San Francisco Attractions
The West Coast has much to offer the tourist and San Francisco attractions are a big part of the appeal. It is such an exciting city and an ideal vacation destination for couples or families. Riding on one of the city's cable cars gives visitors a terrific perspective. After a hectic day's sightseeing, there are lots of first class seafood restaurants to relax in.
The major landmark of the area is, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. It's the second longest suspension bridge in the USA and has a very elegant design. Have your camera at the ready and snap some great photographs at sunset. The Golden Gate Park is a lovely, landscaped area and a popular place to enjoy the natural world. The highlight feature is the Japanese Tea Garden, an area of ponds, sculpture, bridges and a tea house.
A notorious former prison for hardened criminals was turned into a major attraction for San Francisco. Nicknamed The Rock, Alcatraz Island prison was in operation from 1934 until 1969. Visitors can take the ferry over and do the tour. Stories surrounding Alcatraz have inspired several movie scripts but there's nothing to compare with seeing the real thing.
There are various guided tours round the city, including Walking Tours, Bike Tours and Bus Tours. However, many people opt for one of the Harbor Tours, where you have terrific views of the Bay and its bridges, Alcatraz Island and the city spread out before you. Twin Peaks is one of the highest points in the city and is a fantastic vantage point with views from every side. Access is gained by car, on foot or on a Bus Tour.
The city has a thriving Chinese community, said to be the oldest in America. Chinatown originated in the 1850s and welcomes people through its colorful Dragon's Gate entranceway. It is a lively San Francisco attraction where you can get the best Chinese food and browse in the shops. Chinese New Year celebrations are a wonderful spectacle.
No trip to the city is complete without exploring Fisherman's Wharf, for some, the heart of the city and the best San Francisco attraction. The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park celebrates the trading and seafaring tradition of the Bay area. Visitors can go on board the historic ships that are anchored there, including a fine example of a square rigged sailing ship. Some of the best seafood restaurants in the city are to be found there.
A great many and varied museums contribute to the cultural life of the city and the San Francisco attractions. There is something for everyone, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Craft and Folk Art, the Cartoon Art Museum, and the Asian Art Museum. There is also Exploratorium, an interactive Science Museum that is part of the Palace for Fine Arts. For the stargazers, there is the Morrison Planetarium inside the Californian Academy of Sciences.
Summary
San Francisco is a wonderful city to visit. Popular attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge, cable car rides, the famous Alcatraz prison, one of the biggest Chinese American communities in the world, and of course the maritime museum at Fishermans Wharf. Don't miss the planetarium on your visit.
