San Francisco may only stretch across seven miles, but it's packed with an assortment of activities that’s sure to please outdoorsy types, foodies, and curious wanderers of all ages. The Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see, while a visit to Alcatraz Island to tour the infamous, and now closed (to prisoners at least) federal prison should also be high on your list. And instead of spending all your time around the touristy Fisherman's Wharf, you can discover a more authentic side of San Francisco by strolling through the diverse Mission District or the charming Nob Hill and Russian Hill.
1. The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge's vaulting, orange arches amidst the rocky seascape of San Francisco Bay have made it the West Coast's most enduring symbol and the city's most popular tourist attraction. The bridge's name, "Golden Gate" actually refers to the brilliant reflection of the sun upon the bay's inlet -- just west of the bridge -- rather than the bright orange paint that sets it apart from its mundane sister just south, the Bay Bridge. The bridge is accessible all day every day by bus, car or bicycle. If you drive, parking is convenient and accessible, and costs about $6. Souvenir shops and public restrooms lie on either side of the bridge.
2. Mission District
The Mission District has attracted San Francisco's young bohemian crowd in the past decade, but it's still retained its authentic, local Mexican ambience. This is the place that introduced the burrito to the wider world, so be sure to check out a local hole in the wall for some great eats. The Mission is also a great neighborhood for getting away from the heavily visited tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. For an excellent view of the city, walk to the nearby Bernal Heights hill and relax for a bit. Also try the nearby Dolores Park, the most popular spot for sunbathers on a fogless day. The Mission District is one of San Francisco's more popular neighborhoods, it can be unsafe at night, so take precautions and never walk the neighborhood alone in the evening.
3. Cable Cars
Chances are you've seen a television show, postcard or some type of San Francisco memorabilia emblazoned with the city's iconic cable car or trolley. So of course, to get the full experience of the San Francisco's charm, you'll have to hop on board. San Fran's cable car system is the last of its kind in the United States, and is considered one of the main tourist attractions in the entire city. You can catch the cable cars from a few spots around town, including the famous Powell-Hyde Line at Powell and Market Street, which passes the twisty Lombard Street and the equally popular Russian Hill neighborhood. Relative to other forms of transportation, the cable cars are a bit expensive at $5 a ride, but travelers find the experience well worth it. Visitors can also purchase one-day, three-day, and seven-day Passport passes, which allow riding on streetcars, buses, and cables. Prices vary from $13 to $26, depending on length of pass purchased.
4. Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz stands as a consistently popular San Francisco attraction for young and old, but it's especially fun for families and history fanatics. The former penitentiary -- now a museum -- sits on a small, rocky island in the heart of San Francisco Bay, and remains visible from many landmarks throughout the city, including the Golden Gate Bridge. Here you can learn the history of the penitentiary, see how prisoners lived, and marvel at the many failed escape attempts. Entrance to Alcatraz is free; however, you will need to purchase a ferry ticket to get to the island. Tickets are not cheap (about $26), but most travelers say the price offers great value. Tickets include a scenic boat trip to the island, a guided tour from a park ranger and an audio guide. Tours depart starting at 9:10 a.m. and return throughout the day until 9:25 p.m. Popular tour times, including the evening tour, often have wait times that last several weeks, so book at least a month before visiting.
5. Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is so tourist-laden that some travelers might prefer the quieter, more authentic San Francisco attractions to the south (like the Castro or Mission neighborhoods). But if you're looking to explore all of San Francisco -- from its alternative underbelly to its mainstream attractions -- Fisherman's Wharf is really a must-see. The waterfront neighborhood and tourist attraction houses several popular San Francisco sites, including the PIER 39 shopping center (a great spot to view sunbathing seals) and the Ripley's Believe it or Not! Museum. Fisherman's Wharf is also where you can catch a ferry to nearby Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge isn't too far either. Fisherman's Wharf is accessible by most public transportation, including the historic "F" trolley.
6. Nob Hill and Russian Hill
Unlike San Francisco's other hip, exuberant neighborhoods, Nob Hill and Russian Hill cast a long shadow of history and refinement. Booming since the 1870s -- when wealthy transcontinental railroad magnets constructed dazzling mansions -- Nob Hill remains an affluent bohemian district. Along the steep city streets, beautiful Victorian homes preside over lush gardens and idyllic vantage points of the bay. To the north, Russian Hill also boasts lavish homes and exquisite city views. While there are a variety of tales to explain its name, one legend speaks of an inebriated Russian sailor drowning in a nearby well. If you climb the Vallejo steps (located at Taylor and Vallejo streets), you'll find a sign that corroborates this myth and speaks of Russian-American sailors that are buried at the top of the hill. From Russian Hill, you'll also want to stroll to Lombard Street (between Hyde and Leavenworth streets) to catch a glimpse of the "Crookedest Street in the World." Lombard as, a little gem street, small and curvy. Don't try to drive it, park and walk it, and adds, bring your camera, you'll want it. Looking across zigzagging Lombard, you'll also notice spectacular views of Coit Tower. You can reach Nob Hill and Russian Hill via the Powell-Hyde cable car line, which stops at Powell and Market streets.
There are many more places must be visited in San Francisco. Among The Castro, Ferry Building Marketplace, Union Square, Muir Woods National Monuments, Palace of Fine Arts, Musee Mecanique, SoMa (South of Market Street), and Japanese Tea Garden.
