American singer Scott Mackenzie wasn’t lying when he wrote: “If you’re going to San Francisco, you’re gonna meet some gentle people there.”
The city is renowned for liberal living and activism, which shines through its residents. The locals have a warm and welcoming way of life that will quickly make you feel like you belong.
A city of inclusion
San Francisco is a city of inclusion – it initiated the hippie movement of the Sixties and the gay rights campaign of the Seventies. To get a taste of these historic moments that have shaped the city’s culture, take a trip to the Castro District.
The birthplace of San Francisco’s gay community, it’s the perfect home for the GLBT History Museum, which celebrates the rich history of the LGBT community. Found in the heart of the city, it’s an unmissable part of San Fran.
Cultural riches
The 19th-century Californian gold rush brought an influx of people who wanted to reap the riches of the golden city. The Asian community boomed, and its culture has since become fully embedded into the identity of San Francisco, with the city’s Chinatown the oldest of its kind in North America.
Be sure to pay Chinatown a visit, as well as stopping by San Fran’s famous Asian Art Museum. With more than 18,000 works of art in its collection, some dating back more than 6,000 years, this is one to add to your itinerary.
Unforgettable outdoor experiences
If you’re keen to experience the great outdoors, then you’ll want to take a trip to Muir Woods. Now a national monument, this woodland is one of the last ancient forests in the country to feature coastal redwoods.
Less than 20km north-west of the Golden Gate Bridge, making your way up the CA-1 North, you’ll find yourself surrounded by stretches of trails lined by enchanting trees that have been standing here for more than 1,000 years.
America’s food and wine capital
Named by many Americans as the nation’s food and wine capital, you’ll find plenty of places to dine in San Francisco. It’s a place where you can explore the renowned farmers’ markets, or pick out quaint brunch spots and trendy bars that showcase the city’s full range of flavours and delicacies.
One of the Bay Area’s culinary pioneers is the renowned chef Alice Waters – and, luckily, her Chez Panisse restaurant is only a 30-minute drive away in Berkeley, one of San Francisco’s closest neighbours. It’s the place that inspired the local and organic food movement in the area, and it’s easy to see why.
The restaurant’s menu changes every day, meaning you’ll never have the same thing twice. Using all local ingredients, it’s the place to come for a real taste of the Bay Area.
Whatever experience you’re looking for when visiting the Golden City – from exploring the countless landmarks and local culture to using it as the starting point for a California road trip, car hire in San Francisco is the best way to squeeze in as much as you can.
