By a local for those who want to experience the city like one
Stuart Dyos
San Francisco, California, is filled with tremendous views of the ocean, mountains and an iconic cityscape. This golden city has much to offer for tourism, but at times can be difficult to fully enjoy the beauty of this due to over 70,000 visitors per year. From the point of view of a life-long San Franciscan, these locations below are hardly visited by tourists, free of admission fees and rightfully encompass the natural beauty of The City by The Bay.
Source: https://www.travelpulse.com/destinations/north-america/united-states/california/san-francisco.html
Enjoy a spectacular 360 degree view of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area while listening to the sweet tunes of a water powered organ. Built by Peter Richmond and funded by the Exploratorium in 1986, the Wave Organ sits in the San Francisco Bay on a peninsula parallel to the Marina Green. As night falls here, the glow from the San Francisco sun will illuminate the Golden Gate Bridge and create a breathtaking golden hour.
Source: Dyos, S.
Located along Washington Boulevard in San Francisco's Presidio lies an architectural memorial remembering 412 individuals lost at sea serving in the World War II Pacific Theater. This World War II Memorial has views of San Francisco’s outer bay located south west of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. The location of the sunset by season is evident here as during the Summer Solstice the sun will fall directly behind Marin County’s Point Bonita lighthouse. In contrast, during the winter solstice the sun will slowly set behind the Lands End trailhead on the San Francisco side.
Source: https://foursquare.com/v/world-war-ii-west-coast-memorial/4c002fb0daf9c9b6796cfbef
Battery Crosby sits nestled in the cliffside in the shadows of the Golden Gate Bridge. This magnificent location was named after Civil War veteran, Lieutenant Franklin B. Crosby, Fourth Artillery. Battery Crosby, commonly shortened as battery by the locals, was retired in 1943 after 43 years of protection for the San Francisco Bay’s minefield. Battery is a perfect place to explore the inner workings of military hideouts while enjoying the views of the Pacific. Expect to be accompanied by skaters or rollerbladers as this place has been shifted into a makeshift skatepark.
Source: Dyos, S.
Lands End is the perfect spot for hiking nerds. This incredible location is located next to the San Francisco VA Medical Center on the western side of the city. The personality of this location is in the name. Lands End is truly at Land’s End. The hike starts with a clearing in the towering trees allowing for a view of the Golden Gate bridge from a wide angle vantage point. As the hike continues, the trail spits you out at Shipwreck Beach. Shipwreck Beach contains rough pebbles and rocks, making traversing this area difficult. Views of rocks stacked on themselves are common here as local artists will come and show their admiration for San Francisco.
Source: https://www.parksconservancy.org/projects/lands-end-lookout
Commonly known as “Bo-Fax” Ridge, this location takes about 45 minutes to reach once crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County. Sitting on the hilltops of Mount Tamalpais’ mountain range, this viewpoint will question your belief if heaven is located on Earth. “Bo-Fax” is the perfect day trip to escape a foggy San Francisco day as the clouds sit on top of Stinson Beach and the town of Bolinas creating the mystical of walking above the clouds. During a day of sunshine, this location will allow for clear views of the Bolinas Lagoon surrounded by sky scraping redwood trees.
Source: Dyos, S.
Located in Tiburon, California, a 15 minute drive from the Golden Gate Bridge, sits Hippie Tree. Showing homage to the Summer of Love and the Marin County culture by exhibiting the energy of eternal youth. This area is the perfect place to take a first date as it contains swings that carry enough popularity for a blue check on instagram. Hippie Tree has a picture perfect backdrop with views of Mount Tamalpais as well as the San Francisco skyline sitting on the horizon.
Source: Dyos, S.
In the heart of San Francisco’s Sunset District is Golden Gate Heights Park. Dubbed, “Heights,” this place is perched upon a steep hill on the corner of 12th Avenue and Rockridge Drive. This area is reserved for the determined individual as a short and steep climb can quickly become dangerous. With great risk comes greater reward, as one reaches the summit, views down Pacheco Street leading to Ocean Beach allow for a sweet reward of accomplishment.
Source: https://sfrecpark.org/facilities/facility/details/Golden-Gate-Heights-Park-170.
In the heart of San Francisco, lies Alta Plaza Park. Located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood, amid the hustle and bustle of San Francisco life. This location is an escape from reality, sitting on top of a plateau, Alta Plaza has views looking into the financial district as well as the southern portion of San Francisco.
Source: O'Brien, D
Sitting on the cliff on the ocean side of Pacific Coast Highway right after the Devil's Slide tunnel lies Graffiti Hill. Located in Half Moon Bay, California this breathtaking structure is the ideal makeshift playground for children. Parking can be limited so be sure to bring your walking shoes as overflow parking is a bit far from this beautiful location.
Source: https://inspiredimperfection.com/adventures/devils-slide-bunker/
Comments