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SAN FRANCISCO
SOMMAIRE
San Francisco is a characteristic city of the Californian coast. It is known for its cultural and artistic diversity, as well as its iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Alcatraz prison, and the Painted Ladies with their typical Victorian architecture.
With its unique topography, it offers stunning viewpoints over both the bay and the city.
San Francisco is a cultural and artistic hub that has managed to establish itself over the years, marking pivotal moments in the country's history with influential personalities in their respective fields, such as Harvey Milk and Kamala Harris in politics, Clint Eastwood and Bruce Lee in cinema, and Steve Jobs in technology.
Indeed, the city shines within the country and the world, particularly through the development and technological wealth of Silicon Valley, of which it is the urban heart. From digital uses to artificial intelligence, it is where all the interactions between humans and technology are shaped.
San Francisco is both a driving force of technological innovation, a hub of progressive thinking, a cultural center, and a model city focused on the future. These virtues make it often seen as a "barometer" of the future for the rest of the country.
Before you go ....
Language : English
Currency : Dollar
Flight time (from Paris) : approx. 11 hours
Time difference (from Paris) : - 8 hours
Documents (from France) : A valid passport for travel, an ESTA visa, and an international driving permit for driving
Basic vocabulary :
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Hello .......... Hello
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Thank you .............. Thank you
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Yes ................. Yes
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No ................ No
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Good bye........ Good bye
Warning :
San Francisco is facing a crisis related to drug use and opioid consumption. The residents are deeply concerned and are witnessing a deterioration of their daily lives. This is a phenomenon observed elsewhere in the United States, but it is particularly acurate in this city. Do not attempt to walk through the Tenderloin neighborhood.
THE DIFFERENT NEIGHBORHOODS
Sometimes, there's nothing particular to see, but some neighborhoods are worth wandering through aimlessly to appreciate their unique atmospheres.
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Russian Hill & Pacific Heights
These two upscale residential neighborhoods are located in the city's hills, offering breathtaking views of San Francisco, the bay, and even the Golden Gate Bridge. They are known for their beautiful Victorian houses, parks, and charming streets, such as the famous winding Lombard Street.
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Marina & Fisherman’s Wharf
The waterfront is shared between the calm, chic Marina neighborhood and the dynamic, touristy Fisherman’s Wharf area. The latter is mainly known for its attractions at Pier 39, souvenir shops, and its colony of sea lions that have made the docks their home.
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Haight Ashbury
This iconic site of musical counterculture is especially famous for its role in the hippie movement of the 1960s. In this neighborhood, you'll find a mix of vintage stores, independent bookstores, and eclectic cafés. It was here that great musicians from the 60s-70s, such as Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, chose to live.
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Castro
This lively and vibrant neighborhood is the epicenter of San Francisco’s alternative culture.
Castro proudly displays the colors of the rainbow flag. It has many historical landmarks from past eras, from the Castro Theatre built in the 1920s to the Street Art of today. A lively and inclusive neighborhood that warmly welcomes fairs, prides, parades, and other gatherings in its streets and vast parks.
In 1978, Harvey Milk became the first openly gay politician elected in the city. He decided to install a symbol of pride to distinguish the gay community. That’s how the rainbow flag was born.
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Chinatown
This is one of the oldest Chinese neighborhoods in the country, with its colorful shops, lively markets, and traditional restaurants. Grant Avenue offers a small immersion into Asian culture just after passing the famous Dragon Gate.
UNION SQUARE
Luxury boutiques and Art Deco buildings line up, together forming an urban setting with a New York-like atmosphere. Skaters parade illegally, smokers follow in their steps, while others play chess at small garden tables. From the terrace of the coffee truck in the square or the rooftop of the Cheesecake Factory, one can fully enjoy the awakening of San Francisco.
FERRY
A must-do in any coastal city when possible. This activity, disguised as a mode of transportation ($7 ticket), allows you to admire the San Francisco Bay. From the water, the boat passes by the Golden Gate Bridge and provides a distant view of the austere and famous Alcatraz prison.
Take the last boat to enjoy the late afternoon light in summer.
LE MARCHE FERRY PLAZZA FARMERS
This former industrial complex stretches along the pier. The new halls house charming shops with inviting facades. Mushroom, dried flower, cake shops, and restaurants form an irresistible string for the wallet.
THE DIFFERENT PARKS
The city is equipped with numerous parks and outdoor spaces. These little green lungs allow for a contemplative break during sightseeing, with a cold drink or a steaming coffee in hand. The parks offer different atmospheres, each with the shared and competitive ambition of offering the best view of their piece of the city.
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The Painted Ladies Park (Alamo Square)
One of the most famous parks in the city, Alamo Square is a small hill in the middle of the city, surrounded by pastel-colored houses. A large lawn invites some to nap, others to have a family picnic, and everyone to relax and enjoy.
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The Salesforce Greenway
One of the city's most secret parks, Salesforce is an elevated greenway for those who like to see without being seen. A long serpentine path weaves between the towers of the business district, offering a natural walk close to the heart of the city.
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Ina Coolbirth Park
One of the most discreet parks in the city, it offers a beautiful panorama of the city. After a walk, the eyes are rewarded with the breathtaking view. This small terraced park, less known to tourists, is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Dolores Park
One of the liveliest parks in the city, Dolores offers a vast stretch of lawn that hosts musical happy hours for California youth, “shroom” vendors, and happy children. An unobstructed view allows visitors to admire the tall buildings proudly standing in the distance.
For a literary interlude, head to the 'Dog Eared Book' bookstore, whose exterior is as charming as its interior. Modest in size, it’s packed with surprising books hanging like trophies in every corner of the shop. A unique gift or souvenir for lovers of quirky English-language literature.
