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San Francisco is an amazing city in Northern California. It is widely known for the Tanner family’s home in Full House, the Golden Gate Bridge (which is not gold!) and Alcatraz Island. This city has a unique array of things to do which in the city and outlying neighborhoods. This post outlines 10 things to do in San Francisco that will make for a memorable day or weekend.
1. Go To A Ballgame
The city of San Francisco has a few famous sports teams. The San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL) play at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. This is roughly an hour drive depending on traffic.
The Golden State Warriors recently moved into the city. They now play at Chase Center near Mission Bay where fans travel to see the championship team.
If you are not interested in leaving the city, you are in luck. A gorgeous stadium is nestled along the waterfront in downtown San Francisco. Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, is a notable baseball stadium.
The ballpark has a picturesque backdrop of water, a Coca Cola Bottle, and a Giant Glove. You may have seen the stadium on television but now it is time to see it for yourself.
Want more of this stadium? Check out these 3 reasons to attend a San Francisco Giants game.
2. Walk The Embarcadero
The Embarcadero offers many things to do in San Francisco. This waterfront walkway has views of the high-rise buildings that make up the skyline. As you walk along these architectural masterpieces, you are met with different eateries, shops, and sights. The Embarcadero ends nearby Oracle Park so you can check out the stadium and hopefully catch a game. From there, you can walk along the shoreline to see the Bay Bridge, Rincon Park, the Ferry Building, and end at Fisherman’s Warf.
If you walk just past The Embarcadero you will end up a Ghirardelli Square! This is a must-visit spot to get ice cream or other sweets.
3. See The Bay Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge seems to be the famous landmark in San Francisco. When I visited the city, I was taken aback by the Bay Bridge. For one thing, it is massive! The Bay Bridge connects San Francisco to Oakland, with a stop on Yerba Buena Island.
One of the reasons I loved the Bay Bridge was its appearance at night. It becomes a whimsical sight as the gray structure turns into an illuminated scene. If you have the chance to catch a glimpse of the Bay Bridge at night, be sure to have your camera ready!
Read more about this special sight and the recent history of the Bay Bridge’s lights at night.
4. See The Golden Gate Bridge
Ah, the landmark of San Francisco. When you visit the city, it seems like a right of passage to catch a glimpse of this red structure. On foggy days, you may not be able to see it out in the distance. But, it is there. You can walk to the bridge or catch an Uber.
According to its official website, the Golden Gate Bridge was built in 1937. That seems like forever ago! It still looks new. On the opening day, it cost 25 cents to cross the bridge. Now, the toll to cross the bridge is approximately $8-9. In 2020, approximately 32 million cars crossed the bridge, bringing in close to $125 million in revenue!
Read more about the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
5. Hang Out At Golden Gate Park and Beach
There is so much to do nearby the Golden Gate Bridge. make your trip worth it and check out the surrounding sights. Golden Gate Park features a par 3 golf course along with other activities. Golden Gate Beach is a stretch of sandy area with views of the Golden Gate Bridge (on a clear day) where you can take pictures and hang out along the water. As a bonus, it is nearby the Full House home and the Painted Ladies.
6. Take A Tour Of Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island has a rich history as a former high security federal prison. The island sits in the middle of San Francisco Bay and is visible on a clear day. These walls held the most dangerous convicted felons back in the day and many tried to escape. Hear about the escape attempts, the Battle of Alcatraz and more on your tour!
Want to know more about this prison? Check out these 10 amazing reasons you must book a tour of Alcatraz Island.
7. Take The Ferry
The San Francisco Bay Ferry travels from the city to Alameda Island and Oakland. The boat leaves the Ferry Building and travels underneath the Bay Bridge. You get views of San Francisco Bay and the city skyline. The ferry gives you an opportunity to see the city from a different angle and experience it on the water.
8. Explore Outside Of The City
If you want to get out of the city for a bit, you can escape to one of the many surrounding cities.
Alameda Island
If you are wanting to take the ferry, you can get off at Alameda Island. This island reminds me of a Hallmark movie or a Nora Roberts novel. it is a picturesque waterfront island that is a sleepy retirement town.
When we stayed in Alameda Island, we visited the USS Hornet. This World War II aircraft carrier is on display and offers views of San Francisco from across the Bay.
