When people think of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is usually the first thing that comes to mind and for good reason. The iconic suspension bridge famous for its art deco elements, 746-foot tall towers, and distinct International Orange color (which would have been black and yellow stripes had the Navy had its way when it was completed in 1937), is just as stunning when glistening in the sunlight as it is when peeking out of the fog. There’s nothing quite like walking over the bridge, which pedestrians can do between 5am and 6:30pm/9pm depending on the season.But it’s also impressive when viewed from afar; Crissy Field, Fort Point, Baker Beach, and the Marin Headlands all offer excellent vantage points to take pictures and help keep its status as the most photographed bridge in the world.
Stretch those calves, because boy are you about to get those steps in! This Northern Californian city boasts more than 50 inclines and they're so steep that you can't see the other side of the street from the bottom of most of them. But don't let that put you off. Given San Francisco's position at the tip of a peninsula, it's actually very walkable. In fact, it's only seven miles wide and seven deep, so you can easily take it in on foot. Of course, if you'd rather not, there's the Muni (public transport network), bikes and three cable cars. Parking is nigh on impossible, so don't bother with the wagon.
Plan your days right, and you can tick off all these top attractions, from the Golden Gate in the north to the beautiful Bay in the east and everything in between. The city has Michelin-starred dining and hole-in-the-wall winners alike, as well as museums, surprising architecture, sports teams, and diverse neighborhoods. You might even feel an earthquake while you’re here (there are hundreds of small ones each year). Here’s our pick of the unmissable bits of San Francisco to put on your bucket list—whether you're a tourist or a local. Enjoy.
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