California Weekend Getaway - San Francisco

The workweek is over and you just want to let loose and relax for two days. But where to go? And what to do? Why not hop into the car and head to San Francisco? San Francisco has something to offer for anyone who finds their way to the city on the bay.

San Francisco is accessible by car. One way to head into the city is on Interstate 80, which will take you over the Oakland Bay Bridge and give you a nice view of downtown. Beware of traffic on the weekends. Actually, beware of traffic on any day. Check the news to see what driving conditions are like. Driving can be a pain with all the traffic, one-way streets, and limited parking. If driving through San Francisco and trying to find parking frightens you, use public transportation like the BART. It will drop you off in many different areas of the city for a small fee.

Fisherman's Wharf

Be a tourist and head over to Fisherman's Wharf while the sun is still out. Make sure to bring a sweater as it can be chilly on the water. Don't worry if you don't have a sweater with you because there are plenty of shops where you can buy colorful San Francisco apparel with pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge or the city line.

While on the wharf you can pick up the freshest seafood. If you're having a hard time determining what restaurant has the best food, look for a restaurant with a long line stretching out the door. The food has to be good if people are waiting. It's also a great time to take some pictures and watch the street performers and musicians do their thing. Fisherman's Wharf is full of excitement for the family and friends.

The Rock

Learn about the historic prison on the rock - Alcatraz. Alcatraz, famous for housing Al Capone, is a ferry ride away from the wharf. There are daily ferries that head to the Rock every thirty minutes starting at 9am. Ticket prices range from free for toddlers to $26 for adults. There are also night time tours that cost a little bit more.

Head over to Pier 33 to purchase tickets if you haven't done so already online. If you're under 18, you need an adult to accompany you. Be skeptic of people on the street selling tickets. The ticket may cost more or be a fake.

Union Square

If you enjoy shopping or simply like to people watch, head over to Union Square. You can head up to Union Square on a cable car from Fisherman's Wharf.

You'll find a lot of places to shop in Union Square. There's The Westfield with its beautiful architectural design and what seems like never-ending escalators. Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, Salvadore Ferragamo, and Macy's are at your feet, so break out that credit card! When you are tired of shopping, take some to relax at a coffee shop or grab lunch in Union Square.

Golden Gate Bridge

From coffee mugs and shot glasses to t-shirts and snow globes, you see the Golden Gate Bridge plastered on almost any type of San Francisco souvenir. Why not make your weekend getaway the ultimate San Francisco experience and take a walk or bike along the Golden Gate Bridge. If you have your car with you, you can park on either the San Francisco side of the bridge or on the Sausalito side of the bridge. The walk is over a mile each way and it will be much colder on the bridge. Bring comfortable walking shoes and that sweater you probably purchased on the Wharf.

San Francisco, a favorite city of many, has a little of everything for everyone. There are plenty of districts to explore and sketchy streets to avoid. Do some Internet searches before heading over to make better use of your weekend.