San Francisco may be only 49 square miles, but don’t let that trick you into thinking there’s a limit to what this exciting city has to offer. You wouldn’t believe how much there is to do here. San Francisco is special because it has so many unique features, including the largest Chinatown in North America, more than 300 secret staircases, and much more.
You might stay in San Francisco for weeks or even years and still not be able to partake in all the attractions and entertainment it offers. Here is a list of the top outdoor activities that are unique to this fantastic city.
Insider tip: Due to the diverse microclimates in San Francisco, packing layers is a must if you want to make the most of your trip there (and be prepared to shed the layers throughout the day). The sun could appear at any time, and the ocean breeze and fog could swiftly reduce the temperature by 10-20 degrees.
1. GOLDEN GATE PARK
Explore this iconic park’s 1,017 acres, from bucolic lakes and meadows to vibrant activity destinations.
Photo: Golden Gate Park: Mid Park Ramble
The California Academy of Sciences, the De Young Museum, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the Conservatory of Flowers are just a few of the many popular attractions that can be found in Golden Gate Park. For a unique experience and an insider tip, you can rent pedal and rowboats at the Stow Lake Boathouse the only lake in the Park that permits travel on the water. Afterward take a short hike up Strawberry Hill to the tallest point in the Park and take in an incredible view of the San Francisco
2. GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
The 4,200 ft. suspension bridge opened in 1937, spans 1.7 miles with around 120,000 vehicle visitors every day.
Source: CNN / cnn.com / DeAgostini/Getty Images
Tourists and locals alike enjoy walking, biking, or driving to take in the picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco skyline. The Golden Gate bridge has a distinct beauty, even on a misty day.
3. SAN FRANCISCO CABLE CAR
Source: goldengatehotel.com
The nostalgic ride of what San Francisco once was, but still is in the modern day is quite exhilarating when climbing and descending the San Francisco hills clinging to a metal pole. You can travel along the cable car lines and visit popular destinations like Nob Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square and the Financial District.
4. SAN FRANCISCO’S HIDDEN STAIRWAYS
Many of these staircases have gorgeous inlay mosaic tiles that feature images such as sea life and astrology.
Source: Collage pic from Google and Pinterest, https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/northern-california/san-francisco/san-francisco-stairways/ Image: 16th Avenue Moraga Mosaic Steps, Filbert Steps, Lincoln Park Steps, Lyon Street Steps,
The stairways can be seen in different hidden areas throughout the city where locals use the stairs for an intense workout.
5. CHINATOWN
The oldest Chinatown in North America and outside Asia is right here in San Francisco.
Source: Andrew Lloyd / Alamy Stock Photo
Immerse yourself in the experience of old Chinese markets with colorful architecture accented with hanging lanterns along the main street. You can enjoy the authentic and diverse shopping, dining, and grocers in a modern city backdrop..
Don’t forget to visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to take a peek inside of how the popular fortune cookie is made and of course see what your fortune is for today!
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With over 30 years of real estate experience, Lawrence brings a family-focused approach to Real Estate. Starting early on by assisting his father with hands-on repairs and maintenance with various properties and later assisting with the backend operational processes, Lawrence along with his wife Melanie Leung have a developed multiple businesses focusing on all aspect of Real Estate including, but not limited to, Property Management, Investment Strategies as well as Buyer and Seller Representation. By working in multiple aspects of the real estate process, he brings a multi-faceted perspective to the buying and investment process. As a duo team with a strong knowledge of property investment, Lawrence is able to provide all the necessities an investor needs to make the smart choices.
Having grown up with parents working in real estate, I found my passion for this industry at an early age. I chose to follow in their footsteps after seeing how many clients they were able to help fulfill the American Dream of Home Ownership. After 7 years of working extensively in the San Francisco Bay Area, I have developed a keen understanding of the local market and always take the time to figure out what clients really need from me as a professional real estate broker. I take pride in serving my clients with the utmost level of care and professionalism. It is my job to ensure a smooth, worry-free, and satisfying experience for everyone involved.
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Emily is originally from Los Angeles, California, and graduated from Chapman University with a degree in Business Communication. Her first experience in a leadership role was as a department manager at Nordstrom. It was here she developed her skills in people management as well as client retention. She was awarded with a “Customer Service All-Star” award by the CEO for her creative problem-solving skills and stellar success in giving customers the utmost best service. Following this chapter, she moved her expertise into a Project Management role at an Architectural Engineering company in Southern California. It was here she found her passion for home design and ultimately real estate. With Emily’s combined people skills and passion for the business of real estate and property management, she is thrilled to help grow all facets of KeyOpp.
Katrina embarked on her professional journey as a Digital Marketing Specialist in Real Estate right after graduating in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing Management.
Kristine Cordenillo’s fascination with the concept of home got her into the property management industry. She believes the home is a significant factor in shaping a person’s identity. She was previously a Lease Management Manager for a property management company based in Michigan for about five years. She is currently a candidate for a degree in Masters in Anthropology.
Calvin Yu is a seasoned professional with a decade of diverse experience, underpinned by a foundation in Business Administration from San Francisco State University. His career trajectory includes roles in food service, project management, and as a production associate at Tesla, each contributing to his robust skill set. In these roles, Calvin has demonstrated his ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, showcasing his hardworking nature, diligence, and patience. His time in the food service industry refined his customer service and operational skills, while his project management experience enhanced his strategic planning and problem-solving capabilities. At Tesla, he embraced the challenge of precision and innovation, further solidifying his adaptability and commitment to excellence.