County of San Francisco: It Doesn’t Matter if you’re a Native or Just Passing Through San Francisco. Part 2

The county of San Francisco, pronounced as SAN frən-SISS-koh (Spanish for ‘Saint Francis’), is Northern California’s cultural, commercial, and financial hub. Known as the County of San Francisco. San Francisco is the fourth most populous City in California, United States, with 808,437 people as of 2022.

 Situated at the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, the City occupies 46.9 square miles (121 square kilometres) of land, placing it second among big U.S. cities in population density, only behind New York City. It also ranks fifth among U.S. counties in terms of population density, behind only four boroughs of New York City.

 County of San Francisco

The Yelamu people, who spoke a language known as Ramaytush Ohlone, lived in the City proper before European settlement, Named after Francis of Assisi, the Presidio of San Francisco was built near the Golden Gate by emigrants from New Spain on June 29, 1776. A few miles apart, the Mission San Francisco de Asís was constructed. 

From 1870 to 1900, around a fourth of California’s population lived in the City proper; the quick expansion by the 1849 gold rush transformed a little hamlet into a bustling port and the largest metropolis on the West Coast.

 San Francisco was merged into the county seat in 1856. Rebuilt in record time, the City could host the Panama-Pacific International Exposition nine years after the 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed three-quarters of it.

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Visiting the County of San Francisco

With its nautical atmosphere and fantastic seafood restaurants, Fisherman’s Wharf is an irresistible attraction. Across the water, you can make out Alcatraz Island, another must-see attraction. Union Square and Ghirardelli Square are lively plazas with many excellent restaurants and shops.

•  Day and night, visitors may find countless distractions in the City’s diverse districts, such as Chinatown, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, Nob Hill, and the Mission District. San Francisco is very flat, even though it has several very steep hills.
•  An iconic and practical means of transportation between the seaside and Union Square, the clanging cable cars are well-adored. Fisherman’s Wharf, the Ferry Building Marketplace, and Oracle Park—home of the Major League Giants baseball team—on historic streetcars that travel down the Embarcadero.
•  Finding one of the hundreds of bike share stations is the first step in enjoying a simple and inexpensive ride on a Bay Wheels bike or an e-bike.
• Among the many destinations served by the subterranean BART metro system are the San Francisco International Airport to the south and the cities of Pleasanton, Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco to the east. Additionally, the local MUNI buses in San Francisco cover the whole City.
• The Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure, prepaid admission to the California Academy of Sciences, a choice between the Aquarium of the Bay and the Walt Disney Family Museum, and a choice between The Exploratorium and the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens are all included in a CityPASS, which is a great deal if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions.

You may also get three attractions for one low price with the San Francisco C3 ticket. Pick from the CityPASS alternatives, including the de Young Museum + Legion of Honor, Bay City Bike, and Parkwide Bike Rentals.

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1, The Importance of Visiting Japantown in San Francisco

• You can’t visit San Francisco without stopping by the few streets that make up Japantown, famous for its delicious eateries.
• While most tourists go to Chinatown, they often fail to see the equally fascinating Japantown neighbourhood. Even though it’s only six blocks long, this area is jam-packed with excellent eateries serving everything from omakase to ramen. 
• Japantown isn’t only known for its delicious food; there are many more exciting things to do and see in the area, many of which are suitable for families.

1. San Francisco’s Japantown: Where Is It Located?

Japantown is conveniently located in the Fillmore District, so getting there is a breeze. Get on the #38 Geary, #2 or #3 from Sutter Street or the #22 Fillmore bus. Parkers have a better chance of finding a spot in one of the two Japan Center Garages on Geary Boulevard or Fillmore Street than on the street.

Located between Fillmore Street and Octavia Street, Post Street is the primary road of Japantown. Typically, the northern and southern boundaries of the area are Pine Street and Geary Boulevard, respectively.

