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20 things to tick off your bucket list in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

I am one of those people that just love San Francisco. From catching a cable car to watching a basketball game, San Francisco has so many exciting things to do and so many great places to explore. So here are my ten things to tick off your bucket list in San Francisco.

Things to know before you go to San Francisco

Visa

If you are not a US citizen, then it is my guess you will need to apply for a USA ESTA. You can do that by merely checking out ivisa website and apply online. It is as easy as that!

Insurance

SafetyWing is the world’s first International Travel Medical Insurance developed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and remote workers travelling or living abroad worldwide. I can not recommend travel medical insurance enough! For those who are going to be away for long periods, live and work abroad or are a nomad traveller.

Weather

With the rainy season falling December to February and with the driest months being May to September, San Francisco can be more refreshing than other places on the coast of California.

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Hotel recommendation in San Francisco

Hilton Union Square

You can not fault the Hilton Union Square for its location, right downtown, walking distance to catching the cable car and many other significant points of interest. Although the hotel was clean, the lobby was huge, which made it noisy at all times of the day and night. 

Hyatt Centric Fishermans Wharf

The Hyatt Centric Fishermans Wharf is an ideal location for this part of San Francisco. The hotel is lovely and spacious with a sensational view, and it is walking distance to Alcatraz Departure point. There are many attractions in and around this area, so it is excellent for families who require lots of activities.

Palace Hotel

Who doesn’t love of old-world romance? The Palace Hotel is the oldest in San Francisco, so you do feel like you have stepped back in time with its luxurious interior, large indoor pool and an extensive list of famous guests, this hotel is excellent for a little splurge.

San Francisco

Things to do in San Francisco

Ride the cable car

You can not go to San Francisco without riding the iconic cable cars. Catching it from Union Square down to fisherman’s wharf or vice versa is all you need to get that Cable car fix. However, if you are like me and love the energy and entertainment of the conductor, then you will find yourself riding it again and again. Whether you choose to hang off the side or sit inside, the experience is worth the ride from all angles. Be warned that if you go at peak hour, the lines are long (especially coming from Union Square in the morning). 

cable cars

Cross the golden gate bridge

Whether you choose to drive across it or walk or bike across it, you must get yourself to the other side of this incredible bridge. Hiring a bike is easy, head to one of the many bike rental stores dotted in and around Fishermans Wharf and hire a bike for a few hours. Remember to take a jacket because crossing the bridge (even in Summer) can be windy. So check the weather report before you go!

golden gate bridge san Francisco

Explore Fishermans Wharf

Fishermans Wharf is buzzing with entertainment, with local buskers, music playing and loads of people in and around this area. Check out the local Sea Lions usually spotted along Pier 39, these gorgeous animals are sunning themselves on the rocks around this area. 

pier 39 Fishermans wharf San Francisco

Watch the Golden Gate Warriors play.

Whether you are a fan of basketball or not, the atmosphere and entertainment are worth the experience. With the Chase Centre now their new home, there is no excuse. The tickets can be expensive, but if you are like me and don’t mind sitting in the nose bleed section, then you will enjoy every minute of it.

golden state warriors San Francisco

Try Clam chowder in San Francisco.

For me, a trip isn’t a trip without trying the cuisine! Although you could probably find better places to eat this dish, we chose the iconic Tarantino’s restaurant that has been serving customers since it opened its doors in 1946. You can choose to dine upstairs in the restaurant or downstairs in the sidewalk cafe, but if you want to grab and go, then the crab stand is a must. 

clam chowder San Francisco

Have lunch at the Barrel House Tavern in Sausalito

This little town is something that has jumped straight out of a movie screen. Or perhaps the making of a song like “(Sittin’ on the) The Dock of the Bay. Sausalito is a quaint little town full of boutique shops and gorgeous looking waterfront restaurants. So after having a wander through these charming streets and checking out the fantastic view. Head over to Barrel House Tavern for a delicious lunch with a fantastic view. 

Sausilito San Francisco

Have a glass of bubbly at the top of the Marriott Marquis

Why not stop by for a drink and enjoy a fantastic view in the meantime? The view lounge (rightly named by the way) has a 360-degree view of the incredible skyline of San Francisco. You will find the San Francisco Marriott Marquis at 780 Mission Street. You will not be disappointed with the view! 

The view bar San Francisco

Go Op shopping in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco.

For some, you may call it thrift shops, but for this post, let’s say, let’s go vintage shopping! Haight-Ashbury is known for its hippyish feel, and they are not wrong. From bell-bottom pants, long shoulder length hair to the odd whiff of marijuana, you could be mistaken by thinking you have been teleported back to the ’70s. It is a fab place, definitely worth a visit.

haight ashbury

Be inspired by Mario Puzo and write your own (Godfather) novel.

