San Francisco: Through the Eyes of a Tourista

As a San Francisco local, I will admit that I often times resent tourists. Tourism does drive our economy and pump money into the city, but when I am running down the Embarcadero and dodging those said tourists, I admit that I grumble to myself. I think that it can be a natural reaction as a local; to feel a step above tourists because you know the ins and outs of the city you call home.

In order to shake this feeling, I highly recommend planning tours and activities within your city limits. For me, that means that I have 7 miles by 7 miles to work with. You would think that this is small ground to cover, but think again! Below I’ve highlighted a few fun San Francisco tours that are right in my backyard. Getting out and exploring a city in the eyes of a tourist not only helps one practice patience, but it also renews an appreciation of one’s own hometown!

Catamaran Cruise

The San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise is a great way to see the beautiful skyline from the San Francisco Bay. The weather was absolutely magnificent and you really must take advantage of lovely weather when it comes around.
The tour company was so accommodating and the cruise was absolutely fabulous! Following introductions to our captain, we were invited to enjoy complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres.  We passed by Pier 39 and the famous San Francisco sea lions. Did you know that in 2009 they mysteriously disappeared? No fear, these sea lions have called the docks home for over 20 years so they could not stay away!

Get a nice view of the skyline at sunset on the San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

The setting sun was beautiful as it reflected on the Pacific Ocean and some of the passengers even sat on front of the catamaran while we bobbed up and down across the bay. We passed close by Alcatraz Island on our way to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge was absolutely brilliant – if you have yet to see the underside of the bridge, this is a must-see. Once we passed the bridge, it was time to turn around in a little and head back to the pier. Our evening ended with a beautiful sunset at our shoulders which made for perfect photo opportunities.

San Francisco Duck Tour

I know what you are thinking – because I was thinking the same thing about San Francisco Duck Tour – that this tour looks a little goofy. Well this couldn’t be further from the truth!

Our meeting spot was in Union Square where we boarded the white amphibious vehicle and given our duck quackers. Our driver/guide invited us to quack along with the music and quack we did – it was quite the scene. I never really realized how many people look at you oddly from the sidewalk, but it was so much fun to laugh and giggle along with everyone else. After all, you can’t always take yourself too seriously!

We waddled on over to the Embarcadero and “dove” head first into McCovey Cove. I can’t believe how close you come to touching the Pacific Ocean when you are actually in the water! After some cruising around the bay and photo opportunities, were back on the streets again to complete our tour.

Quack away on the San Francisco Duck Tour

San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour

City tours are always a fun thing to do when you’re traveling, so why not take one in your home town? The San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour is a great way to see the city over the course of two days and learn some fun facts about San Francisco. Our tour guide was full of jokes and pointed out many otherwise hidden gems, including paintings and sculptures.

The loop includes 14 stops at all of the major neighborhoods, so you really can venture into neighborhoods such as The Haight, Chinatown, North Beach and the Marina. The bus stops at Golden Gate Park right in front of the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum, which are two attractions you must visit!

Catch all the famous sights on the San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Below are some things I learned about San Francisco while on the hop-on hop-off tour:

• The Spreckels mansion is the largest house city in San Francisco – yes, we all know that Miss Danielle Steel now resides in that [not so] humble abode.
• The term “Sugar Daddy” was first coined by Alma Spreckels when speaking of her husband, Adoph Spreckles, the sugar baron.
• Any Queen Anne Victorian house painted three or more colors is considered a “Painted Lady”.
• The dome of City Hall is actually covered with real gold.
• Alma is also the model for the monument in Union Square honoring naval hero Admiral Dewey and the assassinated president William McKinley.
• Twelve faceless statues sit atop 580 California called the “Corporate Goddesses”. These faceless statues are there to remind those in the banking industry to “be honest, even when you think no one is watching”.
• Denim was invented in San Francisco during the Gold Rush because miners needed durable clothes to wear.
• The Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall is designed to look like a baby piano from the outside – if you look closely you can see the white keys, black keys and strings inside.

So there you have it! These are some fun ways to explore San Francisco, but I highly recommend choosing a different activity each weekend for your own city. Not only will you be armed with insider knowledge, but you’ll have a new gratitude for the sights and sounds around you.

- Ashley Hamik

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