Janeene Lewis 
Senior Travel Consultant - italktravel Kensington

180 Bellair Street, Kensington VIC 3031 
03 9376 3111

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Wow.  I wasn't sure what to expect on my first visit to San Francisco, however it certainly delivered.  I am a talker... I want to know the locals, I want to experience the city as a tourist but also as a San Franciscan!  I learnt that the Bay Area natives and people who move to SF alike tend to be fiercely loyal to their city.  We meet some SFers in New York who were thrilled that we loved their home!!  With sweeping vistas on every hill, beautiful homes, water views, the great outdoors and a great foodie culture San Francisco is simply stunning.

Besides being one of the most visually beautiful seven-by-seven square miles on earth, San Francisco has also topped rankings of the happiest, healthiest and fittest cities in America.  It's easy to see why.  An abundance of Public Parks, outdoor recreational activities and exercise options.  So many bicycling options too! Hiring a bike is easy, cheap and safe - a great way to immerse yourself amongst the city at street level.

The Ferry to Sausalito is a must - the most beautiful little seaside town is a slice of the Mediterranean in CA.  A 30 min ferry ride on the Sausalito Ferry is quite spectacular.  Why not bike to Sausalito through parkland, over the Golden Gate Bridge, stop for lunch (and a quick shop) and then Ferry back - spectacular views of Sausalito as you leave, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the city skyline Bay Area...ticks a few boxes all at once!

It's also possible to bike to the Painted Ladies - the famous image of the colourful houses in SFO.  Swing past Mrs Doubtfires house too!  Lombard Street - prepare yourself for a few hills (getting off and walking seemed to be often unavoidable!!)  Colourful areas like The Mission, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, ChinaTown and Castro are also not to be missed and can be done on bike also.  Nob Hill is worth a visit - just to look around, take a peek inside the Fairmont Hotel!

We didn't get to the Napa Valley or Sonoma Country which will be done next time on a road trip.  Never fear the wines for these regions are plentiful and delicious in town!

All in all a city worth visiting again.  With direct flights ex Australia San Francisco is not to be missed on an itinerary to the USA.

Lombard St

Sausalito