Explore the great cities of the world!
There are so many superlatives for San Francisco, they can’t all fit in 1 post. So here is the continuation from Part 1 of the 2016 Best of San Francisco By Billy Awards!
If there’s any city known for its views, it’s San Francisco.
Presenting…the 2016 Best of San Francisco By Billy Awards! (Yeah, they’re a little late. But I’m sure you don’t mind. And after this, it’s finally on to India!)
Obviously I liked San Francisco enough to move here. But I always thought it was overrated as a sightseeing destination. Starting right away with Day 1 of my official sightseeing in San Francisco last April, I realized just how wrong I was.
After my first day out in San Francisco, following the Barbary Coast Trail, I didn’t think any future day could beat it. San Francisco totally enthralled me on Day 1. And it didn’t hurt that the weather was uncharacteristically perfect. But once again I was wrong. One day was able to beat out Day 1.
Some locals will tell you to skip San Francisco’s Chinatown. It’s just full of cheap trinket shops and mediocre Chinese restaurants, they say. As usual, I say that you can get a lot out of Chinatown if you do Chinatown right.
To me, it only makes sense to start your day in Chinatown by passing through the Dragon Gate. It spans Grant Avenue at the southern entrance to Chinatown, just a few blocks northeast of Union Square. A block further north, veer off to the right to take a quick stroll through St. Mary’s Square. St. Mary’s Square permanent resident is an impressive granite and steel sculpture of [Read more…]
I’ve said it before. San Franciscans look down their noses at Fisherman’s Wharf. And it can be a complete tourist trap. But if you know where to look, a day at Fisherman’s Wharf can be an enriching, rewarding experience. That’s why I’m here to help you do Fisherman’s Wharf right.
The best way to start your day at Fisherman’s Wharf is to leave the mainland and take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, out in the bay. (By the way, I’m covering the “Greater” Fisherman’s Wharf area– [Read more…]
One of the best things about returning to Chinatown was the opportunity to enjoy more Chinese food. After stopping by Portsmouth Square, I had dinner at a Cantonese restaurant. When I had dinner in Chinatown on Day 7, I had calamari and only calamari. I was determined to get veggies this time. To ensure I got my greens in, I had the chicken salad (marinated roasted shredded chicken breast, crispy vermicelli, lettuce, and parsley mixed with salad dressing).
