My postcards of California San Francisco best places to visit on a first trip
When I first dreamed of visiting the U.S., New York City and Los Angeles were at the top of my must-see list. As a teenager, the movie industry had a big influence on me, so naturally, iconic cities like New York and Los Angeles captured my imagination.
Now, in my forties, having visited both and recently enjoying my San Francisco vacation, I’ve created a new list—”Cities I Want to Visit Again”—and San Francisco is right at the top.
Its mix of culture, natural beauty, and creativity left a lasting impression, far beyond the bright lights of Hollywood or the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan.
It’s a city that pulls you in with its charm and leaves you wanting more—something I hadn’t expected when I first began my journey of exploring the U.S.
After spending a week in San Francisco California, I realized it’s a city that can both amuse and amaze you every single day. There’s truly something for everyone here. From the colorful Victorian and Edwardian-style houses to colossal landmarks like the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco is full of architectural gems.
And of course, the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most iconic structures in the world, never fails to leave an impression. It’s a place where history, beauty, and culture intertwine in the most captivating way.
We rented a car from Hertz and planned to explore San Francisco extensively, which is why we didn’t book a single hotel for our stay. Instead, we booked a new hotel each day based on our daily route.
It was a new experience for me, but it turned out to be quite convenient. This way, we weren’t tied to one location and could move around freely, with our suitcases always in the trunk. Plus, if the weather changed, we could easily switch up our outfits as needed.
At the end of the article, you’ll find details about the hotels we stayed at and the app we used to find the best prices.
Best places to visit in San Francisco California
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Island
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Golden Gate Park
- Chinatown
- Lombard Street
- The Painted Ladies
- Coit Tower
- The Mission District
- The Ferry Building
- The Palace of Fine Arts
Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, with stunning views of the bay. The Golden Gate Bridge was at the top of my list “Places to visit in San Francisco”, and it truly lives up to its reputation. It’s magnificent, impressive, and monumental. I found myself standing in admiration for a long time, taking in its incredible strength and magnificence. As someone who loves art and is passionate about sharing its beauty, I couldn’t help but be equally captivated by the bridge’s engineering marvel.
The blend of science and mathematics involved in its construction is as impressive as its visual appeal. It made me realize that creating something truly remarkable—something that endures through the ages—requires a fusion of scientific precision and artistic vision. The Golden Gate Bridge is a perfect example of how these two disciplines can come together to create a timeless masterpiece.
Alcatraz Island – Explore the infamous former prison, which housed notorious criminals. The ferry ride offers incredible views of the city and the bay.
Fisherman’s Wharf – A bustling waterfront area with seafood restaurants, street performers, shops, and the famous sea lions lounging at Pier 39.
Golden Gate Park – Larger than Central Park, this green oasis features gardens, museums, and tranquil spaces like the Japanese Tea Garden and the de Young Museum.
Chinatown – The oldest and one of the most vibrant Chinatowns in North America. Explore its colorful streets, authentic food, and unique shops.
Lombard Street – Known as the “crookedest street in the world,” this famous zigzag road is a must-see for its quirky design and views.
The Painted Ladies – another iconinc place to visit in San Francisco. These iconic Victorian houses, often recognized from postcards and TV shows, offer a perfect photo op against the San Francisco skyline.
Coit Tower – Located atop Telegraph Hill, the tower offers 360-degree views of the city and features historic murals inside.
The Mission District – Famous for its vibrant street art, including the murals on Clarion Alley, and home to some of the best Mexican food in the city.
Twin Peaks – For panoramic views of the entire city, head to these two hills, especially at sunrise or sunset for a breathtaking experience.
The Ferry Building – A foodie’s paradise, with gourmet food stalls and local vendors.
The Palace of Fine Arts
It’s a breathtaking example of San Francisco’s architectural splendor. Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, this majestic structure features a grand rotunda, classical columns, and a serene lagoon that reflects its beauty. The combination of Roman and Greek architectural styles creates a timeless elegance that feels both monumental and intimate.
It’s a perfect spot for leisurely strolls, photography, or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere. The Palace of Fine Arts stands as a testament to the city’s dedication to preserving its historical and artistic heritage, offering a peaceful retreat amid the hustle and bustle of San Francisco.
From a photographer’s perspective, San Francisco is pure eye-candy. I could easily spend days wandering the city, capturing its vibrant scenes. The light and angles change constantly, offering fresh and intriguing photo opportunities.
From the lively streets and charming cafes to the iconic cable cars and unique urban landscapes, everything in San Francisco California invites exploration through the lens.
The city’s distinctive character and diverse visual elements make it a must-photograph destination for any travel photographer.
Transportation time traveling between iconic places to visit in San Francisco
On one of our days in San Francisco, we experienced an immersive tour of the city’s diverse transportation options, using five different types in total. It felt like we were time traveling through different eras of transit.