LOMBARD STREET
This street, too famous to pass by, deserves a quick glance if you're in the area. The ascent toward this terracotta serpentine street, clogged with cars and tourists, is not an easy feat but offers a beautiful, typical San Francisco view of the city from below.
PIER 39 : FISHERMAN'S WHARF
This kind of Fisherman’s Disneyland with its oversized colorful signs and many restaurants is a legendary spot in the city. The stroll is fun, with the highlight being an impressive gathering of sea lions lounging on the docks, basking in the sun.
Generally, this complex doesn't offer the best value for money, but it's a place worth visiting for its unique atmosphere and to observe the sea lions.
MOMA
This museum ($25 entry) is a solid choice for those wanting some cultural intake during their visit, as well as for modern art aficionados. Among the famous MOMA museums, this one is the most surprising and the most pleasant to visit. The various spaces flow fluidly, immersing visitors in diverse artistic universes. Several eras, various formats, and participatory installations culminate in a sculpture garden in the heart of the city.
OCEAN BEACH
Ocean Beach is the quintessential Californian beach, ticking all the boxes: endless sand, dark blue ocean, surfers with frappé latte-colored skin, and swimmers with salt-crystalized hair. There’s a great sense of tranquility and a profound feeling of calm facing what is, literally, the edge of the world.
BOTANICAL GARDEN
Located in the vast Golden Gate Park, the botanical garden ($14 entry) is a pleasant landscaped space where 1,001 species of plants from around the world coexist. The park is very large and difficult to explore in its entirety, so it may not be the best choice if you're short on time in the city. However, the botanical garden offers a chance to admire well-maintained plants.
To continue with the 'shops worth the detour' category, the Amoeba record store is anything but modest. This iconic shop brings together everything, near or far, related to music: from vinyl records, cassettes, and CDs, to candles featuring rock star likenesses.
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
This massive, glowing steel jewel, iconic and typical of the city, leaves no one indifferent. While the site’s accessibility may not be obvious (take a bus and get off at the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza station if you're not much of a walker), the view is breathtaking. The walk across isn't necessary, as it's perfectly fine to stroll a few meters to see the silhouette of the city emerging in the distance.
The bridge’s color is called “International Orange.” It was chosen to be visible in the city's frequent fog while blending gracefully into the landscape.
Pair it with a bus trip to or from Sausalito.
SAUSALITO
This stop outside the city is worth dedicating a day to. From the Farmers Plaza Market pier, the ferry lazily heads toward Sausalito, leaving behind the towering crystal buildings, which shrink into tiny glass dwarfs.
This former fishing village has transformed into a haven for artists on stilts. It’s a much-loved spot for its bohemian and preserved atmosphere, a little bubble by the sea, away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco.
The walk along the coast leads to the famous little village on the water. It is arranged around long piers, each providing access to small stilt houses. One can only envy the lifestyle of the inhabitants of these colorful cabins. To respect the privacy of the residents, visitors can only access the public areas.
Originally, in the 1960s, the hippie community moved from SF to escape the rising city prices. They set up rudimentary “houseboats” moored to the piers. Today, these hundreds of small privileged homes house a wealthier, more “hipster” population than hippie.
Take the ferry there, then the bus back. The bus route crosses the Golden Gate and stops for a view of the city / it’s also a great way to combine a trip to Muir Woods.
MUIR WOODS
This vast redwood forest is an impressive sight and a natural interlude worth the trip. The towering trees are sometimes taller than the Statue of Liberty and older than Louis XIV. The trails vary in difficulty, from flat wooden deck paths to steep 4-hour hikes. The nature is well preserved, making it an ideal spot for a picnic in the forest.
The park is large, and the shuttle (bus 66F) only runs on weekends from Sausalito. The entrance fee is $15 + $3.50 for the shuttle for those over 16, and free for those under (entry is free on some national holidays). Book in advance: https://gomuirwoods.com/
To go further ...
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The Oracle Stadium : To watch a baseball game, with a hot dog in one hand and a beer in the other, while enjoying the view of the sea.
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The Beach : For a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge after a bit of walking.
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The Coït Tower : For a 360° panorama of the city.
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The Alcatraz Prison : For the history and the location, which, although reconstructed, leaves a strong impression.
TO EAT & DRINK
1. Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Ferry Plaza, San Francisco
There are many options in this former industrial complex along the pier. At Gott, you can enjoy a burger in a diner-style ambiance; at Cholita Linda, try a taco with authentic Mexican flavors; or at Hog Oyster, grab a glass of wine to go while watching the sunset on the pier.
2. The Mill, 736 Divisadero Street, San Francisco
A minimalist little shop specializing in bread, perfect for enjoying a good latte with some sweet treats like cinnamon rolls or avocado toast in a pleasant atmosphere.
3. Venice Gourmet Delicatessen, 625 Bridgeway Avenue, Sausalito
This small bagel shop, making fresh custom bagels, is ideal for takeout to enjoy by the water.
4. Bar Bocce, 1250 Bridgeway Avenue, Sausalito
A charming seaside restaurant, perfect on sunny days for having a drink or grabbing a quick pizza while overlooking the boats.
5. Lappert's Ice Cream, 685 Bridgeway Avenue, Sausalito
Although it’s a chain found in several cities across the U.S., the ice cream is delicious and enjoyable, especially when sitting in Gabrielson Park in front.
TO SLEEP
1. Found Hotel, 140 Mason St, San Francisco (130€/night)
This hotel is located in the city center. It is well-positioned to visit the interesting spots, only a few steps from Union Square.