Oakland
Oakland is another stop on the ferry. If you are wanting to explore around, you can get off on the ferry. It drops off right at Jack London Square, a dining and shopping experience along the water. If you travel via car, you will cross the Bay Bridge to get to Oakland.
While in Oakland, you can check out the Oakland A’s, a Major League of Baseball team. They currently play at the Oakland Coliseum, though they will soon be moving to the waterfront.
The Golden State Warriors used to play at the Oakland Arena next door before moving to San Francisco.
Berkeley
The city of Berkeley is about 20 minutes from the city. The town is most notable for being home to the Bears and California State University (CAL). Berkeley is home to the Claremont Club and Spa – A Fairmont Hotel. This famous resort was built from the success of the gold rush. According to historichotels.org, this hotel was used for the pool scenes in Mrs. Doubtfire.
Napa Valley
Just over an hour away from Downtown San Francisco is Napa Valley. This wine country produces wine found all over the world. There are wineries ranging from large family vineyards to small tasting rooms.
Can’t get enough of wine country? Check out the complete guide to 24 hours in Napa Valley.
9. Drink On A 39th Floor Bar
The View Lounge
Want to see San Francisco from a new angle? Check out The View Lounge. Located on the 39th floor, there are expansive views over downtown. You can sit with a cocktail while looking at the other architecture that is now eye-level. This view is located atop the San Francisco Marriott Marquis and offers a spot to watch the sunset after a long day of touring the city.
See over 1,800 reviews of The View Lounge on YELP!
10. Stay At A Memorable Hotel
There are so many awesome hotels in San Francisco. You can opt for a view of the water or the city. You can have a boutique hotel, a motel, a 5-star hotel, and so on. There are so many options to choose from. When we stayed at the Four Seasons San Francisco. This was a major bucket list item for me: a Four Seasons! Staying nearby Union Square with several stores and eateries nearby made our experience an unforgettable one.
This hotel is incredible. Read more about it and 3 reasons to stay at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco.
Book Your Trip Now
Whether you are planning a trip to San Francisco or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family.
Please comment if you have visited this beautiful city and tell me about your experience. I am always open to recommendations. What are your favorite things to do in the city? Please share them below.
Cheers!
The post 10 Things To Do For A Great Day (Or Weekend!) In San Francisco appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.
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There are five MLB stadiums in California. The Dodgers and Angels share the Los Angeles name and along with the Padres, make up the Southern California teams. In Northern California, the A’s play in Oakland, close by the San Francisco Giants. The team plays at Oracle Park, formerly known as AT&T Park. When visiting the Golden City, you can root on the team in orange and attend a San Francisco Giants game.
Please, nobody tell my Los Angeles loving, Dodger die-hard fiancée that I am writing this. As a fan of the rival team, it is still possible to have an appreciation for the stadium and experience in San Francisco.
1. The Stadium
As a Dodger fan, I love Dodger Stadium. There is one thing that it is missing, though. At Dodger Stadium, you fight Los Angeles traffic and sit in your car for a half hour fighting for parking. At most other stadiums, you get to hang out in the city and walk to the stadium.
I loved that about Oracle Park. When going to a San Francisco Giants game, you can walk, pedicab, or drive in. When you approach the stadium, it is a sight to be seen. With massive brick walls lining the street, you see the massive structure with its stadium lights.
Oracle Park is one of the most amazing stadiums in the Major League of Baseball. The stadium is surrounded by the water that catches homerun balls that exit the stadium. In addition to the water filled backdrop, Oracle Park is an a unique stadium.
Regardless of your favorite team, I think most baseball fans can agree that this ballpark is pretty spectacular. Watching a San Francisco Giants game goes far beyond baseball; you get to take in an unprecedented view in sports.
For many people, Oracle Park is most recognizable by the Coca Cola Bottle behind the field. It lives next to a Giant Baseball Glove, both of which have seen many minutes on television as they watch homeruns fall just short of their perch.
Seeing both of these unique decorations is another reason to attend a San Francisco Giants game. Seeing them on television is one thing, but they really are special sights in person.
We were fortunate to visit Oracle Park during the offseason. The stadium was doing a limited time exhibit for Top Golf in which you could hit golf balls onto the field. Being able to see the stadium in a different atmosphere showed just how breathtaking the view is.
