San Francisco Sunday

We kicked off the day aboard the Big Bus Tour – (No! It’s not tacky!) the perfect way to sit back, relax and take in the “best of” San Francisco. It was a little breezy but absolutely beautiful weather for sightseeing. The commentary was entertaining and the soundtrack 🎶 was perfectly matched to each location.

As we rolled through the city, The Village People blasted through our headphones while we learned that San Francisco has been welcoming diversity ever since the Gold Rush days. Whether it was the fortune-seeking Forty-Niners of 1849 or today’s vibrant LGBTIQ+ community, the city has long attracted people looking for opportunity, freedom and acceptance.

We passed the famous City Lights Bookstore, founded in 1953 and known for publishing Allen Ginsberg’s controversial poem Howl, which became the centre of a landmark free-speech court case.

Nearby stood the distinctive Transamerica Pyramid, once the tallest building west of Chicago. (See Mark modelling it!) Despite initial criticism, it has become one of San Francisco’s most recognisable landmarks.

In Chinatown, we heard stories about the historic Tongs – originally benevolent associations that helped Chinese immigrants settle, though some became linked to rival gangs during the city’s colourful early years.

The Financial District, often called the “Wall Street of the West”, showcased San Francisco’s modern wealth and influence, a striking contrast to its Gold Rush beginnings.

Speaking of landmarks, the Bay Bridge is sometimes jokingly referred to as the Golden Gate Bridge’s jealous older brother. While it may not get the same attention, it is actually the widest bridges in America. So, that should boost her ego!

We also learned about the city’s tallest building, the famous Salesforce Tower, which has made headlines because it has gradually settled and tilted slightly since construction. 🚧

The bus rolled through the Tenderloin, home to one of the country’s most significant transgender communities and a neighbourhood that played an important role in LGBTQ+ activism.

Naturally, no San Francisco tour would be complete without hearing about Harvey Milk. One fascinating fact is that he was one of the first openly gay elected officials in California, and his simple message of hope continues to inspire people around the world. Last visit (for my 40th) we did the Cruisin’ the Castro Tour, it’s awesome, like seeing behind the LGBTIQ Curtain of SFO. If you can, do it!!! 🏳️‍🌈

The city’s history has certainly not been without challenges. The devastating 1906 earthquake, estimated at magnitude 7.9, could be felt over 100 miles away and the resulting fires (from gum tree oil fuelling it!) destroyed much of the city. Then in 1989 came the Loma Prieta earthquake, remembered by many because it struck just before Game 3 of the World Series between San Francisco and Oakland, with television cameras already broadcasting live.

The Gold Rush transformed San Francisco almost overnight. By 1849, the population had exploded from a sleepy village into a booming city of around 29,000 people, all chasing dreams of striking it rich.

The commentary also touched on the “San Francisco Sound” of the 1960s, when nearby Monterey hosted the legendary Monterey Pop Festival and helped launch artists who would define an era of music and counterculture.

Then came one of my favourite holiday moments.

Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge was absolutely exhilarating. The wind rushed through my (very) short hair (yesterday cut in the Mission, at the same time my Barber was doing a deal…🤭😳😝) as breathtaking views unfolded on both sides. Even after seeing countless photos over the years, nothing compares to actually being there. It is one of those travel experiences that genuinely lives up to the hype.

Not long afterwards, the unmistakable strains of ‘Dude Looks Like a Lady’ came through the headphones. Mark and I immediately knew we were approaching the area of the famous Mrs Doubtfire house. We set off on foot and tackled a VERY steep San Francisco hill before finally arriving at 2640 Steiner Street. A large tree now hides much of the house from view, but we didn’t care – we had made it! And I have the photographic evidence to prove it. 😂

Our next challenge was Lombard Street. Walking up and down San Francisco’s famously crooked street was a serious calf workout. Considering we had just been through Cow Hollow – a neighbourhood named after the dairy farms that once occupied the area – the whole thing felt rather appropriate. 🐄🤭

I finished the afternoon at Ghirardelli Square, home of deliciousness 🍫 and a little personal nostalgia. Seventeen years ago, I bought my thumb ring there and I have never taken it off. Naturally, I couldn’t leave without buying one of every flavour of Ghirardelli chocolate square. 😋

From there, I wandered very leisurely along Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, enjoying the sunshine, the waterfront atmosphere and the relaxed Sunday vibe. No rushing. No schedule. Just slowly making my way back to the hotel. Tempted several times to buy a souvenir but resisted at every turn!

Sometimes the best travel days aren’t the ones filled with major attractions. They’re the ones where you discover a little history, learn a few quirky facts, enjoy some great music, climb a few ridiculously challenging hills, eat some chocolate, and simply soak up the atmosphere of an unforgettable city 🏙️Read more