How to Experience San Francisco Solo

by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 7:00 PM ET, Thu April 27, 2017

<p></p><p>With a nickname as broad as The City, it's clear San Francisco brings a ton to the table.</p><p>It's home to renowned attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, of course, but San Francisco offers plenty of other rewarding experiences, especially for solo travelers.</p><p>Sure, traveling alone has its challenges. Fortunately, it can be fun in San Francisco.</p><p>[CALLOUT]</p><p><strong>Make Friends on a Tour</strong></p><p><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="515" scrolling="no" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTXBFpmleyv/embed/" width="630">##</iframe></p><p>The <a href="https://www.freesftour.com/" target="_blank">Free SF walking tour</a> begins every day at 10 a.m. at Union Square, rain or shine, and is an excellent introduction to the city for solo travelers. </p><p>The tour is led by Filip, an experienced guide with extensive knowledge of the city.</p><p>"We would like to make you feel as if a friend of yours is showing you around, but that friend had much more time to explore San Francisco's insights and has actually done tons of walking tours before," the group's mission states.</p><p><strong>Get Outdoors </strong></p><p><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTVD1_6Fmf9/embed/" width="630">##</iframe></p><p>There's a reason <a href="https://goldengatepark.com/" target="_blank">Golden Gate Park</a> hosts more than 13 million visitors annually. After all, it's home to more than 1,000 acres (20 percent larger than New York's Central Park) of public gardens, playgrounds, trails, lakes and monuments.</p><p>Take a scenic walk, enjoy a relaxing bike ride or simply plop down in the grass under the sun. The views here can't be beaten, so you won't need anyone else to appreciate them.</p><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong font-size:="" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: sans-serif, arial, verdana, " trebuchet="">[READMORE] READ MORE: </strong><strong><a href="http://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/san-francisco-loves-tourism.html" target="_self">San Francisco Loves Tourism</a></strong><strong font-size:="" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: sans-serif, arial, verdana, " trebuchet=""> [/READMORE] </strong></div><div> </div><div><strong>Join a Community</strong></div><p><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="700" scrolling="no" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/BR4hCKgj6o8/embed/" width="630">##</iframe></p><p>Don't settle for twiddling your thumbs in a quiet hotel room. Instead, book a stay at the <a href="http://san-francisco-hostel.com/" target="_blank">Pacific Tradewinds Hostel</a> on Sacramento St.</p><p>Guests rave about this hostel, and it has a great location (just a short walk to Chinatown) in addition to being affordable. Rates range from $35 to $45 per night.</p><p>You'll make friends easily here, and free perks include Wi-Fi and round-the-clock coffee and tea.</p><p><strong>Shop 'til You Drop</strong></p><p><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="700" scrolling="no" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/BR_0-pZBK8n/embed/" width="630">##</iframe></p><p>Head over to the <a href="https://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/" target="_blank">Ferry Building Marketplace</a> on The Embarcadero where you'll find a delightful mix of fresh food and souvenirs. There are favorites like coffee, bread, wine and cheeses but also some truly unique items like chocolate-covered crickets.</p><p>There's a good chance you'll be battling some crowds, but if you're alone, you'll be free to pass through at your own pace.</p><p>[READMORE] <strong>READ MORE: <a href="http://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/tips-for-a-san-francisco-road-trip.html" target="_self">Tips for a San Francisco Road Trip</a></strong> [/READMORE]</p><p><strong>Travel Back in Time</strong></p><p><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="700" scrolling="no" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/BRXTGUfBnPF/embed/" width="630">##</iframe></p><p>Looking for some old school fun and games? Check out <a href="http://www.museemecaniquesf.com/" target="_blank">Musee Mecanique</a> in Fisherman's Wharf.</p><p>This 20th-century attraction boasts one of the world's largest collection of coin-operated antique arcade games, and you'll have a blast playing them. (Be sure to bring some quarters or cash for the change machine.) </p><p>Even if you just want to look, admission is free and Musee Mecanique is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., 365 days a year.</p>