San Francisco is one of the best cities in the United States. I’d say it were the best but I haven’t been to a few others that I hear are also really great (Chicago, Austin, Boston). Something like 1/4 of all people speak a language other than English in the USA and San Francisco is one of those places where you can really notice the multiculturalism. Walk around the Mission for a bit and you get a taste of Mexico. Head to Chinatown and then you are in Asia. I love that you can go on mini international trips without ever having to leave. The surrounding areas and the city itself  are also incredibly gorgeous, especially further up the coast and overlooking the bay. It’s easily walkable and in some ways reminds me of a European city which I guess is why I’m so drawn to it. I most definitely would consider relocating there if I were ever to move back to the States for good.
Here are just a few things I recommend checking out for any first time visitor.
Mexican food and murals in the Mission
This one is painful to talk about as I have not had a good Mexican meal since I was last in the Mission District and that was over five months ago. Essentially Mexicotown or Little Mexico, this is definitely my favorite neighborhood. I love the funky murals that are everywhere, the fact that it is a paradise for Mexican food, and of course that there are tons of great bars.
Chillaxing at Dolores Beach
Or Dolores Park. Someone once told me everyone calls it Dolores Beach and so that’s what I’ve been calling it ever since. This could possibly have something to do with the fact that when the weather is pleasant you can find people sprawled out all over and in speedos of you are lucky like I was on this particular day. It’s really an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
Second hand shopping in the Haight
I’m not a huge second-hand shopper mostly because I don’t have the patience to sift through racks and racks of junk to find one dope piece. Second hand shopping in San Francisco is the exception however. There are tons of second hand shops in the Haight that have the best selection of stuff I’ve seen anywhere so I always make it a point to get over there for a day of shopping when I am in town.
Checking out the view from Baker Beach
I’m sure better/more appropriate Golden Gate Bridge vantage points exist but for now Baker Beach is my favorite. Maybe leave the kids at home but definitely bring a picnic and bottle of rosé to make it more interesting.

Meeting colorful characters

It’s funny how residents of a city can really shape its character. There are alway interesting conversations to be had on the streets of San Fran if you’re up for it. Last time I was there I found myself in chatting up a homeless African “poet” in Union Square – in Swedish. He walked up to try and sell me one of his poems and thought I was Swedish so that’s how that came about. Apparently he arrived in Sweden as a refugee back in the 90s and still remembered quite a bit from the language lessons he was required to take. Can you say random and coincidental? Definitely an example of don’t be too quick to judge or blow anyone off – you might have more in common with some people than you think.

Music, music and music

 There are some pretty awesome bands from the Bay area so not surprisingly, the music scene there is pretty great. It’s also a major stop for most bands touring the US and so usually there’s some good show going on. SF Weekly is the best place to check upcoming events.
 
Have you ever been to San Francisco? What is your favorite thing to do there?