Glimpses of San Francisco

If there is one image of San Francisco that stands out in the collective imagination, it’s the Golden Gate Bridge. This breathtaking symbol of the city was an engineering marvel when it was built during the Great Depression, and remained the longest suspension bridge in the world until 1964. The towering and swooping lines of vivid orange set against the ragged coastline and dark Pacific waters is always spectacular, whether steeped in the city’s famous fog or glaring and brilliant in the spring sunshine.

As far as former prisons go, Alcatraz is probably one of the most notorious holdings in history. The prison here housed the real troublemakers—from Al Capone who was imprisoned here for racketeering, to George ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly—back in the day. And although escape was impossible, it didn’t stop people from trying. Some of the most thrilling chapters in this little island’s history include the 14 escape attempts made over a course of 29 years. Today, this spot is a national landmark and a major tourist attraction, after being immortalized in the 1979 movie Escape From Alcatraz.

Painted Ladies is the name given to a row of Victorian house painted in an array of colours to accentuate their architectural details. The most popular cluster is the line between 710 and 720 Steiner Street—they appear in the opening credits of the San Francisco-based sitcom Full House—which launched the careers of the Olsen twins, as well as dozens of other movies and advertisements. Take a walk around the block to see dozens of gorgeous representations of the same style away from the hordes of tourists.

Named after the countless rallies that were held here in support of the Union Army during the American Civil War, Union Square is now known as San Francisco’s main shopping district. Surrounding the plaza, you’ll find discount shops, chain stores, a few upscale boutiques, and towering goliaths of the shopping world including Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys. Westfield Mall, which has Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, is also just a couple of blocks south of Union Square.

The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is one of the largest and liveliest markets in San Francisco, packed with fresh produce and award-winning prepared foods. Before the construction of the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, the Ferry Building was an important landmark during the Gold Rush. Once a busy port, today the building is a gourmet foodie’s paradise. Visitors pack the long, echoing hall, eager to taste and buy organic, artisan foods ranging from cheese, coffee and vegetables, to wine and delicacies like fresh-shucked oysters and chile jam. There are several restaurants housed within the building, including the acclaimed Slanted Door, which serves upscale Vietnamese cuisine.

As far as the café culture in the city goes, Four Barrel Coffee is the epitome of the local hipster daytime hangout. Artisan coffee at above-average prices, good-looking people hovered over Macbooks, and an eco-urban aesthetic—this is undeniably the coolest coffee joint in San Francisco. Pair your caffeine kick with a maple-bacon donut, and grab a bag of hand-roasted beans on your way out. If you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, order the affogato—an intense espresso with stout ice cream—which is made exclusively for Four Barrel by ice-cream kings Humphry Slocombe.

This world-renowned contemporary art museum was the first museum on the West Coast dedicated to modern art, and is still the second largest in the US. A clean and classy modernist building houses over 27,000 artworks—from wall-sized paintings and photographs, to sculptures and design objects—and hosts plenty of artsy events including video screenings, live poetry, panel discussions and performances. While the temporary exhibits are constantly popping up, the permanent collection showcases works from Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art and Cubism among others.

San Francisco’s favourite food-truck-turn-sweet-treat-shop, The Crème Brûlée Cart can be found at various locations around the city, so you’ll have to check their website to find the nearest one. What began in 2009 as a single cart in a back alley soon gained legions of fans who turned up for a taste of the owner’s torched tarts. Today they sell all the favourites—including the Yes Please (Nutella with fresh strawberry chunks) and S’mores (chocolate crème brûlée with toasted marshmallows and golden graham crackers)—in addition to the newer items on the menu.

It began life in 1894 as San Francisco’s Fine Arts Building, but after taking multiple hard hits from earthquakes, the venue was reborn. The newly renovated, provocative copper building with its twisted grey tower opened in 2005, and is now a primary feature of Golden Gate Park. Sitting across the plaza from the California Academy of Sciences, it houses thousands of paintings, sculptures, fabrics, masks and photographs from the Americas, Africa and Oceania. While the permanent exhibitions are incredible, the crowds come marching in temporary exhibits ranging from Jean Paul Gaultier’s world of fashion to the masterworks of ancient Mexico.

If you want to find sea lions, street performers and seafood all in the same place, Fisherman’s Wharf is where you need to go. Although it’s probably one of the most touristy attractions in the city, it’s well worth a visit for first-timers. The sea lions lounging at Pier 39 are absolutely oblivious to the hordes of on-lookers as they dry themselves in the sun and squabble about. When you’re ready for a snack, head to the vendors on Taylor Street for some fresh and delicious seafood, and watch the festive jugglers and other street performers playing for the crowds.

For the freshest seafood in town, gun straight for Swan Oyster Depot which consistently draws in locals and tourists with its top-notch fishy fare. Serving everything from oysters and crab, to mixed seafood salads and bug-eyed fish, the restaurant is almost always packed with diners. They don’t accept reservations, but once you’ve tasted their sashimi plate or the Dungeness crab, you’ll be happy to join the queue of hungry diners.

About an hour and a half north of San Francisco, the valley’s landscape is pastoral and fragrant, full of rolling hills, fields and dozens upon dozens of vineyards. For many, Napa Valley is a destination in itself, but for visitors to San Francisco, even a day trip is a good option. Many vineyards here offer wine tastings, and once you’re nice and tipsy you can just hop across into one of the highly rated restaurants that have sprung up along the countryside.

Cruise along the crooked road that has been a featured location in many Hollywood films. Lombard Street is a boulevard like any other, except for the fact that it transforms into a dizzying work of art along the steep hill between Leavenworth and Hyde Streets. Landscaped in a zig-zag manner to help cars get safely down the massive hill, the strip makes eight hairpin turns past stately mansions, red-brick steps and carefully manicured gardens. Often referred to as The Crookedest Street in the World, it attracts thousands of visitors who flock to its base for an iconic snapshot.

In what has come to be dubbed nose-to-tail dining, Incanto’s owners and chefs insist on using all parts of the animal. Don’t be turned off by lamb hearts, pigs’ trotters and pigs’-blood pappardelle; it may seem daunting, but each dish is prepared in delicious and often surprising ways. This upscale Italian restaurant, serves exquisite organic cuisine with an emphasis on sustainably produced meats and seafood. The menu changes daily, and prioritizes all things local and seasonal.

If there were such a thing as hunting lodge chic, then Bloodhound would have it nailed. A popular watering hole for the well-dressed after-work crowd, the weathered wooden walls, chandeliers made of deer antlers and high ceilings painted with scattered birds are all a nod to backwoods culture gone cool. The classic drink—the bloodhound—is a mixture of vodka, Campari and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and the stiff cocktails and 11 beers on tap offer a wide variety of drinks to choose from.

In 1896, Anchor Brewing was among the first microbreweries in the United States. Today, it still holds its own as the last remaining producer of Californian common bear, otherwise known as steam beer. Aside from a wide selection of high-quality, specialty ales for purchase, the company also offers a free 45-minute-long brewery tour that takes you through the company's history as well as the brewing process. There are plenty of free samples to sip on along the way, and it's a great excuse to drink in the morning.

Known for its strong currents and waves, Ocean Beach is a surfer’s dream come true. A vast, white stretch of sand at the juncture where the city meets the sea, it is frequented by locals and tourists who come to walk or jog along the beach or cycle along the path running parallel. Carry a picnic basket and watch the surfers tear up the waves by day, watch the sunset wrapped up in a blanket by night, or gather around a late-night beach bonfire. When it gets too cold, just head to the Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant for dinner and drinks, and catch the live music performances hosted here on Tuesday and Friday nights.