One Day in…San Francisco, USA

Traveler Profile: Keegan, 24, US

Location: San Fransisco

Time of Year: Summer

Travel Goals: seeing the sights, tasting the food, and experiencing the culture

Growing up just 45 minutes outside San Francisco, many of my favorite childhood memories were heading to the city to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, walk around Fisherman’s Warf, and finish my day watching the San Francisco Giants play ball. So when I was back visiting family nearby, I decided to take a day and enjoy the city of my childhood.

The Car Situation

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To put it simply: don’t bring a car. Crime has risen a lot in the city, and though there isn’t much violent crime, breaking into cars and stealing things tourists leave behind is to be expected, so you’re better off parking in a safe garage and using an app like Uber or Lyft to get around.

Traveler Tip: The BART (the local commuter train) can take you into the city, so parking outside and taking the train in can help you avoid expensive city parking garages.

Starting at the bridge

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Since I came in from just North of the city, my first stop was the Golden Gate Bridge. I got a coffee at the Welcome Center. I walked across the bridge, watching the morning fog slowly fade away to reveal kite surfers dashing across the waves below and the fortified Alcatraz Island sitting in the center of the bay.

Travelers Tip: You really don’t need to walk across the entire bridge if you don’t want to since it is pretty long, and the welcome centers on each side are the same.

Hiking the Lands End Trail

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Most people typically don’t think of the city’s natural beauty when they think of San Francisco. It is a shame, though, because the city has many beautiful parks and views. For instance, right next to the Golden Gate Bridge is the Presidio of San Francisco, a park and former Army outpost that offers some great hiking trails and beautiful views of the Bridge and Bay.

Travelers Tip: A lot of the old Army base is free to explore, so don’t be afraid to look around and see what you can.

A Snack at Fisherman’s Wharf

Image Credit: Pexels / Malcolm Hill

After working up an appetite on my hike, I headed to the Fisherman’s Warf to grab a clam chowder bread bowl. Since sourdough bread was invented in San Francisco, it has become a staple of many local dishes. My favorite is a sourdough bread roll hollowed out and filled with fresh clam chowder from one of the many seafood restaurants at the wharf.

Travelers Tip: Keep Walking toward Pier 39 and experience an iconic San Francisco location filled with food, fun, and shopping

An Evening at Twin Peaks

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To finish my day, I went to Twin Peaks for one of the best views in the city. In the middle of Northern San Francisco is a park with two massive hills that offer a view of the city lights, ocean bay, and golden hills that roll deeper into California.

Travelers Tip: Make sure you have a jacket since the winds on top of the hill can get pretty chilly.

Counterculture

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San Francisco is known as the birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement, which can still be seen today in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are the origins of the free love and hippy movements that many associate with the city to this day, making it a great area to check out during your visit.

Traveler Tip: Check out the vintage stores in the area to find great deals on original and often designer clothing.

The Bottom Line

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San Francisco is a city that may have seen better days, but there is still a lot the city has to offer. The history and culture of this city is still unlike any other, making it a must-see if you’re in the area. Plus, its relatively small size compared to other major US cities makes it an easy city to spend a day in and get a real sense of its size and culture.

Tourist information: https://www.sftravel.com/