Travel

Travel Guide: The Best of San Francisco

byTeam GM

5 years ago

Today is a very good day because our collection of dreamy aerials is expanding! Gray recently took a trip up north to the Bay Area and captured what might just be some of our favorite aerial prints ever. Whether you’re an SF local, regular visitor, or you still have this destination on your bucket list, we’re sharing some of the must-see sights in the area below, and we think you’re going to love them. But we’ll let the images do the talking… Keep scrolling for our San Francisco travel guide, and make sure to browse our full collection of new aerials from the Bay Area here. Enjoy!

1. Take a Trip Across the Golden Gate Bridge

An obvious must-see on our list is none other than the Golden Gate Bridge. Droves of tourists flock to the Bay Area to see this unbelievable structure in person, and for good reason! This steel suspension bridge has even gone as far as being declared as one of the modern wonders of the world and hasn’t lost its touch since its creation in 1937. It stretches just over a mile and a half long, taking travelers between San Francisco Bay and Marin County.

And of course, don’t forget to spend some time roaming around the 1,000+ acres of Golden Gate Park. You can host special events in the gardens, explore lakes, monuments, and playgrounds, or just stop for a photo op in the middle of this breathtaking scenery—but no matter what, don’t pass this up.

2. Explore the Presidio

The Presidio is a 1,500-acre park at the end of the Golden Gate Bridge. It houses everything from Spanish Colonial architecture, to former military posts, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and of course one of our favorites, Baker Beach. If you want a one-stop-shop for all kinds of activities, this is the place! There is plenty of space to roam, hike, cycle, and take in scenic views (24 miles of trails to be exact), or you can relax and have a picnic along Crissy Field. Prefer to be out on the water? The Presidio is home to world-class sailing and kite-surfing, as well as fishing and crabbing, so you’re sure to find a memorable activity in this park.

Bonus Tip: Stop at the Presidio Social Club for brunch and a glass of wine to take a break from all the hubbub outdoors…

3. Get Inspired at the Palace of Fine Arts

If you want to get a healthy dose of history, take a quick trip from the Presidio to the Palace of Fine Arts. The structure is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and was originally built in 1915 as an art exhibit. The location has been used for a variety of purposes over the years (even as military storage), and stands as an event venue today. There is also plenty of local wildlife to observe on the surrounding water, like ducks, swans, and geese. And before you leave the area, hop over just a few blocks to get some ice cream at Smitten—you won’t regret it.

4. Spend a Day in Marin County

At the other end of the Golden Gate Bridge lies the quiet escape of Marin County. Most tourists spend the majority of their time in the city, but this little getaway is the perfect breath of fresh air that deserves a day of exploration. 75 percent of Marin County is open space, meaning there is plenty of greenery and seaside cliffs to take in. The citizens of the county worked hard to protect the area after the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge, so although it’s just a short distance away from the bustling city, it feels like a whole new world. It has arguably some of the best hand-raised oysters around, and the surrounding farmland means plenty of farm-to-table restaurants to enjoy.

5. Don’t Miss the Muir Woods National Monument

You’d never believe that just a short distance inland from the water, lies 240 acres of towering redwood trees. It is one of the few remaining forests in the area, and the natural skyscrapers will make you feel pint-sized, to say the least. It’s the perfect place to get back in touch with nature after getting a taste of city living, and also makes for some pretty incredible photos that you’ll have for a lifetime.

6. Escape to Ocean Beach

If you’re idea of vacation doesn’t involve a ton of tourist sites, then make sure to escape to the crowd-free sands of Ocean Beach. While you might run into a few others taking a stroll, this beach is exceptionally quiet and serene. The area is protected as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, so you won’t have to worry about anything obstructing the beautiful views here (except for the fog from May-July, but it’s still a beautiful location with the fog rolling in). But a word to the wise—don’t go in the water. This beach has dangerous rip currents, making even wading in the water a hazard unless you’re an experienced surfer.

Fun Fact: 20 ships were wrecked along this beach between 1850-1926, and if tides are low enough, you may just catch a glimpse of the hull of a ship called King Philip, just off Ortega Street.

7. Enjoy the Surf Culture at Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is a quaint beach town just outside of San Francisco, complete with all of the best amenities of a seaside city. If you’re a fan of seafood, sand, and monstrous surf, then don’t miss it. Head to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve to see harbor seals, purple sea urchins, and sea stars, then book a table at Sam’s Chowder House for a lobster roll and views overlooking the harbor. If you’re into the surf scene, make sure to only brave the waves at Mavericks if you’re an expert—they can reach heights of 50+ impressive feet. That said, if you don’t feel confident in your surf skills you can still explore Mavericks Surf Company and even stand-up paddleboard at Pillar Point Harbor.

If you need a place to spend the night after a long day, the Ritz-Carlton at Half Moon Bay is truly one to behold. Set atop a seaside bluff overlooking the waves, this resort is seriously luxurious and the perfect spot to catch the sunset or head to the spa for some R&R.

Are these sights enticing you to take a trip to the Bay Area?

We never knew we could love this place so much! When can we go back? To shop even more aerials from San Francisco, click here.

Xx Team GM

Photos: Gray Malin