The Golden Gate BridgeWhen San Francisco is mentioned, the iconic image of the Golden Gate Bridge immediately springs to mind. Visiting San Francisco has long been on my bucket list before departing the States. My fascination with the city began after watching The Princess Diaries, and it has remained a dream destination ever since.
Originally, our plan was to spend two and a half days exploring SF. However, our plans took an unexpected turn due to a lengthy delay in our flight from Las Vegas, resulting in our arrival in SF at 10 PM. Exhausted from the journey, we chose to stay in for the night. Moreover, we had booked a Yosemite tour for the next morning, necessitating an early 5 AM departure, making rest the most sensible choice. As a result, we only had a single day to experience the city of San Francisco.
We devoted our sole day to exploring popular landmarks. Rising around 8 AM, we got an Uber to go theGolden Gate Bridge. However, upon arrival, thick fog obscured our view of the bridge. Undeterred, we proceeded to our next stop: Lombard Street.
To get to Lombard Street was quite a challenge as we had to ascend a slope of more than 45 degrees. It felt like a mini-hike. Yet, the effort was entirely worthwhile. The vantage point offered an incredible view of the San Francisco horizon. As anticipated, the area was bustling with tourists taking pictures. While some opted to drive along the winding Lombard Street, we chose to leisurely walk down the street. There were even stairs available for pedestrians like us, offering a unique perspective on this iconic spot.
After spending around 45 minutes there, we boarded a bus headed to Fisherman's Wharf. Navigating through SF was a breeze thanks to the helpful MuniMobile App. Upon arrival, we strolled around the bustling Fisherman's Wharf, exploring various souvenir shops. However, it felt a bit underwhelming with limited activities. Nevertheless, I did get a distant view of Alcatraz, which was quite a sight. Since we missed seeing the Golden Gate Bridge that morning, we decided to give it another shot around noon when the sun was shining. Luckily, fortune favored us, and we were able to witness the breathtaking beauty of the bridge.
Afterward, we headed to Japantown, acclaimed as the largest Japantown in the States. Wandering through the mall, it genuinely felt like stepping into Japan itself. We indulged in the best sushi, with the flavors of sweet shrimp and scallop nigiri lingering in my memory. Following our satisfying meal, we trekked back to our hotel. However, the walking experience in SF wasn't what I anticipated. The heat and the long stretches felt more like a taxing hike. Certain blocks appeared run-down, with a noticeable homeless presence. It became clear that being cautious about where to walk was essential. Our hotel, the Beacon Hotel, was conveniently located close to Powell Street, where the cable cars operate. Though we were eager to experience the iconic cable car ride, our tight schedule didn't allow for a lengthy wait. Understanding the wait time required, we decided it wasn't the best use of our limited time.
Our San Francisco escapade concluded with a glimpse of the iconic cable car before we made our way to San Francisco Airport around 7 PM, ensuring we caught our 9 PM flight back to Albany.
San Francisco offers a plethora of popular landmarks to explore, making it a worthwhile destination for a visit. However, while I appreciated the iconic attractions, it might not be a place I feel compelled to revisit.
No comments
Post a Comment