City Breaks to San Francisco
San Francisco city breaks
A city break in San Francisco begins and ends with the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but this is only one of many landmarks made famous from TV and screen. Twin Peaks, Russian Hill, Alcatraz, the San Andreas Fault – all these are reasons why San Francisco is one of the top choices for a city break in America.
San Francisco is one of America’s most diverse cities, mixing history and heritage with modern attractions like the newly opened Bloomingdales. The city has historic buildings, pleasure beaches, parks, museums, shopping centres and a full arts program that makes cheap city breaks in San Francisco a delight at any time of year.
Things to do on a city break in San Francisco
Despite its location on the famous San Andreas Fault, the odd rumble under your feet is nothing to be afraid of – it won’t be an earthquake but one of the San Francisco’s 130 year old cable cars. The only surviving cable car system in the world, it provides a cheap and interesting way to see the city – and it’s a lot less tiring than walking. Because San Francisco is famous for its hills (there are at least 50 of them) and even the fittest will start to get weary trying to see the sights on foot.
One walk worth doing is up Russian Hill and into Lombard Street. The eight precarious hairpin bends, lined with attractive Victorian villas, were designed to reduce the 72 degree slope, but have instead earned it the title of 'Crookedest Street in the world.’ At the top is a perfect vantage point for admiring the sunsets across San Francisco Bay – so long as the infamous fog hasn’t rolled in.
To the South lies famed Pacific Heights, which offers superb views of Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge. Behind you are the even higher vantage points of Twin Peaks and Mount Davidson. Just be careful of the rollerbladers, zooming down the hills at breakneck speed!
City breaks with the family
San Francisco is perfect for a city break if you have children. Fisherman's Wharf, the city aquarium, the Exploratorium, Gilroy Gardens, the Panoramic Wheel and Ripley’s Believe it or Not are just a few excursions loved by young and old alike. And you are spoilt for choice at mealtimes, with affordable family restaurants serving every cuisine under the sun.
City breaks aren’t complete without a shopping excursion. Take a cable car to the top of affluent Nob Hill, and nearby are the shops and restaurants of historic Chinatown. Alternatively, visit the chic stores of Union Square, or go mad at the newly opened Bloomingdales, in Westfield.
Retail or otherwise, we at Future Travel recommend our San Francisco city breaks as the perfect therapy.