The time had finally come—my travel preparations were complete, and I was ready to embark on an exciting journey to the United States.
My destination? San Francisco, a city that has lived in my imagination ever since I saw the Golden Gate Bridge in the Movie The Core. This marked the beginning of my first-time visit to San Francisco, a place I had always dreamed of exploring.
This trip wasn’t just any ordinary journey—it involved the longest flight of my life, a 17-hour non-stop journey from Abu Dhabi to San Francisco with Etihad Airways.
As I boarded the plane, a wave of excitement hit me. I had no clue how I’d spend 17 hours in the air. Would I binge movies, struggle to sleep, or chat with a stranger seated next to me?
To my relief, I discovered I had no one sitting in the two seats to my right. With that extra space, I managed to get some solid sleep during the flight—something I hadn’t anticipated.
Every few hours, the cabin crew would serve snacks, which added a comforting rhythm to the journey. From savory treats to light bites, it felt like they had thought of everything to make the long hours more bearable.
Somewhere between anticipation and nervousness, it finally sunk in: this was my first trip to the USA. A place I had always dreamed of visiting. The thought made the long journey feel like a small hurdle before something amazing.
Touchdown in San FranciscoThe plane landed at dawn, and the soft morning light made everything outside look calm and welcoming.
My first stop was immigration, where the officer asked me a series of questions—enough to make me nervous. After what felt like forever, I got the stamp I was hoping for and officially stepped into San Francisco.
Touchdown in San Francisco: Outside SFO Airport
Getting Around San Francisco with BART
My first impression of the city started right at the airport. Just outside the terminal, I spotted BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), the city’s go-to public transportation system. It’s a cheap and efficient way to move around. The fares vary depending on the distance you travel—the farther, the more expensive.
If you plan to explore the city for several days, I recommend buying a Clipper Card. It makes riding BART and other transit systems smoother since you can reload it at various locations. To figure out the best route, you can check the BART map here.
As a first timer in San Francisco, my itinerary was packed with everything the city is known for. I knew I’d need comfortable shoes—there would be plenty of walking up and down San Francisco’s famous hills.
A Warm Welcome at the Hotel
I arrived at my hotel, which was a bit far from the airport, but the trip was worth it. The place was owned by a kind American Indian man who welcomed me warmly and gave me a few tips for navigating the city.
Moments like these remind me why I love traveling—when someone you’ve just met goes out of their way to make you feel at home.
My First U.S. Lesson
Upon arriving at my hotel, I realized I couldn’t charge my laptop—the power plug simply didn’t fit the U.S. sockets!
I tried every angle and trick, but my charger pin wasn’t compatible with the American outlets. Panic set in because I had important work to do and no way to power up my laptop.
In a rush, I asked the hotel staff for directions and hurried to the nearest supermarket. Thankfully, I found an international travel adapter that fit U.S. plugs. Crisis averted!
This was my first lesson in U.S. travel: always carry the right adapters because American power outlets differ from those in many other countries.
Conference Duties
The main reason for my visit was to attend a three-day conference, where I also delivered a lecture. It was an exciting opportunity to share my insights with a new audience.
Once my conference duties were complete, I still had another three days to explore the city, and I was eager to make the most of my time.
Exploring the Golden Gate Bridge
After finishing my conference, it was time to explore. My first stop? The Golden Gate Bridge.
I took a bus tour to the bridge. Seeing it for the first time in person was jaw-dropping—it was much larger than I ever imagined. The massive red structure stretched across the bay, suspended like a work of art against the sky.
The bridge was once called “the bridge that couldn’t be built,” but today it stands as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
And the best part? You can walk across the bridge! From the bus, I noticed that there’s a pedestrian path dedicated to walkers—something I hadn’t known before.
While crossing the bridge, the wind picked up fiercely. In one memorable moment, a tourist sitting on the bus lost his hat and scarf as the gusts blew them right off. Everyone gasped, and there were a few laughs at the unpredictability of the wind, but it was a reminder of how wild the elements can be on the bridge.
A Trip to Alcatraz Island
Next on my list was Alcatraz Island, a place I’d always wanted to see.
Alcatraz is eerie in the best way possible. The island, once home to some of the most notorious criminals, has a chilling atmosphere.
Walking through the old prison cells, I could feel the weight of the history surrounding me. The ferry ride to the island was just as spectacular, offering stunning views of San Francisco’s skyline and the Bay Bridge.
A Stroll through Fisherman’s Wharf
After Alcatraz, I headed to Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the city’s most lively and colorful spots. The air smelled like fresh seafood and sourdough bread, and the streets buzzed with energy.
I treated myself to a steaming bowl of clam chowder served in a bread bowl—it tasted like comfort in a dish.
Creative Bakery Delights in San Francisco
The real highlight, though, was watching sea lions lounging lazily on the docks. Their playful barks and carefree vibe matched the quirky charm of this part of San Francisco.
Recommended Items to Pack for Your San Francisco Trip
San Francisco’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s good to be prepared. Here’s what I recommend packing:
- Comfortable Shoes: Sneakers, Toms, or Reef sandals will save your feet on those hills.
- Layers of Clothing: Cardigans, light jackets, or a jean jacket will come in handy when the fog rolls in.
- Windproof Jacket: A raincoat will protect you from sudden gusts and rain.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key, especially with all the walking.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sunhat—don’t let the sun catch you off guard.
- Camera: Bring along good camera; San Francisco is full of photo-worthy moments.
- California Casual Wear: Relaxed outfits like jeans and a nice top will work even at upscale restaurants.
- Clothes for All Seasons: A warm jacket for winter months and light clothing for the warmer season will ensure you’re ready for anything.
Writing this San Francisco travel blog, I can’t help but relive the magic of my trip. From the thrill of seeing the Golden Gate Bridge up close to the eerie yet fascinating visit to Alcatraz Island, every moment felt surreal.
The vibe at Fisherman’s Wharf was the perfect way to end the day, reminding me why San Francisco is so beloved by travelers around the world.
Though the 17-hour flight was exhausting, the adventures waiting for me made it all worthwhile. San Francisco’s vibrant energy, friendly people, and breathtaking scenery left a lasting impression. I can’t wait to come back and explore more of this beautiful city.