Travel California – San Francisco in 1 Day

If you haven’t yet visited the city of San Francisco, you haven’t yet seen the real charm of California.

The city’s unique topography, mild climate and historic landmarks are what makes the city so beautiful and easy to fall in love with.

(Travelling to San Francisco soon? We are giving away a one free night stay at Hotel Diva, Hotel Union Square, or GRAND Kensington Park Hotel, enter contest HERE to win!)

If you only had one day like we did, here are some great attractions you’d not want to miss.

San Francisco 1-day travel map

#1 Cable Car

San Francisco cable car

If San Francisco is part of your California road trip, chances are you are driving a convertible like we were. However, you do not want to miss hopping on a national historical landmark. San Francisco’s iconic cable cars were named national historical landmark in 1964. The cable car system was established between 1873 and 1890 and remains the world’s last manually operated cable car system.

Hop on one from Union Square and get off at #2 Fisherman’s Wharf, a busy waterfront neighbourhood home to Pier 39, Cannery Shopping Centre, Aquarium of the Bay and a bunch of other attractions.
In the area you will also find restaurants serving fresh seafood.

#3 Lombard Street (temporarily closed to vehicles on July 12 and 13, 2014 noon-6pm)

Lombard Street

Lombard Street is a beautiful, winding one-way street paved with red bricks located on the Russian Hill (to be GPS friendly, punch in 1000 Lombard Street); this may be the world’s most crooked street.
Built on nearly 50 hills, the city of San Francisco shows its unique personality with stunning views overlooking the city from almost anywhere up the hills. However steep hill roads also pose hazards for drivers and pedestrians. Lombard Street was built to reduce the steepness of the slope that was too dangerous for vehicles by stretching the street into 8 sharp turns.

#4 Cow Hollow (Union Street)

Shanghai style beer house on Union Street

Cow Hollow, a land originally used for cow grazing, is now a mecca for the young and artistic filled with boutiques, bars, and galleries. Old barns and Victorian houses (mainly on Union Street) were renovated to house these shops.

#5 Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most photographed suspension bridges in the world. Drive across the bridge that once had the world’s longest main span and catch a great view of the landscape from Marin Headlands Vista Point. Drive down the bridge for a different perspective.

#6 Outer Richmond
Tour around Outer Richmond, a multi-cultural neighbourhood that is also home to the historic Cliff House and Sutro Baths, drive up the mountains and you will find yourself shrouded in San Francisco’s famous summer fog.

#7 Haight Ashbury

Haight Ashbury

Experience the hippie culture here, a community built by a group of young people who were in search of cheap housing back in the 60s. In this area you will find vintage wears, tie-dyes, old books and records.

#8 Alamo Square
Located just north-east of Haight Ashbury, Alamo Square is where you can see the contrast of the old and the new architecture all in one scene: A row of Victorian houses backdropped by San Francisco’s skyline today.

#9 Westfield San Francisco Centre
If you still have time, circle back to Westfield San Francisco Centre and do some shopping before you leave.

(Travelling to San Francisco? We are giving away a one free night stay at Hotel Diva, Hotel Union Square, or GRAND Kensington Park Hotel, enter contest HERE to win!)

Pictures taken with my iPhone 5s:

Union Square

San Francisco cable car

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf

San Francisco cable car

Lombard Street

Shanghai style beer house on Union Street

Shanghai style beer house on Union Street

Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge- The Lone Sailor

Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco map

Haight Ashbury

Haight Ashbury

Haight Ashbury

Haight Ashbury

Lombard Street

Lombard Street

(photos by Tanya)

Travel – San Francisco in 1 Day