San Francisco, one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, attracts people from all over the world because of its beauty and attractions. This means that millions of visitors warm their hearts when they visit San Francisco, California.
No wonder San Francisco is always among the "Favorite Cities in America" by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, one of the world's leading online travel magazines.
Known for its diverse culture, fantastic scenery, mild climate, good food, open-minded and friendly hosts, and many more attractions, there is no equal for the endless charm of San Francisco. The city offers many things to do for everyone who decides to visit it.
Understand more!
After all, what to do in San Francisco? Check out 12 attractions!
Below we have listed 12 surprising reasons why San Francisco is a wonderful city to visit at least once in a lifetime. After reading them, we have no doubt that you will have plenty of reasons to choose San Francisco as your next destination.
1. Possibility to elaborate a one-day itinerary
One of the most interesting factors of visiting San Francisco is that although the city is considered to be quite diverse in terms of tourist attractions, it is geographically small. So its visitors can explore almost all parts of the city in one day, with enough time to take many pictures throughout the various parts of the city, especially when you are with a rental car.
In just one day well spent, you can do many things, including a trip to Alcatraz, walk through the oldest Chinatown, visit the world-class museums, shop in Union Square, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, dine at Al's Place, ride the cable car, and whatever else you feel like doing.
If you have more than one day in town, continue our list to add more to your itinerary.
2. Exuberant tones and views
One of the things that all visitors should do in San Francisco is to take in the beauty that the city offers. As you look around while walking through the city, you can enjoy some truly breathtaking views.
The views are not limited to the city skyline. There is incredible nature all around the place, from the waves breaking on the rocks at Ocean Beach to the sunset at the "Embarcadero to the prison" and the view of the Presidio from the Golden Gate Bridge.
3. Unpredictable weather
San Francisco surprises every visitor with its extremely varied and unusual weather. You can find the weather changing dramatically from neighborhood to neighborhood. San Francisco's steep topography and maritime surroundings are responsible for such climatic variation.
In this way, travelers can experience mild, wet winters and dry, cool summers. Over four seasons, San Francisco's weather can be difficult to predict, but this "Fog City" offers majestic skies, waves of white fog, and truly stunning sunsets.
4. The gastronomy will surprise you
San Francisco has more than 4,500 restaurants throughout its territory, where the food is as good as the art. The city is a true paradise for those who like to eat.
It is not by chance that it is always remembered as the "Best gastronomic city in the country", there are 6 restaurants in the city included in the 50 best restaurants nationwide.
San Francisco's cuisine is committed to excellence, so you will find a large number of different food options to satisfy your stomach.
5. Best place for cyclists
If you are a lover of bicycles, San Francisco may be the perfect place for you. All amenities, such as bike lanes, bike parking areas, and even traffic signals, which give passengers the right of way, are available to passengers.
Bicycles are as famous as cars in San Francisco. Most tours officially start on the city side of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are many bike paths with incredible views, breathtaking climbs and fast descents. Some of these are Col du Pantoll, Alpine Dam + Mt. Tam, Point Reyes Loop, Muir Woods Loop, and others.
6. Best shopping center
If you are a fan of shopping when you are traveling, then San Francisco may be the dream city for you. There are neighborhoods, such as Union Square, where most of the major retail brands are available.
Major department stores and the most exclusive designer boutiques line streets such as Post, Sutter, Geary, Grant, Stockton, and Powell.
7. Complex with several cultures
Without a cultural experience a visit to San Francisco would not be complete. The city is home to internationally recognized symphony, opera and ballet companies.
Meditation, yoga, and eastern philosophy are also part of the city's DNA. San Francisco is considered a very diverse city, so it is quite common to find Asians, African-Americans, Latinos, and many other people living there. The population is usually very open minded and friendly, and welcomes everyone with a warm heart.
8. The largest and oldest Chinatown
The Chinatown located between Grant Avenue and Stockton Street is the oldest in North America and the largest outside Asia. The inhabitants often maintain their own customs, languages, places of worship, social clubs, and identity.
It is practically a city within a city, and we suggest you take the time to get to know it. Visit its exotic stores, renowned restaurants, food markets, temples and small museums that make up the complex.
Visitors can buy ancient potions in herbal stores, relax and enjoy a nice lunch, or witness live fortune cookie making.
9. World-class museums
San Francisco's museums are a must for any visitor, due to the presence of the finest collection of classic and contemporary arts, aquariums, planetariums, and more. But it's not just the collections that are splendid; there's also the critically acclaimed architecture and some of the most amazing views in the city that make San Francisco museums worth the visit.
Asian Art Museum, The Exploratorium, de Young Museum, Legion of Honor and California Academy of Sciences are some important sites that encompass artistic, cultural, historical or scientific objects from eastern and western masterpieces.
10. Free attractions
The biggest advantage of visiting the city is to take advantage of the numerous free fairs and festivals that take place almost every weekend from April to October. The plazas in downtown San Francisco and the 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 festivals where almost every neighborhood shows off its unique identity with live entertainment, local art, vendors, and tasty street food.
11. Amazing botanical garden and zoo
San Francisco's extremely varied climatic conditions allow for the growth of plants found all over the world, including plants that no longer exist in their natural habitats.
The San Francisco Botanical Garden is recognized for its distinctive and important botanical collections, where visitors can experience nature, learn about plants and the environment in an 'outdoor classroom'.
Likewise, the San Francisco Zoo is an urban oasis. It is home to more than 1,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals from over 250 species that you can enjoy from a distance.
12. Paradise for nocturnal adventures
San Francisco's nightlife is as mixed and colorful as the city itself, and each neighborhood offers a different vibe, which means there is something for every taste.
For electronic music clubs, hip-hop or relaxing art lounges, head to the SoMa neighborhood. While Mission's artsy neighborhood is set up for everything from dive bars to intimate dance spaces, an alternative to the city's larger clubs.
Is it worth renting a car in San Francisco?
If you are looking for a car rental in San Francisco, it is a great way to get around. If you are looking for a car rental in San Francisco, you will be able to take advantage of our great deals on extras such as GPS, child seats, additional driver coverage and more.
And with Happy Tours this process is even easier! You make your reservation on our site and guarantee, in advance, a car of your preference.
The basic requirements for car rental in San Francisco are a national driver's license, passport, minimum age of 25 and a credit card. All vehicles are picked up and returned at the airport in the car rental terminal, making your trip even more convenient.
Did you like this content? Read many others in our blog, like: Going to Boston? Learn how to make the most of this destination! Until next time!
