ABINGDON ON THAMES – November 19, 2023.

The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark and a must-visit for any traveller to San Francisco. My first visit to the bridge was in July 2012 and I have to say it was very underwhelming as I actually didn’t see the whole of it due to the famous San Francisco fog.

 

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the one-mile-wide (1.6 km) strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The structure links the U.S. city of San Francisco, California and the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County, carrying both U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1 across the strait. It also carries pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and is designated as part of U.S. Bicycle Route 95.

01. Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center.

The Welcome Center is on the San Francisco side of the Golden Gate Bridge. This is by far the most popluar point to view the bridge. It’s the view you see many holiday brochures.

From here you’ll get spectacular views of the bridge from a number of different angles. My favourite view is from the cycle path that leads up to the Welcome Center.

From the Welcome Center you can also cycle or walk across the bridge to Vista Point North which affords great views of the bridge, the Pacific coastline and downtown San Francisco.

Here you’ll find a café, gift shop and restrooms.

The Welcome Center is also accessible by public transit. You can take Golden Gate Transit bus routes 101, 130, or 150 from San Francisco to the northbound Toll Plaza bus stop. From there, it is a short walk to the Welcome Center.

I have also cycled from Fishmans Wharf, San Francisco and on the last occasin I was there, I took an Uber to catch the early morning sunshine.

02. Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point North.

This is a vantage point offering stunning views of the surrounding city, bay, and the iconic bridge. It is located on the north side of the bridge in Sausalito, California. There is a parking lot and restrooms available. There are two vista points for the Golden Gate Bridge: one in the north and one in the south.

The north vista point is officially called the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, while the south vista point is called the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point South. My first picture of the Golden Gate in fog was taken from Vista Point South.

03. Battery Spencer at the Golden Gate Bridge.

This  is a 19th-century concrete battery featuring panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. In my view, this is by far the best view of the bridge.

Battery Spencer sits at the bottom of the Marin Headlands, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a vast expanse of rolling hills directly north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Head left on Conzelman Road, and the vistas abound. Literally anywhere you see cars parked, stop. The view is going to be amazing. Hawk Hill, the end of the two-lane part of Conzelman is a perfect place to see the Golden Gate Bridge framed against the entire city of San Francisco in the background.

Be warned though that the Headlands are extremely popular so it may be hard to find parking. You can, however, take the 76X bus which runs along Conzelman Road from San Francisco on the weekends.

04. Golden Gate Bay Cruise.

A Golden Gate Bay cruise is a must-do for any visitor to San Francisco. It is an excellent way to see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco skyline from a unique perspective. I did this for the very first time in September 2023 with Red And White Fleet and throughly enjoyed it.

There are many different cruise companies to choose from, each offering a variety of options, such as one-hour cruises, sunset cruises, and dinner cruises.

When to Go.

The best time to visit the Golden Gate Bridge is during the day when you can enjoy the views and take photos. However, the bridge is also beautiful at night when it is lit up. If you’re planning on hiking or biking across the bridge, be sure to go early in the morning before the traffic gets too heavy.

What to Do.

There are many ways to experience the Golden Gate Bridge. You can walk or bike across the bridge, take a ferry ride under the bridge, or hike to one of the many viewpoints for stunning views. There are also several museums and visitor centers dedicated to the bridge’s history and construction.

Where to Park.

There is limited parking at the Golden Gate Bridge, so it is best to take public transportation or park at a nearby lot and walk to the bridge. There are several parking lots near the bridge, including the Vista Point parking lot and the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center parking lot.

What to Bring.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking. Bring sunscreen and a hat, as it can be sunny and windy at the bridge. If you are planning on taking photos, be sure to bring your camera and tripod.

Here are some additional tips for visiting the Golden Gate Bridge:

• Arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Be prepared for wind and fog.
• Check the weather forecast before you go.
• Bring your own food and drinks, as there are limited options at the bridge.
• Be respectful of other visitors and take your trash with you.

Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge is a truly unforgettable experience. With a little planning, you can make the most of your visit and enjoy this iconic landmark.

ABINGDON ON THAMES – November 19, 2023.

San Francisco offers a variety of transportation options to get around its compact and walkable streets. Here are some of the most popular ways to navigate the city:

Public Transportation: San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (Muni) operates an extensive network of buses, streetcars, and the iconic cable cars. The Muni Metro, a light rail system, provides convenient access to major destinations like Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Mission District. You can purchase single-ride tickets or Clipper cards for unlimited rides within a certain time period.

Biking: San Francisco is a cyclist-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes and a bike-sharing program called Bay Wheels. With its hills and scenic waterfront routes, cycling is a great way to explore the city at your own pace.

