Beyond the world-renowned icons of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, there is much more to San Francisco to discover. So, if you're going to San Francisco, here are three unique ways to explore this fascinating part of California.
A one-of-a-kind city tour
Buckle up and unpeel the many layers of San Francisco in a colourful way with Painted Ladies Tour Company.
Eyelash-accented vintage VW buses will take you on a city tour that visits San Francisco’s top sights, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Painted Ladies houses, as well as lesser-known neighborhoods that give you a local's look into the talent, history, culture and food of this Golden City.
Over in Oakland
Cross over the Bay Bridge from San Francisco and you will be greeted with a diverse, dynamic, artsy and edgy slice of the Bay Area that will be sure to add a colourful twist to your adventures. With an exploding food and wine scene, with hidden gems such as the Oakland Vegan Trail and alaMar Kitchen, Oakland is sure to stir your taste buds. To round out your experience in Oakland, sip and sample brews along the Oakland Ale Trail.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Boasting one of the wildest metropolitan areas within the United States, adding the great outdoors to your itinerary is a must when visiting San Francisco.
Take a stroll through the ancient redwood forests of the Muir Woods National Monument, and it will be hard to believe that you're just a short half hour drive away from San Francisco. This protected grove is the last stand of uncut old growth redwoods in the Bay Area. The giant trees reach up to 76 metres into the sky and are aged between 400 and 800 years old.
Further afield, heading south from the city, enjoy golden oaks and broad vistas of mountain slopes cascading to the sea on the Saratoga Gap & Ridge Trail Loop in Castle Rock State Park.