According to MLB, the stadium was built in 2000. Relative to the other stadiums in California, this is fairly new. It has paved for a memorable experiencing while watching a San Francisco Giants game.
2. The View
If you watch a San Francisco Giants game you will see McCovey Cove. The body of water behind the stadium is lined with people in boats and kayaks hoping to catch a home run ball. It is exciting watching a ball leave a player’s bat and leave the stadium. The water surrounding the stadium makes this ballpark one of the most unforgettable places to watch a game.
3. The Energy
Fans fill into Oracle Park for a game. Make sure you get your nacho, hotdog, pretzel or beer to enjoy the game. The crowd’s enthusiasm to cheer on their team is electrifying. From outside the stadium, you will be exposed to Giants fans and the festivities at Oracle Park. Once you are inside, it continues until the very last pitch.
Book Your Trip Now
Make sure you catch a San Francisco Giants game the next time you are in the city.
Have you been to a San Francisco Giants Game at Oracle Park? Was it as amazing as it looks on television? I want to hear about it. Share your experience below.
Click here for the team’s schedule, tickets, and more.
Looking for more of San Francisco? Check out 10 things to do for a great day (or weekend!) in San Francisco.
Cheers!
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Staying at the Fours Seasons Hotel San Francisco crossed one thing off of my bucket list: Staying at a Four Seasons hotel! This was an experience I will never forget. From opening the door and seeing our view to being blown away by the hotel’s gym, I cannot wait to go back. Check out Union Square and everything the city has to the offer by staying at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco.
All photos in this post are mine except otherwise indicated. This post was written based on my personal experience. I was not paid, reimbursed or otherwise solicited to write this post. Just a girl looking to share her favorite places. Cheers!
1. The View
There is no shortage of buildings to observe when in San Francisco. The downtown area has so many different architecture styles from throughout the decades. The buildings surrounding Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco paint a landscape of man-made beauty outside your window. Our room came complete with a reading nook built into the window. I could have easily spent our entire trip there looking out at the view.
2. The Amenities
MKT Restaurant and Bar
This is the hotel’s restaurant and bar. We stopped in a few different times. We posted up a table and had martinis while working on our laptops. They offer food and drink menus and serve all meals of the day.
The Spa and Gym
Hands down the most amazing gym I have ever visited. Called the Equinox Sports Club, the gym features a pool, spa, and so much more. I was training for a half marathon during our trip to San Francisco so I wandered into the gym. After my first visit, I could not wait to go back.
Click here to see more about Equinox Sports Club.
The second time I stopped into the gym, I noticed the juice bar. The Earth Bar serves cold blends for a post-workout boost. No alcohol or meal on the trip compares to how tasty that smoothie is after a hard workout.
3. The Location
Just around the corner from Union Square, the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco is centrally located near anything you could ever need. In the Union Square neighborhood, there is plenty of shopping including Macy’s Neiman Marcus, North Face, and more.
Across the street from the hotel is the Savings Union Bank Building. When we visited, this was the home of the Ice Cream Museum. From the window in our room, we would watch the line of people snake around the building and down the street. This building is now hosting The Art of the Brick: LEGO Exhibit.
Book Your Trip Now
Truly an amazing hotel, your trip will be memorable at this 5-star resort. Make sure to take a lot of pictures and check out the gym! It is a sight.
Click here to book your stay now!
Want more of the city? Check out 10 things to do for a great day (or weekend!) in San Francisco.
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]]>If you are lucky enough to be in San Francisco on a day where it is not completely blanketed in fog, you will more than likely see Alcatraz Island across the bay. To the untrained eye, it might look like a decrepit light house. Upon closer view, its tall walls and small windows yield the reality that it once served as a federal prison. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to tour Alcatraz Island and see this unique piece of American history.
About Alcatraz Island
It was the ultimate prison. A federal penitentiary. The worst of the worst. There was not a better place at the time to keep the bad ones locked up. Think about it. These men were locked up on an island a mile of choppy waters away from civilization.
With nothing but time on their hands, many dreamt of escape. But, it would not come easy. It would not come without a price.
1. Go For Two Boat Rides
Going To Alcatraz
Were you wanting to go on a boat ride in the San Francisco Bay? Well, you may be able to kill two birds with one stone. The tour of Alcatraz includes the boat ride there, and back. So, now you get two boat trips!
