If you’re planning a visit to San Francisco, you may not have the foggiest when it comes to dissecting this city’s narrative. Unlike New York with its beautifully lanky skyscrapers and constant whirr of people, or LA’s blonde beaches and hyper-conscious lifestyle fads, ‘Frisco’ (as the locals denominate) has its own cultural flair that’s worth discovering.
Hotel Vitale: Straddling San Francisco bay, this boutique 5 star hotel boasts some of the most scenic waterfront panoramas, all encapsulated in a modern, luxurious aesthetic that compliments the surrounding landscape. Private terraces provide open vistas framing San Francisco’s Downtown and Bay Bridge. But don’t let the pampering fritter your valuable city-exploring time, as this hotel is conveniently located within a walkable radius of the city’s best. Hotel Vitale.
Golden Gate Bridge: Celebrating its 80th year this May, the iconic Art Deco suspension bridge is most renowned for its photogenic allure, being screened (or destroyed) on countless films. Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958) captured the iconic scene of a distraught Madeleine (Kim Novak) leaping into the waters at the base of the bridge’s buttress. Needless to say, you don’t need to be a film buff to understand and experience the beauty of this bridge, which undergoes regular redcoats of paint in its official ‘international orange’ hue. The Golden Gate also serves as a perfect starting point for the following points of interest.
Palace of Fine Arts: Probably SF’s highly underrated gem. Constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, this romanticised example of Greco-Roman architecture lies in tasteful semi-ruins and is a must-see after the Golden Gate. Pose for pictures by the swan lagoon, and thank Berkeley architect Bernard Maybeck’s early 20th century memento to urban design.
Ferry Building, Fisherman’s Wharf: One for the foodies, this transit hub is renowned for its gourmet emporium, stimulating the senses, and appetite of course. Slurp on locally caught oysters whilst exploring the many piers and farm markets that showcase California-grown, organic produce. An emphasis on organic, because it’s California of course! A delicious experience guaranteed, at moderate-to-premium prices.
Alcatraz: Formally a federal military prison from 1933 to 1963, ‘the Rock’ is steeped in greater historical complexities besides the imprisonment of Al Capone. The seemingly lonely island now attracts 1.3 million visitors annually and once housed Civil War deserters and was briefly under Native American sovereignty in the ‘60s. It’s easily reached by ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf and worth a visit thanks to the film industry’s success in conjuring mystery and intrigue.
Lombard Street: The zig-zagging, hilly streets perfectly represent San Fran’s quirky layout, an experience like no other in America’s great cities. Lombard Street is an east-west street famously set in What’s Up, Doc? (1972) where Ryan O’Neal and Barbra Streisand are comically pursued by thieves down the precarious serpentine streets. You can either ride the Powell-Hyde Cable Car to the top of Lombard St or brave the hike – but avoid the urge to reenact Tony Hawk’s skateboarding skills as a recent clampdown on renegade skaters could result in an embarrassing affair.
Wayfare Tavern: Established in 2010, this popular upscale eatery proudly serves chef Tyler Florence’s (he’s big in the US) American fare in a British pub-style setting. It’s a must-visit where the American classics get the California treatment – flank steak comes with California chanterelles and organic fried chicken has lashings of local woodland herbs. The beer selection alone is quite something, SF’s local Anchor Steam proves popular, or if you want to try something more East Coast, then Allagash White Ale is brewed in Maine.
Tacolicious: If you love Mexican, you’ll forgive the name, once you’ve tried their traditional carnitas (slow-cooked roasted pork) tacos and sparkling sangria. The rustic chain can be found on 2250 Chestnut St., 1548 Stockton St., and 741 Valencia St. Convenient, should you prefer to surround yourself with the real experience of Californian ‘chill’ without the hefty price tag. Choose four tacos for $14, including seasonal vegetarian options.
Coi: A highly rated modern, seafood restaurant located in the North Beach neighbourhood, Coi offers one tasting menu nightly, at a cost of $250 per guest. Dishes include Kusshi Oyster, Sea Lettuce, Black Truffle or Maine Lobster, Foie Gras, Red Cabbage, Nori amongst many other delightfully exotic options.
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