San Francisco is a city of contrasts. You have Victorian architecture combined with sleek, glass skyscrapers, rowdiness in Union Square not too far from serenity in the Japanese Tea Garden, and of course, its infamous weather , which is a study in contrasts on its own. A typical summer day can barely reach 55 degrees, while the following day can climb over 70. So pack plenty of layers and book your cheap tickets so you can get to this awesome “city by the bay” that has something for everyone, from foodies to shopaholics to outdoorsy types!

Fly a Kite at Fisherman’s Wharf

Ok, this is is kind of touristy, but there’s so much to see you can get it all done in one afternoon and hit the off-the-beaten path stuff during the rest of your trip. There are tons of shops along Fisherman’s Wharf selling touristy tchotchkes. We recommend buying and flying a kite along a little stretch of beach at the wharf. This is also a great spot to enjoy the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco can get pretty windy so flying a kite on a city beach is pretty effortless: Just unfurl the string and nature takes care of the rest! Warm up with a hot cocoa from nearby Ghirardelli Square — also filled with shops, including one of my favorites, Gigi and Rose —  or order some sourdough buns from the ever-popular Boudin Bakery right there along the wharf. If you get there early enough, the bakery has fresh buns shaped like giant crabs!

Botanical Therapy at the Japanese Tea Garden

If you want to relax, soak up some natural beauty, and avoid crowds, the Japanese Tea Garden is exactly what you need. Accessible by public transportation, the garden is part of the more than 1,000-acre Golden Gate Park, which is also home to the San Francisco Botanical Garden, Shakespeare’s Garden and the AIDS Memorial Grove. The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the largest of its kind in the United States, featuring a wide variety of plants from China and Japan. You can also enjoy its tea house and watch tea ceremonies. Filled with beautiful manicured gardens, small temples, and a koi pond, the Japanese Tea Garden is the ideal spot for some Zen.

Meet Me at the Soda Fountain

What’s a soda fountain, you ask? Your parents or grandparents might remember the good ol’ days when “soda” wasn’t just something in a can but something special served by a guy in a crisp white uniform and a bowtie. It is said that the bottle cap put the soda fountain out of business. Back in the early 20th century, creating delicious sodas took a bit of chemistry and pizzazz. San Francisco has brought this era back with the 1930s retro Ice Cream Bar and Soda Fountain restaurant on Cole Street. This is a fun place to stop for lunch, and something different for kids. The menu ranges from classic grilled cheese sandwiches to vegetarian black bean burgers to a long list of “Remedies,” “Phosphates,” “Malts,” and
“Floats.” Save room for scoops, sundaes, or ice cream cake.

Zig Zag Down Lombard Street

Steep hills are all over San Francisco, but zig zagging down Lombard Street is fun and free and won’t take long. Plus, it’s a great way to see some of San Francisco’s colorful neighborhoods. Located in the city’s Russian Hill neighborhood, Lombard Street is considered “America’s most crooked
street” because of its eight turns that were created to slow down vehicle and pedestrian traffic navigating this steep hill. Lombard Street has appeared in countless cultural references, from movies to television shows. Drove it down to enjoy fantastic views of the city. Take things slow, don’t rush, and obey all the road signs. You’ll be fine!

Ride a Cable Car

Granted, these old-fashioned trolleys aren’t the fastest or most cost-efficient way to get around San Francisco, but they are quite fun and one of the most unique ways to take in the city! Stepping on to a cable car is like stepping on to a bygone era. But keep in mind that you may be stuck waiting a long time for a trolley because, if they are crowded, they will pass you by…and that’s no fun when it’s cold and windy out!