Because You’re Not Looking for MenWith the largest gay population of any city in the U.S., there’s less chance you and your girlfriends will be subject to cheesy pickup lines. Check out The Castro for favorite spots such as Diva’s, the transgender friendly nightclub, featuring four floors, three stages, and an abundance of shiny mirrors and dance poles.
Since what you really crave is quality girl talk, use the daytime to catch up over coffee at one of the many mom-and-pop shops. For a utopian feel, sample Coffee for the People where 5% of the free-trade coffee prices will go to support local organizations. Located in the bohemian Haight-Ashbury, this café features free wireless internet and amusing open mic nights - the perfect venue to dish about your latest dating disaster!
You Want to Reconnect with Nature
For those looking to escape the hustle bustle and enjoy green, open spaces, San Francisco’s alluring outdoor culture provides a breath of fresh air. Although the city boasts more than 200 parks, the largest and best-known is the picturesque Golden Gate, which, at 1.6 square miles, is larger than Central Park. Relish the fragrance of 700 of the world’s 1000 species of orchids and other exotic plants in the Conservatory of Flowers. Find your zen in the Japanese Tea Garden while sipping exotic teas to soothe your senses. Be sure not to fill up on the complimentary nuts in order to leave room for your fortune cookie, from the place that lays claim to introducing the trend to the U.S. (that’s right, it’s not even Chinese!). For a more chic setting, try the artistic, sustainable fare at the M.H. de Young Museum Café, which overlooks the sculpture garden. As the sun shines down on you and your friends, you’ll wonder, how could anyone not be happy here?
San Francisco’s brisk year-round weather and famous hills (more than fifty within city limits) make for ideal hiking conditions. Climb to the top of Nob or Russian Hills for breathtaking, panoramic vistas of the downtown skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean, Alcatraz and the Bay. Or, rent a bike at one of the many local shops and explore the city on wheels. Bonus: you’ll return with a sun-kissed complexion and a toned butt!
To Explore Your Artistic Side
San Francisco boasts a lively music scene which you can’t help but notice as you wander past the houses of Jerry Garcia and Janis Joplin in the Haight. Cool new music venues are constantly popping up across the city. The most legendary are the Fillmore Auditorium and the Warfield, where you can catch shows seven nights a week ranging from small bands with cult followings to well-known sensations like the Beastie Boys. For the more classical diva in you, purchase tickets to the Opera at the War Memorial Opera House or the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall.
Get creative with the plethora of art museums at your disposal. Check out 20th century and contemporary works of art at SFSOMA or try Yerba Buena, for cutting-edge films, performance and visual arts.
To Unleash Your Wild Side
For a wild time, the San Francisco Zoo in the southeast corner of the city houses over 250 animal species, many of which are endangered. For a closer excursion, watch the baby seals on Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf as they dock for photo opps.
When darkness falls, take a night tour of the infamous Alcatraz, which incarcerated such famed convicts as Al Capone. Don’t be fooled by its nearby appearance – of the five prisoners who have tried to escape, four were never seen alive again, most likely lost to the freezing temperatures and strong currents of the Bay, or one of the many sharks known to roam the waters.
For the party animal in you, head to the Marina for its diverse array of nightlife venues. Let loose at the Matrix Fillmore, the historic San Francisco nightclub which originally housed some of the greatest bands of the 60’s and 70’s, including the Grateful Dead, the Doors, and Jefferson Airplane. For a refreshing lift, try the Ginger Cucumber Mule with gin, cucumber, mint and ginger ale.
To Indulge
Stop by the San Francisco based Ghirardelli Chocolate Company and treat yourself to mouth-watering squares in an assortment of tantalizing flavors such as chocolate raspberry and milk caramel. With a chocolate fix like this, who needs men?
Eat dessert first, but then sit down for a proper meal. Share Mexican tapas with your BFF’s over glasses of sangria at Mamacita. Or, for a quicker bite, try Nick’s Crispy Tacos on Broadway or Pancho Villa on 16th and Mission.
Before returning to the east coast, diversify your wardrobe at punk boutiques on the Haight, such as Villians Vault. With cute sundresses starting at $29, it’s no wonder that there’s a 30-minute wait to get into the fitting rooms. Next, hunt the hipster Mission District for vintage finds. Accessorize with coral necklaces and funky feather earrings from the local street vendors.
Wind down your trip with a relaxing spa treatment and gossip with your girls over mani’s and pedi’s. Following a 60-minute deep tissue massage, you’ll be ready to return to the daily grind… almost.
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