Interesting Facts About Beaches That Will Surprise You

BY  Ankita Mar 23, 2024

San Francisco is a city full of famous American landmarks, intriguing history, and delicious food. It has attractions ranging from the Ghirardelli chocolate to cioppino, various cultures, and typical California scenery. With so much to see and do in this vibrant, scenic West Coast city, even the residents could never grow bored. If you are looking for things to do in San Francisco this weekend, we have made a list of the top ones that you just can’t miss. Things To Do in San Francisco San Francisco’s famous hilly roads and cable cars have made a mark on travelers and global citizens. But there is more to this city than meets the eye. Here are the top unique things to do in san francisco this weekend. Golden Gate Bridge One of the most iconic images in the United States is the Golden Gate Bridge. Cars and pedestrians can cross the strait which is named after this 1.7-mile-long, brick-red structure, which connects San Francisco and Marin County. When visiting the city for the first time, crossing the bridge by foot or bicycle is practically required. Depending on the day of the week and the time of day you cross the bridge, there are rules governing which of the two sidewalks should be used for walking and cycling. The Presidio A great place to explore outside is The Presidio, a 1,500-acre public park that was formerly a military post. Take a hike or a bike ride on the 24 miles of trails and stop at one of the lookout points for a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, making it one of the greatest spots to get away from the hustle and take a peaceful moment. Presidio Tunnel Tops Above a six-lane highway lies green space provided by the Presidio Tunnel Tops. The 14 acres of parklands, which opened in 2022, offer some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and connect the main post of the former military base to the waterfront at Crissy Field.   You can even reserve a picnic table with the best view for a truly memorable experience. In addition, there are lots of chances for leisure and education, like the weekend campfire talks given by rangers from the National Park Service. Institute for Contemporary Art San Francisco Yes, this vibrantly creative city has a lot of places to view art, but the Institute for Contemporary Art San Francisco is unique: It is non-profit, does not collect, and is "dedicated to experimenting." It's the opposite of pretentiousness in the arts. There is free admission, so you won't have to pay to view any of the pieces, which include photography, textile art, video, and mixed media. JFK Promenade JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park was only car-free on weekends prior to 2022. Then, voters in San Francisco decided to permanently restrict traffic on the road to pedestrians. It is now free of traffic, so you can ride your bike, walk, skate, or travel along it however you please. Along the route, there will be art installations, lounging chairs, and public pianos. Read More: Is San Francisco Safe? THIS Is What You Should Know! Cable Car Ride San Francisco is a city known for its hills. Using public transportation to get around might be advantageous unless you're looking to get a serious leg workout. Since its inception in 1873, the city's renowned cable car system has been a popular tourist destination. The cable cars are still a great way to get around and a must-try Instagram-worthy experience. Tickets cost $8 for a one-way ride and can be bought at kiosks located throughout the city. Ferry to the Alcatraz While going to jail might not seem like a very vacation-like activity, Alcatraz isn't your typical jail. Some of the most infamous criminals in the country were housed at the long-closed penitentiary. It was situated on the island bearing the same name in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Some of them attempted to swim across the dangerous waters to escape. The prison is so well-known that it has appeared in motion pictures, including "The Rock" and "Bird Man of Alcatraz." To discover more about the intriguing history of the prison, anyone can take the ferry to the island. Moreover, it is now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. So you can take a guided tour of the prison. North America’s Oldest Chinatown The Dragon Gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Street marks the entrance to San Francisco's Chinatown, which is the oldest in North America. The neighborhood, which covers thirty square blocks, is a miniature, thriving city unto itself. Visit the stores, indulge in delicious dim sum or authentic congee, enjoy boba, or pick up a fortune cookie flavored with green tea from the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Lovers’ Lane Enjoy a peaceful stroll along Lovers' Lane, the Presidio's oldest footpath, for a treat outside. When on vacation in San Francisco, the roughly half-mile trail is the ideal location. Stroll hand in hand with your significant other or find a moment of solitude amidst the trees. The trail is rated easy to moderate and has pavement. The walk takes about half an hour. Palace of Fine Arts Architect Bernard Maybeck created the Neoclassical Palace of Fine Arts for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exhibition. He imagined it to be a Roman ruin that would be demolished once the fair was over. Rather, a committed group of locals preserved the cherished building, which by the late 1950s had truly become a ruin. It was more permanently rebuilt in the ensuing ten years and is still a breathtaking landmark. Situated in a park at the edge of the Presidio, the free attraction boasts a stunning 162-foot-tall open-air rotunda. It overlooks a serene lagoon and is flanked