Three weeks in USA: Part 1 - San Francisco, California

It has been a long time since my wife and I wanted to visit the USA. As follows, we report our trip experience indicating what is worth visiting and a description of the best restaurants we tried during our holidays according to different criteria (location, menu, service, and price). Our tips and plan can concern a three-week strip spent in San Francisco (California), Yosemite National Park (California), Death Valley and Las Vegas (California and Nevada), Zion National Park (Utah), Monument Valley (Arizona and Utah), Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona), Los Angeles (California), Maui (Hawaii).

Structure of Pages in this Blog post:

- Days 1, 2, 3, and 4 - San Francisco

- Days 5 and 6 - Yosemite National Park

- Days 7 and 8 - Death Valley and Las Vegas

- Days 9 and 10 - Zion National Park

- Day 11 - Monument Valley

- Days 12 and 13 - Grand Canyon National Park

- Days 14 and 15 - Los Angeles

- Days 16 and 21 - Maui

Days 1, 2, 3, and 4 - San Francisco

Day 1 - Arrival to San Francisco

Our adventure in the USA started with our direct flight from Zurich to San Francisco. Specifically, we got our flight (United Airlines) at 13:30 (Rome time) and we reached San Francisco at 16:35 (local time).

We reached our hotel (YOTEL San Francisco, 1095 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States) by taking the metro.

In the city of San Francisco, there are several attractions and places to visit such as Union Square, the City Hall, the area of Fisherman’s Wharf (Pier 39), Lombard Street, the Golden Gate Bridge Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Coit tower, Chinatown and North Beach (Little Italy).

On our first day, we decided to rest after such a long flight and made a plan of what to visit the days after.

Day 2 - San Francisco

With a Map in our hands, our second day started with a walking tour through the city. As a small tip for travelers, we suggest getting a local phone SIM or a virtual SIM before visiting the city.

We walked from our hotel to the Fisherman’s Wharf (Pier 39). On the way to Fisherman’s Wharf (Pier 39), among other things, Cristiana and I visited also the Coit Tower, Chinatown, and North Beach (Little Italy). The weather was quite windy, and even if the temperature was not too high, suncream is recommended. On the other side, walking over the city is nice since life in San Francisco is quite active with several tourists from everywhere.

(To see all pictures, scroll left <-- )

We spent our afternoon then to the area of Pier 39. Specifically, Pier 39 is a well-known shopping center and tourist hotspot on a pier in San Francisco, California. It features a variety of establishments such as shops, restaurants, a video arcade, street performances, the Aquarium of the Bay, virtual 3D rides, and scenic views of California sea lions resting on docks in Pier 39's marina as well as a good view of Alcatraz.

Some history: Following the Loma Prieta earthquake in October 1989, a small group of California sea lions began "hauling out" on PIER 39's K-Dock. By January 1990, their numbers grew significantly, taking over K-Dock and causing frustration among PIER 39's Marina tenants. Seeking guidance, the Marina Staff consulted The Marine Mammal Center, which is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals. After careful deliberation, The Marine Mammal Center experts advised that the sea lions should remain in their newfound habitat.

(To see all pictures, scroll left <-- )

Franciscan crab restaurant:

- Location (8.5): elegant, which simulates the experience of being in a boat. Historical place, with Pictures of famous actors/ stars that visited it

- Menu (9): All food is fresh, good, and well presented.

- Service (8): fast, and kind. Very good.

- Price (7.5): in line with what is offered.

Day 3 - San Francisco

Our third day started with a good brunch at the Villon restaurant.

Then reached the well-known "Golden Gate Park": Situated amidst the Richmond and Sunset districts of San Francisco, United States, Golden Gate Park sprawls majestically as the city's largest urban oasis, spanning an impressive 1,017 acres (412 ha). Renowned as the third-most frequented urban park in the United States, it draws an estimated 24 million visitors annually.

We spent most of our day at the park and visited some of its museums.

Among the various attractions, one can find “de Young Museum”, “The California Academy of Science”, “The Japanise Tea Garden”, botanical gardens, “Buffalo Paddock”, and 7.5 miles of bicycle trails. Relevant information is that the attractions can be a bit expensive so it is good to choose where to go and select the places closer to your interests.

(To see all pictures, scroll left <-- )

Day 3 - San Francisco

On our fourth day, after a very good breakfast at the “Arsicaut bakery” (good croissants and cappuccino), we visited Union Square, the City Hall, Lombard Street.

A little history.

Union Square, spanning 2.6 acres (1.1 hectares), stands as a vibrant public plaza nestled within downtown San Francisco, California, flanked by Geary, Powell, Post, and Stockton Streets. Beyond its physical boundaries, "Union Square" embodies the bustling heart of the city's commercial, hospitality, and cultural sectors, extending across several blocks. Its historical significance is rooted in its past role as a rallying point for Thomas Starr King's gatherings and fervent support for the Union Army during the American Civil War, a legacy that has earned it the prestigious designation as a California Historical Landmark.

(To see all pictures, scroll left <-- )

A little history.

Until 1920, Lombard Street plunged straight downhill, but since too many joyriders were having accidents, it was modified and got its eight switchbacks. From the top of Lombard Street one can appreciate the view of the bay and even spot the island of Alcatraz. From Lombard Street, it is possible to reach Fisherman’s Wharf through the characteristic cable car.

(To see all pictures, scroll left <-- )

Finally, we reached the iconic symbol of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge. A magnificent suspension bridge, stretches across the Golden Gate, a strait that is one mile wide, linking the waters of San Francisco Bay with the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

A little history.

The Golden Gate Bridge, situated at the gateway to California's San Francisco Bay, stands as a poignant emblem of American innovation and determination, having been erected during the challenging era of the Great Depression. Frommer's travel guide hails it as "potentially the most exquisite, indisputably the most captured, bridge globally." Upon its inauguration in 1937, it proudly held the titles of both the longest and tallest suspension bridge worldwide, a distinction it maintained until 1964 and 1998, respectively. Spanning 4,200 feet (1,280 m) in its main section and towering at a total height of 746 feet (227 m), its architectural prowess continues to inspire awe. Today, this cherished international landmark and remarkable feat of engineering facilitate the passage of approximately 40 million vehicles annually. It not only serves as a critical transportation conduit but also stands as a premier tourist destination, drawing millions of visitors from across the globe.

We enjoyed the view of the bridge from the Fort Point and Baker Beach viewpoints: