Thoroughly Immerse Yourself in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of America’s genuine gems, a perfect gay travel paradise, a holy land, of sorts, to all who enjoy fine wine and a true visual feast for all who appreciate striking geographic contrasts.

When you think of San Francisco, a big orange bridge and an island prison are likely the first things to come to mind. Certainly, these things are two of the key tourist attractions for visitors to see, but don’t let your exploration of San Francisco begin and finish there. The city has lots of other things to offer that are unique to the city and will let you catch a glimpse the lives of San Franciscans.

 

 

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!

 

For a real taste of San Francisco culture, get off the tourist path and check out the local neighborhoods. 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. These artists have left a remarkable and lasting influence on this district. Haight-Ashbury also has 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 only a short walk away from this district is also located the Golden Gate Park—a huge, gorgeous park that rivals New York’s Central Park.

 

To enjoy one of the most fascinating neighborhoods of San Francisco, spend time in Chinatown 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 vacationers exploring San Francisco may be drawn to the Castro district to visit the historic sites and soak of the ambience, but you will find the whole of the city is accepting of all kinds of people. Enjoy all of it!

 

So when you plan your San Francisco vacation, don’t get stuck just doing “touristy” type things. The city offers adventures everywhere you turn. Immerse yourself in the culture of the city to get the most out of your trip!