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20 Things to Do in San Francisco This Weekend!

20 Things to Do in San Francisco This Weekend!

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.

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!

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Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

The Ultimate Guide To Things To Do In Salt Lake City!

BY Abdul Aziz Dec 28, 2023

If you are planning to visit, the first thing you may do is look for the best things to do in Salt Lake City. With more than 220 sunny days annually, it is a popular destination for week-long vacations. Of course, in addition to all the amazing ski resorts that are nearby. As a result, the growth of extremely posh high-end hotels, resorts, and other establishments over time is not surprising. Nowadays, Salt Lake City has an abundance of great dining options, secret speakeasies, salt flats, double-feature drive-ins, and family-friendly attractions. It's a great place to go on a romantic getaway or a family vacation with the kids. Of course, the Utah Olympic Park is at the top of our list. If you're more of an outdoorsy type, feel free to explore this list indefinitely. Things To Do In Salt Lake City If you want to explore Salt Lake City, there is nothing better than its parks and natural beauty. Here are your best options when visiting this beautiful city. These are some of the best things to do in Salt Lake City. The Great Salt Lake The Great Salt Lake is the largest natural saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, measuring about 35 miles wide by 75 miles long. The name of the lake derives from the characteristics of its water. Salty mineral deposits are left behind by the evaporation process, which is the only way out of the lake. Both locals and tourists appreciate Salt Lake City's many hiking trails, plenty of picnic areas, and swimming, boating, and fishing options. One access point that's close to the city is Great Salt Lake Park, which is only 20 miles west. There is a marina, a short beach trail, and restrooms, concessions, and showers available for visitors. Northwest of the city is a state park called Antelope Island, which is another well-liked access point. Antelope Island offers a similar landscape to Great Salt Lake Park, but there's also a lot of wildlife (bison and antelope) to see. The Fielding Garr Ranch House, a home built in the 1800s on its original foundation, is also located there. The only way to get to the island is to drive around the southeast shore of the lake and take exit 332 off of Interstate 15. It's roughly a sixty-mile drive each way. FamilySearch Library The largest library of its kind in the world, the FamilySearch Library is located in Temple Square. It contains millions of genealogical records that profile over three billion deceased people. It was meant to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints source their family history. The library was established in the late 19th century. These days, guests are welcome to look through the carefully kept records. They may perhaps even locate some of their own ancestors. Reviewers praised the amazing resources and the friendly, super helpful staff. They say this is a must-visit location for anyone interested in genealogy. Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 or 8 p.m., depending on the day, is when the FamilySearch Library is open. It is free to enter. The library advises you to make a plan, gather any family history you already have, and decide what you're looking for. The reference consultant will find it simpler to assist you with your search as a result. This Is The Place Heritage Park This is The Place Heritage Park presents live history. At more than fifty historic houses and other structures, historical interpreters bring the past to life. The webpage's The 1,300-mile Mormon Trail, which was traveled by Mormons in their quest for a peaceful place to live, ends at this monument. Numerous interactive experiences are available, such as train rides, pony rides, splash pads, Native American villages, and mining activities. There are also several restaurants. The trail and horseback riding experience proved to be especially popular with recent visitors. Many valued the opportunity to learn about Mormon and Utah history as well. The vast site is clean and well-maintained, according to visitors. Ensign Peak Nature Park The Bonneville Shoreline Trail and Ensign Peak are connected by Ensign Peak Nature Park. It has historical significance as well because, not long after arriving, Brigham Young's party stopped here to survey the Salt Lake City valley. Each way, the hike is roughly one mile long. It provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Salt Lake City. Because this region serves as a habitat for numerous animal and bird species, visitors may see local wildlife. These peaks are one of the best things to do in Salt lake City. It is best enjoyed on a nice day with clear skies so you can enjoy the expansive views from the top. Liberty Park Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities on the 80 acres of Liberty Park if you want to get outside without going outside the city limits. In addition to playgrounds, rides, bike paths, concession stands, picnic areas, volleyball, and tennis courts, there is a pond. Along with just taking in the peace and quiet, Liberty Park has an aviary and a swimming pool, both of which recent visitors recommend. Families can also visit this park because it offers a plethora of kid-friendly activities. This lovely park is located in the heart of Salt Lake. Every day, it opens at around 8 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Admission is free, though using some of the sporting facilities costs a small fee. Liberty also holds a number of yearly gatherings all through the year. Park City Park City is another one of the things to do in Salt Lake City. It is a sweet spot for Powder Hounds. Park City, located roughly thirty miles southeast of Salt Lake City, is home to two significant alpine ski resorts that cover countless acres of mountainous terrain. All ability levels of skiers and snowboarders are welcome to enjoy the well-maintained trails, powder-filled bowls, and terrain parks at Park City Mountain Resort. Additionally, Deer Valley Resort only accommodates skiers (you cannot snowboard), providing several on-site eateries in addition to groomed and gladed runs. Whether it's through kids' ski school, group instruction, or private lessons, all resorts have knowledgeable instructors on hand to help you on the slopes. Even those who aren't big skiers can find activities. Visitors will find many museums and art galleries in Park City to enjoy. In the meantime, visitors can visit the Park City Golf Club or browse the local farmers' markets as the ski resorts convert their runs into hiking and biking paths in the spring and summer. Wrapping Up A significant portion of your time can go into touring Temple Square, which serves as the official location of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In addition to magnificent religious structures like the Salt Lake Temple, this walled neighborhood in the city's center is home to verdant gardens and towering sculptures. There are many beautiful trails in the Wasatch National Forest nearby. For a thrilling day trip, consider visiting the nearby Snowbird Ski Resort. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the best things to do in Salt Lake City, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Albuquerque Ambiance: Top Hotel Picks For Every Traveler Houston Hospitality: The Top Hotels You Need To Experience Here Are The 25+ Best Hotels In Mexico City That You Must Visit!

