California
Experiences

How To Spend Two Days In California’s Most Unique City

Published Nov 13, 2017

Written by 

Julian Garr

If you're in San Francisco for a special weekend then there is a lot to do for newcomers, visitors, and even locals. When you only have two days to show off this beautiful then follow this itinerary. Try out this Two day San Francisco trip for fun!

Enjoy this 2 day plan for San Francisco. Day 1 includes everything from Golden Gate Bridge to Waterbar and day 2 features the Ferry Building to Palace of Fine Arts.

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Check out the

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Interactive Map for this 2 day plan in San Francisco.

1. Golden Gate Bridge

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Jarrod H/Yelp

The first order of the trip should be Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge is the city's most famous landmark, and a wonderful piece of engineering and design.

2. Crissy Field

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Anji W/Yelp

Take the time to walk and explore Crissy Field. Walk along the pathway of Crissy Field, near the bridge, and enjoy awesome beach views.

3. Waterbar

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Kevin Y/Yelp

End the day by heading to Embarcadero for some great food. Waterbar is a popular seafood restaurant in a spectacular setting with panoramic Bay views. More information on the Waterbar.

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4. Ferry Building

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Ann S/Yelp

On the second day, start your trek at the Ferry building marketplace in Embarcadero. Explore the artisanal food shops, restaurants, and boardwalk on Embarcadero. If you come on Saturday then make sure to catch the farmers market at the Ferry Building.

5. Union Square

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Wally Gobetz/Flickr

Go toward Union Square via a cable car. Riding a cable is a classic San Francisco moment that should be done at least once. Once you get to Union Square enjoy the many activities, shops, and attractions.

6. Lombard Street

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Stròlic Furlàn" - Davide Gabino/Flickr

Head to the iconic and one-of-a-kind zig zag street on Lombard street. This is one of the most memorable stops in San Francisco.

7. Palace of Fine Arts

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Kevin Y/Yelp

The last spot is the iconic Palace of Fine Arts Exhibition in the Marina area. Enjoy and take in the Greco-Roman rotunda and colonnades in the middle of San Francisco.

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What do you think of this trip? Tell us what you think. Share this post too. Check out this cool new spot in the city and visit This Amazing New Taproom In San Francisco.

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Experiences

6 Beautiful Indoor Gardens You Never Knew Existed Around San Francisco

Discover the best indoor gardens in San Francisco, each offering unique experiences and beautiful greenery.

Updated Mar 12, 2024

Written by 

Julian Garr

If you love the city by the Bay as much as I do, you know there's much to explore. Aside from walking along Land's End, I love wandering through Golden Gate Park, browsing the shops in Hayes Valley, and grabbing a bite to eat in Chinatown. Even on a rainy day, there's also a lot of nature to check out. To see what I mean, plan to visit the following indoor gardens in San Francisco.

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1. Conservatory of Flowers

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Facebook/San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers

These indoor gardens in San Francisco opened to the public in 1879, so this place has a strong historical power. The Conservatory of Flowers oldest public conservatory in North America. Once you enter, we're sure you'll understand why the dreamy setting here has fascinated people for more than a century.

2. Foundry Square III

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Flickr/rocor

The Foundry building is one-of-a-kind because of its living space and walls. You won't find this in many places around the city. Enjoy the sculptures and the living walls in one of the best gardens in San Francisco the next time you're in the Downtown area.

3. Flora Grubb Gardens

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Facebook/Flora Grubb Gardens

When you're in San Francisco and question, "Where can I find indoor gardens near me?", head to Flora Grubb Gardens. This is a unique place that includes an indoor and outdoor garden and green area. This nursery houses some of the prettiest flowers in the city along with Ritual Coffee to give you another reason to visit. Get wired and hang out here.

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4. 101 Second Street Public Space

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Google/ Xavier Nava

An indoor green space mixed with art. 101 Second Street may appear like an office building, but you have a place to sit, eat, and enjoy these indoor gardens in San Francisco.

5. Citigroup Center Atrium

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Google/Drea T

These botanical gardens in San Francisco are a secret spot unless you work in the Financial District. This indoor area has palms, a garden, and tables. Enjoy the indoor sunlight through the glass roof. We think it's the perfect spot to take a break from the work day.

