Wow, can you believe 5 years ago I wrote this blog post: 5 Fun Things in Southern California. And while San Francisco has been on my city bucket list for a while now, that last blog inspired the layout for this one.
Part of my 2019 resolution is to travel every month, so the weekend surrounding MLK Jr. Day my sister and I headed to San Fran! We stayed in an Airbnb, per usual, and found ourselves soaking in the California sun before we had to head back to the Nebraska winter. 5 things we enjoyed doing and seeing are:
- Golden Gate Bridge
After brunch one day, we saw a shop across that street that dealt with bike rentals. We found the cost to be extremely reasonably at $34 each for a whole day (ending at 5o’clock). From where we were at, we headed to the coastline and then up the bike path to the bridge. The hills were tremendous, but we got beautiful views of the water, the city and Alcatraz. AND – there’s no cost for bikers/walkers on the bridge.
- Kirby Cove
When we got across the bridge, we were in Sausalito. Here we made our way up one more, steep hill and came to a dirt path where we decided to park and lock our bikes. We then headed down this quiet path where all we could hear was nature. We eventually came to secluded beach with more views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge. For reference, our biking here and back took 4 hours total.
- Shopping
If you’ve ever been to California before, you know the West Coast usually has some pretty cool stores that are unlike anywhere else and being from Nebraska, we took advantage of that. I introduced my sister to Brandy Melville and we both got San Francisco hoodies and I got a keychain for my collection.
- Painted Ladies
These houses are so photographed for a couple reasons 1) they’re cute 2) they’re some of the most expensive houses on the market 3) they’re featured on the Full House opening credits. AND there’s a cute little park you can hang out in and take in the sunny Cali weather.
- Financial District
One of the last things my sister and I really enjoyed doing was driving through the Bay Area’s Financial District. It was full of really high and expensive looking buildings that we couldn’t take our eyes off of.
Since we were only there for a weekend, and our arriving flight got delayed for 7 hours (thanks, United), we were shorter on time then we would’ve liked. So, if you’re ever in San Francisco and have more time, add sightseeing in Fisherman’s Wharf and touring Alcatraz to your list!
**Did I miss anything?
**What’s on your San Francisco list?
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San Francisco is one US city I definitely hope to visit one day. The architecture looks so pretty, and those hilly streets are so interesting. Plus I’m sure I’d be able to eat a lot of vegan food there, haha!
I hope you get to visit! I think it’s my fav town in california that i’ve been too 🙂 and yes I imagine they have tons of food options for everybody!
I haven’t been to California yet but it’s on my list. Thanks for sharing these fun places to check out in northern California!
Of course! Thank you so much for reading, I really appreciate it 🙂
I love California. From San Fransisco, to Yosemite National Park, to even the amusement parks in and around Los Angeles, there is so much to see and do.
yes, i agree! it really has something for everyone!
North America is a continent I’ve yet to visit! California seems absolutely gorgeous and I would love to go and see the Golden Gate Bridge 😍
Hopefully you make it over here one day! Especially in the U.S., we have a state for everybody 🙂
When I was in San Francisco, I loved seeing the Painted Ladies! Thanks for sharing!
Me too! It was a really unique and relaxing experience I thought, thanks for reading 🙂
When I was in San Francisco I especially like the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks. Also the financial center was pretty cool. Thanks for the overview
Yes! The bridge as fabulous!
I love San Francisco. I live here. I am glad you enjoyed your visit here.
Other places to visit are COIT Tower, Twin Peaks, Bernal Heights, Golden Gate Park, Emabarcadero, Pier39, Alcatraz and so much more..
Perfect 🙂 Thanks for this list! I really did want to check out Alcatraz but ran out of time 🙁
It’s been decades since I’ve been to San Francisco, and I’d love to go back! I never got to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, so that’s going on my list. I don’t think I could handle SF’s hills on a bike, though. Some of those must have been tough!
oh those hills were brutal! i think my butt was actually bruised afterwards hahaha but still fun!
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article and
also the rest of the website is really good.
This seems like a blast! I’ve only been to southern Cali, but now I really want to check out the north.
Krystianna @ Volumes and Voyages
In my opinion, I thought the northern part was prettier than the southern part – and less crowded!