Walking: Many neighbourhood’s in San Francisco, such as downtown, North Beach, and Fisherman’s Wharf, are easily walkable, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and discover hidden gems along the way

Ride-sharing Services: Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available in San Francisco, providing a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available in most parts of the city, offering a traditional mode of transportation with metered fares.

Ferries: For a scenic and relaxing alternative, consider taking the ferry across the San Francisco Bay. Ferry services connect San Francisco to Sausalito, Oakland, and other nearby destinations. San Francisco offers a variety of transportation options to get around its compact and walkable streets. Here are some of the most popular ways to navigate the city:

Cable Cars: While primarily a tourist attraction, cable cars offer a unique and enjoyable way to experience San Francisco’s history and charm. The three cable car lines traverse the city’s hilly terrain, providing a ride along iconic landmarks like Nob Hill and Chinatown.

Guided Tours: For a comprehensive overview of the city’s highlights, consider joining a guided tour by bus, bike, or on foot. These tours provide insights into San Francisco’s history, culture, and landmarks.

ABINGDON ON THAMES – November 10, 2023.

Every time I visit San Francisco I also take time out to escape for a day to the picturesque landscapes of Sonoma and Napa Valley where unforgettable wine tasting experiences abound. I like nothing better than Immersing myself in the region’s renowned vineyards whilst uncovering the rich flavours of the local wines.

I’ll cut straight to the chase here and say there’s three ways to discover the vineyards of Sonoma and Napa Valley, most of which lie an hours drive to the East of San Francisco. And if you choose to drive, well then there’s the added bonus of being able to go across the Golden Gate Bridge.

It was back in November 2015 when I took my first trip to wine country and it was part of an organised trip on a coach from San Francisco. It was expensive (Over $120 plus tasting fees) and yes there was the obligatory stop at the Golden Gate Bridge for pictures followed by tasting at five wineries starting at 09:30, but what that trip did was set me up for the future in discovering wine and wineries I liked. If like me you’re a solo traveller than this is for you and avoids the dreaded ‘Drink & Drive’ Scenario.

What that trip did do was give me the inspiration to revisit some of those wineries again on future trips merely to pick up wine I had already tasted and to stock up my cellar at home! If you know what you want and like and are prepared to do some research prior to arrival then this is the trip for you. This is a cheaper option as last time I did this in January 2023 car hire was around $50 for the day. And of course if there’s more than one of you, then the other members of your group can still enjoy wine tasting!

At this point it is worth pointing out that many vineyards charge for tasting with prices starting as low as $12. For that you get to sample four or five wines. In terms of vineyards, these are my three go to wineries all of which are within a mile of each other.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards was founded in 2005 by Fred and Nancy Cline as an homage to Fred’s grandfather, Valeriano Jacuzzi, who invented the namesake spa pump.

The winery is located on a 18,000-square-foot Tuscan-style property that was modelled on the Jacuzzi family’s ancestral home in Italy.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards offers a variety of Italian style wines, including Teroldego, Barbera, Moscato, Arneis, and Pinot Grigio.

The winery also offers a variety of wine tasting experiences, including a Wine & Food Pairing experience and a Vineyard Views experience.

Cline Family Cellars.

Cline Family Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery located in Sonoma, California. They specialize in Zinfandels, Rhône-style wines, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
Here are some of the wines that they offer:

• Seven Ranchlands Chardonnay
• J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon
• Seven Ranchlands Pinot Gris
• Seven Ranchlands Gewürztraminer
• Seven Ranchlands Sauvignon Blanc
• Seven Ranchlands Marsanne Roussanne
• Grenache Gris
• Mourvedre Rose
• Seven Ranchlands Pinot Noir
• Seven Ranchlands Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cashmere Red
• Cashmere Black
• Ancient Vines Zinfandel
• Ancient Vines Carignane
• Ancient Vines Mourvedre
• Fog Swept Pinot Noir
• Eight Spur Zinfandel
• Rock Carved Cabernet Sauvignon
• Late Harvest Mourvèdre
• Bridgehead Zinfandel

They also offer a variety of wine tasting experiences, including a Wine & Food Pairing experience and a Vineyard Views experience.

Larson Family Vineyard/

• Larson Family Winery is a family-owned and operated winery in the Carneros region of Sonoma County. The winery was founded in 1997 by the Larson family.
• Larson Family Winery is known for their Pinot Noir wines.
• The winery also offers a variety of other wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Larson Family Winery is committed to sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices.

Here are some of the wines that they offer:

• Pinot Noir
• Sparkling Brut
• Sparkling Rosé

They also offer a variety of wine tasting experiences, including a Vineyard View Experience.

And finally the third way to go wine tasting in Sonoma and Napa Valley was a recent discovery from September 2023. As mentioned and as a solo traveller I cannot ‘Drink & Drive’ which lead me to think was there anywhere closer to San Francisco and accessible via public transport to taste wine. After a lot of research I discovered Bacchus & Venus, a wine tasting room in Sausalito. This coastal town is nestled under the East side of the Golden Gate Bridge so is an easy Uber ride from San Francisco or in my case I took took the ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito which takes around 40 minutes.

