I took a return trip to San Francisco, with my boyfriend this time, to explore more of the city. We went out of the city to Sonoma and Muir Woods National Monument but also explored some new places in the city. Here are some additional San Francisco Sight-Seeing Recommendations.
Blazing Saddles Bike Rental
Riding a bike is a great way to see the city, though you’ll need to watch out for the hills in this city. The Blazing Saddles rental process went very smoothly and they have a 24/7 drop off location available. Riding around downtown in the financial district was not as scary as I thought it would be. From the financial district we headed toward the water and made stops at the Ferry Building, Fort Point, and The Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio before biking across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. We took the ferry across the bay to the Ferry Building. It was an 11-hour day and grueling at times but we checked the experience off the list.
Musee Mecanique (Mechanical Museum)
If you’re near Fisherman’s Wharf and love old-timey things, pop by the Musee Mecanique. It’s filled with antique arcade machines in working condition. It’s interesting to see what people enjoyed years ago and how arcade machines have changed. This large room is free to visit, though you’ll need your own quarters to play the games, and can be satisfied by a quick walk-through.
Fort Point National Historic Site
This place is a free gem. The views are architecturally pleasing to the eye with great spots for shots of the bridge.
The Walt Disney Family Museum
We made sure to come here after hearing about the current Disney and Dali exhibit from a friend. Disney and Dali were two artistic leaders of imagination and surrealism in their time. They built a friendship and created a specific artistic collaboration, though it came to life in a roundabout way. They also inspired each other, as seen in their work. The exhibit takes you through their careers, struggles and inspirations, and is a magical illustration of how they brought their work to life. The exhibit is $15 and available until January 3, 2016.
Sutro Baths and Cliff House, Land’s End, and Ocean Beach
All of these areas are within a five-minute walk from each other. I first came here on a quick stop with the Vantigo tour. It was chillingly cold and my interest in exploring the area wasn’t very high. Thankfully, the weather was better the second time around because this place was eerie, dramatic and inspiring. The area was engulfed by thick fog, Brandon Anderton (@frpart) had created his beautiful designs in the sand on the beach, and surfers could be seen trying to catch a wave far in the distance.
California Academy of Sciences
Our main draw to this museum was 40,000 animals, a rainforest, an aquarium and a planetarium all under one roof! We spent about three hours exploring every exhibit in this science museum. The admission price of $35 for an adult ticket is hefty but there is a lot to see.
San Francisco is an expansive city full of activities and things to experience. I’ve had a great fill and seen a lot in my two visits but it’s a city I wouldn’t mind returning to for its beautiful weather, fresh seafood, and cool vibes. Until next time, San Francisco!
Want more San Francisco tips? Check out my other posts about the beautiful city.