San Francisco: Flower Power & Outdoor Experiences in the 'Golden City'

San Francisco is neither the largest, nor the most exciting, and certainly not the most beautiful city in the United States. And yet, there is probably not a person in the world who has never heard of it. We know San Francisco from movies, books, and our favorite series. We sat on the couch with the Tanners in 'Full House', cheered with 'Mrs. Doubtfire' in the Pacific Heights neighborhood, and held our breath when Godzilla destroyed the Golden Gate Bridge.

Indeed, the 'Golden City' is as diverse as it is portrayed in the classics. The fact that it's surrounded by some of the most beautiful outdoor spots in the U.S. is like the icing on the San Francisco cake. Blogger Franzi shares a few insider tips for San Francisco.

'If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair,' sang Scott McKenzie in 1967. And indeed, the hippie capital has kept its relaxed vibe to this day. In stark contrast to the often uptight rest of the United States, individuality and openness are celebrated in San Francisco.

This versatility is also reflected in the neighborhoods, which could not be more different from one another. Art, culture, and gastronomy are omnipresent here. Combined with the breathtaking nature that awaits just outside San Francisco's doors, the city is definitely worth a visit.

The Golden Gate Bridge is the most famous landmark in San Francisco and serves as the city's symbol. The 2,737-meter-long bridge was opened in 1937 after four years of construction. It spans the Golden Gate Strait and can be seen from almost anywhere.

The best way to explore the bright red Golden Gate Bridge is by bicycle, which visitors can rent at every corner in San Francisco. Riding along the water over the bridge leads you to the small neighboring town of Sausalito. This charming place is perfect for a stop at one of the cafes or a leisurely walk by the sea.

A particularly great view of the Golden Gate Bridge can be found at Crissy Field East Beach. A stop right before the bridge at Battery Lancaster is also worthwhile for a photo. On the other side, you arrive directly at the View Vista Point, which offers a different perspective.

On your way back to the city, make sure to stop by the Golden Gate Park, which, with over 1,000 acres, is one of the largest urban parks in the world. Here, you'll find fantastic hiking trails, lakes, and gardens just waiting for those needing a little break from the city. Particularly beautiful are the rose garden and the Japanese Tea Garden.

You can also visit the M.H. de Young Museum (admission: $15, about 14 Euros, for adults, as of 2022) or the California Academy of Sciences (admission: $38, about 36 Euros, for adults, as of 2022). The Ocean Beach is also adjacent to Golden Gate Park, and is San Francisco's largest urban beach.

For decades, the Java Beach Café at Ocean Beach has been serving homemade dishes from the region. The various coffee specialties, as well as the bagels and bowls for breakfast, are especially delicious.

Another heart of San Francisco is Fisherman's Wharf. What used to be just a boat dock has turned into a whole neighborhood over the decades. Both tourists and locals enjoy fresh fish by the water or observe the hustle and bustle from one of the many cafes. At Fisherman's Wharf, you can stroll from pier to pier along the shore, admire the colorful houses, and indulge in ice cream at the Ghirardelli Square shopping center (900 North Point St).

One of the piers is home to a unique attraction: the famous Pier 39, where countless sea lions relax in the sun day after day. Although they have a rather strong odor, it's fun to watch how they nudge each other off the planks to claim the best spot.

Buena Vista Café: Here, delicious Irish Coffee is served. Breakfast pairs perfectly with French Toast or Eggs Benedict. Later in the day, try the typical San Francisco Clam Chowder (2765 Hyde St).

The Codmother Fish & Chips: For many locals, these are the best Fish & Chips in the city (496 Beach St).

You won't get bored in San Francisco anytime soon, as no neighborhood is like the other. A must-see is the vibrant Chinatown, which you can enter through the Dragon Gate. It is known as one of the oldest in the U.S. and offers plenty of excellent and often inexpensive restaurants. Here, you can indulge in Chinese cuisine not just once, but also enjoy Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, or Thai specialties.

Afterward, it's worth taking a stroll through the quaint little shops where you can buy souvenirs for little money. A highlight is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory (56 Ross Alley). Here, you can not only stock up on various fortune cookies, but also watch how they are made. Insider Tip: Chinatown is one of the best spots for street art, for which San Francisco is world-famous.

China Live is a true empire in San Francisco and not only operates various locations but also a shop. Dim Sum lovers will particularly enjoy this place (644 Broadway).

Another must-see insider tip for foodies in San Francisco is North Beach - the term 'Little Italy' is not appreciated by the people here. The neighborhood is influenced by Italian immigrants, which you can immediately recognize by the traditional espresso bars and trattorias with red-and-white checkered tablecloths. Order a pizza at Tony's Pizza Napoletana (1570 Stockton St), enjoy a drink at the historic Vesuvio Bar (255 Columbus Ave), and browse through the legendary bookstore City Lights (261 Columbus Ave), founded in 1953 by Beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti.

In the northern part of North Beach, you can climb Telegraph Hill. Here stands the 64-meter-tall Coit Tower (open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, admission: $10, about 9.50 Euros, for adults, as of 2022), which offers great views over San Francisco and the ocean. Inside, it features socially critical murals by 25 artists who were considered communist at the time of its opening in 1934.

