San Francisco – The Golden City by the Bay – is located on the peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. It is a cultural and financial centre of the western United States and one of the country’s most cosmopolitan cities. It is also home to some of the most successful sporting franchises in recent times, the Giants in Major League Baseball and the Golden State Warriors in NBA. Not to mention the 49ers, the NFL team that dominated the 1980s and made their return to the Super Bowl this year!
In terms of sightseeing and attractions, one of the best things about San Fran is that although it’s a ‘big city’, it is geographically small – 49 miles squared. That makes it easy to see and do a lot, in a short period of time.
The must visits include the Golden Gate Bridge, probably the most famous bridge in the world which manages to impress even the most experienced travellers. Alcatraz, the infamous former prison located in San Francisco Bay, although many tried, no inmate ever managed to escape ‘The Rock’. You also can’t make a trip to San Francisco without taking a ride on the iconic cable cars and a one-way journey will provide spectacular views of the city as well as an exhilarating ride.
Outside of the attractions, we recommend basing your trip around a stay in Fisherman’s Wharf. The extremely popular neighbourhood has built its reputation from an array of restaurants serving freshly caught seafood, its location right on the water and an abundance of visitor attractions and shops. Early risers will be able to witness the fishermen unload their catch at Pier 47, nicknamed ‘Fish Alley’ or choose to sleep in and just sample the catch! A must try and a San Fran staple is the steamed crab, dipped in melted butter and served with a sourdough loaf.
Back to the sports though and the Golden City won’t disappoint. The 49ers are the city’s NFL team and are one of the most famous franchises in the sport – thanks to Hall of Famers including the late Bill Walsh, Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. Despite not actually playing their home games in the city, a sports holiday to San Fran wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara – home to the 49ers since 2014. Getting to the game is quite straightforward, with fan bus or train from San Fran or the light rail from downtown Santa Clara.
In NBA you have the Golden State Warriors, a team who have dominated the last 10 years with future hall of famer Steph Curry as well as having a brand-new arena, Chase Center in downtown. Oracle Park, home to the San Francisco Giants is one of the most beautiful ballparks in baseball and has some great views over the bay area, a pitcher friendly park, it’s a great place to take in a game.
Or if getting further afield is your thing then choose to hire a car and you’ll be able to access some of the best scenery in the US. Head north on the Pacific Highway and stop at Bodega Bay to see the epic migration of whales, from there, Napa Valley is only an hour and a half drive away and you will be sampling wine in no time! Yosemite National Park makes the ideal next stop on your Californian road trip and a few nights within the national park is highly recommended to take in the giant, ancient sequoia trees and the granite cliffs of El Capitan. Back west towards San Francisco you can make as many or as few stops as you like, some recommendations to name a few include, Modesto, San Jose and Half Moon Bay.
Whatever your sport and your interests, San Francisco truly has something for everyone. Complete our request form today and we can start building your dream California trip.
