F I R S TP R E V825NEXTLAST

Bungie Bounce, Pier 39
Since summer is in full swing, today FogBay offers a PSA on the city's tourist traps. First, not all tourist destinations are bad, many are actually great ways to spend your time in San Francisco. The best of these include the sights; the Alcatraz Island tour, the cable cars, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Fort Point, Golden Gate Park, North Beach, and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge.

The fair tourist destinations are really just shopping disguised as sightseeing. They include Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Union Square, and the Cannery. If you feel compelled to shop, visit a museum such as the SF MOMA, Asian Art, Exploritorium, or de Young and then explore its gift shop. Unlike that 'I got Crabs on Fisherman's Wharf' t-shirt you'll find stuff you actually want to keep.

The really bad tourist traps are the rides and attractions; Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum, The Great San Francisco Adventure, Turbo Ride, and the Wax Museum. Also avoid any theme or chain restaurant – did you really come to San Francisco to eat in a fake rain forest? Finally there's a lot to do that's right outside of town; Muir Woods, the Wine Country, Bay and whale watching cruises, and the Marin Headland are just a few options. Welcome and remember to pack a sweater.
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