One of the highlights was riding the iconic cable car, a nostalgic glimpse into San Francisco’s past. As we clattered up and down the steep streets, gripping the wooden railings, it was easy to imagine what life was like in the early 1900s when these cars were a primary mode of travel.
In contrast, we also tried WAYMO, a self-driving car that felt like something straight out of the future. Gliding smoothly through the city without a human driver, it was both thrilling and surreal to witness cutting-edge technology in action, a glimpse of what transportation might soon look like everywhere.
Our day wasn’t complete without hopping on BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), the local subway system, which whisked us under the city, offering a quick and efficient way to move between neighborhoods.
Another interesting experience was riding the SF Muni trolleybus, part of San Francisco’s Municipal Railway system. Initially, it seemed like a regular bus, but at some point, it transformed into a subway tram and descended underground, blending the boundaries between street-level and subway transit. It was my first time encountering a vehicle that could seamlessly switch between road and tunnel travel, and it added an unexpected twist to our journey.
Lastly, we took a regular car for part of the day, which, compared to everything else, felt almost too ordinary. But experiencing such a variety of transport modes in one day highlighted just how innovative and historically rich San Francisco’s transit system is.
A Photographer’s View of California San Francisco Street Lifestyle
One of the things I love most about traveling is observing the variety of lifestyles that come alive on the streets. It’s there that you can truly witness the diversity of a city—through the unique clothing styles people wear, the rhythm of their conversations, and even the distinct scents that fill the air. In San Francisco California, this diversity is particularly striking.
The city is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions, all coexisting within its vibrant neighborhoods.
San Francisco’s openness made it a photographer’s dream. Random strangers walking by or sitting in cafes became unintentional muses, each telling a unique story through their expressions, gestures, and interactions with their surroundings.
The diversity here isn’t just something you see—it’s something you feel, hear, and breathe in, making every street corner an opportunity to capture a moment of this dynamic urban mosaic.
I left wanting more from San Francisco, feeling as though the city had only shown me a glimpse of its many wonders. Each corner I turned, each landmark I visited, left me with a sense of anticipation for what lay beyond.
Hotels we used during this trip to California San Francisco
Hotel app we used:
Kayak – a travel app designed to help users find and book flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. It aggregates information from various travel sites to provide users with a comprehensive view of available options, allowing them to compare prices and find the best deals.
AirBnb in Walnut Creek. For the first two weeks, we stayed at a beautiful house in Walnut Creek, owned by a good friend of my husband. The area is gorgeous, and the house itself feels like a treehouse. Its wooden exterior blends seamlessly with the surrounding trees and flowers, giving it a cozy, cabin-in-the-woods vibe. It’s incredibly peaceful and serene—a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. They offer one room for rent on Airbnb, which is quite spacious and features a fully equipped kitchen, a big fridge, a dining table, and a cozy sitting area with chairs and a TV. The highlight of this room is the stunning view you get when you step outside. It’s a truly special location that makes the stay unforgettable.
Budget Inn Rohnert Park, CA —well, the name says it all! That night, we were exhausted and needed somewhere super close in Sonoma County just for one night. It served its purpose perfectly: a no-frills place to sleep. The room had just the basics—a bed, a restroom with a shower, a TV, and a rather noisy air conditioner. It was the only time we used the HotWire app to find a hotel. After that, we switched to Kayak for last-minute bookings because it offered more options and better discounts.
Country Inn and Suites by Radisson in Vallejo, CA. A welcoming hotel with modern amenities, including a pool and complimentary breakfast. The property appears new and well-maintained, creating a comfortable and enjoyable stay. I particularly appreciated the clean and updated facilities, making it a pleasant experience overall.
Hilton Garden Inn Emeryville. A modern hotel with a well-maintained environment and a range of facilities to enhance your stay. Parking is $25, and while the hotel store offers some food options, it could benefit from a wider selection. Breakfast is not included and costs an additional $25. Also, there was no soap near the sink, which was a bit inconvenient. Overall, it’s a solid choice but with some room for improvement in terms of value and convenience.
Holiday Inn Walnut Creek. A well-maintained hotel offering comfortable accommodations in a convenient location. The rooms are basic but clean and tidy, providing a straightforward and pleasant stay. The reception staff is friendly and welcoming, adding a personal touch to the overall experience.
Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel. A hotel offering convenient access to the airport. The accommodations are basic, and while functional, the property shows signs of wear and age. It’s a practical choice for a short stay, with the added benefit of inexpensive parking.
All images in this article were taken by Elena Sullivan, ArsVie Photo Studio and are protected by copyright. If you are interested in using any of the them, please contact me for permission. Thank you for understanding!
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