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San Francisco has a magnetic allure that pulls you in from the moment you arrive. With its iconic sights, vibrant neighborhoods, and endless energy, this city knows how to captivate even the most seasoned travelers. Join us as we uncover the highlights of our recent San Francisco adventure.
We began our exploration by checking into the funky and affordable Citizen M hotel. This European chain has mastered the art of packing style and comfort into cleverly designed micro rooms. While cozy for two people, the innovative tech features, lively lounges, and prime location made it the perfect home base.
No visit to San Francisco is complete without riding the historic cable cars. We queued up early to nab coveted outside hanging spots for a thrilling journey to Fisherman’s Wharf. This iconic wharf area oozes old-school charm with its bustling marina, street performers, and mom-and-pop eateries serving up piping hot sourdough bread bowls of creamy clam chowder.
Otter at the Aquarium of the Bay
The Aquarium of the Bay provided an up-close look at the incredible marine life of San Francisco Bay. Winding through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and tropical fish was an amazing experience. But the playful otters frolicking in their habitat stole the show.
A short stroll led us to Ghirardelli Square, home of the legendary chocolate company. We indulged in mind-blowingly thick shakes at the old-world ice cream parlor, surrounded by chocolate sculptures and table inside a cable car replica.
Craving a respite from the crowds, we ventured to Fort Mason. This former military fort, now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, offered a refreshing taste of local life with its quiet trails, friendly dog walkers, and stunning bay views.
No San Francisco experience is truly complete without a visit to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. A narrated boat tour provided unbeatable vantage points of this modern wonder while filling our minds with its rich history and architectural significance. I was glad I brought my coat because it was chilly out on the bay!
After our tour, we headed to dinner in Chinatown at the modern China Live, which was a different take than we experienced on our last visit when we did a Chinatown food tour (read about our experience on that tour here). The food was phenomenal and their house-made condiments were so good we brought some to take home.
To experience a side of San Francisco few tourists see, we explored the Mission District. This vibrant neighborhood overflows with colorful murals, trendy eateries, and the medieval Mission San Francisco de Asis church. But our quest focused on something more…a legendary local burrito. After a tip from a local, we indulged in the ultimate Mission-style behemoth at Pancho Villa – a gargantuan tortilla stuffed with perfectly seasoned rice, beans, salsa, and all the fixings. Certainly a spiritual experience!
As the fog rolled in to end our journey, we felt incredibly fortunate to have uncovered so many of San Francisco’s diverse facets. From its famous sights to its quirky subcultures, this dynamic city has an unmatched power to enchant all who wander its hilly streets. If you have a passion for exploring, San Francisco needs to be at the very top of your travel bucket list.
Chinatown at Night
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our NEW Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.