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6. California Academy of Sciences

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Facebook/California Academy of Sciences

The Academy of Sciences is one of the more sophisticated places to enjoy some greenery and even a rainforest. There's so much to see and you'll have to pay an admission price unless you're here on a free museum day. This is one of the most fascinating spots to enjoy so much more than just the best gardens in San Francisco.

Now that you know where to find indoor gardens near me when you're in San Francisco, what are you waiting for? After you've had a chance to see them, let us know which ones were your favorite in the following comment section. In addition to visiting these best gardens, I also suggest checking out these lesser-known SF parks.

Along with exploring these indoor gardens in San Francisco, how about spending some time in nature when you're in the Bay Area? To help you plan, take a look at AllTrails for ideas of where to hike.

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Experiences

10 Hidden Gems Waiting To Be Discovered Around San Francisco’s Union Square

Discover the top hiking trails that offer breathtaking scenic views and unique natural experiences.

Updated Dec 11, 2023

Written by 

Julian Garr

Union Square San Francisco is the unofficial heart of this exquisite city. The lively square is full of shops, attractions, thrills, and more. Explore Union Square and visit some of the best hidden gems in California.

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1. Heart Sculpture

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Wally Gobetz/Flickr

You need to visit Tony Bennett's heart sculpture, America's Greatest City By The Bay at Union Square. This sculpture and heart theme was inspired by the Tony Bennett song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". Discover more about the hearts on the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation website.

2. Powell Street Cable Car

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StephenCross/Tripadvisor

The cable car turnaround at Powell Street is a short walk from Union Square. The cable car goes through Union Square and passes all the main streets, including California Street and other hidden gems in San Francisco. Read the schedule on the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency website.

3. Holiday Ice Rink

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Piotr H/Tripadvisor

From Nov. 1, 2023, through Jan. 15, 2024, the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink allows daily ice skating for all ages.

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Adult admission is $20 and for children ages 8 and under it is $15, which includes skate rental. To purchase tickets online, visit the Union Square Ice Rink website.

4. Sears Fine Food

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geotech522/Tripadvisor

Grab a bite to eat at a San Francisco institution. Sears has been a favorite among tourists and locals alike for over 75 years. Check out the menu on the Sears Fine Food website.

We enjoy the house-made breakfast offerings of wholesome pancakes and eggs benedict at one of the best San Francisco hidden gems.

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Paolo M/Tripadvisor

The crunchy hashbrowns are always a hit.

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5. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

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Marfab/Tripadvisor

This impactful space is within walking distance of Union Square, offering seven exciting floors of extraordinary, world-class art, and fantastic city views from from outdoor gardens and terraces.

6. Nespresso Boutique Cafe

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Andrew D/Foursquare

Grab a cup of coffee from Nespresso, the fine purveyors of quality and style. Read more on the Nespresso website.

This cutting-edge boutique bar is an urban and modern cafe with food, coffee, and Nespresso products.

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chuquil2001/Tripadvisor

7. Mechanics' Institute Library and Chess Room

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Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Mechanics' Institute Library and Chess Room is a historic building located in the heart of San Francisco near Union Square. This is a quiet refuge from the city. Uncover more history on the Mechanics' Institute Library website.

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8. Free SF Tour

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Management/Tripadvisor

The free tour is also the best-guided tour of the city. This route starts at Union Square and goes through Chinatown, FiDi, and Embarcadero. It's fun and insightful if you want to know some curious facts about the city.

9. San Francisco Centre

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Me!/Tripadvisor

Located just two blocks from Union Square, Westfield San Francisco Centre has become one of the most enticing downtown shopping spots. If you're in need of nourishment, then visit the food court or simply stroll around the mall. Find out more on the San Francisco Centre Facebook page.

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10. The Cheesecake Factory

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Michele Anguzza/Tripadvisor

This Cheesecake Factory location is on the top floor of Macy's which overlooks Union Square. Grab a dessert or a drink and enjoy the spectacular view.

Have you been to Union Square San Francisco? Let us know in the comments below, and please share this post! If you're into outdoor adventures in the city then check out this unique stairway in San Francisco.

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