9 Fantastic Experiences Waiting for You in San Francisco!

San Francisco is the go-to place for epic movie locations, Victorian-style houses, hot air balloons and more such crazy experiences that most tourists love. With so much history attached to the area, the bayside city has a lot in store for its visitors and residents alike. The city has some of the most beautiful viewpoints and antique 19th-century cable cars that are working even today! And that’s not all! The city has another take altogether when it comes to food. Grab a giant burrito or an artisanal ice cream or stop by some craft breweries while you shop to your heart’s content in this beautiful city. The current pandemic situation might make it difficult for you to enjoy all these events, but whenever you are in the city next, don’t forget to swing by and enjoy these fantastic experiences!

Why are we telling you this now? Because travelling from India to San Francisco has become  so easy! All thanks to United Airlines’ new direct route from Bangalore to San Francisco, starting  from May 2021. The usual 16-hour flight will be so much more comfortable now. Known for its outstanding service, the airline is starting this new non-stop flight at an affordable price range too. So, San Francisco, here we come!

And, whether you have been to the city before or it’s your first time in the Golden City, check out these marvelous experiences that'll be hard to find elsewhere!

1. Visit the Painted Ladies

Being one of the important cities in US history, San Francisco is filled with architectural wonders and Victorian-style homes and gardens. These establishments date back to the 19th century and originated in the South Park neighbourhood of San Francisco. Known as the Painted Ladies, Postcard Row & Seven Sisters, these are the historic landmarks of the city. Take some time out and drop by these notable sights. To know more about their past, book a local guide. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes on this tour and click a lot of photos. You'll be delighted to know that a few houses are open to the public and some have been converted to hotels now. So you can even spend a day enjoying the Victorian way of life. Due to COVID situation, it’s advisable to check availability once before you book.

2. Camp in the Bay Area

Within a short distance from the city, there are many camping areas where you can hike and enjoy the outdoors. Rob Hill, Kirby Cove and Bicentennial are beautiful campgrounds in the East Bay Area. If you want some views of the Golden Gate Bridge, go to the Marin Headlands. Many of these camping grounds offer tents and RVs. While there, take a tour of Alcatraz Island which used to be a prison in the past.!

3. Relive a Movie Scene

A tour of movie shooting locations in the city is a must for all film or TV show buffs. Even if you aren’t a movie fan, this will still knock your socks off! Did you know that San Francisco was the location for popular movies like ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ and 'The Princess Diaries?'

4. Indulge in Artisanal Ice Creams

San Francisco is full of creative dishes like artisanal ice creams. Let out your inner child when you try some unusual flavours. For retro feels, visit The Ice Cream Bar and for made to order treats, try Smitten Ice Cream store. But do keep in mind that dine-in might not be possible due to the pandemic. You can still enjoy the takeaways!

5. Cruise on a Catamaran at the Golden Gate Bridge

Admire the charm of San Francisco as you kiss the air on a catamaran. Take a break from the world and lose yourself in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's highly recommended at sunset! So, all you adventure lovers, you know where to go next time you are in the city.

6. Go for Vintage Shopping

A hub for hippies in the past, the Haight-Ashbury district is an extremely popular spot for vintage shopping. Here, you can get antiques, collectables and dapper clothes from even the 18th century! These unique pieces are conveniently priced. Vintage Modern, Painted Bird and Curiosities are the recommended stores for vintage shopping in San Francisco.

7. Visit a Free Museum

Many museums in the Golden City will let you explore its exhibitions without any admission fee, for at least one day of every month. One such museum is the Conservatory of Flowers that takes no entry fee on the first Tuesday of the month. And then, there are some places like the Cable Car Museum where you don’t have to pay even a penny to visit!

8. Grab a Bite of the Giant Mission Burrito

A traditional recipe, this steam-pressed tortilla is also known as the San Francisco burrito. It earned popularity in the 1960s in family-owned Mexican restaurants in the Mission district of the city. Everything is just a little extra in this burrito.

9. Ride Antique Cable Cars

Go for a hilly ride on the iconic cable cars of San Francisco. The most popular cable car line here is the Powell-Hyde Line, which stops at Lombard Street; you can get great pictures there. You can also get off at Lombard Street and  walk to the Fisherman’s Wharf, from where you can take the car again. You can also try  the California & Powell-Mason lines. When it started, the city had about 40 cable cars, out of which 28 are still in use!

San Francisco is packed with attractions and activities that will suit any type of traveller. Though the pandemic has slowed things down, the city is coming back on its feet again. And if you can’t wait to visit the Golden City like us, don’t forget to check out the new direct routes from United Airlines!