Stop #1: The ICONIC Golden Gate Bridge
I think I can confidently say that for every tourist visiting San Francisco, the #1 thing to see is the Golden Gate Bridge. Completed on May 27, 1937, by architects Joseph Strauss, Charles Alton Ellis, and Irving Morrow, the bridge connects the San Francisco Peninsula and the Marin Headlands. At the pit-stop, you can take great photos of the Golden Gate Bridge behind you. Not only is there a great view of the bridge, but also of the San Francisco area. While looking at the bridge is free, to drive across the bridge can cost you around $9.40.
Stop #2: Japanese Tea Garden
Not only is San Francisco known for its bridges and unique architecture, but also for its rich history. For the 1894 World’s Fair in San Francisco, the Tea Garden was created by Makoto Hagiwara, an immigrant from Japan. He wanted to create an authentic Japanese tea garden in Golden Gate Park, filled with valuable scriptures, structures, and plants. The garden is a great space to relax from the hustle of city life. While tea is also served in the garden, it is not included in your ticket price.
Stop #3: Seals at Pier 39
Pier 39 is a popular tourist destination with gift shops, good food, and live music. At the pier, you can also view California sea lions out on the docks of Pier 39’s marina. The California sea lions appeared on the Pier 39’s K-Dock after an earthquake that hit San Francisco in October 1989. Since then, the population of sea lions on the docks has grown tremendously. In late summer, the sea lion population can range from 150 to 600 sea lions!
Stop #4: Sourdough Bread at Boudin
Across from Pier 39 is the Boudin Bakery. The bakery and its famous sourdough bread has existed since the gold rush, when the mother dough was cultivated from a gold miner’s sourdough starter. Boudin Bakery is San Francisco’s oldest continuously operating business and has grown to selling bread bowls, gyros, and sandwiches. When I went to Boudin Bakery, they were selling sourdough bread turtles. They also sell in many different figures.
Stop #5: San Francisco Districts & Architecture
A tourist attraction that is free is to take in the sights and sounds of the city. What makes San Francisco unique are the boroughs. Boroughs such as Little Italy, Chinatown, the Financial District, Mission District, and Castro/Noe Valley offer a variety of food, drinks, and gifts for any occasion. As a tourist, the best time to go to these neighborhoods is in the afternoon when the locals are at work, because at night these neighborhoods are filled with people ready to eat, laugh, and have a good time!
Sources
Comments