My home town: a local's guide to San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a charming place with a lttle bit of an identity crisis. The rising dominance of Silicon Valley tech companies has both complemented and endangered the irreverent, inclusive, hippyish vibe it is definitely proud of. Today, both influences could be felt by those visiting this spectacular coastal Californian city.

Walk through the Mission district and enjoy the murals that adorn the streets (Clarion Alley is a highlight). The Mission district is well known because of its Latino roots and good weather even though the SF fog appears inescapable. There, you can get myriad murals depicting the history of San Francisco’s activism, labour rights movements and multicultural pride. End your walk overlooking metropolis in Dolores Park, and enjoy a Mission-style burrito, distinctive because of their

large size and abundance of ingredients, including meat, rice, beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream and veggies. For those who aren't in the mood for meals, try Tartine Bakery, also in the Mission district. I recommend the morning bun, if it hasn’t go out yet. Another option is Bi-Rite Creamery: the more eccentric the ice cream flavour here, the better. It’s worth the queue.

For all those travelling in an organization who can never acknowledge a place to eat, Off the Grid is simply perfect for you. This travelling assortment of food trucks assembles in a variety of locations around the location and offer many delicious options in nice outdoor areas. Bring a sweatshirt, though, because SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA gets chilly in the evenings year-round. Check online to see where Off the Grid will be during your visit.

If you’re travelling with youngsters, the Exploratorium is a must-see attraction. Situated on a pier in the SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA Bay, this hands-on science and technology museum with 650 exhibits to play with and study from will enthral children and teens, even those that dislike science class. Tickets range between $20-$30 (Dh73-110), however the price is really worth it for the number of hours that may fly by in the museum. As you leave, make sure you go for a walk down the Embarcadero, the bayside promenade that houses piers packed with shops and restaurants.

If you don’t have the time or transport to leave the town, Golden Gate Park is a sanctuary within SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA. Home to a good amount of green space, picnickers, buffalo, gardens and museums, it’s a delightful spot to spend a sunny afternoon. Only 45 minutes north of SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA is Muir Woods, a redwood forest renowned because of its towering sequoias. Named after wilderness preservation advocate John Muir, this national monument’s serenity and grandeur is stunning. For those with several days and a hunger for a few more serious hiking or backpacking (or glamping, for example), you can’t miss Yosemite. This national park is a 3.5-hour drive from San Francisco and draws visitors from all over the world to marvel at its waterfalls, impressive granite faces and beautiful valleys and meadows.