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San Francisco
Introduction
Simply gorgeous and effortlessly cool! San Francisco is one of the most progressive cities in the world, with a diverse population giving the city a vibrant cultural heritage. It is also a city of International prominence with a strong hold on global business, technology, tourism and culture. San Francisco is a gorgeous city with hilly streets, splendid bay views and beautiful Victorian and modern architecture.
San Francisco certainly deserves its accolade as ‘Everyone’s Favourite City,’ for it is one of America’s most densely populated with millions flocking each year to experience the beautiful city by the bay, San Fransisco's Attractions, San Fransisco's Restaurants and Shopping in San Francisco. Very few places enjoy such a laid back ambience, diverse mix of people and an eclectic character.
Areas of Interest
Gallery
Attractions
Being the cosmopolitan city that is – San Francisco has great attractions to suit every taste; from inspiring modern galleries to diverse historical sites. The city has a number of land marks such as the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
San Francisco is a city of interesting neighbourhoods with big personality. The city has been ranked as the number one most walk-able city in America so it’s great to explore on foot. Alternatively; the city can be explored by using the popular San Francisco Cable Car. The Cable Car passes scenic routes and it also goes through the Fisherman’s Wharf where Pier 39 and several other major attractions are located.
Nowhere in America is the passion for liberty is as evident as it is in San Francisco. It is a pioneer of women and LGBT rights, not just in America but the world over. The Castro District is the heart of the gay rights movement and history. The Neighbourhood is also popular for its colourful galleries, shops, restaurants and bars. San Francisco Pride takes place in the neighbourhood and is one of the biggest in the world; it attracts over one million people.
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (151 3rd Street) is the second biggest of its kind in the country. With its brilliant architecture and spectacular collection of art, photography, videos and music – it’s a must see attraction for anyone visiting the city. Another major attraction is Alcatraz Island; once housed some of America’s most notorious criminals and is both a historical land mark and iconic in popular culture. The island can be accessed by boat from Pier 41.
No Doubt, there is no shortage of things to see and do in San Francisco. TourAmerica recommends the following sights: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, Chinatown, Lombard Street & Fisherman’s Wharf.
San Francisco Sightseeing Tours:
Golden Gate & Sausalito Loop Hop-on Hop-off, San Francisco Night Tour, San Francisco Bay Cruise, Downtown Loop + Aquarium, Bus & Boat Combo, Muir Woods & Sausalito Hop-on Hop-off, Park Loop + California Academy of Science, Half Day Wine Country Tour, Napa and Sonoma Wine Country, Woods and Wine (Muir Woods Tour & Half Day Wine Country), All Loops + ALCATRAZ, Yosemite National Park.
Check some amazing videos of San Francisco:
San Francisco Time Lapse Showcase
San Francisco Top 10 Travel Attractions
San Francisco Events Guide:
St Patricks Day – 17 March
For St. Patrick's Day, San Francisco's Irish spirit turns the city clover green. San Francisco’s St. Patrick's Day Parade is the biggest Irish bash west of the Mississippi, and lively block parties, Celtic music concerts and Irish dance performances keep people reeling on and around March 17.
US Open – San Francisco 14 - 18 June
The United States Open Championship, commonly known as the U.S. Open, is the annual open golf tournament of the United States. It is the second of the four major championships in golf, and is on the official schedule of both the PGA Tour and the European Tour.
4 of July – Independence Day celebrations
The San Francisco Bay Area marks July 4 with fireworks, picnics, concerts and family fun. The highlight of San Francisco’s July 4 celebration is the annual mega fireworks show at the waterfront. At 9:30 pm, fireworks are set off from the foot of the Municipal Pier and from barges north of Pier 39. Don't miss it!
Restaurants
San Francisco’s varied ethnic population brings with it cuisines from around the globe. With 3,000 spots; the city has more eating establishments per capita than anywhere else in the world. For breakfast, check out Zacharys(819 Pacific Ave) before 2.30pm, consistently voted the best breakfast in town. For a good old diner feast, theres Sears Fine Foods (439 Powell St ) and if you fancy something a little more romantic, Fleur de Lys on 777 Sutter St at Jones
Foreign Cinema (2534 Mission Street) is one of our favourite restaurants in the city by the bay. They do a Californian/Mediterranean inspired menu in an industrial chic setting. They have foreign films screened silently with subtitles, creating a unique dining experience. Greens Restaurant (Building A, Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard) offers a vegetarian fare with sweeping views of the Marina, Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. A16 (2355 Chestnut Street) offers delicious Italian cuisine and has received rave reviews from food critics in San Francisco.
There is abundance of eating establishment in several of San Francisco’s neighbourhoods. The Mission District has a high concentration of restaurants and bars. The district is particularly popular for its Mexican restaurants. Chinatown is jam-packed with eateries; over 300 of them. It is the oldest Chinatown in North America with the largest Chinese population in the country. Visitors and residents alike flock to the district to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine and culture.
Shopping
Shopping in San Francisco is part blood sport, part cultural experience. For the latter, browse North Beachs Grant Ave from Bush to Filbert stations - go from Chinatown to North Beach, from silk kimonos to rare vinyl. In Hayes Valley, Hayes St from Franklin to Laguna Sts is an upscale, stylish mash of galleries, boutiques and intriguing wares. Residents of San Francisco are known for their high income, this has attracted retailers from all over the world to the city. There is a large concentration of luxury boutiques; the city is a fashion cognoscenti’s dream come true. The diverse population has also brought with it an assorted mix of boutiques, galleries and neighbourhood shops catering to unconventional whims at more affordable prices.
Union Square and its surrounding streets boast some of the biggest designer brands in the world. Luxury boutiques in the area include; Dolce & Gabbana, Hermes, Dior, Prada and Chanel. In the same location is Market Street with popular American mid-range retailers such as; Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Abercrombie & Fitch, Old Navy and Apple Store. Westfield San Francisco is also located here; the mall is packed with high end and mid-range stores.
Mission District is the perfect place to buy the more funky fantastic items. Mission Street in Mission District has a large selection of interesting shops and galleries. The stores in the area have everything from funky ethnic clothing to contemporary furniture. It is an ideal location to buy hipster fashion and whimsical items. On the other hand Chinatown is ideal for exotic gifts and bric-a-brac. It is also more affordable to shop in Chinatown than the upscale areas of the city.
Weather
Weather in San Francisco
Generally the city gets mild temperatures even during winter. Spring brings the best weather, clear skies and warm sunshine. May to October is normally dry as well with cool to warm temperature, averaging 20 oC. It is extremely rare for San Francisco to get snow, even during winter. The weather is generally pleasant all year round, with no extremes.
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Average Monthly Temperatures
