When Rudyard Kipling painted a picture of San Francisco with his words, he wasn’t too wrong. It’s hard to leave the city once you have spent some time here. It’s exciting as to how every street you visit gives you a whole new experience. It’s no New York, I dare say, but if you ask the people who have lived here, it is the city they will never trade for another.
You’d be surprised to see how the weather changes in a jiffy. During the morning, you are enjoying a crystal clear view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, in just a few hours, muted fogs take over bringing in the chilly weather making you regret your wardrobe choices for the day.
The colourful homes of the Italianate style in San Francisco will leave you charmed making you want some more from the city. A ride on the one of a kind cable car to the Fisherman’s Warf will take you back in time. The trip is incomplete without experiencing the crooked street which is no less than a great roller coaster ride.
A bike ride through the bay area is the perfect way to enjoy the breathtaking views, the green space, the picturesque buildings and the enchanting neighbourhoods. Don’t forget to take a sip of that perfect cup of coffee in one of the cafes at the Mission District.
San Francisco may not be the epitome of love like Paris is, but it is the place where the modern love story has the perfect ending.
San Francisco is the perfect destination for globetrotters who prefer peace and quiet more as compared to the pomp and show of New York City. If you are one of those who love long walks while sipping cup of coffee, San Francisco is your best bet. The city has an exquisite range of food items and its proximity to the Napa Valley is a plus making it one of the best wine cities in the United States.
Another aspect that draws travelers to the city is the no snow show. There are some who aren’t too exhilarated at the idea of a white snowy winter morning.
Best Time to Visit San Francisco
San Francisco’s weather is a mix of brilliant sunshine, majestic skies, and blankets of white fog. During the spring, the days are usually mild and less cloudy. While most cities witness spring showers, San Francisco remains dry during this time.
Summer in San Francisco is noticeably cooler with overcast conditions on most days due to the white fog blanketing the city. The breezes have a slight bite to them which surprisingly is no summer trait.
Fall happens to be the best time to enjoy San Francisco to its fullest. Days become sunny and the foggy days take a backseat. Conditions are warm and sunny skies are an inspiration for tourists to head to San Francisco for some beach fun. However, it is better if you pack a few layers as the bay breeze does not spare you.
Chilly winds are characteristic during the winter months. However, snowfall is a rare sight. Meanwhile, rain is abundant bringing in torrential downpours on several occasions. Days are usually cold and sunny, which is just the time for an afternoon stroll.
Places to Visit in San Francisco, Things to Do in San Francisco
Pier 39, your one stop shop: Whether you want to get a postcard view of the city and the bay or you want to have a rendezvous with the sea creatures at the Aquarium of the Bay; Pier 39 is the place to be. Located at the Fisherman’s Warf, Pier 39 is the place to be.
Golden Gate Bridge: Your trip to SFO is incomplete without a visit to iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The orange coloured bridge with a backdrop of the azure sea, and at times half covered in low lying clouds is something you should never miss.
China Town: The China Town of San Francisco is the largest out of Asia along with being the oldest in North America. While it was destroyed in the year 1906, it has been rebuilt and is all the more charming.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: Housed in the War Memorial Veterans Building of the Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco Museum of Art showcases the art of the twentieth century.
Fisherman’s Wharf: A host to the iconic Ghirardelli Square and the Ripley’s Believe it or not Museum, Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to spend an entire day at. The sea lion colony just a few blocks away makes it all the more interesting.
Golden Gate Park: Move over Central Park, San Francisco has something way bigger, and cooler called the Golden Gate Park. A million trees, the conservatory of flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden and the carousel on the Kezar drive, make sure see them all.
Union Square: The 2.5-acre public plaza situated in downtown San Francisco is the ultimate destination for shopping, and has the largest collection of luxury and departmental stores and boutiques. Dining options are unlimited making it all the more attractive to first-time visitors.
Lombard Street: If you visit San Francisco, you have to take a drive on the iconic Lombard Street. The crooked street with eight hairpin turns past Victorian mansions will give you an experience of a lifetime.
Alcatraz Island: The Alcatraz Island which is a small island about 2 km from San Francisco. The island was once the home of civil war prisoners. Video presentations and audio tours are also interesting bits of the trip.
Cable Car Museum: For history buffs, the San Francisco Cable Car Museum is something one must not miss. The museum has exhibits on the cable car system along with smaller shops.
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