B, San Francisco’s Japantown: What to Do

• Among the many cultural events held in Japantown each year are the Nihonmachi Street Fair in August and the vibrant Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in April.
• Among the numerous historical buildings and attractions that make up the self-guided Japantown History Walk are the five-tiered Japantown Peace Pagoda and Cottage Row, a secret collection of Victorian cottages.
• You can find Kinokuniya Books, where you can buy manga, and Daiso Japan, where you can buy inexpensive yet cheery home goods, toys, and stationery, at the Japan Center retail complex. Katsura Garden has bonsai trees for those with green thumbs, while Daikoku by Shiki has exquisite Japanese porcelain.
• When you need a break, unwind at Kabuki Springs & facility with some shiatsu and communal bathing in a Japanese style, or revive at Pearl Spa and Sauna, a Korean facility exclusively for ladies.
• You might wish to reserve a few more nights in Japantown due to the abundance of dining, drinking, sightseeing, and entertainment options. The chic, contemporary boutique Hotel Kabuki fuses Western and Japanese design elements. 

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2, Five Absolutely Incredible San Francisco Attractions

In its relatively small 46 square miles, the City by the Bay manages to cram an extraordinary amount of cultural diversity and eclecticism.

A, Reserve a room at the Fairmont San Francisco.

Nob Hill is among San Francisco’s most exclusive districts, so called because it was home to mansions constructed by railroad barons (“Nobs”). Stunning in its magnificence from the early 20th century, the historic Fairmont San Francisco stands atop the hill. 

Unwind amidst gilded mirrors, glittering chandeliers, and marble columns as you embrace your inner blueblood. The whole eighth level is devoted to the penthouse suite, which includes a circular library with two stories, a billiards room with vaulted ceilings, and a secret stairway that allegedly allowed President John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe to have an affair.

B, Dive into SFMOMA

There’s a lovely, engrossing way to lose oneself at the SFMOMA. With over 33,000 works, the world’s greatest museum of modern art features works by artists such as Paul Klee, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and more. Every part of the building is an exhibit, but the area as a whole is remarkable, especially in the way the wavy white fibreglass façade evokes rolling fog.

C, Explore Mission District stores.

Just viewing the colourful outdoor murals that this creative district is known for makes a trip to the Mission District worthwhile. Once you get there, peruse the hundreds of unique shops and restaurants. Grab a banana cream cupcake from Wholesome Bakery to get you going, and then stop by Gravel & Gold, a women-owned design collective, to peruse their unique selection of innovative presents.

D, Find Out What the Ferry Building Is

The Ferry Building is a miniature version of the county of San Francisco: opulent in the style of the Beaux Arts era, serving meals made with ingredients from the area, including unique shops, and offering breathtaking views of the Bay. Stop by the Great Nave’s merchant outposts to see what the Bay Area offers.

E, Thumbs Up at The Slanted Door

The Slanted Door’s windows are the main attraction when you dine there. Expansive views of the Bay are showcased by glass walls that extend from floor to ceiling. For almost twenty years, this restaurant has been a favorite among city residents because to Chef Charles Phan’s innovative spin on modern Vietnamese food. Imperial rolls, cellophane noodles, and shaking beef are some popular dishes.

3, The California Kid-Friendly Foodie Guide

Enjoy a meal with the whole clan at one of these restaurants that welcome families.

Many world-renowned chefs have made California their home, including Tyler Florence, Alice Waters, and Thomas Keller, among many others. This has contributed to the state’s reputation as home to world-class dining establishments. It should be no wonder, therefore, that California is home to innumerable restaurants that welcome children and are perfect for developing palates.

A, Fairfield, Vermont’s Jelly Belly Factory

Located in Solano County, approximately one hour outside of San Francisco, the Jelly Belly Factory is a candy-making playground. If you want to see the jelly bean production process up close, you may pay for a guided tour or take the free self-guided tour that takes place on a raised platform.

B, San Francisco’s Ghirardelli Chocolate Company

Children will adore this historical lesson. Domenico Ghirardelli and James Lick started the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighbourhood in the middle of the 1800s. Among other stores and eateries, Ghirardelli Square is now home to the ice cream and chocolate shop.

