Why You Should Leave Your Heart in San Francisco?

I have to say out of all my travels San Francisco is a place I hold near and dear. I have experienced the entire city, the incredible architecture, the "tourist traps", Golden Gate Bridge and Park, the Embarcadero, Ghiradelli Square, Pier 39, Coit Tower, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf and many others.

My first trip to San Francisco was six years ago. I truly did leave my heart there. The city is incredible. There is such diversity in one city. Anyone traveling there is sure to find something of interest.

On my first trip funds were not as available as in later trips. We stayed at the Wharf Inn. It was clean, had parking available and was near the Embarcadero. It's a good deal if you're looking to save money on accommodations. Since it was located right off the Embarcadero we were able to walk and take the trolleys most of the time.

With Ghiradelli Square just a few blocks away we set off walking. Ghiradelli Square is an impressive site in the day and absolutely breathtaking at night. The Square is filled with shops and restaurants. Of course, no self respecting woman can leave Ghiradelli Square without a trip through Ghiradelli Chocolate Cafe and Ghiradelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. My personal favorite is the raspberry filled dark chocolate.

Fun Time, Helpers Home Bazaar and One of a Kind were stores I could not resist. Fun time is a trip through time while One of a Kind is for those who love the art of wood crafting. Helpers Home Bazaar is a wonderful place for vintage clothing, arts and crafts. Wattle Creek Winery Tasting Room is a place you don't want to pass up. You could literally spend all day wondering around this magnificent square.

A short walk to Fisherman's Wharf yielded street vendors serving fresh crab, bread bowls and other delightful delicacies. A trip to the Maritime Museum is a must once you're at the Wharf. For fishermen everywhere this is the place to go.

Walking down the Embarcadero, lined with shops that sell everything from souvenirs to antiques to jewelry. Just walking through this city is an incredible experience. After walking from one end of the Embarcadero to the other we stopped at Swiss Louie's on Pier 39 for dinner. The appetizer was a Dungeness Crab Cocktail Supreme. Following that with a Shrimp Fettuccine with capers and Lobster stuffed Ravioli. This unforgettable meal was complimented with a beautiful Silver Chardonnay. The views from the restaurant include Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the sea lions, Fisherman's Wharf and the incredible San Francisco skyline.

A short walk, or trolley trip, to Coit Tower brings breathtaking views of the city from Telegraph Hill. It can be seen in most of the skyline views of San Francisco. The views from Coit Tower are unbelievable. The murals in Coit Tower are something to behold.

Chinatown is a short trip as well. You are suddenly immersed in the Chinese culture. Small shops line the streets, open markets fill the air with intriguing aromas and restaurants serving authentic Chinese dishes. This is a must see for any traveler to San Francisco.

Walking through Golden Gate Park is one of the most wonderful experiences you can have. The Conservatory of Flowers, Garden of Shakespeare's Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum and California Academy of Sciences are an absolute must when walking through this wonderful park. It is somewhere you could spend all day and not notice that time has passed you by until the sun begins to set.

Pier 39 has some fantastic restaurants and wonderful shops, but please don't bypass the kiosks there, as I had an incredible black and white pearl ring made on site! The art shops there are hidden amongst the restaurants and shops but you should seek them out as the artist's works that are displayed can be seen nowhere else.

I cannot say enough about this incredibly intoxicating city. Until my first visit I had no love lost for California, but after spending a week in San Francisco I have left my heart there and return to visit it every chance I get. If you don't want to lose your heart there you better leave it at home!