San Francisco holidays
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A film-favourite bay, tower-topped peaks, and that world-famous bridge – San Francisco holidays cover sightseeing from every angle.
An eclectic city
San Francisco has collected its fair share of nicknames over the years. This one-of-a-kind metropolis has been branded The Golden City, The Paris of the West and The City by the Bay. The former’s a nod to the city’s gold rush past, as well as its treasure-coloured bridge and sunsets. Meanwhile, the latter draws attention to its beautiful bayside setting.
Carefree character
The saying ‘only in San Francisco’ didn’t come from nowhere. This place is cosmopolitan and traditional in equal parts. It leads the way with its state-of-the-art museums and anything-goes nightlife, but it’s the neighbourhoods where the city’s heart really lies. Alamo Square’s home to six, pastel-coloured Victorian houses known as the Painted Ladies. Taqueria food stalls and vibrant murals make up the Mission District, and then there’s the biggest Chinatown outside of Asia. Take all this into account, and it’s easy to see why San Francisco regularly ranks as one of the country’s most liveable cities.
Sizeable sights
New York might have the Empire State Building, but San Francisco’s highs are all natural. You can get wide-angle views of the city from one of its 43 peaks. The hikes up aren’t for the faint-hearted, though. Telegraph Hill, for example, involves a 400-step climb to the top, which is crowned by the Art Deco-style Coit Tower. But the wild parrots and hillside houses help soften the blow. The city’s manmade feats are just as impressive. Even the occasional fog can’t take away from the grandeur of the Golden Gate Bridge – for many people, this famous monument is reason enough alone to book a holiday to San Francisco.
Scenic days out
Hop on a ferry across the bay and you’re just a bus ride from the centre of California’s wine country – Napa Valley. The vintage-looking wine train will take you between estates, so there’s no need to appoint a designated driver. Just make sure you set some time aside to explore the area’s chic spas and farm-to-table eateries. Plus, if you head south out of the city, you’ll hit whale-watching hotspot, Monterey. This little town’s sea-centric, boasting an impressive aquarium, fresh-as-you-get seafood and a marine sanctuary.
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