San Francisco

San Francisco is perhaps the friendliest and prettiest of all the American cities. With stunning views from hilltop scenes, stately Victorian homes, a great transport system and an abundance of entertainment it would be hard to match the delights home to San Francisco.

In 1906, San Francisco suffered a devastating earthquake which destroyed the city and caused a further three days of shattering fires which ruined what ever wasn’t destroyed by the earthquake. It was after this time that the spirit if San Francisco began to flourish. In the wake of disaster, San Francisco pulled itself together and started fresh. With immediate reconstruction and development of bigger and better homes, San Francisco was even more grand than before and started to draw many new faces to the city. With the arrival of artists, poets and writers, San Francisco was building a reputation for itself for being something of a free spirit.

It was this characteristic which was carried on to the 60s when the “Summer of Love” brought care free hippies and like minded souls to the city in a celebration of love, peace and harmony. This 1967 event remains one of the most memorable events in San Francisco’s long standing history.

In recent years with the development of high rise offices, cultural highlights and wealth, the hippie generation are something of a haunting reminder of a time long since passed. Although that being said, there are still many hippies haunting the streets as a constant reminder of better times.

There are numerous attractions to San Francisco and perhaps the most instantly recognisable is the grand Golden Gate Bridge. The orange towers of the world famous Golden Gate bridge can be seen from almost every point in the city. Construction of the bridge began back in 1933 and then just 52 months later in May 1937, the bridge was opened. With a span of 4200ft a journey across can take quite some time, especially if you are one of the odd few who decide to walk it. You can of course drive, or even bike across should the urge take you. What even mode of transport you choose, the visit will be well worth it.

For the rest of the city, San Francisco is fairly easy to navigate so you are not very likely to get yourself lost. With the fun trolleys which service all the neighbourhoods, getting about couldn’t be easier. There is also a bus service on hand which can take you to most of the attractions, but for a true San Francisco experience, the trolley is much more rewarding.

All the San Francisco neighbourhoods are relatively safe and offer at least one tourist attraction. With the majority of visitors tending to stay in the Fisherman’s Wharf district, ,this can be a great base for your journey. There are great bars, delicious restaurants and a multitude of reasonable hotels in this area, and as one of the safest parts of the city, what more could you want from America’s friendliest city?