San Francisco - The golden city

San Francisco Airport Directory (SFO)
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Do you know San Francisco is also known as the Golden City of California? This is mainly because of its association with California’s gold rush and the dry, golden-brown grass found on the city's hillside. This city is said to be California's commercial, financial, and cultural hub. San Francisco seems as if it has come straight out of a dream with its natural and artificial beauty. Many iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Chinatown grasp the attention of travellers and locals alike. While you are in this city, don’t forget to try out the delicacies such as the cioppino, mission-style burrito, and xiao long bao from the diners and cafes. Although a highly advanced city, the people here are known for their warm and welcoming hospitality, so if you get the time, try to interact with the local people to enjoy the city in its most authentic form. Let’s explore what San Francisco has to offer and how you can manage your time in the city.

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Best time to visit: The best time to visit San Francisco is between September and November. In addition to the fall season, you can also plan to explore the place during spring. With pleasant weather, you can stroll or plan a picnic during these seasons in San Francisco. 

How to reach?

By air: You can easily reach this city by booking flights to San Francisco, which land at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This airport also offers public transportation to the city centre or other desired landmarks. 

By train: You can easily find trains in San Francisco. This city is well-connected with other neighbouring cities.

By bus: If you wish to take a road trip, you can opt for a bus ride from nearby cities and towns. They are readily available and provide a smooth journey to the city and beyond.

Getting around/Transport in San Francisco: Muni is San Francisco’s bus and metro system that connects most of the landmarks and attractions within the city. You can easily take these rides to reach your destination without much hassle. If you wish to have a more private journey with your companions, you can take a taxi or rent a cab for cheap prices on many online platforms.

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Places to visit

  • Golden Gate Bridge: The Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco is a highly loved attraction among tourists. The serene beauty of this bridge, the view it offers, and the architectural brilliance make it one of the city's most intriguing attractions. 
  • Alcatraz Island: The Alcatraz Island is a small island situated on the offshore of San Francisco. The main reason why it is a well-liked destination is because of its historical significance. This place was once known as a prison with maximum security. 
  • Golden Gate Park: The Golden Gate Park is the largest urban park in San Francisco. If you plan to visit this park, you can easily get access to the Japanese Tea Garden, Botanical Garden, California Academy of Science, and de Young Museum. 
  • Exploratorium: The museum of science, arts, and human perception, the Exploratorium museum is famous among the explorers and wanderers. Founded by the physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer, this museum can help you unveil facts about science and human life in the most illustrious manner. 
  • Palace of Fine Arts: Designed by American architect Bernard Maybeck, the Palace of Fine Arts is characterised by its Greco-Roman-inspired rotunda and a lagoon that reflects its stunning façade. The Palace of Fine Arts is located in the Marina District of San Francisco. Built in 1915, this palace is said to be the only structure from that year’s Panama-Pacific International Exposition that is still standing.
  • Twin Peaks: The Twin Peaks is renowned as you can view the entire city from this place. On a clear day, you can have a 360-degree view of the city, with several prominent landmarks, lakes, parks, and museums visible from the top. 
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: Also known as SFMOMA, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts is an exhibition that displays artworks, projects and interviews of the current or rising stars. This place is majorly dedicated to the prodigies and geniuses of the 21st century. 
  • Legion of Honor: The Legion of Honor is an art museum in San Francisco, which was formerly known as the California Palace. This museum is situated in Lincoln Park and is a component of the Fine Art Museum and an administrator of the de Young Museum.

Places to eat

  • Scoma’s Restaurant: Scoma’s Restaurant is a remarkable outlet showcasing its legacy in the form of food and ambience. The menu is famous for its seafood dishes, and the space will leave you in awe as the view gives the serene feeling of hearing overlapping noises of waves and birds chirping on a wooden deck. 
  • Abaca: Abaca is a famous restaurant by the renowned chef, Francis Ang. This place offers contemporary Filipino cuisine and is located on the ground floor of the Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel. 
  • Restaurant Nisei: Michelin-starred restaurant by David Yoshimura, the Restaurant Nisei is the place that will fill your heart and stomach with the best Japanese-American dishes in San Francisco. The restaurant's white and black contrasting theme is spellbinding. The chef and owner of this restaurant, David, is known for his expertise in blending Japanese products and dishes with American delicacies. 
  • City View Restaurant: The City View Restaurant is a much-loved restaurant for all the foodies. You can try a variety of dishes that are famous in this city. The staff here is exceptionally welcoming, adding to the overall ambience of this restaurant.

