7 Reasons to Visit San Francisco over Chicago

San Francisco in winter
San Francisco in winter | © Rick Cooper / Flickr
Deanna Morgado

San Francisco and Chicago are two very different American cities that both offer one-of-a-kind attractions and opportunities to explore. While these cities are vastly different, San Francisco may have more reasons to visit than its Illinois counterpart. Here are the top reasons to visit San Francisco over Chicago.

Biking possibilities

Hopping on two wheels and pedaling through San Francisco pleases both fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers. Biking through the city means riding over the infamous Golden Gate Bridge, past lakes, through buffalo paddocks, and up and down some of the steepest hills in California. The city’s streets are very bike-intuitive, with multiple bike trails and wider-than-average designated biking lanes. The scenery changes almost as fast as bikers can pedal—one street will be lined with a canopy of trees, while the next block will show off painted alleyways and other urban scenery.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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San Francisco

Less harsh winters

While Chicago achieved the assumingly harmless nickname the “Windy City,” San Francisco’s colder months are hands down much less harsh. While the neighboring Bay and the Pacific Ocean may bring a frigid chill to the SF air, there’s no shoveling snow or sub-zero temperatures. And there’s almost never any reason (due to weather) that will keep people from being able to walk out their front door.

San Francisco in winter

Close to everything

The number of towns and getaways that are just a few hours away by car from San Francisco makes the city that much more beneficial to visit. If done right, a weekend trip could include not only San Francisco itself but also John Muir Woods, Napa Valley, Point Reyes, and Santa Cruz. When you visit SF, it also means having the possibility of discovering so many other incredible destinations.

Muir Woods

Natural beauty

Golden Gate Park alone comprises 1,000 acres of forests, meadows, lakes, and other natural beauties. The nature that surrounds San Francisco makes for a healthy getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay serve as constant coastal backdrops along the city’s many beaches. The beginning of California’s majestic Redwoods are just beyond SF—always in sight from the northwest side of the city is Muir Woods’ Ancient Redwood Forest.

Golden Gate Park Conservatory

More relaxed style

San Franciscans swear by the classic jeans and hoodies ensemble. Whether going out for cocktails or heading to work on an average Tuesday, it doesn’t matter; San Francisco’s casual dress code is accepted nearly everywhere in the city. It makes getting ready for an evening out less stressful when pretty much everyone is keeping it all casual too.

The dress code in San Francisco is more relaxed than in Chicago

More liberal

Speaking of more relaxed styles, San Francisco definitely has a more lax outlook on most things. Multiple studies have shown that San Francisco is one of the most (if not the most) liberal cities in the U.S., outranking not only Chicago but other American cities as well. Looking to try a whole new, out-of-the-box wardrobe? Locals won’t give it a second glance. Public nudity? Though technically illegal, no San Franciscan would bat an eye. Feeling insecure in this city is nearly impossible since nothing can really surprise an SF native.

Hanging out in SF

Shopping

The City by the Bay is hands down one of the world’s premier shopping destinations. World-class boutiques and stores are sprinkled all throughout the city’s districts. Union Square is only the mere starting point for doing shopping in San Francisco right. Other shopping destinations include Hayes Street for the boho shoppers, North Beach for Italian-brand enthusiasts, Fillmore Street for the high fashionistas, and the list goes on. This small city is 7×7 square miles (127 square kilometers) of endless shopping opportunities.

San Francisco shopping scene
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I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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