C, Outback Steakhouse

Any journey across California must stop at this drive-thru hamburger establishment, which opened in 1948. No-frills burgers are their speciality, but the Not-So-Secret Menu offers more options, such as a grilled cheese sandwich.

4, The Berry Farm at Knott’s

Enjoy yourself at the amusement park that began as a family farm.

An interesting piece of Southern California history that evolved into a famous theme park with loads of local flavour is Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park. The boysenberry is a hybrid berry containing loganberry, raspberry, and blackberry.

An Orange County farmer called Walter Knott began harvesting the purple berries successfully during the Great Depression, setting the stage for what would later become the theme park.

 His wife Cordelia established a tea shop next door in 1934, offering fried chicken and boysenberry pie. The business was so successful that the Knotts decided to build an Old West attraction to occupy their guests while they waited, and so, the theme park was created. 

The addition of roller coasters and live performances began in the 1950s, and in 1974, the Halloween event Knott’s Scary Farm debuted.

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5, Located in Santa Barbara, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara

Happiness awaits you just beyond Santa Barbara.

Located on a cliff west of Santa Barbara, this compound of shimmering white villas may be the perfect vacation spot if you enjoy listening to the surf and watching the magnificent sunset from your window. 

With its seaside location and 78 acres along the Gaviota Coast, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, provides “we’ll take care of everything” luxury, from plush banquettes gathered around fire pits to personalized spa treatments.

Everything you might want from a five-star resort is available at Bacara. Enjoy your morning coffee on the balcony of your guest room as you wake up. Relax in a soft lounger on your private patio while watching dolphins swim in one of Bacara’s Signature Suites. Shake or mix a martini at your own wet bar.

6, Scottie Fieber Golf Club Hosts Golf Championship

As you play championship golf on the brink of the Pacific Ocean, prepare to be inspired by the breathtaking scenery and the formidable challenges it presents. Every hole at Sandpiper offers stunning vistas of the ocean and mountains, making for an unforgettable round.

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7, Things to Do in California in April 2024