Tony's Pizza Napoletana: As the name suggests, the Neapolitan pizza is particularly recommended here. The Margherita is limited to 73 pieces per day and is a winner of the 'World Pizza Cup' in Naples (1570 Stockton St).

Vesuvio Cafe: The historic Vesuvio Cafe was a popular meeting place for artists and creatives of the Beat Generation in the 1950s. To this day, it remains an institution in San Francisco (255 Columbus Ave).

At the intersection of Ashbury Street and Haight Street lies the neighborhood of the same name, Haight Ashbury. Here, a completely new way of life evolved in the late 1960s, far from all bourgeois rules: the Flower Power movement. Thousands of flower children flocked to Haight Ashbury in 1967 to get a little closer to their vision of a world without war and violence.

To this day, love is in the air in this neighborhood. Characterized by vintage shops, record stores, and alternative cafes, visitors are constantly accompanied by the hippie spirit as they explore Haight Ashbury.

The neighborhood is made even more beautiful by its many colorful, well-preserved Victorian houses. If you want to see more, just walk a little further for another fifteen minutes to Steiner Street. Here stand the famous Painted Ladies in a row, built in the 19th century.

San Francisco is huge and incredibly versatile, so you can easily spend several days exploring the city. However, it would also be a shame to overlook the breathtaking nature just outside the city. Therefore, here are a few insider tips for excursions around San Francisco.

Just 15 kilometers north of San Francisco lies the Muir Woods National Monument (open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, admission: $15, about 14 Euros, for adults, as of 2022), established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Here, you can marvel at the last remaining coastal redwoods in the region, the tallest tree species on Earth, which can grow up to 110 meters tall.

Perhaps the most beautiful national park in the United States is about three and a half hours from San Francisco. The drive is worth it, however, because the Yosemite National Park is a true natural wonder (open daily, admission: $35, about 33 Euros, per car, as of 2022). Highlights include Yosemite Falls, Bridal Veil Fall, and Verbal Fall. The steep walls of El Capitan, the imposing Half Dome, Mirror Lake, and the giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove are simply breathtaking.

Half Moon Bay is a town in San Mateo County, located about half an hour south of San Francisco. Here you'll find some great beaches, with Mavericks Beach being the most exciting one. During the winter months, some of the biggest waves in the world form here, regularly tackled by brave big-wave surfers. Surf competitions are also held at Mavericks Beach.

Another beautiful excursion destination is located an hour south of the 'Golden City'. Pistachio Beach is a picturesque surfing beach that invites long walks - it's often too windy for swimming. Nearby is the beautiful Pigeon Point Lighthouse, which you can reach on foot from the beach.

The 17-Mile Drive runs through a gated community for well-off Americans. As the name suggests, the route takes you 17 miles along white beaches, fairy-tale forests, steep cliffs, and dramatic rock formations. Along the way, you'll spot seals, deer, and waterfowl. The 17-Mile Drive begins about two hours south of San Francisco. There is a usage fee of $11.25, about 10 Euros, per car, but it will be credited if you dine at a restaurant on-site.

Afterward, it's just a fifteen-minute drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea. This quaint town offers a sweet downtown with colorful shops, cafes, and restaurants. At the beach, you'll also witness a stunning sunset.

Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Marilyn Monroe, and many more: all came to San Francisco and fell in love with the city. The 'Golden City' has a very special vibe, and you will feel it as you stroll through its streets. Let San Francisco unfold its charm on you and lose yourself in the neighborhoods of this extraordinary city. This way, your trip will surely be unforgettable.

One last San Francisco tip: The downtown area can be wonderfully explored with the historic Cable Cars, which were the main means of transportation in the city until the early 20th century. Today, only three routes remain, and you can find an overview here.

Last but not least, here are a few tips for those who want to experience San Francisco away from the tourist crowds. Just like in all American cities, the influx of tourists can quickly feel overwhelming - especially in the summer and during holiday seasons.

While most travel guides rave about Chinatown and North Beach, Japantown is rarely mentioned. However, the historic neighborhood in the Western Addition has a lot to offer. For example, Asian day spas with traditional hot spring baths (onsen), karaoke bars, and excellent shopping options. Fans of Japanese cuisine will be delighted by the sushi, ramen, and shabu-shabu restaurants.

The Japan Center Malls (1737 Post St) are also worth a visit. Here you can find not only very good Japanese food, but also many stores with authentic products from Japan. After your shopping spree, you can treat yourself to a matcha tiramisu or a mango-coconut pastry at the Andersen Bakery.

Just around the corner, you can also visit the five-story Peace Pagoda, which hosts the annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival.

'Farmers Markets' are highly popular in San Francisco. One of the most beautiful takes place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday until 2:00 PM at the Ferry Building at Pier 41. Here, farmers and restaurateurs offer a wide selection of organic products, including cheese, sweets, tapas, and coffee specialties.

Few tourists venture into the Mission District. This Latino neighborhood was named after the Mission Dolores built in 1776 and has long been a popular meeting place for San Francisco's hipsters. The Mission District offers fantastic street art (especially on Balmy Street, 18th Street, and Clarion Alley) and a great view of the skyline from Dolores Park. Highlights also include salsa clubs with live music and traditional taquerias.