I have always wanted to visit San Francisco as it is one of the most iconic cities in California (maybe even in the United States). I have heard much about the Golden Gate Bridge, but I have not heard much more than that about San Francisco (well of course Alcatraz). I did not really know what to expect to see in San Francisco, either than one of the most well-known bridges in the world and most notorious penitentiary. San Francisco kept me entertained for 7 days in one of the best ‘small town feel’ big cities I have ever visited. With endless activities in the San Francisco Bay area, I was left amazed.

San Francisco is a busy city bustling with runners, tourists, and business professionals. The waterfront was crowded due to America’s Cup taking place in San Francisco this month. The Kiwi accent overpowers the crowd as they excitingly cheer on their teams. The food in San Francisco left my taste buds dancing for joy. The fresh fish is abundant, and you can consider San Francisco a “crab city”; you can buy anything and everything made with crab! Although the restaurants are abundant in San Fran, it’s a city that prides itself in an awareness of a green and healthy lifestyle. On every street corner you will find cute bistros serving organic coffee & tea, vegan varieties, and eco-friendly practices. The chic bohemian hipster style keeps San Francisco fresh, vibrant, and current. San Francisco has this amazing down to earth feel about it, almost as if I was at home.

My Favourite Spots in San Francisco:

Clock Tower & Farmers Market

The unique shops on Pier 39
I was amazed by San Francisco’s painted turquoise streets.

Barking Sea Lions on Pier 39
Since the Loma Prieta earthquake, sea lions have arrived in droves on the K-Dock of pier 39 and been “hauling out” ever since. In 2009, 1,701 sea lions lived at the pier. Numbers continually rise and fall. Watch the sea lions on the live webcam: www.pier39.com

America’s Cup Races

Pier 33- Alcatraz Landing & Alcatraz Island

Fisherman’s Wharf & Fish Market  

Antique Arcade Museum

Street Performers: Captain Jack “Spare-ribs”

Mason & Powell Cable Car Line / Westfield Mall and Downtown Shopping

Cupids Arrow & Bay Bridge

Coit Tower

Golden Gate Bridge

Muir Woods

Sausalito

Marin County Food Truck Sundays

Planet Granite Indoor Rock Climbing Gym

Endless Restaurants
Boudin Sour dough Bread Factory– Sour dough pizza with fresh roma tomatoes, garlic, and basil, The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen– A classic breakfast sandwich with one cage free egg, jack, and sharp on Pinke’s Levain, Coriander Gourmet Thai– Green Curry, Burma Superstar– Tea leaf salad, samosa soup, sesame chicken, Black Bear Diner– Brocolli and cheddar soup & turkey sandwich on light rye, and the best for last: Crepevine– The “siena” crepe: strawberries, nutella, nuts, vanilla ice cream, and homemade whip cream.

My 7 days in friendly San Francisco left me wanting more! Each day I was searching for new places to explore. At first, I was sceptical if San Francisco was more than just the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz; I learned that the more you look, the more you find. I wonder what I will find the next time I visit?