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San Francisco is a must-visit city with a rich history, art, shopping, and food. Founded in 1776 by Spanish colonists, San Francisco has blended its rich architectural history of the past with the present. The city is very walkable if you’re willing to traverse the many hills throughout the city or take advantage of the famous cable cars. It’s a fun city with lots to do for any length of time. That’s why we put together this list of things to do in San Francisco that you don’t want to miss.
Point Reyes National Seashore
It’s hard to believe that being near such a big city that there are great hiking areas. Point Reyes National Seashore is protected land that offers hiking, beaches, scuba diving, and wildlife watching. This park run by the National Park system has something for every age group. There are hikes for all levels and will take you to viewpoints of the bluffs for some incredible sunsets. Grey whales can even be seen from them during migration seasons.
Muir Woods
Muir Woods National Monument is also a great place for hiking and getting out of the city and into nature. This area is special because it hosts some of the largest trees in the world; the redwoods. You will be able to hike amongst the redwood trees and stop by the ranger station to learn all about them. It’s a place where we become the ants amongst the tall trees.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is a staple of San Francisco. Whether you want to drive or walk across the bridge, you will be left in awe of this incredible man-made structure. First opened in 1937, this bridge was the tallest and longest ever made. It was designed to withstand some of the strongest earthquakes and winds.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory
If you love chocolate and sweets, you have to stop by the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. The factory has every chocolaty dessert you could imagine along with every experimental chocolate flavor. While eating your favorite treat you can also sit on the lookout and enjoy the views of Alcatraz and the bay.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a very popular tourist destination. The piers along the wharf are lined with shops and some of the best seafood restaurants in the city. There is also always street entertainment that will leave you laughing. The shops and museums are a great place to buy a souvenir to remember the trip.
Alcatraz
Along with the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz is one of the most coveted things to do in San Francisco. Alcatraz Island has a haunting history of housing some of the U.S.’s most dangerous criminals at the time. Today, the prison has become a place of history that can be toured by visitors. To get to the island you must take a boat which shows you how locked down this prison really was.
