Here below are the 12 astounding reasons as to why San Francisco is a wonderful place to visit at least once in a lifetime. After reading these reasons, every individual will have satisfactory explanations to set San Francisco as their next destination.
1. Discoverable within a day
One of the interesting things about visiting San Francisco is that, although the city is colossal in terms of attraction and amenities, it is geographically small. Visitors who set foot into the city can explore almost all part of the city within a day and it’s enough time to make a scene and make a difference in San Francisco. In just one perfect day, it is possible to do most of the great things including trip to Alcatraz, walk through the oldest Chinatown, visit to the world class museums, go shopping at Union Square, walk over the Golden Gate Bridge, dine at Al’s Place, ride the cable car and so on.
2. Tons of astounding views
One of the must do thing for all visitors in San Francisco is to take advantage of the scenic beauty it embraces. When you look around while walking through the city, you can enjoy truly breathtaking views. The views aren’t limited to the city sky line. There’s incredible nature all in and around the city from the waves crashing on the rocks on Ocean Beach to the sunsets on the Embarcadero to the Presidio view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
3. Unpredictable climate
San Francisco amazes every visitor with its extremely varied and unusual climatic behavior. You may find weather changing drastically from neighborhood to neighborhood. The sharp topography and maritime surroundings of San Francisco is liable for such variation in climate. Travelers can experience moist mild winters and cool dry summer. Over four seasons, San Francisco’s weather can be difficult for visitors to predict, but this Fog City delivers majestic skies, trademark curls of white fog and dazzling sunsets.
4. Heaven for the foodies
San Francisco has more than 4,500 restaurants in its seven square mile area where foods are as good as the art. The city is paradise for your taste buds. Having been named the “Best Food City In The Country” by Bon Appetit, there are six of hometown eateries included in top 50 restaurants nationwide-the most of any U.S. city. San Francisco’s culinary scene is committed to excellence with outstanding food served all over the city, and no two neighborhoods are alike. There are overwhelming number of choices for food so you can get a chance to satisfy your stomach as much as your eyes in San Francisco.
5. Best for bicycle lovers
Whether you’re a bike lover or a fanatical rider, San Francisco may be perfect place for you. All amenities like bike lanes, bike parking area and even traffic signals giving riders the right-of-way are available for riders. Bikes are as famous as cars in San Francisco. Most rides officially start on the city-side of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are many cycle routes with iconic and challenging loop with amazing views, breathtaking climbs and fast descents. Some of them are Col du Pantoll, Alpine Dam + Mt. Tam, Point Reyes Loop, Muir Woods Loop, etc.
6. Finest shopping neighborhood
If you are obsessed with shopping, then San Francisco could be a dreamland for you. There are perfect neighborhoods like Union Square for serious shoppers, where most of the top retail brands are available. Major department stores and the most exclusive designer boutiques line streets like Post, Sutter, Geary, Grant, Stockton and Powell.
7. Blended with diverse culture and people
Without a cultural experience, the visit to San Francisco would not be complete. The city is home to internationally recognized symphony, opera and ballet companies. Many playwrights have transcribed their masterpiece in San Francisco. Meditation, yoga and Eastern philosophy are part of the city’s DNA. San Francisco comprises population, including Whites, Asians, African-Americans, Latinos and many others. The open minded and friendly people of San Francisco welcome everyone with their heart.
8. Largest and oldest Chinatown
The Chinatown located on Grant Avenue and Stockton Street in San Francisco is the oldest in North America and the largest outside Asia. It continues to retain its own customs, languages, places of worship, social clubs, and identity. This city within a city is best discovered on foot; exotic shops, renowned restaurants, food markets, temples and small museums comprise its boundaries. Visitors can buy ancient potions from herb shops, relax and enjoy a “dim sum” lunch or witness the making of fortune cookies.
9. World class museums
San Francisco’s museums are a must for any visitor due to the presence of the finest classical and contemporary arts collection, world-class aquariums, a planetarium and many more. But it’s not just the collections that are splendid; there’s also critically acclaimed architecture and some of the most amazing vistas in the city that make San Francisco’s museums worth the visit. Asian Art Museum, The Exploratorium, de Young Museum, Legion of Honor and California Academy of Sciences are some important venues that encompass artistic, cultural, historical, or scientific objects of Eastern and Western masterpieces.
10. Free of cost festivals
The biggest perks of living in the city is taking advantage of the numerous free street fairs and festivals that happen almost every weekend from April to October – many of which are free of costs. San Francisco’s downtown plazas and market streets are crowded during these amazing events. Union Street Festival, How Weird Street Fair, Carnival San Francisco and Fillmore Jazz Festival are some popular carnivals in which almost every neighborhood displays their unique identity with live entertainment, local art, vendors and tasty street food.
11. Incredible botanical garden and zoo
The extremely varying climatic conditions of San Francisco allow growth of plants that are found across the globe, including plants that are no longer found in their native habitats. San Francisco Botanical Garden is recognized for its distinctive, varied and important botanical collections, where visitors can experience nature, learn about plants and the environment in an ‘outdoor classroom’. Similarly, the San Francisco Zoo is an urban oasis. It is home to over 1,000 exotic, endangered and rescued animals from more than 250 species.
12. Paradise for nightlife adventure
San Francisco’s nightlife is as mixed and colorful as the San Francisco itself, and each neighborhood offers a different vibe, which means there’s something for everyone. For electronic music clubs, hip-hop or chill art lounges, head to San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood, while the artsy Mission district is primed for everything from dive bar hopping to intimate dance space, an alternative to the city’s larger clubs. Featured photo credit: Pixabay via pixabay.com
