Today’s guest post comes from Ashley Harrop of No Onions Extra Pickles. Ashley was born, raised and still resides in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and is currently working on her graduate degree in art history. She doesn’t get to travel as much as she would like, but she does make it a point to visit at least one new country a year and is always planning the next trip (and jumping picture!).
Exploring San Francisco
Any visitor to San Francisco will have a list of must-dos. But how many of those are just miserable tourist traps that you would rather avoid? Growing up and spending my whole life, thus far, living in the San Francisco Bay Area, I like to think that while I haven’t done it all, I’ve done an awful lot. There are places in San Francisco I avoid like the plague. But there are plenty of other places I adore, and happily share with all the tourists in town. Below is my top 6 list of touristy sites in San Francisco that even us locals love to visit.
The Golden Gate Bridge
Is there anything more iconic in San Francisco? When the bridge was completed in 1937, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world (a distinction it no longer holds). Whether you choose to walk across, drive over or just view the bridge from afar, its beauty and unique color appeals to everyone. One of my favorite morning routines is driving down 19th Avenue and seeing the tops of the towers peeking above the buildings — I never grow tired of it.
The Presidio
Ok, this is a big area, but that’s exactly why there is so much to do! The Presidio served as an army post for 218 years, and wasn’t handed over to the National Parks Service until 1994. During its military time, it served as a base for Spain, Mexico and the United States. Now that the transition to a park is complete, you can find hiking trails, beaches, a golf course and even campgrounds (the only one with the city limits) in the Presidio. Whether you want to spend a day lounging at Crissy Fields, touring historic buildings, or bowling at an adorable bowling alley, the Presidio has something for you.
The Ferry Building
While its heyday of being the second busiest transit terminal in the world has long since past, the new use of the Ferry Building has wide appeal. After surviving both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes, it was renovated and reopened in 2003. The interior was transformed into an upscale marketplace. Even though you can still catch ferries to different parts of the bay here, the real draw (for me!) is yummy gelato and delightful cupcakes. And the farmer’s market held here is more than worth a visit.
Alamo Square
Alamo Square is pretty great: it’s well-kept, has amazing views, a special water fountain just for dogs, and a playground for kids… plus you get to take your picture in front of the Full House house! If that doesn’t convince you, not sure what will. Perhaps if I tell you it also has a tennis court and is easily reached by public transit? Many visitors here hop off the bus, take a few pictures of the Painted Ladies and never look back. Take advantage of a sunny afternoon, and spend a little bit of time here — think you’ll enjoy yourself.
Grace Cathedral
Towering over Nob Hill, Grace Cathedral casts a spell of elegance over the city. The cathedral is known for its labyrinths, which are said to put anyone who walked them into a meditative state. While any time is a good time to visit, I love to go there on New Year’s Eve. Each year, it turns into an old cinema. Silent movies are shown, narrated by the organ and occasionally the tower bells. They finish right before midnight; just in time to run outside and watch the fireworks show over the Embarcadero.
Golden Gate Park
I once heard that 90 percent of the visitors to Golden Gate Park only use about 10 percent of the park itself, which leaves a lot of empty space to enjoy. Located on the west side of the city, it is the third most visited park in the United States. While visiting one of the museums or gardens there is nice, try following the joggers and people walking their dogs (not literally, but you get the idea). There are many walking trails and relaxing areas to discover. I suggest you pack a picnic and set off on a mission to explore — it will be well worth it.
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Thanks so much for sharing this, Ashley! If I ever hit up San Francisco (which I hope to do some day!) I’ll be sure to put all these places on my list. Especially Alamo Square… gotta see the Full House house!
Thanks for letting me
It’s funny when you live in a very touristed area, and you forget that these places, that I take for granted, are what people travel here just to see. It was a nice list to think up!
Ashley Harrop recently posted..A Dining Experience – to say the least
I think it happens to everyone living in a city or country that is frequented by tourists — you start becoming somewhat desensitized to the sights you see everyday that others travel long distances to see. But it’s nice when you can take a step back and still appreciate them, even if they are often overrun by camera-toting tourists.