How to Spend an Afternoon In San Francisco: Top 5 Attractions

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 Welcome back to Maple Leopard Travels! Today I'm sharing one of the best spots in CA; the city by the Bay- San Francisco. It's a great place for a day trip or an extended vacation. If you have only an afternoon to spare: 

Here are the top 5 attractions to visit

I suggest a visit to SFO on a weekday, and wait until 9:30 am to hit the road. Start north of the city and work your way south, this seems to work better with the traffic flow.

The Golden Gate Bridge

I've been fortunate to visit the bridge many times, but have never walked across it.  On this trip we walked half way and turned around- the wind was blowing so hard! 

 My alma mater is only a 90 min drive from SFO. I did 4 years of college in Stockton, and often students went for weekend trips to the Bay Area. It's a special place, and there is always something new to discover.

If you wish to view the bridge from below, taking a cruise around the bay is the way to go. I've yet to do this, but it's on the bucket list!

The view is spectacular and will take your breath away. Euphoria is the only way to describe what you feel when you first see it. When you visit, dress in layers to stay warm . Even if it's  warm in the city, it's usually windy cool by the bridge.

What makes this view so unique? The bridge often appears to be suspended in mid air among the clouds. I think its rare to see the entire bridge in clear view. I've never seen it without clouds present.

The Golden Gate Bridge made it's debut on May 19th 1937. I was reading the history of it a few years ago. I discovered it opened on the very day my dad was born, a special place indeed.

The big rock sitting on the side, is so unique. I had a fleeting thought about getting a boat and riding out to it.  Wow the photo shoot you could get on top of that rock!

If you do walk across the bridge, hold on tight to your belongings. My camera almost ended up in the bay, the wind was so strong.

Lombard Street

Your visit is not complete with out a trip to Lombard street. Walking or driving, it's a stupendous view from the most crooked street in the world! This famous street has 8 hairpin turns, and is located in the neighborhood called Russian Hill. I always take the lazy way out and only walk down!  Next time I will have to hike upward, it's good exercise.

If you aren't brave enough to drive Lombard yourself, hire a driver service to take you on the ride of your life in a go car!

The houses are so beautiful and unusual, living here would be the ultimate! For chunk change in the amount of 4 million, one of these gorgeous homes could be yours.

Pier 39- Fisherman's Wharf

This is my favorite destination in San Francisco. I have fond memories of visiting the wharf with my college buddies. Pier 39 has amazing things to do and is very family friendly.

 If you are a foodie, be prepared to eat eat eat! Any type of food you are craving, it's here. The people watching and zany street performers are entertaining to say the least!

The parking near the wharf is limited and the traffic can get crazy. Save yourself some time and hassle by using the Hop on Hop off bus!

Pier 39 also has a variety of unique shops, a video arcade, virtual 3D rides, an aquarium and boat tours galore. On most days you can see the huge sea lions getting their suntan on. The view of Alcatraz from the pier is quite amazing too . 

 As I mentioned earlier I have been to SFO many times, but never to  ALCATRAZ. It's been unavailable at times over the years.  This is a "must do" experience in SFO!

A big hit with the kiddos is the two-story carousel. It's always fun to be like a child again, if only for a few minutes!

Both of my grown kids are left handed, so we always stop at the lefty store. This is a super fun shop, so make sure you stop in if you visit the wharf.

The Painted Ladies

This was my first time to visit the world famous Victorian homes sitting high on the hill. The city skyline view in the background is gorgeous. The popular sitcom "Full House" was filmed here, I'm sure this adds to the popularity factor.

The largest of the painted ladies was the most recent one to sell in 2010. It sits on the corner of Steiner and Grove streets.

This part of town is the perfect location to rent an electric bike, and tour the area yourself. 

Cable Car Ride

The cable car ride is the ultimate San Francisco experience! It is manually operated and the last one in the world to be operated this way. Only three of the original routes remain from the 1800's. Wow- it's kind of scary when you are teetering at the top of the hill. When the card starts down the hill; you'll get a big adrenaline rush! 

The Union Square route is best, as it offers the most interesting sights to see . The shopping is wonderful. A four story mall, is at the end of the cable car line. The cable cars are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The station is located close to Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. Go grab some chocolate before you get in line, it usually a long wait to ride.

If you wish to explore the city with a tour guide; reserve a guided SEGWAY TOUR . You will have the time of your life!  This wraps up my day tour of San Francisco! I hope you find yourself in the CITY BY THE BAY SOON~!

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