San Francisco may only stretch across seven miles, but it's packed with an assortment of activities that’s sure to please outdoorsy types, foodies, and curious wanderers of all ages. The Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see, while a visit to Alcatraz Island to tour the infamous, and now closed (to prisoners at least) federal prison should also be high on your list. And instead of spending all your time around the touristy Fisherman's Wharf, you can discover a more authentic side of San Francisco by strolling through the diverse Mission District or the charming Nob Hill and Russian Hill.
1. The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge's vaulting, orange arches amidst the rocky seascape of San Francisco Bay have made it the West Coast's most enduring symbol and the city's most popular tourist attraction. The bridge's name, "Golden Gate" actually refers to the brilliant reflection of the sun upon the bay's inlet -- just west of the bridge -- rather than the bright orange paint that sets it apart from its mundane sister just south, the Bay Bridge. The bridge is accessible all day every day by bus, car or bicycle. If you drive, parking is convenient and accessible, and costs about $6. Souvenir shops and public restrooms lie on either side of the bridge.
2. Mission District
The Mission District has attracted San Francisco's young bohemian crowd in the past decade, but it's still retained its authentic, local Mexican ambience. This is the place that introduced the burrito to the wider world, so be sure to check out a local hole in the wall for some great eats. The Mission is also a great neighborhood for getting away from the heavily visited tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. For an excellent view of the city, walk to the nearby Bernal Heights hill and relax for a bit. Also try the nearby Dolores Park, the most popular spot for sunbathers on a fogless day. The Mission District is one of San Francisco's more popular neighborhoods, it can be unsafe at night, so take precautions and never walk the neighborhood alone in the evening.
3. Cable Cars
Chances are you've seen a television show, postcard or some type of San Francisco memorabilia emblazoned with the city's iconic cable car or trolley. So of course, to get the full experience of the San Francisco's charm, you'll have to hop on board. San Fran's cable car system is the last of its kind in the United States, and is considered one of the main tourist attractions in the entire city. You can catch the cable cars from a few spots around town, including the famous Powell-Hyde Line at Powell and Market Street, which passes the twisty Lombard Street and the equally popular Russian Hill neighborhood. Relative to other forms of transportation, the cable cars are a bit expensive at $5 a ride, but travelers find the experience well worth it. Visitors can also purchase one-day, three-day, and seven-day Passport passes, which allow riding on streetcars, buses, and cables. Prices vary from $13 to $26, depending on length of pass purchased.
4. Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz stands as a consistently popular San Francisco attraction for young and old, but it's especially fun for families and history fanatics. The former penitentiary -- now a museum -- sits on a small, rocky island in the heart of San Francisco Bay, and remains visible from many landmarks throughout the city, including the Golden Gate Bridge. Here you can learn the history of the penitentiary, see how prisoners lived, and marvel at the many failed escape attempts. Entrance to Alcatraz is free; however, you will need to purchase a ferry ticket to get to the island. Tickets are not cheap (about $26), but most travelers say the price offers great value. Tickets include a scenic boat trip to the island, a guided tour from a park ranger and an audio guide. Tours depart starting at 9:10 a.m. and return throughout the day until 9:25 p.m. Popular tour times, including the evening tour, often have wait times that last several weeks, so book at least a month before visiting.
5. Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is so tourist-laden that some travelers might prefer the quieter, more authentic San Francisco attractions to the south (like the Castro or Mission neighborhoods). But if you're looking to explore all of San Francisco -- from its alternative underbelly to its mainstream attractions -- Fisherman's Wharf is really a must-see. The waterfront neighborhood and tourist attraction houses several popular San Francisco sites, including the PIER 39 shopping center (a great spot to view sunbathing seals) and the Ripley's Believe it or Not! Museum. Fisherman's Wharf is also where you can catch a ferry to nearby Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge isn't too far either. Fisherman's Wharf is accessible by most public transportation, including the historic "F" trolley.
6. Nob Hill and Russian Hill
Unlike San Francisco's other hip, exuberant neighborhoods, Nob Hill and Russian Hill cast a long shadow of history and refinement. Booming since the 1870s -- when wealthy transcontinental railroad magnets constructed dazzling mansions -- Nob Hill remains an affluent bohemian district. Along the steep city streets, beautiful Victorian homes preside over lush gardens and idyllic vantage points of the bay. To the north, Russian Hill also boasts lavish homes and exquisite city views. While there are a variety of tales to explain its name, one legend speaks of an inebriated Russian sailor drowning in a nearby well. If you climb the Vallejo steps (located at Taylor and Vallejo streets), you'll find a sign that corroborates this myth and speaks of Russian-American sailors that are buried at the top of the hill. From Russian Hill, you'll also want to stroll to Lombard Street (between Hyde and Leavenworth streets) to catch a glimpse of the "Crookedest Street in the World." Lombard as, a little gem street, small and curvy. Don't try to drive it, park and walk it, and adds, bring your camera, you'll want it. Looking across zigzagging Lombard, you'll also notice spectacular views of Coit Tower. You can reach Nob Hill and Russian Hill via the Powell-Hyde cable car line, which stops at Powell and Market streets.
There are many more places must be visited in San Francisco. Among The Castro, Ferry Building Marketplace, Union Square, Muir Woods National Monuments, Palace of Fine Arts, Musee Mecanique, SoMa (South of Market Street), and Japanese Tea Garden.
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