California / The Splendor of San Francisco: A Sunshine Paradise on the Other Side of the Pacific

Reported by Hong Shengyi / Taipei

When it comes to California, the first thing that comes to mind is San Francisco, where the dreams of many gold prospectors once came true. What remains today are golden streets paved with romantic sunshine—the famed “California sunshine.” Once you’re here, I think even working can bring joy. Next, we’ll split our introduction into two parts, briefly covering the beautiful sights of San Francisco, USA, and the key things visitors should keep in mind (aside from bringing enough money).

San Francisco, located in California, USA, has a time difference of about 15–16 hours with Taipei. The flight from Taoyuan Airport to San Francisco Airport takes approximately 13 hours. Most flights serve two meals, during which travelers can make good use of the time to adjust to the time difference. The simplest way is to follow the cabin lighting—just remember, when the lights are all on, stay awake and watch a movie (you could even watch 4–5 movies without sleeping) or play some games. Once the flight attendants turn off the lights, it’s time to sleep. Close your eyes and get some rest.

※ Transportation:

In downtown San Francisco, aside from the outrageously expensive taxis, the must-try local transport is the iconic cable car. However, a one-way trip for an adult typically costs around $6. If you plan to ride frequently, be sure to get a tourist pass similar to an EasyCard (the Muni Passport), available in one-day, three-day, and seven-day options. With this pass, you can ride the cable cars and Muni (the local buses and light rail) for free. Based on my beginner’s experience, this pass allows you to visit all the major attractions covered in travel guides, including those in the downtown area.

※ Attractions:

For those who have visited San Francisco many times, the joy of coming here often lies in finding a patch of grass, sitting down with a cup of coffee, or renting a bike to explore the waterfront, the Golden Gate Bridge, admire the mountains and sea, and soak up the California sunshine. Just doing that can be more fulfilling than any place in Taiwan. As for accommodation, any clean place in the city will do.

As for first-time visitors flying to San Francisco, must-see attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Lombard Street (the Crookedest Street), Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf (especially Pier 39), the California Academy of Sciences, the Cable Car Museum, Union Square, Haight-Ashbury (the Hippie District), and Chinatown. These sites are large and easy to find, and the reporter will introduce them in detail in the following articles.

One thing to note is that Americans highly value their leisure time after work. As a result, most department stores and shops on streets and alleys close around 7–8 PM, and only “places to drink” remain open after 9 PM (locals love drinking, so if you go to such places, avoid going alone for safety reasons).

※ Food:

When traveling in San Francisco, remember to carry a bottle of water. As for must-try foods, I believe having crab at the wharf along with clam chowder is the best choice, followed by steak paired with a little wine (since you’re in the US, treating yourself to some quality food is well deserved). Places like Alioto’s Seafood Restaurant, boxed salads available in department stores, Stinking Rose, and Sear’s Food are all excellent choices. If you’re not too picky about food, you can also try In-N-Out, a fast-food chain unique to San Francisco. It’s somewhat like McDonald’s—the food is average, but drinks are unlimited. First-timers should definitely check it out. For breakfast, try the Chinese-style breakfast in Chinatown or the famous Mama’s in the city.

Finally, as for shopping, San Francisco isn’t as great as places like the UK or New York. If you’re looking for bargains, it’s a good idea to shop during the Christmas sales or other discount seasons while enjoying your trip.