If you and your future spouse prefer the energy and excitement of big metropolitan cities to the sun and surf of the tropics, then San Francisco could be the perfect honeymoon destination for you. San Francisco is famous for its steep hills, cable cars, sourdough bread, the TransAmerica Building, mysterious and romantic fog, and the Golden Gate Bridge. It has something for everyone.
What to do:
You can spend weeks in San Francisco and still not see everything (take it from me; I have lived here three years and am still amazed at what I discover!). This world-renowned city has an unlimited number of attractions.
San Francisco has dozens of unique neighborhoods that are fun to explore. For example, North Beach is known for Coit Tower and its fabulous Italian food, Haight is known for its shopping and the 1960s hippie hangout, while the Mission is known for its lively bars, great restaurants, and Hispanic culture.
Fisherman’s Wharf is perhaps the most popular tourist destination. Here, you’ll find dozens of specialty shops and seafood restaurants, the San Francisco Maritime Museum and its fleet of historic vessels, the Cannery, and Pier 39. Pier 39 is a world famous festival marketplace and includes a two tier Venetian carousel, talented street performers, and a colony of sea lions.
Be sure to visit the free Cable Car Museum in Nob Hill. Here, you can learn about the history of the cable cars, how they work, and view old photographs of San Francisco.
Golden Gate Park is a 200 acre park nearly four miles wide and a little over half a mile long, with one edge bordering the ocean. Attractions include a children’s playground with an old-fashioned carousel, an arboretum, several small lakes, a golf course, several museums, and a buffalo pen.
Union Square is San Francisco’s top destination for shopping. The shops surround a square park and include a wide range of stores, from Tiffany’s to Borders Books.
Lombard Street, "the crookedest street", is another popular tourist attraction. Most tourists drive down the one-way street in bumper-to-bumper traffic then take photos at the bottom. I think it’s best to walk down and enjoy the sweeping bay views and architecture of the adjacent homes.
Don’t forget to enjoy the grandeur of the city from a distance. If you’d like to view the city from a boat on the bay, I recommend exploring the infamous former federal prison island of Alcatraz (reserve early!), hiking and picnicking on Angel Island, or whale-watching. All three experiences include boat rides on the bay. If you’d like a birds-eye view of San Francisco, head to the highest point in the city known as Twin Peaks.
What to wear:
Weather in San Francisco is unpredictable all year round. One day may be balmy and warm while the next might be cold and misty. Generally, winter is rainy and summer is foggy. The nicest consecutive weather is usually during the months of September, October, April, and May.
San Francisco inhabitants dress rather casually. All things considered, you’ll probably want to dress in layers. Your suitcase should contain one pair of shorts (pack additional pairs if you plan to travel outside of San Francisco during the summer months), jeans and pants, various shirts, one sweater, and a jacket. Pack one dressy outfit for a night on the town. Comfortable shoes are a must; sunglasses and sun block are a good idea.
Getting Around:
San Francisco is pedestrian- and public transit- friendly. Since street parking can be problematic and parking garages can be expensive, driving is discouraged. It’s also unnecessary, as public transit is easy to use and convenient for travelers. Purchase a monthly, daily, 3-day, or 7-day pass. Or, simply pay $1.00 per ride (please note the historic cable cars are more expensive at $2.00 per ride). Of course, walking is also an option. San Francisco is forty-nine square miles, roughly seven miles wide by seven miles long. If you get tired, you can always hail a cab.
I could go on and on about all the fun activities in San Francisco. However, whether you decide to relax in a bed & breakfast, frolic in Golden Gate Park, or do some intensive exploration of the city, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time in the "City by the Bay".
Links to more information:
SF city transit: www.transitinfo.org/Muni/
SF Cable Cars: www.sfcablecar.com/
Cable Car Museum: www.cablecarmuseum.com/
SF neighborhood guide: www.sfgate.com/traveler/guide/sf/neighborhoods/
Whale watching: www.oceanic-society.org
Alcatraz: www.nps.gov/alcatraz/
SF Maritime Museum: www.nps.gov/safr/
Fishermans Wharf: www.sfguide.com/shopping/fisherman.htm
Union Square shopping: www.unionsquareshop.com/
Angel Island: www.angelisland.com/
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