San Francisco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its towering hills, cable cars and famous bridges give it a unique charm. San Francisco is compact city that can be difficult to navigate and expensive to visit. However, it is well-worth the effort. San Francisco offers diverse neighborhoods, breathtaking views and memorable experiences around every corner.
Features
Every visitor to San Francisco needs a photograph in front of the Golden Gate Bridge. The postcard shot is actually in Sausalito, on the other side of the bay. This is fine since you will want to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge anyway. Take the first exit, circle under the road then head up the hill. There are several car parks offering views of the Golden Gate Bridge with San Francisco in the background. Pick a clear day since fog can obscure the bridge.
History
The most vivid reminder of San Francisco's history is its cable cars. No visit is complete without a ride. There are three cable car lines. From Powell Street near the BART station you can catch Powell-Mason line over Nob Hill to Fisherman's Wharf. You can also get on the Powell-Hyde line that goes over Nob Hill and Russian Hill to Aquatic Park near Ghiradelli Square. There you can get a hot fudge sundae at the Ghiradelli Chocolate Factory. The California Street line runs perpendicular to the other two from the Financial District through Chinatown to Van Ness Avenue. Buy a ticket from a machine before boarding.
Geography
Sail to Alcatraz. "The Rock" is among the most famous closed prisons in the world. Al Capone was held on the island, but it is actually more famous for the unsolved escape of three prisoners. To get there you must board a ferry from Pier 33. The National Park Service operates the site and runs tours.
Identification
Explore San Francisco's neighborhoods. It has one of the largest and most dynamic Chinatowns outside of China. The main gate is at Grant and Bush. North Beach is the old Italian neighborhood. Joe DiMaggio grew up and learned to play baseball there. South Beach is where the new AT&T Park is located. The San Francisco Giants play there, and a modern bay-front neighborhood has cropped up around it. Alamo Square is full of Victorian-era houses and old money. Golden Gate Park is also worth a visit. It features museums, wide open spaces and the famous Japanese Tea Garden.
Types
San Francisco offers many other tourist sites. Union Square is the center of the main shopping district. Lombard Street is billed as the "crookedest street in the world." You can drive down it if you are willing to wait in the constant line. Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square and the Cannery are full of restaurants and attractions for visitors.
Tags: Golden Gate, Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Francisco offers, over Hill