San Francisco

This is one of my favorite cities in the United States because of its charm, diversity, architecture and weather. I visited San Fran in February and the weather was beautiful, a little cool at night, but sunny and sweatshirt weather during the day. I love the public transportation system here, the history, Chinatown and Japantown. The city is a bit expensive, but well worth it... at least a weekend trip.


Getting from the airport (SFO) to downtown
As I always suggest use your google maps app, this is the best and easiest way to navigate your way around.


Take the BART (train) to get downtown. If you are coming from the Air Train in the airport, buy a ticket as you exit the train on the upper level. There are ticket vending machines in the middle of the floor. You must have a valid ticket in order to exit BART and descend on the escalator. For those of you traveling with Children under the age of 4, they can ride free on the San Francisco BART trains.

A 1-way BART ticket to downtown San Francisco costs $8.10 . Alternatively, if you know you will be returning to the airport via BART, you can buy a ticket for $16.20, and keep it with you for reuse at the end of your stay in San Francisco. The automatic ticket vending machines accept United States dollars, credit and debit cards. Keep your ticket handy, you'll need it when you exit.


From the BART you will need to exit the train station then transfer to the MUNI transportation system, bus or train.

MUNI (the bus) fairs are $2.25 per adult; $1 for ages 5-17 and include a transfer up to 90 minutes. They only take cash! There is a month pass, but not a day or week pass, so use those transfers wisely. The MUNI will take you all around the city and is very reliable and safe. My advise is to pick up a map at the airport or at your hotel/hostel and use your Google Maps App.


What to see and do
If this is your first time to SF, of course you have to visit Alcatraz Island, Pier 39 and the Golden Gate Bridge, but here are a few things off the beat and path that are fun to see and do in SF.

Seward Street Slides- The best way to ride the slides is to go down sitting on a piece of cardboard – you might find some at the foot of the slides, but bring your own just in case. Plunk down on your cardboard, and push off from the top. Pro tip: if you want to go really fast, throw a few handfuls of sand down the slide before you set off. Technically adults are supposed to be accompanied by children, but no one will begrudge you a joy ride if you're quick and quiet about it.
Address: 30 Seward St. Ask around if you can't find it, people will be happy to help. Best part... it's FREE!


Walt Disney Family Museum - A museum that features the life and legacy of Walt Disney. The museum is located in The Presidio of San Francisco, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco. The museum is a great walk through Walt's life from growing up in Missouri to the creation of Steamboat Willy and Mickey. It took me half a day to walk through and read every piece of history I could. There is even a list of food items that Walt liked and didn't like for his wife that is on display. The museum also has some spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge! They also offer film screenings of classic Disney movies every day. Check their website for more details. Address: 104 Montgomery Street. Open daily 10am–6pm, except every Tues, Jan 1, Thanksgiving & Dec 25. Adult tickets are $20 for admission; $7 for film screening.


Japanese Tea Garden - is a popular feature of Golden Gate Park, originally built as part of a sprawling World's Fair, the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894. The oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, this complex of many paths, ponds and a teahouse features native Japanese and Chinese plants. The garden's 5 acres contain many sculptures and bridges. It is a beautiful and relaxing place to be at peace in. You can also purchase Japanese tea to enjoy while exploring the garden. Get there before 10am Monday-Friday and enter for free, otherwise the fee is $8 for adults.image credit: www.innsf.com


Japantown - is a neighborhood in the Western Addition district of San Francisco, California. It comprises about six squarecity blocks. San Francisco's Japantown is the largest and oldest such enclave in the United States.Visit in April for the Cherry Blossom Festival, this event features dazzling display showcasing the color and grace of the Japanese culture and the diversity of the Japanese American Community.


Just up the street is The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption at 1111 Gough St. Its a very interesting architectural building and the inside is even more beautiful. Take a walk up from Japantown to visit this amazing building.image credit: gawker.com








Ferry Plaza Farmers MarketSaturday 8am–2pm; Tuesday 10am–2pm; Thursday 10am–2pmThe Ferry Building Marketplace is open every day, but these are the days to go when the local farmers display their beautiful vegetables, fruits, sprouts, and other yummy foods. They do free walking tours and start at noon on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Tours coincide with the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

Where to Stay
I stayed at the Green Tortuous Hostel, which I highly recommend. I stayed in a 4 bed all female dorm for $40 per night. Seems a bit pricy, but it was convenient to the bus, BART, Chinatown, downtown and I even walked to the pier to catch the boat to Alcatraz Island. What you get: Free WiFi, free breakfast every morning (bagels, fruit, OJ, eggs, continental style), free dinner 3 times a week and its pretty delicious, a fully equipped kitchen with a stove and oven, and a discount at the liquor store around the corner. I met so many fun people there, it is a "Party Hostel", so there are many more young people around. They had hostel events such as a dinner out, pub crawl, and a few tours available most nights of the week. They do have private rooms too. Check them out!


Enjoy your time in San Francisco! The only reason I didn't stay was because the cost of an apartment is an arm and a leg!