This past April we visited San Francisco for a few days. We are so thankful to be in such close driving distance to so many places. San Francisco is one of those cities where you could visit a million times and still not see everything this beautiful city has to offer. We were able to get a good variety of both the city life and Mother Nature. Below we rounded up our favorite parts of our trip, and some added bonus tips if you are planning a trip yourself.

Although public transportation and ride share opportunities are widely available we pretty much explored SF by foot. Tip number one wear comfortable shoes! Ladies I cannot stress this enough.. ditch the heels and find some comfortable walking shoes. Here are the ones that I wore throughout my visit. I highly recommend these. They are fashionable and built to be walked in. The holes allowed for air to enter the shoe preventing your feet from sweating. I know the price point is higher but I promise I have had these for a few years now and they have held up well. Another wardrobe tip is to dress in layers as the weather fluctuates frequently.  I know it says it will be in the 60’s but I promise as soon as the wind picks up it feels like a winter in Michigan!

The famous crooked street was right down the street from our hotel. Lombard Street leads down a very steep hill and forces drivers to zig-zag back and fourth with 8 hairpin turns. No worries if you don't have a vehicle you can walk down or up it to grab beautiful pictures of other cars and the gardens in the medians. 

Tip: Get to the bottom and grab a picture facing away from the hill which will leave you with a beautiful picture of the city. 

You may be thinking why on earth would I visit a prison?! We promise it is well worth it. Make sure to book your tickets in advance as possible as they sell out quickly. A fifteen minute ferry ride will lead you to what used to be the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. This was home to some of the most dangerous criminals like Machine Gun Kelly and Al Capone. Here you are able to walk through first hand what it was like for the prisoners held here. If you get hungry like us head across the street from Alcatraz Landing and eat at Hillstone. The food was excellent! 

Tip: Even if the weather is chilly stand outside and take out your cameras to capture the beautiful waters, Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline. 

If you are fans of Full House you may recognize these beautiful colorful Victorian homes. Head across the street to Alamo Square Park and grab a great picture of the ladies, and the skyline behind it. 

Tip: Bring a blanket and some takeout to have a sunset picnic at this park. It's picture perfect. 

Who knew SF had a park bigger than Central Park in New York City?! You could easily spend more than one day here and still not see everything. Above is a picture of a Dutch Windmill located within the park. The park offers hiking trails, botanical gardens, waterfalls, lakes, and buffalo oh my! Yes, you did not misread that they have buffalo!!! 

Tip: Nearby is also a famous site called Palace of Fine Arts. Unfortunately we visited on a Monday and it was closed. If this is on your bucket list of places to see make sure it is open beforehand! 

The Golden Gate Bridge no matter the angle..it is absolutely beautiful!

Our top three places from grabbing the perfect picture are 

1. Drive over to Sausalito and go to Fort Baker.

2. Chestnut Street Stairs

3. Baker Beach

Tip: Eat lunch on the water at FISH restaurant in Sausalito.