San Francisco for hikers - or people who love a cab

Now that we're living just out of San Francisco, we decided to enjoy 'a day in San Francisco'. Kind of funny, no? But knowing where to go, we had such an enjoyable day - visiting all the lovely, secret parts of the city in just one day!

If you're going to San Francisco coming from Marin County and you don't know where to go, here's my 'secret' route description

* Start your day driving over the Golden Gate Bridge into the city. It's just such an amazing landmark!

* Drive up to Divisadero and turn into the city. I love driving this road when having guests on the back seat. The steep hills are so impressive - especially driving the old Bug ;)

* You'll pass the beautiful houses of Pacific Heights. If you've got time today, have a stop and walk to the dead-end part of Broadway when you pass it. Is this not an amazing view of the city, between the million-dollar houses? I really would not mind living here!

* Get in the car again and keep on going until you hit Castro. The most famous gay neighbourhood in the world has such a friendly buzz. I just love hanging out here.

* Turn left at 18th and park the car at Dolores Park. Waiting for a coffee was so worth it when enjoying breakfast and a Latte at the terrace of Dolores Park Cafe.

* If you really have time, you might enjoy the small walk to 24th in Noe Valley. A nice, tiny area of shops and coffee bars. In summer, you see the mist coming over Twin Peaks and just not making it into this area... Fascinating!

* Walk up to colourful Mission or arty Valencia and enjoy your walk toward Market Street. Both streets are so lively and so different from what you have seen in Pacific Heights.

* Take one of the old trams to Union Square. If you don't mind the walk, you'll pas a 'homeless' area of market. To me, it's part of San Francisco. Unfortunately. But it is. I often just walk.

* Union Square is busy and full of tourists. Maybe not where you want to be if it wasn't for the amazing cheese cake at the top floor of Macy's. Try to sit outside but expect 1 hour waiting time. If you're not that patient for cheese cake, just take the elevator for a view on the city. Is it not amazing how many different faces San Francisco has?

* This is where I get a taxi, up to Union street. This area feels like a village with a nice ambiance in its' streets - often even with some live music. With all the restaurants you find here, it's even a good place for lunch. If you're hungry after cheese cake, that is...

* I'm a hiker - so from Union street it goes to Fillmore Street and aaaaaall way up. Yes, up! (You have to get rid of all that food you had until now!). This is such a gorgeous walk if you don't forget to look behind you once in a while. You could off course also take the bus or a taxi if it's a bit too steep...

* Fillmore Street is another of these cozy places tourists can't find. Not too packed, but a buzzing atmosphere. For one reason or the other, I just love Fillmore Street in winter time. It makes me think of hot chocolate...

* Take a bus once the street becomes residential toward Dolores Park, to pick up your car. Even though... we walked back and decided to finish the day at Haight Ashbury... which is not a bad idea at all...

* Finally, we hit the road again via Twin Peaks, which is - being a foreigner in San Francisco - just fun. Driving up and down. And up and down. At least, when it's not foggy... Cause when the fog is out, you don't see much of the step hills...

Hope you enjoy the walk (and drive)! I definitely love it!!