Shopping

  • Westfield San Francisco Centre: The Westfield San Francisco Centre is one of the city's biggest and busiest shopping malls. It is said to be one of the most loved places by the locals due to the convenience and availability of almost every product you can think of. This shopping mall houses almost 180 local and international stores, which further adds to the likability of this place among the people visiting it. 
  • Stonestown Galleria: This mall is believed to be the first mall in the city and was opened almost seven decades ago. The architecture of this mall is truly exquisite and permits an ample amount of fresh air and light to penetrate through. It has over 109 stores, making it a prime hub for all shopping lovers.
  • Ferry Building Marketplace: Ferry Building Marketplace is the best option when you are looking to shop the most authentic and local delights in the city. Known as the busiest shopping hub, it is a thrice-weekly market that offers a wide range of local produce and artisanal foods. 
  • Pier 39: Located in the heart of San Francisco, Pier 39 offers several restaurants, shopping stalls, and a spectacular view of various attractions of the city. Many tourists visit the pier to have a relaxing day with their companions, where they spend the time eating the delicacies, shopping to their heart's content, and watching famous landmarks. 

Nightlife in San Francisco

  • The Endgames Improv Stage: This venue is said to be the laughter-filled nightlife of San Francisco. They host around 14 shows each week, with different issues and serious topics themed in a comedy manner. 
  • Dinner Cruise: The Dinner Cruise is the best way to spend your night with your loved ones. A breathtaking view of the sea, delicious food, and a hypnotising ambience under the endless stars sound like an evening well-spent. Several big brands offer dinner cruises with catchy music, beverages and food, as well as a dance floor for you to enjoy your night to the fullest.

Where to stay? 

  • San Francisco Marriott Marquis: Located at walking distance from the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station and the Moscone Centre, San Francisco Marriott Marquis is a fine and polished building best suited for your accommodation. This hotel has over 39 floors, which lets you watch the city in its true form. Book your room on a higher-up floor and sip your tea while enjoying the sunset from your balcony. 
  • Hilton San Francisco Financial District: The Hilton San Francisco Financial District offers one of the best accommodations and views of the bay. Several modern facilities added with the warm and welcoming hospitality of the staff will surely make your stay memorable. The restaurant and other services offered at this place are so exciting that you might not feel like leaving your hotel room at all. 
  • 1906 Mission: Built in the year 1906 and renovated in 2013-14, the Mission 1906 guarantees a comfortable stay. Other than the facilities offered by this hotel, their free gifts and gestures towards each guest make them spectacular.
  • Inn San Francisco: This hotel is known to capture the true essence of the Victorian era in its architecture. The property features several items such as a sundeck and hot tub for guests to enjoy their stay.

More reasons to visit

  • Riding a cable car: Cable cars have been a significant means of transportation for the locals of San Francisco. The familiar bells and whistles, the slow yet peaceful ride, and the affordable prices of tickets are some of the many reasons why taking a cable car when visiting San Francisco is recommended. 
  • Take part in the outdoor festivals: San Francisco is said to be in the most alive form during the festive season. The joy, celebration, and carefree atmosphere makes people want to forget everything and just enjoy themselves. 

Festivals

  • Carnaval of San Francisco: The Carnaval is the most awaited and loved event celebrated in California. It generally starts in February and lasts till the end of May. This multicultural event in California celebrates their Latin-American and Caribbean communities. This parade sees thousands of people exhibit their culture and dance while enjoying their diversity in the most beautiful manner. 
  • San Francisco Pride Parade and Festival: San Francisco's LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival is a truly vibrant time when people come and celebrate diversity. Held annually, it features a parade winding through the city streets, live performances, and a strong message of inclusivity. It is one of the largest Pride events in the world and attracts visitors from near and far. Plan your trip accordingly and be a part of this significant annual phenomenon.

Visa and immigration

To visit the United States from India, you need to obtain a non-immigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visa. The process involves completing the application form, paying the visa application fee, and scheduling a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. Documents required include a valid passport, photograph, and proof of financial resources, among others. It is essential to carefully follow the instructions and requirements set by the U.S. authorities to ensure a smooth visa and immigration process. Travellers can check the USA visa guide.

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