Unveiling the Charm of San Francisco: A Sophisticated Guide to Day One

Who knew that walking down the streets of Union Square and the Embarcadero would be better than advertised? San Francisco is one of those enchanting cities made famous and romanticized in songs and movies like the Dirty Harry franchise and Bullet. But there is so much more to the City by the Bay than the 49ers, the Giants, and the legendary Haight Ashbury district.

San Francisco, the capital of the San Francisco Bay Area metro with eight major counties and more than 8 million people, is a true culture mecca. Walking down one block, let alone neighborhoods like the Presidio and the Richmond district, opens up so many culinary flavors, art exhibits, and hidden gems that we'll discuss from our first day in this magical City.

1. First Stop: Bob’s Giant Donuts 

Yes. The donuts at Bob's Giant Donuts continue to attract visitors, and even San Franciscans keep calling. Open in the legendary Polk Street district since 1960, its charm primarily comes from being a family-run business. You can get giant donuts that are nearly a foot wide, but you can also get amazing regular and eclectic donuts like cronuts. And if you don't know what to get, Bob's Giant Donuts staff are very friendly and won't steer you wrong with the selections.

2. Historical Journey through Golden Gate Park

Of course, no San Francisco journey would be complete without heading to Golden Gate Park. We made it a point to visit Golden Gate Park on the first day, particularly for the de Young Museum. Art and sculpture lovers must visit the de Young Museum for original concept art and paintings. For those who love art from centuries ago, the de Young Museum has a special section to showcase these precious and abstract works of art from Africa and other continents.

After you get your feel of original art, take a short walk to the California Academy of Sciences. At the California Academy of Sciences, you get it all in once spot, exotic and tropical plant life, massive and unbelievable acquairiams that you must see to believe, and the different schools of fish and reefs. Discover Earth's origins and study the cosmos at the Morrison Planetarium, or study Earth's ancient biology at the Kimball Natural History section.

Once you get your feel for the arts and sciences, take a stroll down one of Golden Gate Park's magnificent park trails. Along the way, be sure to check out the Conservatory of Flowers, a beautifully designed greenhouse with exotic plant life. If you're thirsty, have a sip of tea at the Japanese Tea Garden. As you drink your tea walking down the trail, you will actually get to see some bison at the Bison Paddock.

3. City Hall and Downtown Delights

Besides being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, San Francisco is a well-designed one. Besides the world-famous Victorian-designed homes, many of San Francisco's municipal buildings feature unique architecture dating back to the City's founding and after the 1906 earthquake. One of those buildings is San Francisco's City Hall. In the heart of the Civic Center, which also features the War Memorial, the renovated Public Library, and the Asian Art Museum, the fantastic Beaux-Arts design has been the subject of many movies and the face of many postcards. Its unique globe dome is more than 300 feet from the ground level. And yes, you can photograph it in the background to tell all your friends.

A short distance behind City Hall is the amazing War Memorial on Van Ness Street and McCalister. The War Memorial features opera performances from world-class opera stars like Placido Domingo. You can also watch famous ballet performances like The Nutcracker. Like City Hall, the War Memorial is rich with architectural design dating back to its opening in 1932.

Besides catching the opera or ballet, you can honor the fallen soldiers who fought and lost their lives during World War I. A block away is another chance to take in more stunning art. But this time, through the Asian Art Museum. Having taken over for the original main public library branch, stroll past the exquisite art galleries dating back to the Ming Dynasty. You can also get a private tour to learn more about the invaluable vases and sculptures from Asia's ancient past. 

4. Nob Hill Hotel: Your Home in San Francisco

Situated perfectly on top of Union Square on Powell Street is the historic Nob Hill Hotel, the same one featured in the iconic San Francisco film Bullit with Steve McQueen. It is also the heart of the ecliptic and affluent Nob Hill neighborhood. Directly outside the massive-cathedral style building are surreal views of Union Square and the cable cars, as well as the Financial District and Chinatown.

Inside, you can't help but admire the Victorian architecture and vintage furnishings. There'll be plenty of space for you or your family, with all the trimmings, like flat-screen televisions and blazing Wi-Fi internet.

5. Culinary Excellence at Graton Resort & Casino 

If you want to taste world-class cuisine or unwind and rehash all the fascinating sights and art you saw on your first day in San Francisco, head north across the Golden Gate Bridge to Graton Resort & Casino. Enjoy exquisite meals from Asian, Italian, and American backgrounds. Don't worry—if you're on a budget, there's something for you at Graton Resort & Casino.

You can also catch a live concert from famous artists of today and yesteryear. You can also pamper yourself with a professional massage at the in-house spa so you can hit day two of seeing San Francisco all relaxed. Even though the San Francisco Bay Area narrowly missed out on legal California online casinos, Graton Resort & Casino gives you a first-class experience for games like Roulette, Blackjack, and slots.

6. Evening Elegance at the Golden Gate Bridge

For the ultimate nightcap, head back over the Golden Gate Bridge and park at the Marina as night falls. Trust me when I say that the sight of the Golden Gate Bridge with the iconic Presidio in the background is worth the trip. Don't forget to bring a camera so you don't lose the moment. You can get heavenly views of Fort Point and Chrissy Field on Lombard Street.

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