If you like a holiday with lots to do or just can’t decide between a beach or city destination, San Francisco is the place for you. From high-brow art galleries, designer shops and Michelin star restaurants to street art lined alleyways, pop-up restaurants and underground entertainment, San Francisco is a haven of diversity and no two holidays will be the same.
BeachesGorgeous sandy beaches are not the first thing that come to mind when you think of San Francisco. But don’t dismiss this stunning town just yet – after all San Francisco is part of California! Whether you’re a nudist or a dog walker, there’s a beach for you in this diverse city. Ocean beach is the most popular beach here, spanning over 5km. The sands are golden but the water can be dangerous due to strong riptides off shore. Head to the northern part of the beach and you will come to Golden Gate Park. A perfect spot for fantastic views – plus there’s purpose built fire pits here allowing for barbeques through the day and bonfires in the evening. To the north of Ocean Beach you will find China Beach. China beach is a smaller, sheltered bay and the waters here are a lot calmer, making it the perfect beach for families and those who like a dip in the ocean. Baker Beach is located north of China Beach. If the tide is low you can walk between the two, just be careful of the crustaceans that call it home. This is a clothing-optional beach so if you fancy feeling liberated head up to the northern section of beach. Finally, if you’re out walking the pooch, Fort Funston is not to be missed. A stunning walk over the dunes reveals this amazing dog-friendly beach.
Food & DrinkSan Francisco’s colourful history not only created a diverse culture, but also brought with it exotic flavours from other continents resulting in the gastronomic wonder that is the Golden Gate city. Chinatown is an attraction in itself here. Enter through the pagoda-style entrance and wander the lantern-lined streets before finding the perfect spot to eat. Don’t forget to stop for fortune cookies and watch them made before your eyes. The Mission District is the place to go for the best burrito in town and don’t leave without heading to Fisherman’s Wharf for the freshest oysters around as well as staple San Franciscan delicacies such as cioppino – a tomato based broth with fresh crab, calamari, mussels and more. Of course, wash it all down with San Francisco’s own Anchor Steam Beer.
CultureSan Francisco is rich in culture with heavy influences from Mexico and Asia. Once belonging to Mexico and booming after the Gold Rush and arrival of the railway, this vibrant city is a diverse mix of music, art, food and sport. From big company headquarters, high end galleries and Royal Ballet performances to dive bars, graffiti-mural lined streets and underground entertainment, to see the whole of San Francisco in one visit is near on impossible. The hustle and bustle of city life is apparent, but there is also a calm air around the many green areas and expansive Golden Gate Park, not to mention the head-clearing breeze of the golden coastline.
NightlifeSo you’ve already been for some amazing food and now you’re looking for something to do. Whatever you fancy, you’re guaranteed to find it here. No two nights out are the same in San Francisco and moving through districts can be like night and day. For fantastic cocktails made by expert mixologists, head to Union Square. Drinks can be a bit pricey but you definitely get what you pay for. For a relaxed night head to The Mission district. This area comes alive at night and is a firm favourite with the locals. Think dive bars with cheaper drinks, jukebox and graffiti strewn toilets. Still not finished? Head to SoMa, home to bars and nightclubs playing every kind of music imaginable. From rockabilly to goth punk to techno to 80’s pop – this place doesn’t stop till the sun comes up.
Important InformationFlight Time: 10.5 hours Time Difference: -8hoursCurrency: American DollarOfficial Language: English