San Francisco – The City by the Bay
San Francisco is known for its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, diverse communities, and world-class cuisine. Measuring 49 square miles, this walk-able city includes landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Alcatraz and the largest Chinatown in the United States. A stroll of the city’s streets can lead from Union Square to North Beach to Fisherman’s Wharf, Japan town and the Mission District, with intriguing neighborhoods to explore at every turn. Views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay are often laced with fog, creating a romantic mood in this most European of American cities. The city has a colorful past, growing from a small village to a major city nearly overnight as a result of the 1849 Gold Rush. The writers of the “beat” generation, the hippies of the Summer of Love in the late 1960’s have all contributed to making San Francisco the fascinating place it is today. The city is home to world-class theatre, opera, symphony and ballet companies and often boasts premieres of Broadway-bound plays and culture-changing performing arts. San Francisco is one of America’s greatest dining cities. The diverse cultural influences, proximity of the freshest ingredients and competitive creativity of the chefs result in unforgettable dining experiences throughout the city.
It’s a beautiful place, yes, and eclectic too. San Francisco is a community where hipsters live in in the Tenderloin (“TL” to the locals) next to the offices of multi-billion dollar companies like Twitter and Uber. AirBnB, the service that lets people rent out their apartments, started here, and continues to thrive.
For a first time traveler, check these interesting spots:
Ride the historical Cable Cars – There are three lines for this famous transportation system, Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason and the California Street Line.
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge – Explore on foot or by car, bicycle, tour bus or fire engine tour. Travel under the bridge on a bay cruise or soar over it by helicopter or seaplane.
Visit Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf – Fisherman’s Wharf is the most visited section of San Francisco. Enjoy street performers, fresh seafood and unique shops. Take in the fresh sea air as you watch fishermen coming and going from their daily journeys. Visit the sea lion colony on the west side of PIER 39 home of the Blue & Gold Fleet and Aquarium by the Bay. Alcatraz, the former federal prison, once housed some of the most notorious criminals. Today it’s a national park, reachable by a brief boat ride.
Visit Chinatown – The entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street is called the “Dragon’s Gate.” Inside are 24 blocks of hustle and bustle, most of it taking place along Grant Avenue, the oldest street in San Francisco. This city within a city is best explored on foot; exotic shops, renowned restaurants, food markets, temples and small museums comprise its boundaries. Visitors can buy ancient potions from herb shops, relax and enjoy a “dim sum” lunch or witness the making of fortune cookies.
Visit Union Square – The landmark park is the heart of the city and is known for fantastic shopping, the bustling square pays tribute to the Square’s distinctive history and captures the unique flavor and beauty of San Francisco.
Visit the Ferry Building Marketplace – Remodeled and repurposed in 2003, this gourmet galleria celebrates regional purveyors and cuisine. The Saturday morning Farmers Market is a spirited gathering of local farmers, high quality artisan producers and independent food businesses, catering to food connoisseurs alike.
Stay at the Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Inspired by the classic luxury hotels of the early 20th century, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel San Francisco exudes modern elegance and refined touches at every turn. With a decidedly artful and local décor, the inspirational hotel was beautifully renovated by famed interior designer Philippe Starck and boasts a stunning furniture collection including chairs from Ray and Charles Eames, furniture by Salvador Dalí, and a surreal stool inspired by René Magritte and designed by Roberto Matta.
The artistic sensibility resonates, too, in the creative menus of the legendary Redwood Room, also a Starck creation, the multi-purpose Velvet Room, and the English-club-style Living Room – all intimate places to dine, relax, visit and linger over a cocktail.
Centrally located in Union Square and near the Financial District, The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel San Francisco is convenient to Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, Nob Hill, the Moscone Convention Center, Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower and Chinatown.
About the Author
Mahy Medhat
A storyteller with a wanderlust desire, who loves exploring the world with a penchant for culture and food. Mahy has been writing for numerous high-profile magazines and currently working on publishing her own book.
