The first step into the land of golden sunset leaves one spellbound. 

Driving along the highway past meadows, valleys, and steep hills, the densely populated San Francisco, aka SF, aka Frisco, welcomes visitors with breathtaking natural scenery alongside man-made marvels.

A contrast of delights…

Right in front of the Fisherman’s Wharf waterfront is the renowned Ghirardelli Square, where every visitor is enthralled to witness the ‘chocolate experience.’ Ice cream sundaes topped with fresh handmade fudge, chocolate squares, candy bars, and an assortment of cocoa and milk products; some baking stuff too. One is lured to ‘experience’ the classic taste; not just that, almost everyone carries home a gift hamper or two for a continued experience.

Ghirardelli Square, SFO

While descending the flight of stairs thronged by food joints, book shops, and collectibles,  a lovely view of the bay is seen, with the island of Alcatraz in the distance. ‘Escape from Alcatraz’ is the first name that comes to mind.  In the 1930s, the island was a prison; a prison from which no prisoner could escape, due to strong tidal currents and icy-cold waters. In the sixties, the prison was closed and has since remained a major tourist attraction.  The island also boasts the oldest operating lighthouse on the west coast of the USA. Not just that, it is said to have natural features such as ‘rock pools’ and a ‘seabird colony,’ which would charm bird lovers.

Alcatraz Prison in the Far End, SFO

The wind-kissed shoreline abounds in brown pelicans, sea gulls, cormorants, and other species flying, diving, or sunbathing atop the rocky terrains and shores of the SFO beaches in the Bay Area. Otters swim in the swirling waters.

Brandt’s Cormorant, SFO

An interesting species called Brandt’s Cormorants thrive on this coast. Breeding adults have a bright blue throat patch.  with a buffy band, and white feathers on the head, neck, and shoulders. Non-breeding adults are black, juveniles are brown-black with buffy plumage on the throats.

Pelicans in flight, SFO

SFO is vibrant with brightly dressed tourists walking around, taking selfies, enjoying tram rides, car rides, and boat rides, or simply relaxing and enjoying the moment.

Tram on the way to the wharf, SFO

There is always a crowd waiting to experience the ground-level tram ride from the wharf through Market Street. People wave, giggle, and squeal as they hitch rides on the tram.  Other interesting sights are the vintage cars; apparently, one can buy, rent, or ride in such colourful cars – tourists have a range of options to explore.

Vintage Car at the beach, SFO

The best – yet to come…  

The wonder of the modern world… a walk on the iconic bridge of SF is immersive, humbling, and unforgettable.

The ‘most beautiful’ and the ‘most photographed bridge in the world,’ the Golden Gate Bridge is among the tallest and longest suspension bridges, which connects San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean in Northern California.

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge, SFO

Before the bridge was built, the only practical short route between San Francisco and what is now Marin County was by boat across a section of San Francisco Bay, and the city’s growth rate wasn’t great, as a permanent link didn’t exist. The Golden Gate Bridge changed the demographics of the entire town; while the affluents began to occupy Marin, SF diversified into a hub for tech talent and ethnic communities.

A ten-minute ride from the Golden Gate Bridge leads to another exciting picnic spot – Golden Gate Park, a regenerated forest in the heart of the city, filled with lakes, meadows, and winding trails, and picnic spots which have a calming effect on the mind in the ‘urban oasis.’ 

Golden Gate Park, SFO

This travelogue would be incomplete without mentioning Swami Vivekananda’s historic 1900 visit. Spending nearly four months in the Bay Area, Swamiji was instrumental in introducing Vedanta and yoga to the West. The Old Vedanta Temple, now open only for special occasions, features a distinctive castle-like facade crowned with traditional Indian minarets. Historical records reveal that this diverse architecture was intentionally chosen to symbolize the harmony and unity of all the world's religions.

Old Vedanta Temple, Cow Hill, SFO

San Francisco is an eclectic city where tradition and modernity coexist.  The rollercoaster ride through hilly neighbourhoods, the crooked street on Russian Hill, the quaint architecture standing out amidst the high-rises, and the vibrant atmosphere all around...all contribute to its unmistakable, multi-layered charm, and make every visitor feel special.

A day filled with enjoyment and learning.

Photos Courtesy: N. Ravi