Are you heading for The City by the Bay on your next travel nurse assignment? San Francisco, California is a cultural experience that you won’t forget. Known for its cool weather and rolling hills, this city is an eclectic mix of intriguing architecture and must-see landmarks that will keep you busy between work shifts.  

Location

San Francisco is quite literally The City by the Bay. It is made up of 47 square miles of landscape and is the second most densely populated city in the country. It is home to a population of over 850,000 people and although there is evidence of life in this area as far back as 3000 B.C., the city grew significantly during the California Gold Rush.

Climate

The weather in San Francisco may surprise you. It is known to be as diverse as the people that inhabit the city. Website Current Results reports the daily average during the summer months is around 61 degrees. The city may see 80 degrees a few times a year during the summer, but the temperature rarely exceeds it.

Things to Do

San Francisco is a thriving contemporary city with many attractions worth seeing, including historic sites, live entertainment, world-class art exhibits and unique architecture.

Museums

Make the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art your first stop in the city. It houses a number of modern works and specializes in 20th-century art, including collections by Anna Atkins, Lewis Wickes Hine and sculptures by Sargent Johnson.

The Palace of the Legion of Honor specializes in European antiquities and overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Park is home to de Young Museum with American decorative pieces and African artwork.

Landmarks

There is no shortage of landmarks to see in San Francisco. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the wedge-shaped Fugazi Bank Building on Columbus Ave., each one is distinctive. The Lotta’s Fountain served as a meeting place during the San Francisco earthquake. The Orpheum Theatre is one of the many intriguing architectural landmarks in the city with its French cathedral design.

Outdoor Activities and Parks

San Francisco has one of the most visited park systems in the country. Ocean Beach, which runs along the Pacific shoreline, is a popular spot for surfers. Crissy Field offers visitors a chance to learn more about salt marsh ecosystems and visit the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park for a little nautical history.

Shopping

There are 10 separate shopping districts in San Francisco. Union Square is one of the major shopping venues in the city and centrally located with access to the cable car system, ferries and buses. You’ll find department stores like Sak’s and Macy’s, antiques, art and dining in this one location.

Union Square is not to be confused with Union Street, which features Victorian architecture and trendy shops. For a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, head a little further north and visit Chestnut Street or visit the farmer’s market at Embarcadero near the Bay Bridge.

Restaurants

You’ll find just about every genre of cuisine in the Bay area. Some of the trendier eating establishments include Baume, Benu and Coi, which all feature contemporary menus. For American style, try Boulevard on Mission St. or the modern setting of Saison.

There is plenty of seafood to be found in the city. Sotto Mare Gigis Oysteria is a top-rated venue or you can enjoy a wide selection at the Ferry Building Marketplace as you explore the sites.

The beauty of being a travel nurse is the adventure of seeing new and exciting places. San Francisco will not disappoint!