San Francisco, California: Sightsee and Dine in the City by the Bay

For those who seek out unique architecture, San Francisco is full of options. The Golden Gate Bridge, the famous suspension bridge that divides San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, is the great symbol of the city and is considered one of the wonders of the modern world. To traverse it – via car or bicycle – is surely a must when you visit. Another famous bridge is the Bay Bridge, connecting downtown San Francisco with Oakland. The Bay Lights spanning the length of the bridge offer one of the most beautiful sights in the city at night, especially when viewed from the Embarcadero.

Other well-known sights that add to San Francisco’s legend include Coit Tower, the famous concrete tower on top of Telegraph Hill offering 360-degree views; the Transamerica Pyramid, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world; the winding hillside Lombard Street lined with flower gardens; and much, much more. Even better is to see all this while riding around on the city’s iconic cable cars.

When you visit San Francisco’s waterfront attractions, such as Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, and breathe in the morning air, you’re greeted not only with the fresh sea air but also the smell of delicious seafood dishes being prepared. Walking along the pier, you will discover a variety of stores, restaurants, snack bars and observation decks.

Head to the second floor for amazing views of the pier as well as those adorable sea lions. If you love adventure, you can catch a ferry From Fisherman’s Wharf to the infamous Alcatraz Island. Now a national park, it was a federal prison in the middle of the bay where Al Capone was imprisoned.

Besides the variety of cultures and foods, you can’t talk about San Francisco without discussing wine. Visitors will want to visit the wine regions that are conveniently located near the city to taste wine on site. A favorite is Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma. And don’t forget that San Francisco is also very close to Napa Valley, a premier California wine region. You can also try Napa and Sonoma’s fine wines in many restaurants in San Francisco.

Every community has its own distinctive features, from the diverse and Bohemian Upper Haight to the luxury Union Square to North Beach, which is called Little Italy, to Alamo Square, where you can enjoy the Painted Ladies, and much more.

A favorite is the Mission District, which is San Francisco’s oldest neighborhood and known for once being the stronghold of the Spanish missionaries. Charming and full of restaurants, bars and vintage shops, the Mission is always dictating trends. While there,you have to stop by Balmy Alley – an alley completely covered in murals that immortalize the traditions and history of San Francisco.

Another neighborhood that’s really buzzing is Union Square – the one-block plaza and surrounding areas are full of department stores, upscale boutiques, gift shops and beauty salons, as well as sophisticated restaurants. It also serves as San Francisco's main theater district, featuring many Broadway and off-Broadway shows, as well as eye-catching street performances and public art. Among the shops, the experience at Gump’s is unique. The store displays a variety of works from both local and international artists, which makes it feel like visitors are walking through a museum.

Apart from the various choices of delicious Western food in San Francisco, there is also a place for your authentic Chinese food fix – Chinatown. Established in the 1840s, San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in North America and the largest Chinese community outside Asia. No matter if you crave Hong Kong Boba Milk tea or delicious Beijing Duck, you can fulfill almost anything your appetite seeks here. In addition, Chinatown is also wonderful to visit to experience its history, culture and shops.

If you want to take an amazing photo of the most breathtaking view of San Francisco, the Bay Bridge at night is your place. The spectacular lighting installation makes the Bay Bridge the world's largest energy-efficient dynamic light construction. Looking at the lights of the Bay Bridge as the sun sets and the city lights turn on will forever be in your memory of this beautiful city.

San Francisco is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful American cities. It is a free-spirited place where people come to find themselves, and what’s most special about San Francisco is the surprises you can get every time you visit.