San Francisco
Like most great cities, a major part of San Francisco is on the waterfront. The Pacific Ocean to the west and the stunning San Francisco Bay to the east are joined in spectacular fashion by the Golden Gate Bridge - the city’s most famous landmark. Founded in 1776 by the Spaniards, it is today one of the most well known cities thanks to the many movies that have delighted us with street scenes encompassing cable cars and vehicles flying over the city’s many hills. San Francisco’s most famous form of transport, the cable car, is also one of the best ways to travel between the two main tourist areas - Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. Almost all the major attractions can be visited on foot from the many boarding points. All day and multi-day public transport passes are available and offer unlimited use, not only of the cable cars, but also the extensive bus and mini-metro (underground). The best area for shopping is the Union Square area, where most of the major stores have a branch.
Other notable areas are Ghiradelli Square, Pier 39 and the Cannery. Close to Union Square is a lively theatre district and also a wide variety of restaurants. For a unique dinner visit Chinatown. Fisherman’s Wharf also boasts a selection of restaurants, many not surprisingly, specialising in seafood.
Things to see and do in San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf - The centre for the city’s commercial fish industry is California’s second most visited tourist attraction. Walk through open-air fish markets and check out the craft shops at Pier 39.
Alcatraz Island - ‘The Rock’ can be visited by catching a 15 minute ferry across the one and a half miles of water from Pier 41. A fascinating and unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Al Capone and the famous birdman.
Golden Gate Bridge - No visit to San Francisco is complete without a photograph or two of the city’s most famous landmark.
Lombard Street - Famed as the world’s most crooked street, take the time to view the interesting façades and colourful flowers.
Golden Gate Park - A 1,000 acre area that includes bike parks, hiking trails, numerous sports fields and three lakes offering boating opportunities. A very popular place with the locals at the weekend.
Union Square - Since 1850 Union Square has been the heart of San Francisco’s downtown and boasts some of its finest department stores and most exclusive boutiques.
Chinatown - Home to one of the largest Chinese communities outside Asia, this 14 block area boasts some of the best Chinese cuisine in the States.
Nob Hill - An elegant hilltop area of hotels and residences, home to the Gothic Grace Cathedral and Huntington Park and the place to see some of the best views of the bay.
Top Tips
Take the ferry over to Sausalito, or hire a bike, cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge and catch the
Blue and Gold ferry home.
Consider buying a San Francisco CityPass, which includes a book of admissions tickets to various attractions as well as seven days unlimited use of the cable cars and local buses.
Go on a tram, but expect to queue!
