What is san francisco like?

What is San Francisco, California like?

• I have wanted to go to California my entire life, and as I grew older, San Francisco seemed like a lot of fun and a great adventure to me. For my 17th birthday, I wanted to take a trip to San Francisco with a friend or two. I was wondering what it's like there, and what there is to do there for my age group. Don't miss out on details, explain the atmosphere and the overall experiances I could be having. Thanks!

• Answer:

  I'm in the same age so I can tell you exactly what you can do! There's a ton to do no matter how old you are. I'm almost 17, but I'm a local so it's a bit different. What I generally like to do (and others my age) is go to cafes, restaurants, and go to the street fairs. Those are really fun! Though I am a local, it's fun going to places like Fisherman's wharf. That area is touristy, but it's pretty fun. Pier 39 is probably the best part of Fisherman's Wharf besides Alcatraz....except Alcatraz is more in the bay than in Fisherman's Wharf :P haha anyways, other places I enjoy are Union Square, Valencia, the Haight, and North Beach. Union Square is kind of another touristy area, but you'll see a bunch of locals there too because it's the shopping area!! I also love the Haight....but it's obviously not the same as it was 45 years ago. I usually only go there to go to Amoebas (the coolest music store ever!). The newest place that is kind of like a modern Haight and where you'll see all the locals is Valencia. Valencia is in the Mission District and it's a pretty fun area except I'd recommend that for more when you are 18 (or even 21) because there are a lot of clubs there, but even if you aren't that age, it still a fun area. North Beach is probably the area I got to the most. It's right next to China Town and it's the "Little Italy" of S.F. Food there is amazingggg. You can definitely find some great restaurants and cafes there and a lot of locals are there too. Atmosphere generally depends on what area (district) you are in, but for the most part, it's very liberal and very free. The places I recommended are generally more fun....but other places can be more hostile. Union Square can get that way sometimes just because it's near the industrial district and a lot of locals are going to work. S.F. though is probably one of the most amazing cities I've been to....I mean I live here, but I love it so much! The people are generally nice and open minded. :) hope you enjoy it!