10 Reasons Why You Should Get A Yacht In 2024

BY Arnab Sep 28, 2022

If you consider yourself a boat enthusiast and have been planning to get a yacht for so long, perhaps this is the perfect time to fulfill that dream. Since the pandemic, there has been an unexpected increase in demand for boats, which is unlikely to go down soon. If you are not going to start taking advantage of your time and energy today to enjoy life, when will you wait? Here Are The Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Get A Yacht In 2024: Whether a first-time buyer or an experienced boat-lover, you will want to read this article. We will discuss why this is the perfect time to get a yacht. Let’s go straight to it! 1. Enhances Happiness These days, people are becoming more workaholics than ever, which is not at all beneficial. The constant stress from pressure, traffic, toxic environment, and screen time can significantly cause mental and physical health decline. Humans don’t realize it until they are already in the worst state of well-being. Spending a few days or weeks away from work is a great way to unwind and find things that make you feel alive again. If you love boats, getting a yacht will be a good distraction from worries. You can also use it to enjoy the ocean and do relaxing activities with your family. 2. Helps exercise your body When you are boating, you don’t just spend all of your time lounging under the sun. You will also do some cleaning, supply loading, towing, and launching. These things can be good for your muscles, as they help keep your body healthy. When you are in the water, swimming and water sports are also great examples of cardio exercises. Even if you are not actively working out, such small actions are enough to keep your muscles in place and strong. 3. Feel comfortable away from home Owning a yacht is like having another house on the water. Most boats have great features and amenities that cater to large families for vacations, parties, and weekend getaways. Sometimes, it can be scary to stay in a new environment. If you have a yacht, you don’t have to worry about that because the whole place is yours. You can even move it around the ocean and find a place where you can enjoy the view and time with your family. You can try checking out the yachts available in Simpson Marine, as they have a wide selection that you can choose from. 4. Learn new skills No person learns about boating from just research. It takes real experience to master such things, and you can only achieve that by working on an actual yacht. You can hone your skills in essential maintenance, fixing faulty wirings, and the overall operation on board in different weather conditions. 5. See the world from a new perspective There’s something magical about being in the ocean that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. It’s like a whole other world, filled with marine animals and unique beauties. If you own a yacht, you have the freedom to explore your surroundings and find new things along the way. You can visit secluded islands, hidden coves, secret beaches, and more that are not usually accessible by land travel. 6. Make friends There is a whole community that loves yachts as much as you do. Meeting new people with the same interest and passion can be fulfilling and gives a sense of belongingness. If you’re lucky, you can even make friends that you can rely on for a long time, especially with things related to yachts. 7. Opportunity for business Aside from getaways and quick vacations with friends and family, you can use your yacht for a charter, just like this Key West Yacht Rentals. This way, you can earn money for maintenance and even get a portion of what you initially paid. This is an excellent opportunity if you don’t necessarily spend most of your time on board. 8. Privacy It’s okay to enjoy little vacations every once in a while, but other people can sometimes ruin it for you. Owning your boat means privacy. You don’t have to spend your time around people you don’t know, and you can also choose the people you want to sail with. Also, you can do whatever you want because the whole yacht is yours! 9. Social distancing Even if it is not for the pandemic, it’s okay to distance yourself from the real world when needed. You can use the time to do things you love or even discover new things about yourself. 10. Morale boost If there is a most important reason to get a yacht today, it is the fact that you deserve it. If you have the budget right now, then that is because you worked hard. It is okay to reward yourself if that is what your heart truly wants. You should start living your life today however you want to. Read Also: Speed Boat Miami Tour – Sightseeing And Entertainment Discover Paradise On A Seychelles Yacht Charter Where To Stay In Key West? – Travel Guide

