San Francisco is a picturesque Californian city with everything from stunning architecture and landmarks to world-class art museums, restaurants, shopping hubs and breath-taking natural landscapes. This is the iconic city that you see in the movies and read about in books, but it can only be truly admired when witnessed in real life. Brightsun Travel offers cheap flights to San Francisco, allowing a great opportunity for you to visit here. Whether you’re interested in visiting San Fran or not, read our guide to the best hotspots of the city for some travel inspiration.
Shopping
San Francisco is a very diverse city, especially when it comes to shopping. From markets and boutiques to vintage shops and flagship designer stores, there’s something for everyone here. The city’s Union Square is the heart of the city’s shopping action and one of the most visited shopping regions in the world, boasting major department stores, quaint local boutiques, luxury retailers and antique shops. Westfield Mall is located near here, too, featuring over 200 shops and restaurants. The Mission District is an ideal shopping spot for those looking for something a bit different; here there are second hand clothing stores, vintage shops and independent bookstores, plus a large concentration of colourful street murals.
Sightseeing
There are a number of landmarks in San Francisco, the most iconic being the art-deco Golden Gate, which happens to be the most photographed bridge in the world. This vibrant, towering orange structure illuminates in the evening and becomes even more striking. Alcatraz Island is another must-visit landmark of San Fran; this former federal prison is one of the most infamous prisons in America which was home to well-known notorious criminals such as the Birdman and Al Capone. Finally, the Ferry Building is a must-visit; this San Francisco icon was formerly a primary transportation hub, and has developed into a classic marketplace and farmers market with awe-inspiring architecture.
Dining
San Francisco is undoubtedly a gastronomic capital with over 4,500 restaurants, including gourmet eateries, fine Michelin star venues, oyster bars, trendy cafes and al fresco waterfront restaurants. Outstanding cuisines can be sampled all across the city, so a satisfied stomach is pretty much guaranteed here. The slanted door restaurant is a notable San Francisco eatery, owned by nationally-acclaimed chef Charles Phan. This sought after restaurant specialises in high-quality Vietnamese cuisines with floor-to-ceiling windows offering bay views, plus a bar featuring signature cocktails. For an authentic dining experience, head to Pacific café, which specialises in fresh local seafood, has friendly long-serving staff and offers complimentary wine whilst you wait for your table.
Daytrips
The best part about San Francisco is the city’s proximity to breath-taking natural landmarks. A few hours from the city is the famous Yosemite National Park, which is California’s most iconic national park boasting glistening waterfalls, valleys, meadows, wilderness and more. California’s Wine Country is less than a 2 hour drive from San Francisco, comprising of Sonoma and Napa Valley with gorgeous vineyards, towns, coastlines and restaurants. During peak times, the Wine Country hosts colourful food and wine festivals. Finally, from San Francisco you can embark on the famous Central Coast highway route to LA, which passes several picturesque coastal towns and national parks along the way.
with Brightsun and look forward to planning the ultimate getaway to this beautiful Californian city.
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