Our Alcatraz Tour departed from Pier 33 in San Francisco. As we pulled away from the dock we got a full peripheral view of the city. The Coit Tower sits atop the hill overhead and watched us depart.
Returning To San Francisco
It always seems to be foggy in San Francisco. The fog lifted up a bit as we left our tour of Alcatraz Island. We were able to see the city skyline. The blue waters glistened in the sunlight and the bridges were more visible than before.
Both boat rides provide time to look at San Francisco from a different angle and take unforgettable pictures.
2. See The San Francisco Skyline
Alcatraz Island was torturous for prisoners. They were among other not-so-great men and locked behind metal bars. They were kept on a short leash with the guards, for good reason.
One of the most torturous parts of Alcatraz Island, however, were the views of the city. San Francisco sits out in the distance posing for this small island. It feels close enough to touch. Unless there is fog, then it is almost impossible to see.
This torture was two-fold. On one hand, it causes mental turmoil to have such a beautiful cityscape to look at day in and day out knowing you will not be able to enjoy it.
The second reason the views caused prisoners anguish is the false sense of closeness it gave them. It does not seem that far away. The waters do not seem too choppy. Escape seems like a possibility. Oh, the misconception. We will talk more about that later.
3. Soak In The Exterior Of Alcatraz
The lighthouse and main cell house have become a fixture of San Francisco Bay. If it is a clear day on the water you can most likely see the famous penitentiary. We have become accustomed to seeing it and I cannot speak for everyone, but I sure love seeing it! Even if you do not like the way it looks out in the San Francisco Bay, it is there. Unless the government decides to bulldoze it in the future, it is there to stay. Learning to about the site and what it has experienced helps us appreciate this little island.
4. Explore The Interior Of Alcatraz
You will walk around inside the cell house. There are rows of cells. These were the metal houses for prisoners for years. I cannot imagine their cries or screams at night and how they must have echoed along the cold hard ground.
5. Take A Glimpse Into Our Prison System
I watch a lot of murder mysteries so I have zero sympathy for the prisoners who committed senseless crimes. Walking through Alcatraz Island, I was taken aback by the conditions these prisoners lived with. Again, it did not make me feel sorry for them, but rather this tour opened me up to a world I never knew existed.
6. See A Morgue
According to the National Park Service, the morgue at Alcatraz Island was not used much. Wink wink. Who really knows for sure?
It is crazy seeing a morgue that was operational until 1963. 1963 was not that long ago! I wonder what spirits and ghosts live on this island and in this little shack.
7. Hear About The Escape Attempts
According to the FBI’s official website, three prisoners escaped the island using a raft. They have never been seen since. There are so many theories about what could have happened. Did the waves swallow them in? Did they make it to land? I do not think we will ever know their fate. If they did escape Alcatraz Island, they would be the first confirmed escapees. I love how folklore it is that we will never know the answer. It is one of the great stories that keeps Alcatraz Island a powerhouse of intrigue.
8. Learn about The Battle At Alcatraz
The Battle of Alcatraz sounds like the plot of a movie but it was very real. An escape attempt gone wrong, prisoners and guards were killed as the island was a spot of mass destruction for a few days.
Read more about the Battle of Alcatraz HERE.
9. Learn About The Notable Residents
“Say hello to my little friend”. The famous Scarface, Mr. Al Capone was kept behind bars at Alcatraz Island. Another notable resident was 1920’s gangster Machine Gun Kelly. Not the popstar dating Megan Fox, despite the same name.
As the (supposed) most secure maximum federal prison, there were many bad people living on The Rock.
10. Take In The Beauty
For being a former prison, Alcatraz is beautiful. Exploring the different buildings proved to be a pleasing sight. Even if they were falling apart or growing moss, they are enjoyable to take in.
Book Your Trip Now
The first time I visited San Francisco, I want not interested in touring Alcatraz Island. A few years later I went back and on a whim, I booked a tour in advance. I am glad I did. The tours do not take long and made for a great day in San Francisco.
Plan your tour of Alcatraz Island HERE!
Since I was indecisive at first, I thought I would share the top 10 reasons I enjoyed my tour of Alcatraz Island island and why you should incorporate it in your next trip.
Want more of the city? Check out 10 things to do for a great day (or weekend!) in San Francisco.
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