San Francisco, with its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the famous cable cars, had long been on my bucket list. Little did I know with this being my second visit to the city, that the city's charm would sweep me off my feet once again, even in the short time I had. Interestingly, the San Francisco cable cars are the only National Historical Monument that can move! Though I didn’t get a chance to ride one due to my limited schedule, just seeing them glide along the streets was a nostalgic reminder of classic movies and TV shows set in this vibrant city.
Arrival and Pier Exploration
My flight landed at 9:30 AM, and after picking up my rental car, I was off on my first adventure: exploring the piers along San Francisco Bay. With a 1:05 PM timed ticket for Alcatraz Island, I had the perfect window of time to wander the waterfront. I parked at Pier 27, the cruise terminal, and took a leisurely stroll to nearby Pier 39.
Pier 39 is an exciting place, bustling with restaurants, shops, and even amusement rides. The Sea Lion Viewing Area is a must-see for anyone visiting. I spent time just watching the playful sea lions bask in the sun and push each other off the docks. It’s a delightful spectacle, one that gives you a real feel of the San Francisco vibe—lighthearted and fun.
A quick detour led me to the Vanishing Ink Magic Shop, where I was immediately drawn in by an old-school fortune-telling machine. Next, I found myself in a live magic show with the shopkeeper performing tricks involving me as the “volunteer.” The interaction brought in a curious crowd, making the experience even more engaging. Magic tricks were available for purchase, but I decided to stick to memories instead.
Alcatraz: A Walk Through History
By the time 1:05 PM rolled around, it was time for the much-anticipated Alcatraz tour. With tickets in hand, I joined the crowd waiting for the ferry to the island. Pro tip: book tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as they tend to sell out quickly. I also suggest arriving 15 minutes before your timed ticket to join the line to get on the ferry. The ferry ride was short but offered incredible views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Once on the island, the atmosphere shifted—Alcatraz has a haunting quality that strikes you immediately. You can almost feel the presence of the past criminals such as Al Capone, George ‘Machine Gun Kelly,’ and Robert Stroud, The Birdman.
After a brief orientation, we began the uphill walk to the prison. For those unable to make the trek, there are golf carts available. The highlight was the audio tour inside the prison. It paints such a vivid picture of life behind bars that you can almost hear the footsteps of prisoners echoing through the halls. Alcatraz remains eerily frozen in time, the cells and facilities left just as they were when the prison shut down in 1963.
One thing that caught me off guard was the sheer number of birds on the island—along with their, um, natural waste. I later learned that Alcatraz is a haven for seabirds like the Western Gull. So, while the prison's past is fascinating, be prepared for a little bird watching too.
A Slice of San Francisco Cuisine
After returning from Alcatraz, I headed to the historic Ferry Building, a lively marketplace filled with boutique shops and eateries. Unfortunately, many vendors were closing for the day, but I managed to snag a bottle of Bedrock Rosé from Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant. The friendly cashier even gave me two cups, which set the stage for a perfect picnic later on.
With wine in hand, I made a quick stop at Joyride Pizza, where the stunning pizzas on display lured me in. I couldn’t resist ordering two pizzas—one Fig Jam & Blue Cheese (fig jam, blue cheese, dried cranberries, mozzarella & brick cheese), and the other a Greek (artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, red onion, feta cheese, mozzarella & brick cheese topped with Dorati tomatoes and oregano).
A Golden Gate Picnic
To wrap up my day, I drove to West Bluff Picnic Area, where I had a panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge. With my wine and pizza, I sat at one of the picnic tables and took in the breathtaking view. As I gazed at the bridge, it struck me how incredible this feat of engineering is. The bridge, which was completed in 1937, was built ahead of schedule and under budget—a feat not often heard of today.
Despite its famous "international orange" color, many people wonder why it's called the Golden Gate Bridge. The name comes from the "Golden Horn" of Byzantium, as the strait reminded an early explorer of the famous harbor. There was even a debate to paint the bridge yellow and black for better visibility, but thankfully, "international orange" won, perfectly blending into the natural surroundings while maintaining its visibility through San Francisco’s frequent fog.
This day was a glimpse into why people fall in love with San Francisco—the perfect blend of history, architecture, nature, and, of course, food. Whether it's a short visit or an extended stay, San Francisco always has something to offer.
Suzy
Parking:
Pier 27 Parking: $ 7.50 per hour
Parking Address: Pier 27, San Francisco, CA 94111
Alcatraz Island:
Alcatraz Tour Ticket Price: $45.25 per person (adult)
Alcatraz Departure Dock: Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94133
Recommended Arrival Time: 30 minutes before your departure
Tour Duration: 2-3 hours (including ferry ride)
Pier 39:
Sea Lion Viewing Area: FREE
Vanishing Ink Magic Shop:
Fortune Telling Machine Cost: $2
Ferry Building:
Ferry Building Address: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111
West Bluff Picnic Area (Golden Gate Views):
Address: Crissy Field Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94129
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