by two Corinthian colonnades. It's a fantastic location for your next Instagram photoshoot, meeting spot, or stroll. Oracle Park Cheering on the Giants at Oracle Park is a sign of support for the San Francisco natives. While baseball enthusiasts will want to sit in the 100s near the field, this waterfront stadium's upper deck offers breathtaking views of the bay. This is seriously one of those times when it pays off to sit in the nosebleeds. Just remember to pack a glove and be prepared to catch a home run or foul ball if necessary. Alamo Square Park One of the most photographed locations in San Francisco is Alamo Square Park, primarily because it provides the ideal angle for photographing the pastel-colored Painted Ladies. They are also known as the Victorian-style homes made famous by the television series Full House. However, it also provides an amazing 360-degree view of the city. Bring a blanket and a snack so you can enjoy people-watching for as long as you want. TreasureFest Although there is some excellent vintage shopping in San Francisco, Treasure Fest may be the best place to locate a few unusual pieces. The outdoor market, formerly called Treasure Island Flea, features apparel, antiques, handcrafted goods, and more. In addition, there are lots of food trucks available to feed the famished masses. This flea is open only a few weekends a year; check the website for schedules and locations. Bay Cruise Take a bay cruise to experience the city from a different angle. This will let you get up close to some of the attractions, such as Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. While out on the water, keep a watch out for seals and other marine life. You can reserve a thrilling 90-minute inflatable raft excursion with Bay Voyager or an hour-long tour with Blue and Gold Fleet. There are numerous options for boat tours. Exploratorium A "public learning laboratory" and museum, The Exploratorium lets anyone become a crazy scientist. With the resources at their disposal, visitors can unleash their creativity. They become active explorers, creating anything they can dream up. It's no surprise that kids love this place, but Thursday nights are adult-only at the museum, so you can go without kids. If not, visit at any time to engage with the exhibits and listen to regular speakers. SFMOMA Art It would be an understatement to say that the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is enormous. Moreover, the museum is over 45,000 square feet, spread across seven gallery floors. It is crammed full of contemporary artwork, pictures, sculptures, and much more. You could certainly explore SFMOMA and take in everything it has to offer for a full day, if not longer. Snack at the Ferry Building Searching for a delicious treat? Visit the historic Ferry Building, a marketplace with a variety of locally sourced treats. They offer sweet treats from the Donut Farm and foamy beers from Fort Point Beer Co.  Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays are market days when local purveyors come in to sell their products directly from the farms (or straight from the studio). If you're lucky, you might even visit on one of these days. San Francisco Botanical Garden The most amazing flora in the city can be found at the 55-acre San Francisco Botanical Garden. Strolling through the various gardens will make you feel as though you're in the Andes one minute and the Mediterranean the next. If you're visiting during the blooming season, make sure to stop by and take a whiff of the magnolia collection. This location is especially well-known for the flowers from December through March. Tiki Drink in the Tonga Room There are plenty of great restaurants and bars in the city that will gladly bring you a drink. However, only a few are perhaps as famous as the Tonga Room. Travelers have always loved the Fairmont San Francisco's tiki-style bar. This is despite its oddball setting in the Bay Area. Transport yourself to the tropics with a fruity cocktail as well as some bite-sized treats inspired by islands. Outdoor Music Festival Those who attend festivals frequently are probably familiar with Outside Lands, which is one of the world's highest-grossing music festivals. Every August, Golden Gate Park hosts a three-day festival. It draws hundreds of thousands of attendees and dozens of top-notch bands. The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, which ends the season with lovely folk music, and the Stern Grove Festival, which offers free outdoor concerts all summer long, are less well-known but still worthwhile visits. Walt Disney Family Museum Any Disney enthusiast visiting San Francisco should not miss the Walt Disney Family Museum. The museum provides plenty of insider knowledge along with interactive exhibits that highlight the personal side of the man behind the brand. Original storyboards, vintage movie posters, Disney memorabilia, and some of Walt Walton's personal belongings are among the items on exhibit. You will undoubtedly come away inspired. It will make you want to watch your beloved animated classic again. Lombard Street The location that most embodies the distinctively hilly and winding terrain of San Francisco is Lombard Street. It is also referred to as the "crookedest street in the world." It zigzags through eight steep turns on the hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets. Although you can walk the street and see the houses along the way if you're prone to motion sickness, it's a fun little stretch for a leisurely drive. Davies Symphony Hall A performance at the Civic Center neighborhood's Davies Symphony Hall is a visual as well as auditory feast. Attend a traditional concert or the San Francisco Symphony's special screenings. Here, a big-screen blockbuster film is shown with a live soundtrack provided by the orchestra. Visit the symphony's website to view the schedule.   