Attractions in San Francisco

The City by the Bay, San Francisco, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in California. There are numerous attractions to be found in the city.

The most iconic of these is the Golden Gate Bridge. Pedestrians can walk across the bridge, enjoying the fresh sea air and a view of the bay. To the west of the bridge is Baker Beach, which affords an excellent vantage of the bridge, and is a good spot for taking photos.

To the west of the bridge is famous Fisherman's Wharf. Here you can stop to take in historic Ghiradelli Square, with numerous restaurants and stores, including the Ghiradelli Chocolate shop. A bit south of the square is Lombard Street, which, for most of its length, is just an ordinary road. However, it is most well known for its steep, one-block section with eight hairpin turns; it's a sight you have to see to really believe.

Also in Fisherman's Wharf, at Pier 33, you can get a tour to the former penitentiary island of Alcatraz. There are multiple guided tours each day, and is worth it not only to see the historic buildings and Al Capone's cell, but also for the wildlife, which includes nesting seabirds.

South of Fisherman's Wharf, be sure to check out the Mission District. This neighborhood gets its name from Mission Dolores, the oldest building in San Francisco, which is located there, at 16th and Dolores Streets. It offers a view of what San Francisco was at its founding: a Catholic mission. The rest of this multicultural neighborhood offers excellent sightseeing, and is a pleasant place to walk and take in the sights.

The Haight, west of the Mission, and is another popular tourist destination, worth checking out to see the former center of the hippie movement. Nearby is Golden Gate Park (not to be confused with the bridge), a large urban park with waterfalls, windmills, and the Conservatory of Flowers.