San Francisco is one of America’s genuine gems, a perfect gay travel destination, a holy land, of sorts, to all who enjoy fine wine and a true visual feast for all who appreciate geographic contrasts.
What are the first things you think of any time anybody says the name San Francisco? Maybe the hills. Or the Golden Gate Bridge. Or the world’s crookedest street. But the city by the bay has so much more to offer the traveler. You’ll find plenty to do and see during your visit to this magnificent city.
San Francisco is an ideal city for walking. The climate is never really too cold or too warm for wandering outside and the city is so pretty; a stroll is a great way to check out all that “The City” (as it is known to the natives) has to offer. And, should your limbs begin to feel a little sore from walking, you merely have to hitch a ride on one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars until you arrive at your next point of interest. The cable car is unique to San Francisco, the city where the trolley originated, and is a perfect way to put yourself right into the city’s special culture.
And while you’re checking out the city, head over to Fisherman’s Wharf. Stop by Pier 39 for a good time. Pier 39 is famous for its great shopping center, which is filled with shops, arcades, and street performers. And if you’re feeling adventurous, salute the other local inhabitants of the docks—sea lions!—easily glimpsed just off the pier. Fisherman’s Wharf is also the place to go if you’ve got an appetite for seafood. While there are dozens of great restaurants that will satisfy any craving, be sure to stop by Boudin’s restaurant and try their famous sourdough bread (you can even watch it being made!) and unbeatable clam chowder. Fisherman’s Wharf is simply swimming with excitement; don’t miss this must-see!
The local neighborhoods of San Francisco are another must-see if you want to experience the diversity of San Francisco culture. From North Beach to Chinatown, each neighborhood offers a life of its own that you won’t find anywhere else. The neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury is an extremely exciting neighborhood of San Francisco. Considered the Bohemian center of the city, this neighborhood is the birthplace of such legendaries as the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Janis Joplin. The spirit of these artists and their music still lives on in this district. Haight-Ashbury also boasts of some small but great local restaurants, bars and shops, including Amoeba Music, a bowling alley that was converted into a record store. Here you will find almost any type of music you can think of, with a huge variety of vinyl. And just a short distance from this district you will find the Golden Gate Park—a large, gorgeous park that rivals New York City’s Central Park.
To experience some real variety, visit Chinatown, which is one of San Francisco’s truly interesting and thriving neighborhoods. A walk down any of its narrow streets will bring enticing smells wafting from home kitchens and the many restaurants. Meanwhile, your ears can feast on the sounds of Mandarin mixed with occasional English. It’s like a trip into an exotic culture within and exotic culture.
Lesbian and gay visitors to San Francisco may be primarily attracted to the Castro district to visit the historic sites and soak of the ambience, but you will discover the entire city accepting of all types of people. Enjoy all of it!
So while planning your San Francisco get-away, make sure your itinerary takes you off the beaten path. In San Fran you will find unique adventures everywhere you turn. Immerse yourself in the culture of the city; it’s the only way to enjoy San Francisco!
