Places to Visit on a Short Stay in San Francisco

Photo from Wikipedia

So you’re headed to San Francisco but you don’t have that much time to see things? Well that’s all right, because San Francisco’s most notable attractions are easy to see in little time. You’ll just have to allow yourself to become inspired to return, because San Francisco’s mix of attractions, architectural feats and demographic variety is worth more time than any of us will ever have. As to where to stay, you will find that ideal budget accommodation in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area is plentiful.

Alcatraz
If you’re never seen “Escape from Alcatraz” or “The Rock”, then get on that bandwagon; they’re two great movies to get you stoked to see the famous—or rather, infamous—island prison. Well, Alcatraz is no longer a functioning prison, but its position out in the bay affords it a reputation as one of the city’s most recognizable and enduring landmarks. You can take a boat out from Fisherman’s Wharf and join a tour of the old incarceration facility.

Fisherman’s Wharf
Speaking of Fisherman’s Wharf, you could kill two birds with one stone (pardon the cliché) by combining a trip to Alcatraz with a walk about the famous Wharf neighborhood. Here you’ll find a great mix of restaurants, street performances, and historical anecdotes in the form of plaques, souvenirs and small museums. Nearby Ghirardelli square, named for the famed chocolate whose original factory takes up position at one of the square’s corners, is a cornerstone of the city.

Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco’s most beloved landmark is easy to take in from any angle. It’s really hard to miss, especially on a particularly clear day when at dusk the sun’s low-angle rays pierce through the horizon and bring to the Golden Gate Bridge’s red a brilliant glow, not unlike the enticing color of a Red Delicious apple. This bridge, which connects the peninsular City of San Francisco with the adjacent Marin County, is probably the most photographed bridge in the world.

Chinatown
Chinatown is in many ways ineffable. It’s exotic and local all at once, and it is the history of San Francisco’s Chinatown that makes it so unique. As the country’s first true Chinatown, it holds a charm that other Chinatowns do not. It is here that the first fortune cookie was invented and it is here where still they are produced en masse. It would be great if you could visit at the Chinese New Year, but don’t worry; the streets here are always bustling. If you enjoy preparing yourself via film, then watch “Chinatown” with Jack Nicholson.

Coit Tower
If you’ve found the iconic row of colorful Victorian houses that features in the old TV show “Full House”, and which are emblematic of the city architectural heritage, then surely you will want to scope out Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower. A rich woman funded the tower’s construction in 1933. She was a socialite with a fervent appreciation for firemen and their contribution to their communities. As such, you might be persuaded that the tower resembles a firehouse, and is a tribute to the men in red. In any case, you can take the elevator or tackle the steps to reach the top. At the summit you are rewarded with an all-encompassing view over the city.

It’s too bad that you won’t have that much time in San Francisco, but as you can see, there are plenty of very important sites that you can enjoy on a tight schedule. And remember; if you’re looking for cheap hostels in San Francisco check out HostelBookers.com, the hostel specialists.


NOTE: This is a post from one of our contributors. Any views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views on www.pinoyadventurista.com.

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