America’s biggest annual sporting event takes place a little more than two weeks from now in the San Francisco Bay Area. Yes, the World Cup will be there in the summer, but I’m talking about an annual event, the National Football League’s Super Bowl. The big game, Super Bowl LX if you want to be precise about it, or if you just love Roman numerals, will be held at Levi’s Stadium in suburban Santa Clara on Sunday Feb. 8. The city of San Francisco hosts the yearly Super Bowl Experience for fans at the Moscone Center from Feb. 3 to 7.
Here are some travel and sightseeing suggestions by a guy who grew up in the area and visits a couple times a year. There’s so much to see and do in and around San Francisco, so I’m breaking this up into two parts: things that are in the city proper and attractions/sights/hotels that are out of town but close by. First up, the city itself.
OBVIOUS BUT WORTHWHILE THINGS TO DO IN SAN FRANCISCO
Ride a Cable Car
A cable car in San Francisco. Suzanne-Emily-O’Connor-Unsplash Photo
Is there a more enjoyable way to get around a city than San Francisco’s famous vehicles that climb halfway to the stars? I don’t think so. Even folks like me who grew up in the Bay Area can’t resist a spot on the outside of the car with their arm holding on tight and their body half-dangling out over the street (but watch for oncoming cars or other cable cars). The Mason-Powell line is the most popular for visitors, as it takes you from Market Street to Fisherman’s Wharf. I find the California Street car, which goes in a straight line from near the Ferry Building to Van Ness Avenue, is less crowded. It also takes you past the mansions of Nob Hill and Chinatown.
Check Out the Golden Gate Bridge
A convertible ride on the Golden Gate Bridge. Photo Courtesy San Francisco Travel Association.
Most cities are lucky to have one iconic sight. In San Francisco, you’ve got both cable cars and what is almost certainly the world’s most photographed bridge. I’ve tried cycling and walking across it, and it’s not bad. But it’s noisy and windy, so take that into consideration. One of the best ways to see it (and other parts of the bay) is a cruise with the Blue and Gold Fleet near Pier 39. Most days they’ll take you pretty close to the bridge, and sometimes underneath it for fabulous views. If you don’t have time or don’t want to be out on the water, drive out to Fort Point, where you’ll not only find a brick fort built during the U.S. Civil War but amazing under-the-bridge views. More great views can be had from the lookout point on the south side (San Francisco) side of the bridge, or from one of the lookouts on the hill on the Marin Count side. That’s where you’ll see some of the most iconic shots, as you’re looking down on the bridge and across to the city.
San Francisco Outdoors
The Golden Gate Bridge, as seen from the San Francisco Bay Trail at Crissy Field. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Tourists tend to go to Twin Peaks for views of the San Francisco Skyline, but I like Corona Heights Park. It’s an old quarry with odd-shaped , exposed rocks you can climb for great views of the city, so you’ll get great downtown and bay photos, and also a touch of nature at the same time. There’s a relatively new, 17-mile (27 km) crosstown trail in San Francisco that runs at an angle from around Candlestick Point in the southeast corner of the city up to Lands’ End in the northwest. I love the walk Glen Canyon Park trail north of the Glen Park BART station, which feels like the middle of nowhere in many sections. If you’re REALLY ambitious, try the Roundabout Trail, which encircles the city and stretches 38 miles (61 km). If you prefer something more sedate, check out the nice beach at Crissy Field, just west of Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. Or take a stroll or a drive through Golden Gate Park, which features amazing Japanese gardens, towering redwoods and even a bison/buffalo paddock.
Food and Shopping
John’s Grill in San Francisco opened in 1908. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The Ferry Building is one of the great places in town for foodies, with everything from South American empanadas to tasty pastries and an iconic burger spot called Gott’s. Grab a croissant and a coffee and sit out back to admire the ferry boats. Just up the road is Pier 39, which is rather touristy but has a merry-go-round and other rides for kids, as well as enjoyable shops and a variety of casual restaurants. This is also where you’ll find a colony of massive, barking sea lions that delight kids of all ages. Top downtown restaurants include Tadich Grill and John’s Grill; both old-time San Francisco haunts with great history. The Mission District is famous for its Mexican cuisine, but the city also offers amazing French, Italian, Thai, Chinese and Japanese food. One goofy but fun spot is a place on Geary Avenue at Van Ness called Tommy’s Joynt. Fans of the movie “American Graffiti” flock to Mel’s Drive-In on Lombard Street (not the crooked part.) There are a couple other branches in town. Colibri Mexican Bistro is an established place that moved to a new location on the Presidio Grounds (a lovely park just west of downtown) a couple years ago. They make an excellent guacamole right at your table, as well as great fish tacos and al pastor tacos with pork and pineapple.
Other Ideas and Lesser-Known Areas to Explore
A tour of Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Try a tour of Haight-Ashbury to learn about the city’s hippie history in the 1960s.
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) offers stunning art displays in a fabulous setting.
The SkyStar Wheel (a giant ferris wheel with enclosed cabs) has moved from Golden Gate Park to Fisherman’s Wharf for improved views.
South of downtown, Dogpatch has emerged as a creative, artsy district of the city.
A tour of Alcatraz offers spooky history from when this was the most notorious jail in the U.S., as well as spectacular city and bay views.
Don’t miss a visit to Telegraph Hill for great city views. You can climb the steps of lovely Coit Tower or take the elevator for even better views. It’s an easy drive up the hill from North Beach, but I also like the hike up from The Embarcadero, which takes you past quiet, hillside homes with amazing gardens and even a flock of wild parrots.
WHERE TO STAY
The glamorous Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, California. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The Fairmont San Francisco is a regal, almost royal palace on Nob Hill. It was also the first Fairmont hotel in the world. Don’t miss the Tonga Room, which Anthony Bourdain once called the world’s best tiki bar. Great entertainment and fabulous cocktails await.
Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf is a trendy but family-friendly spot a couple blocks from the wharf, and a short walk to both the Italian North Beach district and Ghirardelli Square.
LUMA San Francisco is an uber-trendy, environmentally friendly place to stay in the booming China Basin area, just south of downtown. The rooftop patio is gorgeous.
The Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa, previously known as the Park Central hotel, reopened a few years ago after a full, $70 million renovation/reimagination. Rooms are lovely, the location excellent, and there’s a nice on-site bar and lounge called La Societe.
The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco on Nob Hill offers up beautiful, spacious rooms in a classic, old building. The food and cocktails are superb, as well.
GETTING THERE
Air Canada flies directly to San Francisco from a number of Canadian cities, including Toronto and Vancouver.