Beyond The Sunshine: Exploring The Eclectic Charms Of Miami

BY Barsha Sep 25, 2023

Miami is an exciting place; there’s no doubt about that. Songs have been written on the sandy beaches of Miami. People from all over the world come to South Florida to explore the charm of what Miami has to offer. If you are from a foreign land and don’t know much about the city, you might need a bit of help navigating the hot spots. Continue reading to learn more about the city and its lifestyle. Sandy Beaches: If you like sea beaches, you are going to love Miami. Whether young or old, wear your sexiest beach suit and enjoy the sun. There are so many events one can participate in when one is in Miami. For example, you can play volleyball with your friends, build sandcastles, relax, and hang out under the sun. Or, you may even join the party and get grooving. No matter the time, there is always music playing on the beach. DJs have their booth set up, and they continue to play the smash hits of the day. Stay hydrated and wear sunblock. There is no excuse for not wearing sun protection when you hit the beach. Unless you want to look like a roasted chicken, wear the SPF-50. Keep your valuable items, such as purses and mobile phones, in the hotel room. It's better to stay safe than sorry. While drinking and having fun, you might lose valuable items. The Food: One of the main reasons to explore Miami is to experience the scrumptious cuisine. Do you like seafood? Miami has the best of seafood to offer. There are thousands of restaurants to choose from. You will be spoilt for options. There are cheap food trucks where you can buy hotdogs and burgers. You may even try a high-end rooftop restaurant in Miami, FL, for a delicate dining experience. The choice is yours. While you are there, don’t forget to try a Cuban sandwich; Miami is popular for its Cuban sandwiches. Nightlife: The night is still young, and so are you! What’s the point of going to Miami if you don’t explore the nightlife? As mentioned before, in Miami, the party never stops. There are bars and dance clubs in every corner of the city. You will find the really famous dance clubs facing the coastline near the beach. Get into any one of them and have the night of your life. The people in Miami have good taste in music, so you will not be disappointed on the dance floor. Day Trips: You can only party so much, right? What do you do when you are sober in the morning? You shop. What else is there to do? Hit the local shops or drive to Fort Lauderdale, the Everglades or the scenic Coral Gables. The beautiful natural scenic beauty will blow you. There are so many high-end luxury brands in each of the spots. Once you are done with the sightseeing, you can sit at a café and enjoy the quiet afternoon. Visit Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for a serene escape amid lush greenery, rare plants, and art installations. Spend time at Matheson Hammock Park, known for its scenic bay views, walking trails, and kiteboarding. Stroll along Calle Ocho, visit local cigar shops, and try authentic Cuban dishes like empanadas and Cuban coffee. South Beach is a must-visit with its iconic Art Deco architecture and lively atmosphere. Related Resource: Top 10 Best Beaches In Florida 10 Best Places To Travel In August – Travel Guide 2022 10 Best Places To Travel In December – Travel Guide 2022 10 Best Fishing Charters In Florida To Visit In 2022 – Tour And Travel Guide