Sit and have lunch at the Caffe Trieste where you can drink plenty of coffees. The Caffee Trieste was the first espresso cafe on the west coast and remains busy to this day. Sip on your cappuccino and be inspired by the many photos around the wall. You may recognise this Caffee Trieste from its many appearances in movies, tv shows and magazines, so sit back, relax and enjoy the hustle and bustle that this cafe has to offer. 

caffe trieste San Francisco

Dip your feet in the ocean at Ocean beach

Yes! It is true; the water is like ice. Due to the fog, caused by icy Pacific water reaching warmer air, this area often causes a chilly ocean breeze. Dipping your feet is all I recommend because not only is Ocean beach water freezing, it also has strong currents, so it makes swimming dangerous. You will find Ocean beach adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge, a short distance away in the Richmond area. 

ocean beach. San Francisco

Take a trip to Alcatraz during the day or night.

For me, Alcatraz during the day was creepy enough, but going when the sun goes down, I would imagine it would be an entirely different level of eerieness. But if you are up for the challenge book your evening tour online well in advance because bookings fill up quicker than you can imagine. I would highly recommend booking early for the day tour also unless you want to book a tour that also includes Alcatraz and ends up costing you a small fortune (Yes, a rookie mistake I know). 

alcatraz San Francisco

Visit the worlds most crooked street.

Lombard Street is famous for just that, being crooked. You can walk beside it, drive down it or admire it from the top or bottom; you can experience this weird and wonderful street anyway you like. There have always been many tourists taking photos of this street every time I have visited it, and once you are there, you can see why. 

Lombard st San Francisco

Walk the self-guided famous house route.

We all love a tv sitcom especially such shows as “full house! So why not walk (or drive) the many famous houses that featured in movies such as “Mrs Doubtfire” and “Pacific Heights”. Or perhaps wander along and view the homes that celebrities past and present have owned.

Mrs doubtfires house

Visit the oldest Chinatown in the US.

First established back in 1853 and later named Chinatown by the press. Chinatown has everything you could imagine in it from trinkets to restaurants and from fresh local produce to massage shops. It is a mini version (and somewhat westernised) version of what you would find in the streets of China.

Chinatown

Visit Muir Woods and measure yourself against the Redwood trees.

The Redwood trees are native to California and can a short distance away from San Francisco in Muir Woods. There is a display of the different types of Redwood trees here, which is impressive. The Redwood trees are enormous with the tallest one reaching to the heights of 258 feet (79 m).

Muir woods San Francisco

Try an in-out burger in San Francisco.

You can try an in-out burger almost anywhere in the Us, however, if you haven’t already, then why not start here. The lines are long, however, are they worth it? Well, I will let you be the verdict on this one.

in out burger San Francisco

Order a “Joe’s special” at “The Original Joe’s” 

Although the area of North Beach is informally known as Little Italy, this can be somewhat confusing. Why? Because North beach was once a fishing village with many Italian immigrants, today the shoreline has extended so this area has no beach in sight, what it still has though is an Italian feel. Why not stop by and try one of the many Italian cafes, restaurants or delicatessens! While you are here, book into “The original Joe’s” and order a “Joe’s special” and while you are there, try the lasagne you won’t regret it.

Lasagne San Francisco

Take a trip down memory lane and visit Joe DiMaggio’s beloved San Francisco.

St Peters and Pauls Church is where he married his first wife, took photos in front of the church with his second wife (Marilyn Munroe) and later had his funeral. Go inside this beautiful church and enjoy its serenity. The DiMaggio family lived in walking distance at 2047 Taylor St in a small unit, and the North Beach playground (renamed Joe DiMaggio playground) is where he and his brothers were seen playing hours of baseball as kids.

st peters and st pauls church

Be inspired by google.

Take a tour to Silicon Valley where you get the opportunity to see the google campus (and yes, it is impressive), take a photo of the iconic “Facebook” logo and tour downtown Palo Alto where you bring out your inner techy! Visit b8ta, where you have the opportunity to try out the latest inventions from start-up companies. Purchasing their products is an excellent start to getting their gadgets on the market, a cool concept with great incentives. This tour would not be complete without a stop at the Computer History Museum where technology began to where it is now.

google San Francisco

Take a ride on the “hop-on, hop-off” bus.

Taking the hop on hop off bus, in any city is a great way to get your bearings. It allows you to get an understanding where all of the locations are that you will eventually want to explore. It also gives you the highlighted version of places that you might not want to venture out to visit but wanted to drive passed. 

golden gate bridge

I could seriously have written a million other locations and things to do, and I found it hard to concentrate on just 20 because San Francisco is an exciting city that has so many places to explore!

20 things to tick off your bucket list in san franscico

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