The Weed Dispensary Are you eager to experience something that is distinctly San Francisco? Visit one of the many dispensaries in the city. Despite your stance against marijuana use, it can still be interesting to observe this booming industry up close. Since the state legalized cannabis for adult use in 2016, the practice has developed into a full-service way of life. Consider it like visiting a winery. To get assistance, simply ask a helpful "budtender." Use Weedmaps to locate a place. Ghirardelli Square You probably have a sweet tooth if the name Ghirardelli Square sounds familiar to you. The renowned chocolate company of the same name once called the entertainment and retail complex between Fort Mason and Fisherman's Wharf home. Ghirardelli relocated its headquarters to the neighboring city of San Leandro in 1966. However, the Chocolate Experience, which includes a sundae station and a pick-and-mix bar, faithfully honors the site's past. Visit its nearby eateries as well as bars for a larger bite or stop in for a taste. Mission Murals Take a self-guided tour of the Mission Murals to see some amazing street art for nothing. Even though there are over a thousand murals lining the streets, the best way to see them is to stroll down Caledonia, Clarion, Balmy, and Horace Alleys. Alternatively, you can just explore the neighborhood and pick your own favorite mural. Palace Hotel Do you wish you were a little more regal? For afternoon tea, proceed to the Palace Hotel. The hotel's Garden Court dining room hosts a traditional ceremony every Saturday. There, stands of traditional English bites, such as finger sandwiches and scones, adorn the tables and provide a perfect pick-me-up for both locals and hungry tourists. Wrapping Up So, this was a list of enjoyable things to do in San Francisco over the weekend. We could probably make this guide ten times longer with all the things we could do in SF for weekend adventures. The options are as varied as the city itself. However, it is best to take things a little at a time. We hope this guide will help you choose a few things to do during your next trip to San Francisco. For every weekend visitor, the City by the Bay guarantees an amazing experience, ranging from culinary delights and historical excursions to outdoor adventures and cultural explorations. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Art, Architecture, And Azaleas: 24 Things To Do In Savannah The Best Things To Do In Moab Utah For Outdoor Enthusiasts From Festivals To Spas: The Top Things To Do In Park City Utah

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 13, 2021

Punta de Mita is a beautiful fishing town on the Mexican Pacific coast, an ideal tourist place to be relaxed near the sea. Its beautiful beaches with little waves and diversity of fauna and flora, annually invite hundreds of tourists to visit this small peninsula, which offers attractions for the whole family. Let's get to know the 8 things to do traveling in Punta de Mita, a Mexican paradise. 1. Get to know the peninsula by boat Let's start our list with an exciting speedboat ride. The best way to get to know Punta de Mita is on a boat ride, where in addition to enjoying a sunny day, you will see its beautiful marine fauna up close. These tours are perfect for those who like to fish and dive because professional help is offered in both activities. 2. Marismas Beach You can enter and bathe in the sea of ​​Marismas beach walking through the restaurants in the area. Its main attraction is to observe and learn about marine fauna such as cucumbers and sea spiders, clams, or the birds that perch on palm trees. Visit it very early so that the intense afternoon sun does not hurt you. Check out out our exclusive observation on the best time to visit Morocco 3. Swim with dolphins Swimming with dolphins is another of the must-see activities in this beautiful peninsula, especially for the little ones in the house who always enjoy this experience. Visit the Dolphin Adventure Center to swim, meet and learn from the bottlenose dolphins that abound in the region. 4. El Anclote Beach Unlike other beaches in the area, El Anclote beach has large waves, ideal for surfing or practicing other water activities. Taste delicious tropical food and cocktails on the shore of the beach, while you share a pleasant afternoon with your friends and family. 5. Walkthrough its villages Taking a walk through the coastal towns of Punta de Mita is a good opportunity to learn about their culture and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere that is felt in its streets. Sayulita and San Pancho are the most visited towns in the area, both with cozy cafes and restaurants where the food is exquisite. 6. Visit the golf courses on the coast Punta de Mita is also known for its wide and exotic golf courses. National and international champions of this sport often travel to this peninsula to enjoy its golf courses, high-quality facilities, and beautiful views. 7. Walkthrough Guachimonton Very close to Punta de Mita are the pyramids of Guachimonton, considered as archaeological jewels of the region and an important part of the most valuable archaeological monuments in Mexico. Visit the town of Higuera Blanca to learn more about the history of its pyramids. 8. Horse ride along the beach A horse ride on the shore of the beautiful beaches of Punta de Mita is a gift that you have to give yourself, for having a very pleasant and comforting feeling. Some beaches offer the service with guides that will help you with whatever you need. Are you now ready to go there? Bonus for you: Latest Guide to National parks in Idaho is absolutely free for you. Check out.

