San Francisco/Bay Area Travel Agent Expert

If you are planning a trip to San Francisco, you have plenty of options when it comes to activities and attractions. As your travel agent specialist, I am poised to help you make the best choices for your trip. Here are some top attractions I know you will love: Ghirardelli Square, Palace of Fine Arts, Exploratorium, and Fisherman's Wharf. There is so much more to do in San Francisco than these sites as well. That's why I am your go-to travel professional for planning this type of holiday.

Fisherman's Wharf

There are several interesting places to see in Fisherman's Wharf, but a visit there is not for the faint of heart economically. If you're visiting San Francisco on a budget, you'll want to avoid paying for parking at the wharf. While it is possible to park for a few dollars per day, it can be a bit pricey. Alternatively, you can opt to take the public transit system and walk to the wharf. You can even take Uber. Many tourists find the area rather crowded, so it's important to plan your visit accordingly. While the area has a great selection of restaurants, bars, and shops, it can also get quite busy. Again, if you're driving, you might want to consider taking public transit to the area. Doing so will allow you to more easily visit the popular neighborhood of North Beach or the Marina.If you're in the mood for a seafood feast, try a local restaurant that serves Dungeness crab in a sourdough bread bowl. Or if you're craving some Italian seafood, try cioppino, an Italian-American crab stew. Besides clams, chefs may also add shrimp, and/or mussels to make the warming and tasty broth.

Ghirardelli Square

One of the most interesting attractions near Ghirardelli Square is the Maritime Museum. It features a Fresnel lens that was used in the building of the lighthouse on the Farallon Islands. The lens has been referred to as the "invention used to save a million ships." You can also visit a computer kiosk and take a virtual tour of the park and antique boats. There are plenty of parking spaces available at Ghirardelli Square, so it’s easier to access than other city attractions.Another fun attraction in Ghirardelli Square is Subpar Miniature Golf. This 18-hole indoor course is themed after popular SF attractions. It also has an arcade and offers a Glow in the Dark golf experience. There are restaurants and shopping options in Ghirardelli Square that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters too. You can indulge in a delicious treat or just escape for a while, engaged in an arcade activity, where the focus is on fun.You'll find three shops in the square, including the Original Chocolate Manufactory, which boasts spectacular views of the Alcatraz prison.Palace of Fine ArtsThe Palace of Fine Arts was originally built in 1915 to host a World's Fair. Unfortunately, most of the structures were demolished after the fair, but the Palace of Fine Arts was restored in the 1960s and became the home of the San Francisco Exploratorium Museum. Although the Exploratorium moved to Pier 15 in 2013, the Palace of Fine Arts remains one of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks. Today, the building is a popular tourist destination because of its fascinating history.Inspired by a Roman ruin reflected in a pool, the design of the Palace of Fine Arts  was conceived by architect Bernard Maybeck, a graduate of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. The architect also enlisted the help of William Gladstone Merchant, a local art dealer who designed a number of decorative details for the building. During the exposition and afterward, the site rocketed Maybeck to international fame. He received the AIA Gold Medal in 1951.While there are no formal art exhibitions at the Palace of Fine Arts, there are several exhibits to explore. For example, a Greek-style rotunda features several artworks by Bruno Zimm. The Palace is free and open to the public.

Golden Gate Bridge

You can't visit San Francisco without seeing the Golden Gate bridge, whether at a distance or up close. You can view the bridge from a variety of settings, including parks, museums, and historical sites. You may also want to visit the Marin Headlands, one of the greatest conservation victories in the United States. This vast expanse of land includes two important islands. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and bird watching activities at this well revered SF attraction.The south end of the bridge is home to the Welcome Center, which features public restrooms, souvenir shops, and educational displays. The plaza wraps around the back of the building and includes a patio with hands-on exhibits on bridge engineering and related activities.Hours for the Welcome Center are 9am to 5pm daily. You can park your car for the day at either end and stroll down the walkway.

The above information gives you a small preview of what awaits you in San Francisco. Why not contact me today about arranging a San Francisco holiday? I can't wait, as your travel agent professional, to help you start planning your itinerary.