San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO

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“If you’re going to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
If you’re going to San Francisco
You’re gonna meet some gentle people there”. This is what Scott McKenzie sang about the city in the 60s, and in some ways it may still be actual.

There are many reasons why people love SF, personally it would be the unexpected change of environment and feelings you get while walking through it. But there is one thing you must be aware of: be ready for the uphills and downhills!

My 20 km walking tour started at Presidio, a calm Oasis in the busy city. From there, you have an amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge at Fort Point, and you can easily walk talong the coast to reach downtown. My suggestion is you reach Lombard Street at the George Sterling Park (lower entrance) so that you can take a look at the famous turns from above. After that, you should definetely walk through them and admire their beauty from below.

Following this detour, you may head back to the coastline to reach the Fishermen’s Wharf, where you will also find the typical souvenirs from the city. If you keep walking, you will reach Pier 39, famous for its sealions! Unfortunately, when I arrived, there were only few specimens, nevertheless it is hilarious to watch them sleeping, snoring, sunbathing and swimming! Do not miss the chance to walth through the PIER, famous for its shops and restaurants (and overall Californian feeling!). From there, you can also take the ferry to Alcatraz!

Next stop is Washington Square Park, so do not miss Stockton St, and right after this, take Columbus Ave to reach Portsmouth Square. From there, you can walk down Clay St to pass by the Transamerica Pyramid, towards the Ferry Building. Inside there is a cute and cozy market. Cross the road to reach Market St to pass through downtown, reaching the famous Union Square!

You can then walk next to the Tram railway down Powell St, reaching the omonymous station. From there, I kept walkin down Market St towards the Civic Center, and even though the buildings are wonderful and worth passing through, you need to know it is part of the infamous side of SF, the face of the medal people try to forget; I would not pass through it at night.

Once you passed through the Civic Center Plaza, you can reach the Painted Ladies trough Grove St, and enjoy the view of the city from Alamo Square. I finished my tour by walking DIvisadero St towards the Palace of Fine Arts in Presidio. I still had energies to walk to finish my tour, but if you are feeling tired, just know there is a free bus that will pass from Presidio through downtown and vice-versa, so alternatively you can hop on that!