TRAVEL | SECRET SPOTS IN SAN FRANCISCO

This last summer, we visited San Francisco for the second time because we loved it so much. But you know the quote "The coldest winter I ever had was a summer in San Francisco"? Well it's not just a quote. For those of you planning to go there in the summer, consider that quote as your motto in life. Don't bother bringing bikinis and shorts because you're going to California. That "California" you have in mind is closer to LA. But thankfully we learned this (the hard way) during our first visit, and stocked up on a bunch of sweaters and jeans when we packed. As it was our second time around, we wanted to explore the city more in depth and visit lesser known tourist attractions. We did the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and the whole shenanigan during our first time there. While they were very much worth seeing, this time, we visited places that not really a lot of people knew about, and it made our visit more unique and interesting.

One spot that not a lot of people know but is definitely a worthwhile visit is the Grey Whale Cove State Beach. It is probably the most beautiful beach we've ever seen in the Bay Area. Its seaside cliffs and greenish water is reminiscent of the Mediterranean coasts. Not only that, there was practically no one! Although it was located at about 20 minutes drive from the city, it was well worth the trip. Its scenic, natural beauty and its slight seclusion from the city makes it very relaxing and enjoyable to visit.

As we were staying at Sunset District during the first week, we visited a "secret spot" that not many tourists know about located in that area. The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, otherwise known as Moraga Steps. The beautiful, colourful mosaic tiles are very reminiscent of San Francisco's Spanish/Mediterranean architecture. 

But the fun part does not stop there. Walking up these 163 steps lead you to Grand View Park. The name pretty much explains itself. It is a park, located at the top of one of San Francisco's famous hills, offering breathtaking 360 degree view of the entire city. It was a very nice feature that we know we wouldn't find in any other North American cities, and it was very much worth the visit!

If you're like us, then you love walking in a neighbourhood with big, beautiful houses and mansions and just observe every single one of them. Now, almost every house in San Francisco is beautiful, but one of the most expensive and luxurious districts is Pacific Heights.  It is very well known, and many of its Victorian Houses have become somewhat a staple for the city. But a particular street in Pacific Heights, namely Lyon Street, was according to us one of the most beautiful residential streets we've ever seen. The mansions, the views, the landscaping, everything was on point! You can also see the Golden Gate Bridge, Exploratorium, the ocean and the mountains from there!

This list is only a few of the places that we visited during our stay in San Francisco. Parks, hills, and other beaches are in abundance in the city, and it's not hard to find a great view when you're in the city by the bay. So if you ever plan on visiting San Francisco, try to allocate a day or two to visit these amazing secret spots.