Here’s how to spend a day in the City by the Bay.
Happy Quarantine! I hope that you are staying safe and healthy. Although COVID-19 canceled my summer plans (I was going to spend 5 weeks at a journalism program near Chicago) and any hopes of traveling in the near future, I’ve discovered some local places that have been wonderful to explore. I’ve enjoyed becoming a tourist in my own area over the past few months. Keep reading for some tips and must-visit places in San Francisco, California, organized roughly by neighborhood.
Presidio
The Golden Gate Bridge
Is there anything more iconic in San Francisco than the Golden Gate Bridge? The suspension bridge, which connects San Francisco and Marin County, was finished in 1937 and is known for its unique color. You can walk or bike across the bridge (about 1.5 miles each way) for free, or you can drive across, though there is a toll fee if you are coming into San Francisco. For the best views of the bridge, I recommend Baker Beach, Crissy Field, or Lands End on the SF side and Marin Headlands (specifically, the Point Bonita Lighthouse and the street overlooks on Conzelman Road) across the bay.
Here’s a quick map to orient yourself to the geography and general location of the Golden Gate Bridge:
Tennessee Valley Trail:
There are tons of gorgeous hikes in the San Francisco area – sometimes I forget that I’m literally right next to a major metropolitan area. One of the trails that I’ve discovered recently is the Tennessee Valley Trail, which is on the Marin side. The hike is 1.7 miles each way and goes from the parking lot to Tennessee Beach, though there are many offshoots and connecting trails (like the Coastal Trail, and there are clear signs for directions) if you want to explore some more or make your walk a bit longer.
Crissy Field:
Formerly a military airfield and part of the Presidio of San Francisco, Crissy Field is a beautiful park and recreation area with up-close views of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are trails for walking and jogging, large grassy areas for lounging (but wear a mask and social distance if you go during the era of COVID-19!), and picturesque beaches for some nice views (swim if you dare, but the temperature averages 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer). The Walt Disney Family Museum is located in the Presidio, too. And, my parents actually got married at the Presidio Chapel!
Lands End:
Approximately 15 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, Lands End has a park, lookout area, and trail. There is street parking nearby as well as two parking lots, one near the Sutro Baths and one near the USS San Francisco Memorial. When I visited with my family, we parked on the street, then walked down to the Sutro Baths, a former public saltwater swimming complex against the Pacific Ocean. After taking some photos there, we started the hike. The trail will take you all the way to the Presidio if you’d like, but we stopped and turned around after a couple of hours. The views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge are spectacular!
Sunset
Ocean Beach:
As you’d expect, there are many beaches in San Francisco. Ocean Beach, about 15 minutes from Lands End walking or driving (thanks, city driving!) is one of my favorites. You can also get to Ocean Beach using public transportation (Bus 18 and Bus 7). As I mentioned previously, the beaches in SF aren’t great for swimming because they are very cold, but Ocean Beach has a lot of space to lay out a blanket, relax, and watch the sunset.
Russian Hill
Lombard Street:
The most crooked street in the world, Lombard Street is known for its 8 sharp turns. The street actually runs through the city, the best-known part starts at Hyde and Leavenworth. The street can get crowded, but there was no line when I went to visit, and there’s no fee to walk or drive down. It stretches from The Presidio to the Embarcadero.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39:
Less than a mile from Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf is a quintessential spot for San Francisco tourists. Its coastal feel and many seafood restaurants remind me a bit of Monterey, California. The Wharf has a Madame Tussauds wax museum, the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate shop, the Aquarium of the Bay, and more. Umbrella Alley is a popular (and free!) spot for photos because of its many colorful murals. You can also see sea lions lounging on the docks at the end of Pier 39. My personal favorite part of Fisherman’s Wharf is the large Boudin Bakery where you can watch bakers make the Original San Francisco Sourdough.
The Embarcadero
The Ferry Building:
A haven for foodies, the Ferry Building is home to restaurants, grocery stores, and food stalls, and it hosts a great farmers market three times a week. With waterfront views and unique food (the first vegan donut I ever had was from the a shop in Ferry Building), this is one of my favorite spots in the city. You can catch the ferry to the North and East Bay from here, too.
The Exploratorium:
A mere 10 minute walk from the Ferry Building, the Exploratorium – a museum boasting “joyful learning experiences” – was a staple of my childhood. I came for class field trips and family excursions, and there is no shortage of fun, interactive exhibits (think: a toilet-shaped water fountain). Unfortunately, the Exploratorium is currently closed due to COVID-19, but it’d be a great place to visit once we get the pandemic under control.
Union Square
Union Square:
Union Square is the hub of the city and is easily accessible by public transportation. At Christmas, it has spectacular holiday decorations, a huge tree, and a nice ice skating rink. It is surrounded by shops (Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, etc.) and hotels, giving it a true “city feel”—maybe more so than other San Francisco landmarks. There are also several theaters, like the American Conservatory Theatre and Curran Theatre, where you can catch a show in non-pandemic times.
Alamo Square
The Painted Ladies
Two miles away from Union Square is Alamo Park and the Painted Ladies, the iconic pastel houses on Hayes Street that have been featured in several movies and TV shows. You can set up a picnic blanket and relax in the park with a view of the city skyline.
Other Things to Do
- Visit the California Academy of Sciences (museum + rainforest + planetarium + albino alligator = perfect place to spend the day)
- Visit Alcatraz Island (former federal prison that is rife with history – I’ve never actually been but I hope to once things start to safely open up again!)
- Visit Angel Island (the Ellis Island of the West—again, I’ve never been but it would be amazing to see the first place my ancestors visited upon arriving in the US, as sad as the history may be)
- Visit Chinatown (SF Chinatown, the United States’ first and largest, is home to tons of authentic restaurants and shops and played an integral role in the development of the Asian American community)
- Visit Japantown (one of three Japantowns in the United States, it also has lots of restaurants and stores and is marked by the five-tiered Peace Pagoda)
- Ride a cable car
- Watch a game or concert at Oracle Park (formerly AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants)
- Watch a game or concert at Chase Center (the newly-renovated home of the Golden State Warriors)
- Wander through the city streets—there are so many unique restaurants and buildings in San Francisco!
Final Thoughts
San Francisco is one of the most well-known cities in the world, and there are certainly many reasons why. I’m thankful that I have had the time and opportunity to explore it more. I hope that you learned a little bit about San Francisco. As Journey sings in Lights, “When the lights go down in the City / And the sun shines on the bay / Ooh, I wanna be there in my City, oh…”
Thank you so much for reading this post. I will be creating more San Francisco content soon (i.e. hotels/places to stay, transportation, restaurants, and other tips from a local). Also, thank you for 1,000 followers on Instagram 🙂