BY  Sibashree Sep 5, 2024

Is it about getting most of your travel credits? It’s time to check out the FintechZoom best travel credit card alternatives.  As I was traveling in July this year, the travel credit card I was using gave me a lot of hassle. Only a traveler stuck in a foreign land knows what a nightmare it is! The bonus policies were all over the place for me, and every time I wanted to redeem my award points, the hotels charged me a certain fee. I was angry and did not know why I earned those points!  However, as I returned home, I started exploring other options and found the Platinum Card® from American Express a feasible option.  Then again, a better option for me may not work for others. So, as a traveler, I felt that I should have a sincere discussion about the traveler-friendly options available.  The travel credit card you choose will decide your travel benefits and how many miles you gather. FintechZoom has suggested some of the most suitable travel credit card options. In this guide, we will delve deeper and determine the best options for you.  THIS IS Why You Will Choose FintechZoom Best Travel Credit Card Let me be as honest as a mirror for you! I am always skeptical about what financial solutions to trust, and I piss my partner off with endless questions as he has a better understanding of these things. Then again, he wanted me to learn things the hard way. So, he suggested that I explore the FintechZoom options.  FintechZoom is the best platform for choosing the best travel credit card because of its in-depth analysis and comparisons. Further, FintechZoom makes the most of the artificial intelligence (AI) technology to provide specific information based on accurate financial stats.  In addition, I was really impressed by the transparency of the platform, and the app offered easy navigation while I was exploring options.  THIS Is The FintechZoom Best Travel Credit Card  Here, I present the FintechZoom best travel credit card! I will keep it to the point and drive to your travel requirements.  1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card As I was exploring the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card travel benefits, I found out that USA Today has called it the best travel credit card for “beginners and experienced travelers.” Indeed, the terms are pretty clear and transparent.  Also, my research said that in 2021, Chase was the largest credit card issuer based on market share. So, there is enough backing to go by the FintechZoom suggestion.  What You Get From The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card The table below explains the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.  Welcome Bonus60000Flexible Point Transfers* 14 Airline or Hotel Partners (Or you can redeem through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.)Travel Purchase through the Card5x Reward PointsDining3x Reward PointsAll Other Travel Purchases2x Reward PointsAnnual Hotel CreditsUp to $50Points Worth 25% More When Booking Travels (For example, for 10000 points, you will get $125 as cash back or gift cards)Yearly Bonus10%Repay Eligible PurchasesUp to 24 Months Without Interest (Purchase of $100 or More)Complimentary Travel Protections$10,000 Per Person and $20,000 Per Trip (Against non-refundable, pre-paid travel expenses when the trip is canceled or interrupted)Purchase Protection Benefits $500 for Each Item and $50000 for Every AccountForeign Transaction FeesWaived OffReferral PointUp to 75000 a Year on Successful Referrals (15000 Points on Each Referral)  However, I found two downsides of the card. The $95 annual fee is a little bothersome. Also, the “21.49%-28.49% variable APR” is high.  * Point transfers can occur among 11 airlines and 3 hotel partners on a 1:1 basis. So, there will be no transfer fees. Marriott, Hyatt, United Airlines, Air Canada, and Air France are some of the prestigious partners for this point transfer benefit.  2. The Platinum Card® from American Express Platinum Card® from American Express is celebrating its 40th year. So, you will get many years of trust and safety when you pick this one. Further, with this best travel credit card, you will get access to airport lounges, and as I have started using this travel credit card, I am already in love with the car rental benefits.  Even though the $695 annual fee is quite high, it has offered me more than $1500 in benefits and values. For me, it is a suitable option as I travel quite often. Honestly, the high annual fee can be justified only when you are using the card frequently. “No other card comes with as much perk potential as The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, see rates & fees). If you travel frequently and want to do so in style, this card deserves a place in your wallet. However, this card is best for urban fitness buffs, frequent travelers, high-end shoppers and those who want top rewards on flights and premium accommodations. If you don’t fit the profile, justifying the $695 annual fee might be a stretch.” - Forbes This Is What You Get From Platinum Card® from American Express Learn the American Express Platinum Card® benefits from the table below.  