San Francisco, California, is often referred to as the Paris of the West, but its unique identity sets it apart from any other city in the world. The city acts as one of the cultural capitals of North America, but it is also a major financial and technological center. Geographically, San Francisco is notable because it occupies a landmass at the end of a gorgeous peninsula, and it features rolling, hilly topography.
Almost everyone who has heard of the city has constructed a vision of it in their minds. For many people, the city is represented by cable cars, Alcatraz, the Transamerica Pyramid and the Golden Gate Bridge. Since these images are so ingrained in the culture, many people feel like they do not need to visit the city since they feel they know it so well already. However, San Francisco has much more to offer than just the famous landmarks that define it for so many people.
Walkable San Francisco
People who come to San Francisco for the first time should not be discouraged from visiting the city's most famous landmarks, but if they focus solely on visiting well-worn tourist attractions, they will miss out on the true San Franciscan experience. The city is extraordinarily vibrant in a cultural sense, and visitors who want a truly memorable experience should make a point to explore some of the lesser-known but equally enriching aspects of the city.
One of the best ways to experience San Francisco is by walking its streets. Consistently rated as one of the most walkable cities in the world, San Francisco features numerous distinct and unique neighborhoods that are best experienced by leaving the car behind and exploring on foot. One neighborhood that should not be missed is Chinatown. San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest such community in North America, and it is home to the largest Chinese community outside the continent of Asia. Visitors can enjoy a one-of-a-kind mix of Chinese and American culture here, and they can explore numerous shops and dining establishments featuring true ethnic authenticity.
Another fantastic, walkable neighborhood in San Francisco is Cow Hollow. This neighborhood got its name because it exists on a parcel of land that was once used for grazing cows. Today, the neighborhood features a number of upscale shops and dining options. Health-conscious individuals enjoy strolling along the Union Street while checking out the various health spas and wellness centers that exist there.
Museums, Culture and Indoor Wonders
San Francisco's weather is known for its fickle nature. It can be sunny and warm one minute, and cold, rainy and windy the next. As a result, visitors are encouraged to make backup plans in the event that the climate fails to cooperate with their initial arrangements. Thankfully, the city of San Francisco features a number of terrific museums that can be enjoyed regardless of the outdoor conditions.
Perhaps the most famous museum in the city is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, which is located in the South of Market neighborhood. The museum, which attracts more than 600,000 visitors each year, features thought-provoking works from the 20th century and beyond, and it represents one of the most notable collections of modern art west of the Mississippi River.
For family fun and educational enrichment, visitors should consider a visit to the Exploratorium. This facility mixes science and art in numerous unique ways that visitors can experience through more than 1,000 participatory exhibits. The Exploratorium is a tremendously influential museum that provides a world of wonder for every member of the family.
San Francisco is so well known that many people feel like a visit to the city is unnecessary. However, the true San Francisco experience can only be found by visiting the city in person. San Francisco offers something for everyone, and it provides a perfect setting for exploration, culture and much more.
Author Bio: Kevin Caldwell enjoys traveling and sharing his experiences with others. He often writes about his experiences and tips about traveling. You can connect with Kevin on Google+ to read more of his work.
No comments:
Post a Comment