Bacchus & Venus.

Bacchus & Venus is a chic wine retailer offering a tasting room & an art gallery displaying regionally themed works. It costs $20 per tasting for which you get four wines.

• “Great selection of California wines and a knowledgeable staff who can help you find the perfect bottle.”
• “The tasting room is a great place to try new wines and learn about different regions.”
• “The art gallery is a nice bonus, and the views of the San Francisco Bay are amazing.“

If you are looking for a great place to buy wine or learn more about California wines, I highly recommend Bacchus & Venus as I brought three bottles of one – of a – kind Californian wine after tasting.

So there you have it. Happy tasting and feel free to reach out with any questions.

San Francisco is a city with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just want to experience the unique vibe of this city, you’ll find plenty to do. Here are a few ideas for things to see and do in San Francisco:

Visit the Golden Gate Bridge: The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. You can walk or bike across the bridge, or take a ferry to get a closer look.

Explore Chinatown: Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in North America. It’s a great place to wander around and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Chinese culture.

Ride a cable car: San Francisco’s cable cars are a National Historic Landmark. They’re a fun way to get around the city, and they offer stunning views of the cityscape.

Visit Alcatraz Island: Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that’s now a popular tourist destination. You can take a tour of the island and learn about its history.

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf: Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular tourist destination with a variety of attractions, including Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and the Aquarium of the Bay.

Take a walk through Golden Gate Park: Golden Gate Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world. It’s a great place to relax, have a picnic, or go for a walk

Visit the Japanese Tea Garden: The Japanese Tea Garden is a beautiful garden located in Golden Gate Park. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of tea

See a show at the San Francisco Opera: The San Francisco Opera is one of the world’s leading opera companies. It’s a great place to see a world-class performance.

Visit the de Young Museum: The de Young Museum is an art museum located in Golden Gate Park. It has a large collection of art from around the world.

Visit the California Academy of Sciences: The California Academy of Sciences is a natural history museum located in Golden Gate Park. It has a variety of exhibits on science and nature.

Go hiking in Muir Woods: Muir Woods is a national monument located just north of San Francisco. It’s a great place to go hiking and see the giant redwood trees

Take a ferry to Sausalito: Sausalito is a charming town located across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. It’s a great place to have lunch, go shopping, or just relax and enjoy the views.

These are just a few ideas for things to see and do in San Francisco. With so much to offer, you’re sure to have a great time no matter what you choose to do.

SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – November 17, 2022.

The Wall Street Journal today named the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) as the top large U.S. airport in their annual ranking, comprised of multiple measurements, including on-time performance, security checkpoint line waits and customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power.

“I’m proud that San Francisco Airport is being recognized for the world-class experience we are providing for both residents and visitors,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. “We know that tourism is central to our recovery, and making sure people feel welcomed from the moment they land in San Francisco is an essential part of that experience. This recognition is a testament to everyone who has made SFO a success, including the workers who are there every day helping airport visitors get to their destinations.”

“We are truly honored to be ranked the top U.S. airport by the Wall Street Journal,” said Airport Director Ivar C. Satero. “Our entire team has worked hard to create a world-class airport experience for our guests, and this achievement is the ultimate validation of our efforts. During a year of turbulent air travel, we are proud to know that SFO offered the most consistent, reliable experience for our valued travelers.”

The Wall Street Journal ranked the 50 largest U.S. airports by nineteen measures of operations, including on-time performance, security checkpoint wait times, ticket prices, and the J.D. Power 2022 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Airports were further divided into the 20 largest and the remaining 30.

San Francisco International Airport is offering travellers the opportunity to get vaccinated on arrival with a free Johnson & Johnson ‘One Shot’ Covid 19 Vaccine as part of their ‘Vaccine Tourism’ scheme.

When former American President Donald Trump spoke in March 2020, it was bad news for anyone wanting to visit the US.

Since then, the US has been off limits to all but a few UK and European citizens. But there’s now light at the end of tunnel with President Joe Biden set to re – open the border again early in November, 2021.

There are lots of questions remaining – including what testing and vaccination certification might be required.

San Francisco Airport is hoping to see a rapid return of passengers with their “Vaccination Tourism’ scheme which has already jabbed thousands of people. The majority of those are not US citizens – who’ve been unable to access a vaccine in their country.

San Francisco International Airport is offering travellers the opportunity to get vaccinated on arrival with a free Johnson & Johnson ‘One Shot’ Covid 19 Vaccine.

Andrew Wright has been speaking to the airport’s Public Information Officer, Doug Yakel :for Times Radio.