Much more than a storied bridge: A Brisbanite’s guide to San Francisco

For a first-time visitor to San Francisco, there’s plenty to do.

The city lives and breathes culture and class, and travellers are given an endless array of attractions, dining and shopping to choose from to spend their days.

Battery Spencer Lookout at the Golden Gate Bridge. Credit: Cloe Read

For Queenslanders, there’s now a direct flight from Brisbane to San Francisco, which is expected to pump about $27 million into the economy, making it easier than ever to travel into the Golden State.

Here’s a guide to the best things to see and do while in San Francisco.

ICONIC PLACES AND BEST PARTS OF THE CITY

Walking through San Francisco, there’s something to see or do at almost every corner. The city is known for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Lombard Street and Fisherman’s Wharf, which are all worth a visit, even more than once. Near the Golden Gate Bridge, there is the Palace of the Fine Arts, which offers a serene break from the hustle of the city. The best way to enjoy the city is a walk along the northern coastline, with views of the bay and looking back onto the iconic hills of San Francisco.

In the San Francisco suburb of Russian Hill.Credit: Cloe Read

DINING

The first thing anyone tells you about San Francisco is to visit Fisherman’s Wharf. Located in the northern part of the city, it is a famous tourist attraction for a reason. There are seemingly endless choices for food – including the famous clam chowder in warm sourdough bread bowls. At Boudin Bakery, diners can see the bakery in action through a nine-metre window. Heading into Pier 39, one can also get a famous American hot dog or buy candy in novelty stores. Nearby is Ghirardelli, San Francisco’s signature chocolate company, offering something for those with a sweet tooth. In the city, there are cafes on almost every corner and one can experience the infamous pumpkin spice latte in most coffee shops. The Cheesecake Factory within Macy’s in Union Square is a must-visit.

ACCOMMODATION

For those wanting a perfect mix of old and new, staying in the Beacon Grand, formerly the Sir Francis Drake, on iconic Powell Street, gives a true American city experience. The hotel’s high-class bar and restaurant offers comfort away from home. There are cable cars on the hotel’s doorstep, a Starbucks conveniently located on the corner, and an excellent Japanese restaurant, Maru Sushi, across the road. The hotel has been recently restored but keeps historical quirks in place, such as a US Mail chute down through the lifts to the art-deco lobby.

Accessing major shopping centres in the area, including Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Westfield San Francisco, and Nordstrom is easy via walking, or alternatively, cable cars take you further through the city for other experiences, such as to Fisherman’s Wharf for Alcatraz or bay cruises or to the Golden Gate Bridge.

SHOPPING

In Union Square, the city’s shopping district, there are both high-end and affordable shops to match every traveller’s budget. Nearby Chinatown offers cheaper souvenir type gifts. The city also has plenty of thrift stores, local antique shops, and interesting arts stores scattered throughout.

Union Square offers both high-end and affordable shops. Credit: Cloe Read

ARTS

For those travelling in December, the final weeks of Diego Rivera’s work will be displayed at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. SFMOMA also offers great artistic gifts in its two shops. There are multiple theatres in the city for broadway, ballet and other shows.

Galleries at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Credit: Cloe Read

HOW TO GET AROUND

San Francisco’s travel system is far more modern than most Australian cities. The Muni app allows travellers to easily buy a ticket to get on a cable car or bus. Tourists can also purchase a City Pass, which includes access to Alcatraz Island and Blue and Gold Fleet cruises of the bay. You can access many parts of the city via walking.

Cable cars travel throughout the city. Credit: Cloe Read

MUST-DO ACTIVITIES FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS

San Francisco is obviously known for the Golden Gate Bridge – and for good reason. If you visit only two places in the city, it should be Battery Spencer lookout, which offers beautiful views of the city on other side of the bridge, (or for a more accessible option, a bay cruise to see the full scale of the city), and try the famous clam chowder or at Fisherman’s Wharf.

The author was the guest of San Francisco Travel Association.