On Thursday morning we jet off for a long weekend in San Francisco. This has been on my ‘Must Do’ list for a long while, so I’m very excited that I’m finally going. Of course I’ll be checking out the following ‘tourist attractions’ in San Francisco, but I also want to see some of the areas that locals love.
- Alcatraz Island
- Cable cars
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Lombard Street
- Bay & Cityscape
I’m also planning a day trip out to the Wine Country (Sonoma Valley) and another along the coast to Santa Cruz, Monterey and Carmel. It’s going to be a busy four days!
For the locals, or people who know the region well….If I wanted to see fantastic locations in San Francisco where I’m bound to find dogs to photograph, where should I go?
Thanks all. Ok Mark…I’ll spend as little time at Fisherman’s Wharf as possible and be sure to get to some of the lesser known areas. I’ll most certainly get to Crissy Field as our hotel is right near there. I suspect I am going to need another trip to San Francisco at some stage to see everything that is good. I can’t wait!
SOUNDFACTORY!!!!!!!!!!
Mia, as a San Franciscan and fellow pet photographer I urge you…no, beg you…to spend time in the less-touristed parts of town. More on that later. There are so many cool parts of this city that a lot of visitors never see b/c they get hung up at Fisherman’s Wharf. Locals never… ever… go there unless their visiting parents force them to. And, most importantly, bring lots of layered clothing. Microfleece is best. SF is full of micro-climates and the temp can vary 20 degrees or more between neighborhoods. Summer here is about the coldest time of year.
For a dog photog there are many Meccas here. My top four: 1) the must-go-to-or-you’ll-never-forgive-yourself-for-missing Fort Funston on the far west side of the city 2) Crissy Field between the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marina 3) Bernal Heights park (killer views of the city) and 4) Stern Grove/Pine Lake Park.
For other, non-K9 spots:
1) Sutro Heights near Cliff House (incredible views of Ocean Beach and the Pacific)
2) Legion of Honor Museum
3) South Beach (near the ball park)
4) Twin Peaks at Night
5) West Portal
6) Outer Noe Valley (amazing restaurants and real neighborhood feel)
email me if you want restaurant recommendations
Of the more touristy sites you mentioned I would say definitely do Alcatraz but make sure you make a reservation way in advance. They book up in the summer. Golden Gate Bridge is a no-brainer but, if you want to walk, across dress warmly.
Oh gosh, I just realized its Monday, and you’re not leaving for a few days. Sorry I’m on business in New Zealand and my dates and days are all wonky! For some reason I thought you had already left :)
oh man, i lived there for 3 years and have so many tips for you! if you get this while youre there, please feel free to send me an email so i can pass along my non-touristy but unmissable spots in SF! oh and if you love books (especially those that are really cheap) you cannot MISS green apple books in the inner richmond (around 6th and clement streets). have a great time!
Mia, I’m so envious! SF is one ouf our favourite US cities and you’ll love Monterey (FANTASTIC clam chowder) and Carmel. Have a blast, it’s a beautiful part of the world. By the by, I’m not a small dog person but this little one has the best face, what a character!