1. Enjoy a winter wonderland party, a desert picnic, and a snowball fight in the spring. There is an abundance of activities in April in California, from skiing or hiking to seeing wildflowers or even going to the trendy Coachella Valley Arts & Music Festival in the desert. Maybe you’d want to take advantage of the mild spring weather by going to Yosemite to see a Shakespearean play.
2. All through June, Ojai Pixie Tangerine. This little, extremely delicious pixie tangerine is harvested by forty farmers in the town of Ojai in Ventura County during its peak season in April. Find fresh fruit at places like Rainbow Bridge Natural Foods Market and Friend’s Ranch Packing House, or indulge in pixie-infused spa services, food, and merchandise at partnering companies in town. Other hotel specials are happening this month, such as at the Ojai Valley Inn.
3. The Return of Baseball. In the early going of a Major League Baseball season, optimism knows no bounds. See a ballgame featuring the San Francisco Giants, the Los Angeles Dodgers, or the San Diego Padres. There will be plenty of hot dogs and other snacks to eat.
4. Come to Pebble Beach Food & Wine from April 4 to the 7th!. Returning for the first time since 2019, this highly regarded Pebble Beach culinary festival is catching up with a roster that boasts 125 chefs, 150 wineries, mixologists, and sommeliers. Lunches, dinners, lectures, walk-around tastings, and even a VIP golf tournament are all part of the event lineup. 
5. Season of the Force at Anaheim’s Disneyland kicks up on April 5. In Anaheim, May the Fourth starts early this year and continues far into the future. Enjoy a “Hyperspace Mountain” experience at Space Mountain, new features on Star Tours—The Adventures Continue, and special music during the evening fireworks from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge as Disneyland Resort celebrates its Star Wars attractions. Continues till June 2.
6. Palisades Tahoe and WinterWonderGrass Tahoe: April 5-7. More than 20 bands perform at this annual bluegrass festival at Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort, held in the spring. The event also showcases lots of local beers. Sierra Ferrell, Devil Makes Three, Paul Cauthen, and Pickin’ On the Dead, a bluegrass tribute band to the Grateful Dead, are all on the bill.
7. Celebrate Wild Flour at Cuyama Buckhorn at New Cuyama from April 5 to the 7th. This weekend, marry your two passions—baking and blossoms—at the historic Cuyama Buckhorn resort in east Santa Barbara County, where abundant wildflowers bloom. The wildflowers and other local foods are used in weekend activities such as bloom-adorned drinks, a Saturday baking class using flour from the Tehachapi Heritage Grain Project, and an afternoon tea with Flowerhead Tea from Los Angeles.
8. Sixth of April: Folsom, California, American River 50-Mile Endurance Run. Along the American River, you’ll pass through Folsom and Auburn on your 50-mile run through Gold Country. 
9. Clovis Big Hat Days and Clovis Rodeo, Clovis, April 6-7, 24-28. Big Hat Days, a street carnival in Old Town Clovis that has been going strong for almost a century (April 6-7), is the first event of the Clovis Cowboy Heritage Festival, which takes place every spring in the Fresno County town.
10. Seventh of April: Oxnard’s Celebration of the Whales
11. Los Angeles’ PaleyFest, April 12–20; 
12. Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, California, April 12–21. The good news is that you can still get tickets for the second weekend of this incredible music festival, and if you want to go on a date that has sold out, you can also join the waitlist. 
13. Date: April 13th, Chico BrewFest. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., an early leader in the craft beer industry, is renown as hailing from the Chico town in Butte County. But this event isn’t just about the locals; it has over 40 beers from 20 different brewers. 
14. Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco, Northern California, April 13–21. Besides the one in Washington, D.C., this celebration of pink blossoms is supposedly the biggest in the United States. There will be many Japanese cuisine, live music, and bonsai displays throughout the two weekends in San Francisco’s Japantown.
15. Levi Leipheimer’s GranFondo Cycling Event, Windsor, April 11–13. Levi Leipheimer, a three-time Amgen Tour of California champion and former professional cyclist, started this event in Sonoma County so that people may ride through wine country. Pick one of seven itineraries that cover the Windsor area: 
16. San Diego’s Celebrate the Craft event on April 14. The 20th annual curated food festival at The Lodge at Torrey Pines will feature local farmers, chefs, winemakers, and craft brewers as you take in the breathtaking ocean views. 
17. Blessing of the Vines at Temecula, April 14. Indulge in delicious and sweet bites accompanied by South Coast Winery’s current offerings as they celebrate the start of a new growing season.
18. Noon on April 14: Santa Barbara Kite Festival. Santa Barbara, a community on the Central Coast, hosts a one-day celebration of National Kite Month in April at Santa Barbara Community College’s expansive meadow.
19. Held at Monterey, California, April 18-21: Sea Otter Classic
20. Godwit Days: Arcata’s Spring Migration Birding Festival, April 18-21
21. The Purple Orchid in Livermore Valley is hosting a luxury wine weekend from April 19 to the 21st. 
22. April 19th–21st: Red Bluff Hoedown
23. Event: California Poppy Festival in Lancaster, April 19–21
24. La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, La Jolla, California, April 19–21
25. Redding, “Kool April Nites” (April 19–28
26. Tomorrow, April 20, Pasadena will host Rosé Bowl: A Wine Tasting Experience.
27. April 20: Davis, California, UC Davis Picnic
28. Dates: April 20-21, Santa Clarita, California, Cowboy Festival
29. The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books takes place in Los Angeles on April 20&21.
30. “National Park Week” (April 20–28)
31. The Days of the 49 Wagon Train in Amador County, April 24-28
32. Festival of International Cinema in San Francisco, April 24-28, San Francisco
33. April 25–28: Yosemite National Park: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
34. Stagecoach Festival in Indio, April 26–28
35. April 26–28: Vineyard to Vintner Weekend in Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
36. California Duck Days Festival in Davis, California, on April 27
37. Surfscape, Huntington Beach, April 27–28

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