, we just picked it on a whim.
Look inside and see if the atmosphere matches what you're looking for. Some bars may have live music, while others might provide a cozy, intimate setting.
San Franciscans are friendly and often have great recommendations for places to visit, so don’t hesitate to ask about someone’s favorite bar.
Each neighborhood has its own unique character. For instance, the Mission District is known for its trendy bars and craft cocktails, while North Beach features classic Italian bars with a lively ambiance.
San Francisco is a city of endless discovery and has something for everyone! Which place will you visit first? Also, let me know which bars you wander into!
