A visit to California popped up from no where, and I was able to schedule some time for sightseeing in-between busy schedule.

Here is my list of top places in San Francisco :-

Golden Gate Bridge

Opened in mid 1937, after four years of construction work, ‘The Golden Gate Bridge’ is the great icon of San Francisco.The length of the bridge is 1.7 miles, which showcases the stunning architecture. The center point of the bridge is about 220 feet above from water. From the top of the bridge one can enjoy  panoramic views of San Francisco city and bay area.

Tip: Cross the bridge on foot or by bicycle, feeling the ocean breeze. Take a jacket with you as it gets windy and cold at times.

Union Square

During the civil war this was the gathering place for supporters of the unionist movement on the eve of the Civil War, and the name is driven from it. It is now the hub of one of the world’s most vibrant shopping districts. Walk around the square, and you will find impressive boutiques, countless salons,  largest Macy’s for women and the impressive Westin St Francis Hotel building.

Tip: Walk uphill on Powell street to capture the view of street from top or take the cable car. Take a seat in Union Square itself, and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the world go by.

Pier 39

Originally designed as operational pier and now as an entertainment hub, Pier 39 offers a great range of shops and eateries plus an impressive variety of other entertainment. You can catch street performers; visit the Aquarium of the Bay or the Marine Mammal Center; or simply stroll along the waterfront and take in the superb views of Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. Pier 39 is the nearest point of Alcatraz island.

Tip: Visit candy stores located towards the end, to enjoy special delights. The candies are available in some strange flavors too.

Lombard Street/Crookedest Street

Lombard Street, is also known as the “crookedest street”, is very famous for its steepness. There are  eight hairpin turns in just one block. The street is picture perfect and one of the landmarks which highlight’s the city’s uniqueness the most.

Tip:  Walk or drive down on the street to  capture a few snapshots. Their proposals to close the street for driving as the traffic chocks up and residents are now getting impatient with tourists.

The Painted Ladies

Don’t get confused by the name ‘Pained Ladies’. These are the Victorian Houses  of Alamo square which are part San Francisco’s picture postcards. Not every house can be termed as ‘Painted Ladies’ the house must be Victorian and must have no less the 3 colours.

Tip: Walk up the hill to get the views of the city, which are breathtaking.

Fisherman’s Wharf

As the name suggests,  the hub of the local fishing trade, Fisherman’s Wharf is now largely devoted to the entertainment of San Francisco’s many visitors, with whom it has retained huge and consistent popularity. You will find various seafood restaurants along the wharf. Pier 39 is part of Fisherman’s Wharf. There is a colony of sea lions that have based themselves around this area.

Tip : Enjoy a bowl of Clam Chowder soup while at the wharf.

Other things to do:

1. Visit Presidio
2. Visit Bay Bridge
3. Visit Treasure Island
4. Ride the cable car
5. Visit Botanical Gardens
6. Visit Walt Disney Museum
7. Alcatraz Island

Since I was not carrying my camera, my ‘iphone’ came handy.