Don’t Miss San Francisco

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 spectacle for all who appreciate striking geographic contrasts.

While the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz island prison are the two most familiar icons of San Francisco, the city offers many other sights and pleasures that will keep you thoroughly entertained during your stay. Don’t just do the tourist thing during your trip: indulge yourself in the life and beauty of the city of San Francisco!

San Francisco is a great city for walking. The temperature is never too cold for being outdoors and the city is so pretty; a stroll is a great way to take in all that “The City” (as it is known to the natives) has to offer. And, should your limbs begin to feel a little cramped from walking, all you have to do is jump on one of San Fran’s famous cable cars until you arrive at your next destination. This form of transportation is unique to San Francisco, the city where the trolley was first used, and is a great way to start getting acquainted with the city’s special culture.

While in San Fran, Fisherman’s Wharf is a must see for your itinerary. 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 be if you’re hungry 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 see the chef in action!) 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 great stop if you want to experience the diversity of San Francisco culture. From North Beach to Chinatown, each neighborhood has 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 record store that was once a bowling alley. Here you will find nearly any music you’re looking for, with an enormous variety of vinyl. And just a short distance from this district you will find the Golden Gate Park—a large, gorgeous park that resembles New York City’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 visitors to San Francisco may be primarily attracted to the Castro area to visit the sites and soak of the ambience, but you will discover the entire city accepting of all types 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!