Photo by Belle Cofrom PexelsSan Francisco is a stunning, charismatic, inventive, caring, and cosmopolitan city that manages to be both traditional and counterculture. It is the city that gave birth to the Summer of Love 50 years ago and now leads technological advancements. It's no surprise that so many people leave their hearts here.

When to Go

Summer brings swarms of visitors from all over the globe, but don't anticipate California beach weather because of Karl the Fog, a relentless force of nature. Fall (September-November) brings the hottest temperatures and sunniest weather of the year. In April, expect less people and nice weather.

Celebrate

Every February, the streets of America's oldest Chinatown are filled with floats, dragons, and colorful costumes to celebrate Lunar New Year. The Mission District celebrates Mexican ancestry, particularly during a family-friendly celebration held on the Saturday closest to Cinco de Mayo. At San Francisco Pride, which takes place the final full weekend in June, throngs of rainbow revelers celebrate diversity. The famed Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music event, held in Golden Gate Park on the first weekend of October, is free.

How to Eat

Locals in San Francisco are crazy with Mexican cuisine, particularly the forearm-size "mission style" burritos available at famous spots El Farolito and Taqueria La Cumbre. San Francisco's hallmark meal is cioppino, a delicious fish stew. For a genuine flavor, wear a bib and dive into Sotto Mare's "Best Damn Crab Cioppino."

Take-Home Souvenirs

Sweet memories may be discovered within a box of Recchiuti Confections chocolates featuring photographs of some of the city's most well-known monuments. Anchor Brewing features a gift store on the premises that sells t-shirts, glasses, and even barrel-aged bottled brews that are not available elsewhere. Cards, posters, books, and souvenirs featuring classic San Francisco photos are available at the Warming Hut on Crissy Field, with sales benefiting the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Sustainable Travel Tips

San Francisco is built for walking. Don't be concerned about the hills; the reward is spectacular vistas of the bridges and harbor, Alcatraz and Angel Islands, plus sights and noises that would otherwise be missed from a vehicle window. Choose a neighborhood and start walking!

View Worthy of Instagram

Crissy Field is more than simply a place for residents to walk their dogs, run, cycle, jump, and picnic. It also has the most spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The suspension bridge is a drool-worthy background for photography, particularly early in the morning when the rising light colors the bridge brilliantly.