Residents soak up a crystal clear day in one of San Francisco’s many parks.  Because the city is often covered in fog, days like this are rare.  In fact, several people commented on the fact that this was the sunniest day they’d had in months!

There are a variety of fun, offbeat tours of the city.  One example is this VW bus tour I bumped into near the Golden Gate Bridge.  Obviously anything with a bead curtain is going to be a winner!

The infamous Painted Ladies (you may recognize these beauties from Full House.)  Interesting fact- a “painted lady” is a Victorian or Edwardian house that is painted with three or more colors that enhance its design.

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge was once called the “bridge that couldn’t be built.”  Today, it stands as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.  The two main cables stretch over 7,000 feet and contain over 80,000 miles of wire!  In other words, it’s incredible.

Fishing boats near Fisherman’s Wharf at sunset.  (Whenever I see little ship wheels I always think of Scuffy The Tugboat.  Who’s with me?!?)

Built as a symbol of resiliance, the current City Hall took two years to build.  The original was destroyed in the Great Earthquake of 1906, and the new one stands a full 42 feet taller than the dome of the nation’s capitol.  Now what’s even more impressive- me catching this bird mid-flight in front of it!

San Francisco is full of really stunning artwork.  You can find it all over as you meander through the hilly streets.  For instance, I stumbled upon this mosaic tile wall near the Painted Ladies.  In addition to the face, it’s also covered in quotes and song lyrics.

Haight Street was the center of the hippie universe in the 60’s.  Notable residents included Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane.  Today, it still has the flavor of that culture and is dotted with vintage clothing and record stores.

The San Francisco Bay at sunset.  Gotta love the vintage sailship in the harbor.  Kinda makes you feel like the Goonies might tap you on the shoulder at any moment.  (Hey you guuuuuys!!!)

The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest Japanese garden in the United States (and absolutely beautiful to walk through!)  Adjacent to the Botanical Gardens, it’s the perfect place to find your zen in the middle of the bustling city.

Sushi Ran is a must!  Definitely some of the best sushi I’ve ever had, and the atmosphere is great.  Not to mention, it gives you an excuse to check out Sausalito.

Walk among giants in the redwood forest of Muir Woods.  The tallest of these massive pines (Tree 76) is 250 feet high and over 779 years old!  Just imagine the history it’s seen!

If you really want to see the Golden Gate Bridge without the crowds, try visiting at night!  Seeing it lit up against the lights of the city is really breathtaking!

Fisherman’s Wharf has some great restaurants and shops, and the most family friendly attractions in the city (and steel drum players!  Bonus!)

In 1893, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company encompassed this entire block.  Then in 1962, the Roth’s purchased the land to keep it from being turned into an apartment complex.  As a result, Ghirardelli Square was the first major adaptive re-use project in the U.S. (and a great place to grab a bite!)

San Francisco has the last remaining manually operated cable car system in the world.  If you want to find out more about the cable car system and book your tickets, click here.  Due to the heavy crowds around the main station by Ghirardelli Square, I’d suggest you catch a car somewhere up the line.

Just hanging out, casually waiting for a handout. Behind our feathered friend, you can see Coit Tower.

Claimed to be “the most crooked street in the world,” Lombard Street’s eight hairpin turns can be found between The Embarcadero and Presidio Boulevard.  Like to see it from a different angle?  Then check it out from the top of Coit Tower for an impressive perspective!