SeeCalifornia.com

San Francisco is billed as the place to be romantically swept away, like some sweet, old-fashioned love song by Tony Bennett who sang, “I left my heart in San Francisco.”  California’s fourth largest city with its foggy mists and dreamlike landscapes can certainly be a place to feel love or even fall in love. But for those who come to the city for the first time, there’s also a touristy, gritty reality unveiled as you hop into a taxi, wait in line to board a cable car, or get on a boat to visit Alcatraz.

If you can dig deeper past the tourist traps which everyone should experience at least once, then you’ll find a unique place with sub-cultures, distinct neighborhoods, and a lifetime of exploring. Many tourists won’t have time to explore this side of San Francisco, so it’s important to go back again and again so that you can see and do more. Some of the cultural gems that I really enjoy include the amazing De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. The architecture alone is worth a visit to this renovated attraction, and the collections throughout the museum span the globe showcasing rare sculptures, paintings, and an entire inventory of textiles.

San Francisco is also known for its  events. Many travel to San Francisco just to participate in something special. Here are a few upcoming events to look forward to in the Spring 2012:

• Dine About Town in January (dineabouttown.com)
• Tulipmania at Pier 39 in February
• Chinese New Year Parade in February (chineseparade.com)
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March (sresproductions.com/sfstpatricksday.html)
• Cherry Blossom Festival in April
• How Weird Festival in May (2012 date TBD)