10 Things You Have to Do and See in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of my favorite places I've been. It is so unique and has so many different treasures. San Francisco is unlike any other city in California, because of all of the culture and history. The food will make you drool, the art will amaze you, and there is so much history to learn about. What's not to love? If you are visiting this city for the first time, check out these 10 things you must do in San Francisco.

1. Try the Clam Chowder at Boudin Bakery

You cannot go to San Francisco without going to Boudin Bakery in Fisherman's Wharf. It's signature dish Clam Chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl is one of the best foods in San Francisco. Enjoy this legendary dish warm you up, as you sit at Fisherman's Wharf and watch world go by.

2. Watch the Sea Lions at Pier 39

Even though it is one of the more touristy in town, you cannot resist going to Pier 39. Take a walk through the boardwalk, have a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants lining the pier, and take a ride on the enchanting carousel in the center of the pier. Then visit the world famous, hilarious sea lions. They are so entertaining to watch and are extremely noisy so it is hard to miss them.

3. Savor a Dessert at Ghirardelli Square

You cannot leave San Francisco's famous Ghirardelli Square hungry. Full of all the chocolate you can ever want and free samples, Ghirardelli Square has the best ice cream sundaes and hot chocolate in town. You may want to skip lunch before coming here.

4. Drive down Lombard Street

Knock it off of your bucket list-drive down windiest street ever. If you don't have a car or feel nervous about braving this road ask a taxi driver to take you to the bottom and take a picture in front of one of the steepest streets.

5. Grab a quick snack at Mr. Holmes Bakehouse

When in San Francisco you have to go to Mr. Holmes Bakehouse. Everything is original at this tiny, sparkling bakery, where the signature pastries include the delicious cruffins (a croissant - muffin).

While you are there, you have to take a picture with their well-known neon sign.

6. Hang out with the Painted Ladies

No these aren't actual ladies, they're historic Victorian and Edwardian houses and buildings repainted, starting in the 1960s, in three or more colors that embellish or enhance their architectural details. The Painted Ladies are something a lot of people miss, so be sure to go to Alamo Park and get a great view of these cute homes.

7. Take photos of the Golden Gate Bridge at Fort Point

When people think of San Francisco, they think of the Golden Gate Bridge. But, lots of people seem to flock to East of the Presidio to take their bridge shots. If you want to avoid a lot of these crowds than go to Fort Point, the closet you can get to the bridge without actually having to walk or drive across it. Fort Point is a masonry seacoast fortification located on the southern side of the Golden Gate at the entrance to San Francisco Bay. It has so much history, but also ultimate views of the bridge.

8. Explore Chinatown

One of the oldest and biggest Chinatowns outside of China, San Francisco's Chinatown is a bustling maze of streets and alleys brims with dim sum joints and other traditional eateries. You must walk through the entrance, Dragon's Gate and travel down the main streets, that are filled with lanterns and unique culture. While you are there, you have to try Xiao Long Bao, a Shanghai Soup Dumpling. Be prepared to get lost in this maze of history, food art, and culture.

9. Walk through The Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is s a monumental structure originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in order to exhibit works of art presented there. It is a nice walk and has beautiful architecture. It is pretty hard to miss.

10. Ride a Trolley from the outside

You think you can come to San Fran without riding a trolley did you? Is it a long wait? Yes. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it totally worth it? Heck yeah! Even though it is so touristy, you have to say you did it. The best way to experience it is to ride from the outside. Hang on and enjoy the wind blowing in your face and see the streets of San Francisco.

Now that you've know these 10 things to do. Pack your bags, get on an airplane, and go to such a unique city, San Francisco!