When you think about San Francisco, the first things that may get into your mind are the Cable Cars and the Golden Gate Bridge. Go ahead, see one and ride the other.
Both are unique symbols of San Francisco, but like any "must see" metropolis in the world, you can find lots of things to see.
Visit the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and explore up and down the hills. Come across the Dragon Gate on Grant Avenue at Bush Street and you'll know you're about to go into this iconic neighborhood.
Take a walk along the Embarcadero ATT Park where the San Francisco Giants play is at one end. Hold on in the historic Ferry Building. Ferries still come and go from Oakland and Sausalito, but it is full of delis and excellent restaurants. You can take a walk all the way to the North Beach or Fisherman's Wharf areas or you can use up trolleys.
The Pier 39 area and Fisherman's Wharf offer a lot of attractions, shops and Bay view restaurants. It is a popular area, so keep hold of your wallet. Watch the sea lions that lounge on the docks. Take a look to the historic ships at the Hyde Street Pier.
Visit the Aquarium of the Bay where you can watch marine animals as you walk through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels. If you present your ticket or transit pass they will give you a discount.
Take a Blue and Gold Fleet boat trip of San Francisco Bay. They offer some different including one called "Escape From the Rock" which rounds Alcatraz, but doesn't land on it. The Blue and Gold Fleet also provides ferry service to Angel Island, Oakland, Sausalito, and Tiburon,
If possible catch a tour to Alcatraz. You'll learn all about notorious convicts and unsuccessful escapes from this notorious rock and enjoy impressive views of the skyline of San Francisco. You should plan this early in advance. A private ferry company under contract with the National Park Service offers the access to the island. In summer tickets frequently sell out up to a week in advance. For more details visit the Alcatraz Cruises web site.
The Presidio is a former military post, a historic one at that. Now it is a National Park. It's a great place to go through and to hike forest trails. It was established by Spanish explorers in 1776 and was an army post for three nations for 218 years. The Main Post's historic buildings house exhibits, and the parade grounds spill down to the water with stunning views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge. That renowned orange span is the majestic background of the city. Walk the 1.7 miles (3 km) to Marin County and watch boats pass down the bridge 200 feet below and get a great photo opportunity of the city.
Visit Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum, the botanical gardens, the Victorian Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden, and especially the newly reopened California Academy of Sciences, "the only place on the planet with a planetarium, an aquarium, a natural history museum, and a 4-story rain forest all under one roof." And speaking of roofs, you must have seen pictures of their new "green" roof!
If you have time and transportation there's more to see. Visit the Coit Tower, Palace of Fine Arts, and the Legion of Honor Museum. Go all the way to the Great Highway and Ocean Beach to see the Pacific Ocean and take a lunch at the Cliff House.
And then get back to the center of the city and ride a cable car one more time. You may remember what Tony Bennet said, "...those little cable cars, climb halfway to the stars..." An outstanding idea to think back to San Francisco. Whenever possible you should stay a few days in San Francisco. Check out the best Hotel Deals and find an affordable accommodation that suits your personal needs.
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