Photo Bytes: Scenic San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge

Everyone has seen the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Here are some of my favorite shots from my time exploring this popular city.

Sunburst sailboat over Alcatraz

Sunset over Golden Gate

Night falls on the Golden Gate

I visited San Francisco during the government shutdown in the fall of 2013. As a result, many of the popular attractions in San Francisco were closed, including Alcatraz. Here it sat, empty. Silent. Foreboding.

Alcatraz

The ever-popular Pier 39.

The popular Pier 39

Seal friends at Pier 39

One of my very favorite spots in the city: Ghirardelli Square.

The best sundae ever!

Ghirardelli Square as seen from the water

The Painted Ladies.

Painted Ladies

The island of Saulsalito was one of my very favorite places in San Francisco.

As seen from Saulsalito

Seen from within

A beautiful beach that afforded iconic views of the Golden Gate

Golden Gate

Flowers on the island

I dined at the Cliff House Restaurant, located on the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The landmark restaurant, built in 1863, was closed for a few weeks, due to the government shutdown, and had to petition the President to reopen.

The view from Cliff House Restaurant

Kim Thompson

Bitten by the travel bug during her study abroad in Italy, Kim is an insatiable traveler who loves to experience new places and find the stories that bring them to life.