San Francisco has always been on our bucket list, and finally, the time came! We are excited to explore the city's rich history, iconic landmarks, and family-friendly activities. We chose to stay at the Merced Manor Apartment Airbnb, which turned out to be the perfect base for our adventures. So, let's dive into our unforgettable stay in the enchanting city by the bay!

The living area

San Francisco, a city steeped in history and cultural diversity, has an intriguing past that has shaped its present-day identity. Founded on June 29, 1776, by Spanish colonists led by Lieutenant José Joaquin Moraga, the city was initially named "Yerba Buena" and served as a mission to convert Native Americans to Christianity. The establishment of Mission San Francisco de Asís, also known as Mission Dolores, marked the beginning of San Francisco's history. The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848 prompted the famous California Gold Rush, transforming the small settlement of Yerba Buena into a bustling, cosmopolitan city. Renamed San Francisco in 1847, the city became the main port and supply center for gold miners, attracting fortune seekers from around the world. The Gold Rush led to a massive population influx, with the city's population increasing from 1,000 in 1848 to over 25,000 by 1850.

The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad in the late 1860s further fueled San Francisco's growth, linking the city to the rest of the United States, and solidifying its position as a significant economic and transportation hub. During this period, many immigrants, particularly from China, arrived in the city, contributing to its cultural diversity. The formation of San Francisco's Chinatown, one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities outside of Asia, can be traced back to this era.

On April 18, 1906, a devastating earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck San Francisco, causing widespread destruction and fires that lasted for days. The disaster claimed over 3,000 lives and left more than half of the city's population homeless. The city was quickly rebuilt, however, and by the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, it had regained its splendor and showcased its resilience. The 20th century saw San Francisco becoming a center for progressive social and cultural movements. During the 1940s and 1950s, the city emerged as a major hub for the Beat Generation, a literary movement that challenged conventional norms and celebrated nonconformity. In the 1960s, San Francisco played a significant role in the counterculture movement, with the Haight-Ashbury district becoming synonymous with the "Summer of Love" in 1967.

San Francisco also has a rich history of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. The city's vibrant Castro District became a symbol of the gay liberation movement in the 1970s, with leaders like Harvey Milk championing equal rights for all. Today, San Francisco is known for its annual Pride Parade, which celebrates the city's diverse and inclusive spirit. Throughout its history, San Francisco has experienced periods of rapid growth, adversity and cultural revolution. The city's rich past has shaped its present, creating a unique and dynamic metropolis renowned for its iconic landmarks, diverse population, and innovative spirit.

Upon arrival at our home-away-from-home, we are greeted by our lovely Airbnb host, who gave us a warm welcome and a tour of our home for the week. The Merced Manor Apartment is a spacious, modern, and comfortable 2-bedroom flat, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, living area and a beautiful outdoor patio. The garden at the back is full of cacti and even a lemon tree... all visible from the window in the master bedroom. Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood, the location provided easy access to public transportation, making it convenient to explore the city.

The master bedroom

The next morning, we set out for our first big adventure: a guided cycling tour to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge! We rent bikes from a nearby shop and join a group of fellow travelers as our knowledgeable guide led us along the scenic waterfront route. The ride is filled with breathtaking views of the bay and the city skyline, including a fantastic vantage point of Alcatraz Island. As we approach the Golden Gate Bridge, we are in awe of its grandeur and the incredible feat of engineering that it represents. Our guide shares some fascinating history about the bridge, including the fact that it was completed in 1937 and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time. We ride across the bridge, feeling the refreshing ocean breeze and marveling at the stunning views of the city and the surrounding nature.

The fameous Golden Gate Bridge (photo: Pixabay)

We also decide to explore San Francisco's vibrant harbor front. We start at Fisherman's Wharf, where we enjoy some delicious clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl - a local specialty! We then strolled along Pier 39, which was buzzing with street performers, souvenir shops, and the famous sea lions that call the area home. Our next stop is the historic Ghirardelli Square, once home to the renowned chocolate factory. We learn about the fascinating history of the square and treat ourselves to some mouthwatering Ghirardelli chocolate sundaes. After that, we take a leisurely walk to the nearby Maritime National Historical Park, where we admire the impressive collection of vintage ships and discovered the city's maritime history.

As we discover during our stay San Francisco has no shortage of family-friendly activities, and our visit to the California Academy of Sciences is a perfect example. This incredible museum offers a fascinating mix of exhibits, including a planetarium, an aquarium and a living rainforest. We love the hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, and we are impressed by the museum's commitment to sustainability and conservation.

One can’t visit San Francisco without experiencing its historic cable cars! We start our day at the Cable Car Museum, where we learn about the history of these iconic vehicles and how they have become a symbol of the city. The museum offers an inside look at the cable car system, with live demonstrations of the machinery in action. After the museum, we head to Alamo Square, a picturesque park known for its famous row of Victorian houses, known as the "Painted Ladies." These stunning homes date back to the late 19th.

The painted ladies (photo: Pixabay)

As we look back on our unforgettable trip to San Francisco, we can't help but be thankful for the wonderful time we spent in this vibrant and diverse city. The Merced Manor Apartment provides the perfect home base, and the many adventures we've had – from biking across the Golden Gate Bridge to exploring the diverse neighborhoods – have left us with a treasure trove of fond memories. San Francisco stole our hearts with its unique blend of culture, history, and family-friendly activities. We can't wait to return and explore more of this fascinating city.

WOW

# The apartment was spacious, well-appointed, and conveniently located near public transportation. Our hosts are incredibly welcoming and provide excellent recommendations for local attractions and restaurants.

# The neighborhood is quiet, safe and within walking distance of several attractions. We especially appreciate the detailed guidebook our hosts provided, which made exploring San Francisco a breeze.

# The apartment is tastefully decorated with interesting art and a beautiful collection of shells. The overhead lighting is impressive and the kitchen is equipped to cook whatever one desires.