San Francisco

Alcatraz

The island of Alcatraz is home to one of the most famous prisons in the world, which housed some of America’s most dangerous prisoners until 1963. Located around 2km off shore of San Francisco, it was said that no-one would be able to escape from the prison, with no evidence to suggest that any of those who attempted were successful. Having been closed due to rising costs and the deteriorating condition of the buildings, the island – now on the Register of Historic Places – is a popular attraction with tourists who take tours of the abandoned prison and the various other buildings that are located on the island.

Cable Cars

The famous cable cars of San Francisco have been in operation since the 1870, with three of the earliest lines still in operation to this day. No trip to the city would be complete without taking a ride on the network that travels across San Francisco and provides one of the best ways to take in the sights.

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic symbols in the USA, and arguably the first thing that springs to mind for many people at the mention of San Francisco. Linking the city to Marin County, the bridge opened in 1937 and is a popular draw for tourists who can either walk or cycle from one side to the other and admire views over the strait that links San Francisco Bay with the Pacific Ocean. There is also a visitors centre that tells the story behind the bridge.

Fisherman’s Wharf – Pier 39

Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular waterside area of San Francisco, which is home to a number of tourist attractions, including a variety of top quality seafood restaurants and a selection of museums. One of the man draws in the area is Pier 39, which is home to a colony of sea lions that arrived in the docks from the nearby waters in 1989 and have been present ever since.

Lombard Street

San Francisco is famous for its hills but there are few to match Lombard Street. Known as the ‘crookedest street in the world’, the street features a stretch of switchbacks that were put in place to try and reduce the natural gradient of the hill, but it still so steep that traffic is limited to just 5 miles an hour. A walk to the top is enough for even the fittest person.

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a large park that is located near to the Golden Gate Bridge that is a popular attraction for visitors to the city who are looking to escape some of the crowds and head for more peaceful surroundings. There is a wide range of flora and fauna to be found within the park, alongside various statues and fountains. There is also a carousel to keep the children entertained and an aquarium.

Chinatown

The Chinatown area of San Francisco is the largest to be found anywhere outside Asia, and also the oldest in North America. It’s a fantastic place to head to simply walk through the streets and marvel at the many cultural and historical sights, whilst there are also plenty of options when it comes to dining on the very best in Chinese cuisine.

Nob Hill

Nob Hill is known to be one of the more affluent districts of San Francisco, which is reflected in the many large buildings that are to be found in the area – with various expansive mansions and some of the biggest and most expensive hotels. There is also a selection of parks for relaxation, with a theatre and the popular Cable Car Museum also nearby.