The Painted Ladies
San Francisco – also known as San Fran, Frisco, and The City – is a cultural, financial, and commercial center in California. It ranked second in the US on the Global Financial Centers Index in 2021; it’s also a popular destination for people seeking a better life. In fact, it’s not only a great place to relocate, but it’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
San Francisco has many interesting and beautiful places one should include in their bucket list. With that in mind, here are just a few of the many popular things one should see when visiting The City:
Open houses and the Painted Ladies
Let’s say you’ve lived in The City for a few years now and you decided it’s time to change your home. While looking for cheap apartments in San Francisco during the weekend, you should also enjoy visiting places you’ve never had the time to visit and check a few things off your bucket list. Looking at open houses on the weekend can be a fun activity since you’ll be visiting different locations.
While doing this consider visiting the Painted Ladies, also known as Postcard Row, a collection of homes climbing up the hill across from Alamo Square Park. During the Victorian era in San Francisco, it became a tradition to paint houses in bright and distinctive colors. Luckily, a few of these historic buildings have been preserved to this day, and have become one of the most photographed locations in The City.
Cable cars and Lombard Street
If you’re feeling bored and ran out of ideas what to do, why not roll through on a cable car in The City and spend the day sightseeing? It’s one of the most traditional ways to see the city. These iconic vehicles offer an up-close view of famous landmarks such as Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Golden Gate Park. They were a transportation staple until the late 50s, and now they’re an old-school opportunity to experience the hills of San Francisco.
Additionally to rolling through on cable cars and stopping by the Cable Car Museum, you should also think about zigzagging through Lombard Street. The infamous Lombard Street features no less than eight hairpins and is known for its picturesque flower-filled garden and postcard views. If you’re thinking about making a new photo session for your Instagram collection, stop by this street and take a few snaps.
Botanical Garden, Palace of Arts, and Mission Dolores Park
Twin Peaks
The San Francisco Botanical Garden is known as a one-of-a-kind urban oasis and offers a stunning collection of more than 8000 different types of plants from all over the globe. It is located in Golden Gate Park and has over 55 acres of horticulture with a particular focus on Magnolia species, conifers, high elevation palms, and cloud forest species.
The Palace of Fine Arts is a monumental structure built by architect Bernard Maybeck. It’s a homage to Greco-Roman architecture and one of San Francisco’s most recognizable landmarks. If you want to kick back and chill on a sunny weekend, Mission Dolores Park is the place to be. It’s an amenity-filled public space east of Twin Peaks, featuring large grass areas, multi-purpose fields, picnic tables, and a fantastic view of downtown.
Visit museums, Chinatown – or take a nature trip
Visiting museums is a great way to spend your leisure time. Whether you immerse yourself in seven floors of creativity at the Museum of Modern Art or have a mind-blowing experience at the Museum of 3D Illusions. Additionally, consider engaging your senses at the Exploratorium or celebrate Asian history at the Asian Art Museum. If you prefer the outdoors, make sure you visit Chinatown and Little Italy.
Those interested in tech should definitely visit Silicon Valley; it’s the tech capital of the world. On the other hand, if you’re a bookworm, make sure to visit City Lights, one of the most diverse and vibrant bookstores in America. For those who want a relaxing walk in nature, think about exploring the woodlands of the Presidio, hop on a ferry to Angel Island, or simply walk among the redwoods in Muir Woods.
Final thoughts
San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, offering a big portion of things to see and experience. It is surely part of many people’s bucket lists. To end your weekend of fun activities, consider watching the sun go down on a serene bay cruise. Additionally, don’t forget to indulge in The City’s delicious cuisine at the Ferry Building, and enjoy a vino or two on a Napa Valley trip.
Photo Credits: stock photos
Is this a joke?
The regular trams are interesting to ride a well. One can hop on one and ride the entire route as a loop as well as hop off if you see something interesting. Interesting to see the areas outside the city center, maybe not as flashy, but one get to see where the “real” people live. Some real shop gems and sites as well. Can do this with buses as well, but I’m a train guy. Defiantly do this overseas if you have a chance (Prague, Berlin, etc.).