Love California Part 1: San Francisco

San Francisco is no doubt one of the greatest cities of the world. I always wondered what makes cities great and what makes others not so great? I would say its people, landscape, culture are the biggest contributors to being of a city.  SFO has all that, along with that Californian free attitude!

Golden Gate Bridge on a clear sunny day

One thing about south-west that is different compared to other parts of us is its Hispanic affiliation.

California was admitted to be a part of United states only in 1850. Most of the names of the cities/roads/localities would be in Spanish. San Francisco surely strikes out as different compared to these. It’s not a huge city. It’s not flat at all. It still retains its small city image with independent small cafes

Golden Gate Bridge from Vista Point

1.       Golden Gate Area:  If anything that represents this city  it would be Golden Gate Bridge. It is one of the most beautiful Bridges ( I'll soon be seeing the Pont Alexander III). Its  painted in “international Orange Colour” but looks more like red. It seems very distinct on the blue-green background of the bay’s colour. This makes it look very beautiful.This bridge is a part of Highway-101/CA-1 (that runs from Seattle up to Los Angeles). It is a part of Golden gate Recreational Area (NPS). Actually speaking it is hard to miss this bridge. While going North from SFO you will have to cross the bridge!

There are two ends to the bridge (South and the North)

In the southern End- you can go to the Fort point over look (Highly recommend). You can drive up to a point and park your vehicle there ( you can also rent a bicycle at Pier 39 and come here LHS of bridge from south is just for bikes) It is a place where you need your camera handy!

At the northern end is - Vista point – Just cross the bridge and to your right first exit. You will notice a traffic Jam! That’s the Vista point for you.

Parking is free and rare.You can walk over the RHS (from south) of the bridge. Walking over the bridge is recommended. There are other better views also.

It should take 2-4  hours depending on what you do.

    Link: http://www.nps.gov/goga/index.htm

Warning: There is a one way toll of $6 when you return to San Francisco. Only Cash! Check for the weather it is often cold and Fog will not allow you to see the bridge- has happened to me many times.

2.       Fisherman’s Wharf (Pier 39): This is something which is not to be missed. There is a huge wooden pier with many-many shops, cafes, ice-cream parlors on the pier. There are small shows for children, a merry go round etc. Cafes serve you crepes, ice-creams etc. There are hordes of shops selling all kinds of memorabilia.  Sea Food is something special here.  Clam chowder has to be tasted.

Cooking Crepe at Pier 39

I have become a big fan of crab-cakes here! The prices will set you back by $60 for a lunch.There are cheaper and better options for sea food if go on the streets adjacent to the pier. This place is always lively and filled with street performers.

There are places walkable form here like the Maritime museum, Ghirardelli  Square and the famous cable car. You can rent a bicycle here and to  the Golden gate area  You can spend half a day either morning or evening here. Ghirardelli Square is where Ghirardelli chocolates was started. It’s a nice place to go and try different chocolates and sundaes. It’s about 15-20 mins walk form the pier. Also Fisherman’s wharf  is the place (pier 33) where you will get the ferry to Alcatraz island.
 

Warning: Public Parking is available, but at a cost.  If you park close to the pier it would cost you $35 a day.There are places where you can park for as less as $18 a day. But parking here makes sense as most of the things are close from here.

San Francisco from Alcatraz

3.       Crooked Street (Lombard Street): This place is very well on the verge of being a tourist trap. I would have rated it as one, if there was a charge to see it.

Lombard Street

There are many options on how you can see this place. You can park your car at the fisherman’s wharf ( where there is a flat fee to park) and take a tram to the crooked street.

The tram (or Cable Car) is fun to ride and you will need to pay in cash ( should be around $5 for a return ticket)

You can also take your car right up to the place. You can park your car for free up to 2 hours (if you find a place).

