2 November 2017

Suitcase. Savouring San Francisco

Before I knew it, it was the final leg of my adventure. Last stop? San Francisco. I arrived in the city by the bay to find I’d timed my visit perfectly with Fleet Week. A yearly event where, for a few days, the nation’s air force and navy congregate to celebrate Bay Area naval tradition and honour men who serve.
  

The city was alive, the bay was bustling, Army band music could be heard on every corner and the planes roared overhead. The atmosphere was highly infectious.


Being my first visit to the city, I wanted to tick off some of the main sights on my first day like The Painted Ladies…


Coit Tower with magnificent views…


The Palace of Fine Arts, which made me feel as though I’d been transported to Rome…


City Hall…


The bakery everyone is talking about...


And, of course, Alcatraz. I’ve always found the history of this prison absolutely fascinating, so to see it for myself was a real treat. When you visit in person you realise just how close the island is to the city. You can see it. You can hear it. It must have been so taunting for the incarcerated. Like the dream, just out of reach.


Day 2 and I took a slower pace, checking out the local neighbourhoods like Pacific Heights with its spectacular hilltop homes.


Which by the way, they aren’t kidding when they talk about San Fran’s hills, this city is seriously steep. I don’t know why anyone living here would need a gym membership… I was knackered at the end of each day!

I stayed at The Clift which was centrally based and offered some seriously luxurious rooms and amenities, making it the perfect home away from home. Try and stretch your budget to a studio room if you can, it's so spacious.


As I was based virtually in the middle of town, I tried to walk most places however the trolley cars, buses and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) also made it pretty easy to get around. If you’re in the city for a few days and want to see a few sites, a CityPASS could be a great option. It includes entry to some of the museums and attractions as well as unlimited transport.


My final day arrived and there was only one thing left to do. Walk the San Francisco Bridge; a true bucket list tick. I caught the ferry over to Sausalito, a charming little bayside town, then wandered up the canyon, over the bridge and down into Sea Cliff. It took about 3hrs and, despite the nearby bushfires causing a haze in the air, it really was a magnificent walk. From the arid hills to the expansive bay to the charming beach homes that all steal a glimpse of the icon itself...


A lot of people take a bike over the bridge but I really can highly recommend walking, I think you see a lot more and have more time to take it all in.


It was a pretty special day and a fitting finale to an incredible adventure. I can’t wait to do it all again…

Share your comments with me on InstagramFacebook or Twitter.

Photos by Krissie.