Lombard Street and 10 other places you shouldn't miss when visiting San Francisco, CA.
At Hanukeii we are lovers of combining urban style with a carefree rhythm of life and following the latest trends, which is why our models of glasses, specifically the 'Soma', 'Hyde' and 'Lombard' can perfectly identify with this type of person: the one who lives in a city, but still leads a relaxed lifestyle and is willing to fall in love with every corner of his city.
In honor of our model 'Lombard' we wanted to talk about the 10 best places in San Francisco, among which of course are the mythical Lombard Street. Keep reading because in this article we propose the obligatory stops that you must make on your next visit to this spectacular city, protagonist of the bay that bears the same name.
We know that choosing a city in the United States can be difficult, since this country is home to some of the most famous cities in the world; New York, Miami or Los Angeles may surely be the first ones that come to mind due to its worldwide fame and the many activities that you can find in them. However, as we have already said, the United States has numerous destinations to choose from to visit and enjoy spectacular settings, and without a doubt, at Hanukeii we believe that San Francisco is one of them.
Its extensive leisure offer, nightlife, and multiculturalism are some of the factors that make San Francisco the perfect city to visit and even live in. Ranked as the second city with the best quality of life in the United States, only behind Honolulu, this coastal city is home to some of the most emblematic monuments and corners of the entire Californian coast.
Although the great protagonist of this article is Lombard Street, we could not fail to recommend other essential places on your visit to the bay:
1. Golden Gate
It's impossible to talk about San Francisco without mentioning the Golden Gate Bridge. Inaugurated in 1937, this bridge is one of the longest and highest in the world, as it stretches for almost 3 kilometers and hangs over 227 meters high. Built after World War I with the aim of alleviating the obstruction of maritime traffic, this bridge, which can be perfectly observed from various points such as the Mirador H. Dana Bowers, is without a doubt the symbol of the city of San Francisco.
2. Twin Peaks
Literally 'Twin Peaks' in Spanish, Twin Peaks are two equal hills located 280 meters high where you can see the entire city and enjoy the spectacular sunsets of the city, but if you do not arrive on time, you will not be Don't worry, the entrance is open until midnight! Although the easiest way to get there is by car, you can also use public transport (metro and bus).
3. Lombard Street
Lombard Street is for us, without a doubt, the most important item on this list, especially for its authenticity.Lombard is a fairly long street -around 7 kilometers- that stretches from Parque Presidio to Coit Tower, and whose most emblematic point and which attracts thousands of tourists is its curious section made up of eight curves located between the Russian Hill and Hyde Street next to Columbus Avenue.
Although this part of Calle Lombard couldn't be more original and perfect for taking the most original and instagrammable photos, the truth is that its raison d'être It goes beyond the purely aesthetic.
As is common knowledge, San Francisco is a city famous for the number of steep climbs that there are and those that are made easier to ascend thanks to the incredible system of streetcars that exist. However, in the stretch of eight curves there was a problem, and that is that it had a 27% unevenness, which is why in 1922 Carl Henry, a resident of the area, proposed and later carried out this series of curves with the aim of that the street could be traveled by car and also, it would be more attractive.
This street has become famous not only in the United States, but throughout the world, as it has become the setting for series, movies, and even advertisements.
That is why, in this street we see from Hanukeii the inspiration for our model of glasses 'Lombard', since in addition to being aesthetically authentic , attractive and with an interesting design (three different designs), we also find great functionality in them that is reflected in their usefulness and adaptability both to use them as a complement while protecting you, as well as to carry them while doing any activity that requires a greater effort. Its lightness and exceptional quality materials make the 'Lombard' the perfect glasses to wear, just like the curves of Lombard Street: aesthetically curious as well as functional.
4. Alcatraz
For the most curious, Alcatraz prison is the perfect place to visit. Although it has been closed since 1963, this prison located on an island in the San Francisco Bay has housed some of the most dangerous prisoners in history, such as Al Capone and Robert Straud. To make this visit, you will have to go to the port of San Francisco (Fisherman's Wharf) to get on the boat that will take you to the island and whose journey will last around 15 minutes. During your visit you will be able to see the cells, the punishment area, as well as the dining areas and the playground. In addition, you will be able to enjoy the narration of different Alcatraz stories such as the escape of three prisoners in 1963 who are believed to have died in the waters of the Pacific, despite the fact that their bodies were never found.
5. Fisherman's Wharf
It is one of the most touristic areas of San Francisco, since the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood is home to some of the most interesting attractions in the city.
Places such as Madame Tussauds, the Maritime Museum, the USS Pampanito submarine or the SS Jeremiah O'Brien warship are just some of those that you can find in this extensive area. Also, if you are a crab lover, you are in the right place to eat it.
If you are in this neighborhood, don't forget to visit Pier 39, which is the pier where, in addition to finding a large part of the best shops and restaurants, you can also see the population of sea lions that are settled in this dock.
6. Chinatown
Although it is common to find a Chinatown in different cities of the United States, the truth is that the one in San Francisco is probably one of the most authentic and interesting there is.
Located in the center of the city, Chinatown began to be founded almost in the mid-19th century with the arrival of Chinese citizens who wanted to work in the gold mines.
With a totally Asian atmosphere, palpable not only in the people but also in the Chinese-style houses and lampposts, it is likely that after passing the famous Dragon Gate, during your visit you will come across groups of people practicing Tai-chi in the different recreation areas.
Among the numerous activities that you can do in this neighbourhood, a visit to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is essential, because there you can find the famous Chinese fortune cookies, those that are so often we have seen in movies.
7. Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies or Damas Pintadas is another of the scenarios that you definitely have to visit on your trip. Victorian in style, they were built between 1850 and 1915 and in addition to being perfect for taking postcard-style photos with the skyline of the city behind, this series of houses is famous for appearing in different series such as 'Focused Parents ' and in well-known movies like the '90s classic, '10 Reasons I Hate You.
8. Sausalito
Although it is not exactly located within the city of San Francisco, Sausalito is one of the most common visits if you travel to this city. You can reach this coastal town by crossing the Golden Gate and it is the perfect place to enjoy a meal and a walk by the sea. What really makes this site special is the number of houseboats that are famous for hosting numerous artists since the end of World War II.
9. Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts or Palacio de Bellas Artes is another mandatory stop on your itinerary through San Francisco. With a lagoon full of fish and birds as the protagonist, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is an ideal space to enjoy a quiet environment surrounded by nature, as well as serving as a stage for wedding photo sessions, this park also hosts numerous concerts and annual events .
10. Haight-Ashbury
Despite being well known for the Painted Ladies, Haight-Ashbury is a neighborhood famous for being the birthplace of the hippie movement in the 1960s and 1970s. It was in 1967 when this neighborhood had its heyday with the well-known 'Summer of Love' in which many artists, hippies and bohemians were protagonists. Although this area has changed over time, you can still appreciate the palpable alternative style in its people and in the hippie and vintage style shops that exist, as well as its restaurants, many of which opt for an ecological style. and plant based. This area is also home to the Jimmy Hendrix Museum, a real treat for rock lovers!
For all this, at Hanukeii we believe that San Francisco is the perfect city to be inspired, not only because of all the offer it has, but also because of its history, as well as because of its people, and that is the number of people who They live in this city and maintain a different style and personality is undoubtedly one of the most attractive elements that a city can have. And it is these same characteristics that we like and seek to capture in our glasses, so making authentic glasses for authentic people is our ultimate goal. And you, do you like the authentic?
