Even Better in Person! and other San Francisco, CA Things to Do Tips

As amazing as the bridge looks in pictures, its even better in person, which of course won't come as a surprise. What does come as a surprise is how beautiful the view is from the Visitor Center. The bridge stretches out in the distance at a angle showing off all its highlights and regardless of the weather its always a sight to see. Whether highlighted against a brilliant blue sky or embroiled in a milky fog there is never a bad time to visit. There is a park in front of the visitor center with benches that face the bridge, there is also a bike trail that runs along the waterfront. So no matter how your choose to get there, be it by foot, bike, car, or bus visiting the Golden Gate Bridge will serve as the highlight of your visit to San Francisco!

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Phone: (415) 921-5858
Address: Northwestern Tip of San Francisco Peninsula
Directions: The bridge is Highway 101's link from San Francisco to the counties North.
Website: http://www.goldengatebridge.org

To see the Golden Gate Bridge is one thing, but to walk the Golden Gate Bridge is quite another. In fact its safe to say that walking across the bridge is the only way to truly say you have experienced the Golden Gate. Walking the bridge will give you a greater appreciation for its architecture and beauty as well as for its sheer size. Its takes about a hour to walk from one end of the bridge to the other and back. The views of downtown San Francisco and Alcatraz are fantastic and nothing quite beats staring down at a barge as in goes under the bridge, the temptation to spit is enormous, but don't do it, there are cameras everywhere! Word of warning, the weather around the bridge is always windy and cold even in the middle of summer, so it would be wise to bring a sweatshirt or windbreaker even if its a eighty degree day, because the wind whips violently on the bridge and 80 degrees will quickly feel like 60 degree's!

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Phone: (415) 921-5858
Address: Northwestern Tip of San Francisco Peninsula
Directions: The bridge is Highway 101's link from San Francisco to the counties North.
Website: http://www.goldengatebridge.org

The best part of Union isn't the shops or the fact it's a beautiful place to relax, but rather the heavy European influence that make up the square. Much like the many different squares in Rome, Union Square is a place of tranquility amidst the bustling city. However Union Square had a much more modern look as its surrounded by towering skyscrapers and palm tree's. There are a couple cafe's in the square with plenty of outdoor tables to enjoy coffee and a view. From a people watching perspective its about the best spot in the city, of course if you prefer shopping you are in luck as Macy's, Nike Town, and Sak's 5th Ave are among the many different stores that surround the square. Definitely plan on making Union Square a staple of your visit to San Francisco!

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Grant Street is only about six blocks long but its chock full of culture, activity, and delicious aroma's! Chinatown is a frenzy of activity, with each block jam packed with shops selling knick knacks from the Orient. You can buy anything from a $300 tea set to a $1.98 t-shirt with just about everything in between. You will see shops selling cheap cameras right next to shops with live chickens in crates. But even if your not into buying live chickens there are many different shops to fit any taste. Speaking of taste, the best part of Chinatown is all the different places to eat, the streets are full of rich, exotic smells that will drift into your nose and get your stomach rumbling. So bring your wallet and appetite and plan on spending a afternoon in a different world!

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Address: Bordered by Broadway, Bush, Kearny, Stockton sts.
Directions: Ornamental gate at Grant and Bush intersection.
Website: http://www.sfchinatown.com/

The Bay Bridge is kind of like the Nicole Richie to the Golden Gate's Paris Hilton, not quite as attractive but still worth a look. While it doesn't get as much attention as the Golden Gate, the Bay Bridge is in many ways more picturesque then the Golden Gate in terms of its setting. Locate on Embarcadero and with the city right next to it, the Bay Bridge offers many unique photo opportunities. The Bay Bridge seems to go on forever into the horizon and its visible from almost every part of the city and rarely encompassed in fog like the Golden Gate. To get the best views of the Bay Bridge go down to the Embarcadero and have a seat on one of the many benches that line the waterfront and relax!

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Pier 14 is located on the Embarcadero and is the last pier closet to the Bay Bridge. Its a long pier that stretches out toward the Bay Bridge and makes for a perfect place to take in the Bay Bridge and the city with the soothing feel of the ocean breeze. This is a nice place to visit if your looking to relax and take a load off from all the sight seeing!

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Walking down Embarcadero is like a walk in the park. The bay is on one side and the city on the other, there are palm trees and benches and plenty of room to sprawl out. The ocean breeze is invigorating and the views breathtaking. There is plenty to see and do and there is even street cars that will take you from the Ferry Building all the way to Pier 39! Embarcadero has been featured in many films and commercials, most recently the Docker's advertisements.

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The world famous Ghiradelli Square is a mecca for the true chocolate lover, though just for the record the square is not actually made of chocolate, though it might as well be as there is a Ghiradelli chocolate shop and ice cream parlor that serves decadent ice cream treats smothered in Ghiradelli's finest. For those who aren't big chocolate lovers there are other places in the square that are not chocolate related like McCormicks Seafood which overlooks the bay and has excellent seafood dishes. The Square itself is beautifully done and of course is highlighted by the easily recognizable Ghiradelli sign that towers over the square. Located just a few blocks away from Fishermen's Wharf the locations is hard to beat as well. There is also a park and small beach in front of the Square.

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Phone: (415) 775-5500
Address: 900 North Point Street at Larkin
Directions: Near Fisherman's Wharf
Website: http://www.ghirardellisq.com/

Coit Tower has long been a symbol of San Francisco, and why not, it rises magestically above the city offering unobstructed views of the entire bay. With one long sweeping view you can take in the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Embarcadero, Bay Bridge, and the down town area. Additionally the hill that Coit Tower resides on is immersed with pine trees with houses built into the hill separated by tight winding foot paths which adds to the whole experience. There is a elevator that will take you to the top of Coit Tower, the cost is $3.50 per ride, but its well worth the cost as the views of the city are incredible. The tower was built in 1933 on top of Telegraph Hill, and contrary to popular belief it was not designed to look like the nozzle of a fire hose, rather just a wonderful coincidence.

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Phone: (415) 362- 0808
Address: 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd
Website: http://www.coittower.org/

While you can't access the tower after dark the grounds around Coit Tower are still open and offer wonderful views of San Francisco at night. Generally there aren't many people around so in most cases you will have it to yourself. The best views are on the side of Coit Tower that faces the downtown area. There is a spot where you can sit down and take in the Bay Bridge and the Skyscrapers all lit up, it is breathtaking and romantic all at once. The city of blinding lights!

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Phone: (415) 362- 0808
Address: 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd
Website: http://www.coittower.org/