San Francisco
San Francisco is a vibrant city worth a look. If you plan to walk the city, be prepared to walk up or down some steeply sloped streets. Wear your walking shoes, ladies, this is a time of comfort and practicality, not fashion! The slopes tend to become steeper when you get closer to Coit Tower. Choose your route carefully.
Coit Tower
Coit Tower is definitely worth visiting. It is the tallest point in the city. Walking up the winding staircases is worth it to get to some of the most stunning views of the City and the bay. We had fun taking selfies in front of the tower’s many windows, as well as getting some beautiful pictures of the city through the windows.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is beautiful filled with shops, restaurants, and spectacular views. The seafood was delicious wherever we went. While the area can be a little touristy, you will find that some of the restaurants have been serving excellent food for a long time. Many of the restaurants have a wonderful wine selection. We have found some new favorites!
Alcatraz
Don’t forget to visit everyone’s favorite prison – Alcatraz.
You will need a ticket (reservations are a must) to get on the boat that will take you to the island. We recommend you use the facilities before getting on the boat. The boat ride is beautiful and very windy. You may want to bring a windbreaker or light jacket with you.
When you arrive, the vastness of it all is quite impressive.
Arriving at Alcatraz
Outside the prison there are other several sites filled with history. This is self-guided with signs and other interactive components. There are several spots for selfies and many picturesque areas. Make sure you pay attention to the signs and educate yourself on the history. I did not know that families of the guards and warden lived on the island. I’m not sure how I would feel about being that close to convicts. YIKES!
INSIDE THE Prison:
There is a self-guided audio tour. It was a unique experience. They give you headphones that take you on a personal guided tour of the inside and part of the outside of the prison. You walk up and down the aisles looking in and out of the prison cells, the cafeteria etc. The history and stories of what happened inside the walls is not only impressive, but it takes you back with the feel of actually being there. This is a must if you travel to Alcatraz!
Inside Alcatraz
There is a self-guided audio tour. It was a unique experience. They give you headphones that take you on a personal guided tour of the inside and part of the outside of the prison. You walk up and down the aisles looking in and out of the prison cells, the cafeteria etc. The history and stories of what happened inside the walls is not only impressive, but it takes you back with the feel of actually being there. This is a must if you travel to Alcatraz!
Ghirardelli
Give yourself a little treat with ice cream from Ghirardelli. You don’t need to be hungry to stop in for a treat. There is always room for ice cream and chocolate! Ghirardelli Square has many quaint and unique shops and restaurants and some sell Ghirardelli chocolates. Save room in your suitcases—for all those yummy treats to eat when you get home and reminisce about your trip!!
Boudin Bakery
This is a Bakery that creates bread in cute animal shapes. You can smell the bread baking as you walk and shop. The smell alone can make you hungry. The bread and the shop were fabulous.
San Francisco Restaurants
Take time to walk through China town and little Italy. Stop in and try the food and shops, you won’t regret it. Depending on where you go and the time of day you may need a reservation. Plan ahead so you can eat where you want. Or you may be out of luck. We made this mistake!! Most reservations can be made online by going the restaurant’s website. The restaurant that we ended up going to luckily took our reservation that day, but we did have to wait. The wait was worth it! The food was absolutely delicious, and the wine is now one of our favorites.
Plan Before You Go to San Francisco
There are many different kinds of tours in San Francisco that will give you a lot more information. If you have the time and the finances, we recommend that you take one. We learned something the hard way. If we would have gone on a tour, we might have had better luck. If you want to go to Muir Woods to see the redwood trees, you need to make a reservation to park your car, online. Otherwise, you do not get to go. Don’t make the same mistake we made. We drove all the way there, only to find out you cannot get in without a reservation.
We did not get to do or see everything we wanted to while we were in San Francisco. I guess we will have to go back. 😊
Don't forget to just have fun:
