What You Must Do in San Francisco

San Francisco, ’Frisco or as insiders would claim, the ultimately cool ‘Sco? There’s an unwritten history, apparently, that most residents heartily dislike mutilating the given name of their beautiful Pacific city, more so if visitors commit this no-no. Other old timers will rubbish this. Whatever – you’ve been warned!

Golden Gate Bridge

No matter how many Hollywood movies you’ve seen it in, you’ll still be blown away by this orange arc soaring gracefully across the San Francisco Bay. Walk around and go crazy clicking it from every angle possible.

Chinatown

One of the world’s largest Chinese communities outside china lives here, but as you walk around, there is a distinctly touristy feel to the buildings. That’s because they were built according to early 20^th century western perceptions of what Chinese architecture ought to look like. To get a more authentic feel, step off the main roads and get into the alleys. Explore little tea shops and places selling herbal medicines. This does take some effort, since the crowd can at times be overwhelming.

Museum Attractions

There are some 20 of these in San Francisco – a tough choice! Alcatraz (a.k.a. The Rock), the former maximum-security prison and now a national park, has hosted iconic baddies like ‘Scarface’Al Capone, assorted Mafioso, kidnappers and spies. Relive those bad old days on a tour (at night for better atmospherics); book early as tickets sell out a fortnight in advance.

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art blows you away; if you’re short on time, just head to the photography collection to gasp at the outstanding exhibits by Ansel Adams, William Klein, Dorothea Lange and other modern greats.

Take the kids to the Exploratorium, the city’s wonderful science museum, and discover the child within you. It’s all hands-on, won’t break and fun with a purpose.

Outdoors

“Whaaat? You went all the way to SF and never saw Lombard Street?” To avoid embarrassment, do get yourself photographed at the bottom of this unique twisty street. Eight, sharp hairpin turns are carefully enhanced with gorgeous flower borders. Walk or drive down, enjoy the view and don’t forget those pictures.

The Golden Gate Park is a pleasant, landscaped sprawl; go boating and explore the Japanese Tea Garden. Or simply enjoy a picnic while the kids run around.

The cable car is a unique San Francisco institution, a fun way to see the city’s neighbourhoods while the car rattles up and down hilly streets, bells jangling. You do need luck though, to escape long queues and get a seat with a view.

This year, U.S. News & World Report rankings have San Francisco right on top in the categories of ‘Best U.S. Vacations’ and ‘best Summer Vacations in U.S’. Rightly so, for apart from a fabulous, varied cityscape and its famed attractions, there’s a rare, quirky spirit to San Francisco that defies explanation. Is it the fact that the next earthquake could be just minutes away? Or the foggy mornings, so disconcerting in sunny California? Or perhaps, the city’s magnetic appeal for mavericks of all stripes? To find out, walk through San Francisco’s streets. Falling in love is guaranteed.