Over my spring break this year, I had the pleasure of exploring the beautiful city of San Francisco with a good friend of mine. It was actually my first time in California in general, and I was floored! I was in awe of both the natural and the man-made beauty of the Bay Area in general, but most specifically, the historic, amazing San Francisco. Here are a few of my favorite landmarks/locations within the city:

1. Golden Gate Bridge

Whether you drive over it, bike over it, or walk over it, the bridge is breathtaking, and certainly the most famous bridge in the world.

2. Alcatraz

Residing in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, the former prison is truly fascinating. Cell-house tours are available, and a cruise on an Alcatraz Cruises ferry from Pier 33 brings a wonderful view of the whole bay.

3. Union Square

If you’re a shopaholic like me, this is the place for you. There are a handful of giant department stores (including the second-largest Bloomingdale’s) and dozens of designer boutiques.

4. Fisherman's Wharf

In addition to being home to Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf is a festive marketplace along the waterfront. There is tons to do, including food vendors, cute tourist shops, and it’s even home to a community of sea lions!

5. Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square is located in Fisherman’s Wharf and is home to a beautiful five-star hotel, restaurants, and vast chocolate shops. It certainly stands true to its name!

6. San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge

The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is actually a complex of bridges. It’s part of Interstate 80 and is a direct path between San Francisco and Oakland, proving to give a marvelous view of the Bay Area.

7. Lombard Street

If there’s one thing San Francisco is famous for, it’s the white-knuckle roads! Lombard Street is an east-west street famous for its hairpin turns and steep blocks. It was quite the experience to drive up/down!

Although the city is fairly large in terms of all the attractions and amenities it contains, it geographically is relatively small, making it simple to see everything you desire in such a short amount of time. The world is yours. Go explore!