Membership Rewards80000 (After spending $8000 on “eligible purchases in the first six months of the card ownership.)Foreign Purchase Transaction Fees NoneFlight And Prepaid Hotels Booked through the Card5x Reward PointsOther Purchases 1x Reward PointsAirline Free Credit Up to $200CLEAR® Plus Membership$199Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Application Fee CreditUp to $85Hotel Benefits Up to $200Digital Entertainment CreditMaximum $240Equinox Credit $300Cellphone ProtectionUp to $800 for Each Eligible Card Account Further,  British Airways Avios and Air Canada Aeroplan are some of the prestigious aviation partners of this travel credit card. Also, among the hotel partners,  Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton deserve a special mention.  I am so proud to have chosen this card!  3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers an easy and transparent reward program. Here is what you get with this best travel credit card. Unlimited 2x reward points on every purchase 75000 sign-up bonus on a $4000 purchase in the first three months 1,300+ airport lounges access So, overall, this is a card for travelers who go on a trip twice or thrice a year and prefer simple terms.  4. Citi Premier® Card The Citi Premier® Card has great rewards for travelers. You can earn 3x reward points on air travel, hotel booking, and gas station usage.  You have to visit the ThankYou® Rewards program to redeem your reward points. Further, you can transfer the points to the airline partners of the travel credit card for added benefits.  Things No One Told You About Choosing FintechZoom Best Travel Credit Card FintechZoom’s selections are great, and now you have better options. However, to choose the best travel credit card for you, you will have to abide by the following smart tips.  Earlier, I was foolish not to think of these aspects, and I don’t want you to make the same mistakes.  Consider Your Travel Habits You must keep your frequency and expense of traveling and the benefits a card offers on purchases. Further, be careful about dining, lodging, flight booking, and car rental benefits. These are the things that cover the majority of our travel expenses, right?  Know the Sign-Up Bonus When you get a travel credit card, know the minimum amount you need to spend to get the sign-up bonus. It is crucial to get the sign-up bonus if you want to increase your rewards balance.  Further, make sure that the minimum amount you need to spend for the sign-up bonus is within your budget.  Look at the Annual Fee Is your travel credit card waiving off the annual fee for the first year? Or does it offer annual credits?  These are some of the factors that you need to consider to get the best travel credit card. Also. ensure that the perks and rewards of your card are more than the annual fee you pay.  Know About The Foreign Transaction Fees Benefits Foreign transaction fees are bothersome for international travelers. So, waiving foreign transaction fees is crucial if you travel to other countries frequently.  Flexible Redemption Options Flexibility and versatility in redemption options are important while using a travel credit card. The best one will allow you to transfer points to hotels and airline partners.  Of course, the option of redeeming your points as cashback or gift cards is always available.  FAQs About FintechZoom Best Travel Credit Card 1. What makes FintechZoom’s travel credit card recommendations reliable? FintechZoom is famous for its objective and accurate reviews. Further, FintechZoom has reviewed factors, such as sign-up bonuses, redemption points, travel benefits, and annual fees, to suggest the best travel credit cards for us.  Also, the FintechZoom travel credit card suggestions cater to all types of travelers and their different requirements.  2. Can I have more than one travel credit card? Yes, you can have more than one travel credit card. Each card comes with its unique reward redemption benefits and bonuses.  If you are an aware user, you will know the perks of each card and which one will be the most suitable for the type of travel expenses you are making now.  So, use your cards strategically to optimize your travel benefits and earn more points.  3. How can I maximize my travel rewards with the FintechZoom best travel credit card? You can follow simple tricks to optimize your travel credit card benefits.  Know and use the sign-up bonuses. Pay your credit card bill in full and final at the end of every month. Know and transfer the transfer points and transfer them to travel and airline partners for optimized benefits.  4. Are there any downsides to using the FintechZoom best travel credit card? Yes, some travel credit cards can have downsides in the form of high annual fees and APR. Also, the interest rates of these credit cards increase in leaps and bounds if you don’t pay the monthly bill in full. Therefore, you have to be mindful of your financial state and control your spending habits before you apply for a credit card.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.