But views are great from here! You can see the Alcatraz island. 
                                                                                                                                       



                                                                                                                                       Warning:  The roads have extremely steep slopes. Some have as much as 17°.  You will fear if your engine or brakes will go down but fear not! Parking has strict rules due to the slopes. Driving SUV here is really painful so try to get a smaller car like mini or Fiat 500. Do not forget to use hand breaks if you have a manual  car!

Steep slopes: one of the many

4.       Alamo Square: This is a famous place for tourists who flock to see Victorian houses. There is a park at the square which is filled by greenery, tourists with cameras, dog owners.

Seven Sisters at Alamo Square

It has a group of 7 “similar” houses known as seven sisters also known as painted ladies.

It is right in the city and if you find a parking space it should not take you more than half hour.

Another potential tourist trap if it were a paid destination. I would not go there if I had limited time.

5.       Twins Peak: You can definitely drive here. It gives you a very nice view of SFO and its bay. It should not take you more than one hour. Do not go if its foggy!

6.       Down town: It is like any other downtown is US. Tall buildings, department stores like Bloomingdales, Macy’s. medium end shops like boss, Diesel.

If you have been to other down-towns in US, avoid going there. You can take a cable car from Lombard street to here.

Warning: Parking very limited! Don’t come here in car!

Alcatraz Island

7.       Alcatraz Tours:  It is basically speaking, tour of the famous Alcatraz Prison. There is an self-guided audio tour. Strictly it’s kind of a tourist trap.

Ferry from Pier 33

You feel people are trying to sell you things you don’t want. Why would you want to see a prison? But as has good opportunities for photography and you can see the cell of its most famous inmate Al Capone. You have to catch a ferry from Pier 33. The details are given in the link below.  

Official Link: http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/

Book tours online to avoid long queues for tickets (link above).
  

                                                                                          

 Warning: On long weekends the tours can get sold off so book  early.  It can get windy and chilly so some hoody should help you to keep warm.

Around San Francisco:

Best thing about SFO is its proximity to many different “touristic” places.

1.       Muir Woods National Monument: It is one of my most favorite places in CA. Seeing the tall Sequoia trees is simply breathtaking even for a non-nature freak!                        

Giant Sequoia

  Some trees are as tall as 70 meters (compare this with average human height of 1.5 meters)! Most of the trees are older than 1000 years!


It has been really well preserved. You experience a strange quietness. A nature photographers paradise for flora, fauna and natural wonders!There are many nature trails here and I would suggest walk through at least one 1-mile trail if your trip is not crammed! 

Warning: It is a touristy place so expect lots of cars. Parking can be a headache if you are here on a long weekend. Parking is free.Park entrance is $5 which is way less than it should be. Check for fog warnings before you go. It has a visitor center with a small café.

                

Link: http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm

                

On a busy day a trip from central San Francisco should take about 4 hours. Park closes at 5pm in winters.

Napa Valley

2.       Napa Valley: Napa Valley is about 50 miles North of SFO. It is famous for its  vineyards. Miles and miles of green yards ( if you are there in right season) will make you happy.

Grapes ready to harvest

There are at least 100 wine makers with big vineyards. They offer range of services right from vine tastings to vineyard tours.

There are places where you can stay but it is expensive here. If you can make it during the harvesting season it is great! The season is during September. We visited http://www.beringer.com/ and  http://www.sterlingvineyards.com/age_gateway?destination=home

Do not forget to taste their reserve wines!It will take you one full day if you are starting from SFO.

3.       Point Bonita Light House/Fort Baker: The light house is about 10-11 miles form SFO.

         Link: http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=76

Warning: There is a 5 minute Red signal through the tunnel. Sunset would be a nice time to go but the light house closes at 3:30pm

4.       Stinson Beach: It is just 7-8 miles north of Muir woods. It’s a nice clean beach with many small picturesque cafes.

Stinson Beach overlook

5.       Mill Valley: It’s a small picturesque town close to SFO. It has small streets lined with small local shops. A nice place to go if you have time.

  
Conclusion: Its one of the best places to be in the world. Depending on the number of days you can plan your itinerary.