San Francisco, CA

destination • experience

Golden Gate Bridge

I highly suggest viewing it from multiple points and walking, biking or driving across it! As of July 1, 2018, the toll rate for one-time payments was $8 for the average car. It’s easy to pay by phone or over the internet, but must be done within two days of driving over the bridge. Also, you only get charged when you are coming back into the city.

San Francisco, CA

outdoors

Alcatraz Island

I unfortunately can only show you photos of Alcatraz from a distance. When I went to book a tour one month before visiting, they were sold out for tours over Labor Day weekend. So if this is something you’re wanting to do, book early!

San Francisco, CA

destination • shopping

PIER 39

Pier 39 is sure to be a hit with the kids and provides some great views of Alcatraz and, of course, sea lions!

San Francisco, CA

destination

Fisherman's Wharf

If you’re looking for seafood options, Fisherman’s Wharf is where you need to head for dinner! The wharf area is pretty crowded and they serve food every 2 feet. I suggest making a reservation at Alioto’s upstairs ($$-$$$$). This is also a restaurant that has a great view!

San Francisco, CA

outdoors

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is one of the few iconic San Francisco landmarks that I feel you could spend a whole day at! Or come back to over several days! With multiple gardens, museums, picnic spots, paddle boats, segway tours, bike tours, a golf course, and concert area, the possibilities for your trip to the park are almost endless!

San Francisco, CA

outdoors

Japanese Tea Garden

One of the many iconic San Francisco landmarks within the Golden Gate Park, the Japanese Tea Garden was a small, but beautiful area to walk around in. That being said, I would only suggest to go during one of their free times (listed here) as adult, non-residents have a $9 entry fee.

San Francisco, CA

destination

Dutch Windmill

One of the free attractions at the Golden Gate Park, the Dutch Windmill is one of two windmills near the Pacific coastline. It has been said that the best time to visit is in February and March when the tulips are in full bloom, however, the flower garden was still beautiful over Labor Day weekend. Also, the Dutch Windmill is within walking distance of the Beach Chalet, a family-friendly restaurant and brewery!

San Francisco, CA

destination

Lombard Street

You can’t go to San Francisco and not drive or walk down this crazy street! And I recommend doing both. The houses and foliage lining the street are perfect photo opportunities as much as a video of winding down the street is!

San Francisco, CA

destination • experience

House & House Architects

Growing up with the Full House tv show, this landmark was honestly right behind the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz for me. Imagine my sadness when we pulled up and it was being renovated! Also, tour buses are no longer allowed to drive down this street. So don’t count on a tour taking you by it.

San Francisco, CA

outdoors

Twin Peaks

You know a viewing area in San Francisco has to be good when it’s so foggy you can barely see anything and it’s still crowded! As we were leaving Twin Peaks the fog got better down the “mountain” and we were finally able to see what Twin Peaks is all about.

San Francisco, CA

outdoors

Lands End Lookout

This is a view from one area of Lands End! If you’re looking for a bite to eat with a great view, look no further than the building pictured here! Stop by Lands End for Cliff House and to see the Sutro Baths, ruins of an old saltwater, public swimming pool. I would say my parking tips, or at least experience when parking here, can save you money.

San Francisco, CA

outdoors

Grandview Park

Looking to avoid some of the crowds of Twin Peaks and still see some great high views of San Francisco? Head to Grandview Park! You do have to park and walk up, which is a little bit of a workout coming from Texas. The elevation differences really sneak up on you!

San Francisco, CA

experience

Painted Ladies

For the longest time I thought the Full House house was one of the iconic Painted Ladies on “Postcard Row”, but it isn’t! Alamo Square Park is a nice place to sit and take in these world famous houses and even have a picnic!