Address: 3301 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Constructed in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition (or otherwise known as the World Fair), this palace has become one of the iconic locations of San Francisco. This exhibition was held to celebrate the city's recovery from the devastating earthquake of 1906. Although this palace was supposed to be dismantled together with other exhibition palaces, it was allowed to remain, due to its beauty and star attraction status.
Nowadays, the century-old palace not only houses galleries and theater, it also serves as a popular wedding venue. There was even a wedding going on under the dome when we visited. Plus, about two or three other couples were having their pre-wedding photos taken there.
It also serves as a beautiful park with a serene lagoon, a wide expanse of lawn as well as meandering walkways, complete with people enjoying their picnic.
It must be real nice to own one of those houses, opposite the Palace of Fine Arts yeah?
(By the way, when you visit this enchanting place, just find a street parking along those houses and walk over.)
Gorgeous European style architecture
We even encountered a busking lady with her huge harp. Her soothing music definitely added a nice touch to the already beautiful ambiance.
Golden Gate Bridge
Address: There is none! To reach the parking lot on the south side of the bridge, take US highway 101 and exit at this sign "Golden Gate National Recreation Area View Area".
Opening Hours: if you are feeling fit and want to walk / cycle across
Cyclists: 24 hours access to the bridge's sidewalks
Pedestrians: 5:00 am - 6:30 pm (Pacific Standard Time)
5:00 am - 9:00 pm (Daylight Savings Time)
Golden Gate Bridge has long been synonymous with the city of San Francisco, as depicted in numerous movies, books and postcards. Let me tell you, the view was absolutely mesmerizing. Yeah sure, it was just a bridge, but it was an awe-inspiring bridge!
It required 4 years to construct this magnificent bridge against treacherous weather conditions. Opened in 1937, this bridge was then recognized as the longest suspension bridge in the world. The single-suspension span is anchored by twin towers at 746 feet high - once taller than any building in San Francisco.
We headed to this iconic location after the palace as it was only a short 5 minutes drive away. However, we didn't expect the massive turnout of weekend crowd! It was such a struggle to even find a parking lot that we eventually gave up the endeavor.
Uncle double-parked and waited in the car for us, so he could move if anybody wanted to leave. We then rushed to admire this striking orange bridge for a few minutes :D
There were just 37 parking spaces with 26 for general use, 6 for buses and 3 for those visitors with disabilities. Can you believe it? Just 37! So if you are driving, go on a weekday, pretty early in the morning.
beautiful neighborhood, don't you agree?
Golden Gate Park
A park with more than a 1000 acres of land in the city area of San Francisco!!! WOW indeed. There are so many attractions ranging from California Academy of Science, deYoung Museum, Conservatory of Flowers, Aquarium, Japanese Tea Garden, Rose Garden, Dahlia Garden, Botanical Garden, Strawberry Hill, Windmills and Tulip Garden and not to mention many meadows and groves. Do check out the blooming season of various types of flowers before your visit so you can plan which garden to go accordingly. The park is so huge I think its impossible to cover all attractions in the entire area.
A picturesque public space to connect with nature
At Stow Lake
We got to witness "Flagging in the Park" event held at the AIDS Memorial Grove. This flag and fan pop culture "serves as an artistic empowerment and HIV / AIDS awareness program for the under-served LGBT communities."
See how huge this park really was? We covered less than 10% of what it had to offer!
Conservatory of Flowers
Stunning Dahlia Garden with impressive spread of blooms in arrays of vibrant colors
Unfortunately, visitors were not allowed to go inside the fence :(
Unfortunately, visitors were not allowed to go inside the fence :(
I intend to explore more areas of this gigantic park next time!
We left the park around 5:15 pm and reached home after a 30-min drive. Uncle prepared this beautiful garden table and chair set, complete with a flower pot, for us to enjoy our meals in the backyard. We tried but it was pretty windy and cold so we retreated back indoor :D However, it would be really great to be able to enjoy alfresco dining though. Isn't it what those of us from the tropics want? Even if its just once in a while.
We had some fruits from the farmers' market before dinner. The best peaches and pomegranates I had ever had. So juicy, fresh and sweet~
That's it for our day 3 and more posts coming soon!
Adios!
xoxo
Miss N
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