We all have our favorite city. It may be Paris, Rome, New York, or other special places. I’ve traveled to many exciting and beautiful cities around the globe, but San Francisco is my favorite. “The City” embodies all the ingredients I love, including a distinctive individualistic vibe, neighborhoods where English is a second language, fine cuisine, fascinating architecture from the modern era to a Victorian past, steep hills, and all surrounded by ocean and bay. My city by the bay is not perfect with homelessness and drug addiction taking a terrible toll and impossibly high home prices, but my love remains strong no matter what.

Marla and I enjoy a wonderful afternoon in the Crissy Field area with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the background. My Mom and her Dad walked over it on the first day it opened in 1937.

The Union Square area of The City is surrounded by fine stores and restaurants. The tower in the center of the square was erected in 1903 to commemorate Admiral George Dewey’s victory in the Battle of Manila Bay in the Spanish-American War.

Tony Bennett’s famous song, “I left My Heart In San Francisco” rings true for Marla and me.

Market Street is bustling with activity.

Union Square in front of the Westin St. Francis Hotel.

The stained-glass rotunda in the Neiman Marcus store is left from the original City of Paris Department store of the past.

Locals and tourists alike love taking the cable car. Click on the link for the Cable Car Map. The photo above is on Powell Street near Market Street.

Marla and grandson son Vaughan take a ride.

The famous Buena Vista Cafe with its Irish Coffee is near a Cable Car stop.

Market Street ends in front of the famous Ferry Building on the Embarcadero. This 1914 photo shows the activity in front of the building. There were no bridges at the time, so everyone took ferry boats across the bay. You can still take ferry boats to various places across the bay.

A highlight of any visit is the Saturday Farmer’s Market at the Ferry Building. This place featured some of the best cookies I’ve ever tasted!

San Francisco has many great hotels but perhaps none as classic as the Palace Hotel.

Speaking of classic, you can’t go wrong with the seafood at Tadich Grill in the Financial District.

San Franciso’s China Town is a must on a visit!

There are often performances on Grant Avenue on the weekend.

A Chinatown mural.

The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park has been a favorite of mine since I was a small boy.

I love the little pathways around the garden.

I’m with the girls in front of the famous bronze Buddha last August.

Marla takes the grandsons to the famous De Young Museum across the park.

The California Academy of Sciences requires a reservation to ensure entry as it is can be crowded. It never fails to fascinate young and old.

Marla and I in front of the Conservatory of Flowers.

The pathway from the “Lands End” parking area toward the ruins of Sutro Baths. The Cliff House is at the upper left. My great grandfather used to do temperature and humidity readings at the end of his life for Mayor Sutro. I have letters from the mayor thanking him from 1896.

Sutro Baths must have been a truly fun place to visit then.

The Legion of Honor is a fabulous jewel box of a museum in Lincoln Park.

Fisherman’s Wharf is always a treat when you want fresh seafood. Double check where you want to dine as a few places are still closed due to COVID and a fire.

A Saturday Street fair by Columbus Avenue. The Vesuvio Cafe was a famous bar with the “Beat Generation” and Jack Kerouac.

You can find superb Italian restaurants throughout the City but North Beach is one of my favorite destinations and full of fun restaurants. I love the restaurants on Green Street.

It may be a little touristy but driving down twisty Lombard Street and up to nearby Coit Tower is a must!

San Francisco is blessed to still have wonderful old Victorian homes like these above.

My San Francisco blog is but a short teaser about my beloved City! Please reach out if you would like more ideas on dining, shopping, hotels, and nearby side trips.

Photos: Dick Gentry (except Lombard Street and Victorian Homes. Not to be used without permission.