10 Attractions in San Francisco

The watch tower by http://www.flickr.com/photos/vgm8383/2180231638/

Alcatraz is best known for its prison, which features a fantastic self-guided audio tour. But while you're there, be sure to take a walk around the island to truly appreciate the natural beauty within. The prison's history and the island's wildlife make this a must-see stop for any San Francisco vacationer. Be sure to get your tickets early (usually over the Internet before you leave on vacation) because they do sell out quickly. Tickets are only available from:
Alcatraz cruises
Pier 33, Hornblower Alcatraz Landing
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 981-7625
http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/

The bridge at night by http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/221827536/

The Golden Gate Bridge is, of course, the most famous landmark in San Francisco. To visit the city and not go to see it is like visiting Seattle and ignoring the Space Needle. But unless you're going to the North Bay, you're best off parking your car in the lot just before the bridge and walking on it and seeing it on foot. Driving across it really isn't the exciting experience tourists everywhere seem to think it is and the quick trip back and forth will cost you over $5 in bridge tolls. To get to the Golden Gate, just go north on Highway 101 or Highway 1 all the way to the end of the peninsula.

Chinatown in 1945 by http://www.flickr.com/photos/army_arch/2729050830/

Chinatown is one of San Francisco's most famous attractions. When you get here, you'll immediately realize why every San Francisco movie seems to have a chase scene on huge hills. You'll also see why The City is known for it's Chinese food. When you want a good, authentic meal, look for a crowded restaurant full of Chinese-speakers and preferably with a menu all in Mandarin.

If you're in the mood for something new, try finding a dessert place with "bubble tea." These fruit, coffee or tea beverages are filled with huge, squishy tapioca pearls that have a chewy treat in each sip. They're still not popular throughout the United States, but they're favorites among SF locals. To see the official gate to Chinatown, try entering at:
Bush Street and Grant Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

Hearts of Union Square by http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuckincustoms/421114187/

A little south from Chinatown lies Union Square. This shopper's haven is filled with all types of name brand shops, including a seven-story Macy's that still requires a separate building to contain its men's section. When you visit this area though, be sure to not travel too far west or you will end up in one of the city's most dangerous areas, the Tenderloin District. Union Square is boxed in by:
Post Street, Geary Street, Stockton Street and Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

Hot Cookie at Castro by http://www.flickr.com/photos/crash-candy/2361955328/

San Francisco is known for its gay culture and to truly experience this culture, you'll need to drop by the Castro District. If you're uncomfortable with homosexuals, this is not the place for you--you will see men holding hands together.

For a real treat in this area, visit Hot Cookie just outside of the Castro Street Muni stop. This small shop not only has some of the best cookies you've ever had in your life, but it also has erotic-shaped treats perfect for novelty presents for those you left behind. Hot Cookie can be found at:
407 Castro St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 621-2350

Hip Haight and Ashbury sign by http://www.flickr.com/photos/raindog/2530558375/

This is one of the best known areas due to its close association with the famed hippie movement. This cool area has maintained its independent and subcultural setting through the years and still hosts one of the nation's only standing anarchist bookstores. There are a lot of great restaurants and chic boutiques here, so plan the better part of a day for this stop. This world famous area is located at the cross streets of:
Haight and Ashbury
San Francisco, CA 94117

Baker Beach view by http://www.flickr.com/photos/chanc/2847620449/

California is known for its beaches, but few people realize how cold those beaches are in Northern California. Even in the summer, few people are found swimming in the water here. You will however find beautiful sand and waves with quite a few surfers. For a different beach experience, visit Baker Beach. This one-time fort has a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge and fantastic natural scenery. Perhaps even more fascinating though is the beach's military history and the 97,000 pound disappearing cannon hidden in the beach fort. Don't go too far north on your visit here though, or you may uncover the "clothing optional" part of the beach. Baker Beach can be found at:
The end of Gibson Road
San Francisco, CA 94129

A sea lion at Pier 39 by http://www.flickr.com/photos/araswami/1333456281/

This area is a tourist favorite, but it is a bit of a tourist trap as well. Limit your time here to less than half a day and you'll be sure to get the most out of the area without wasting your trip. The highlights of Pier 39 are the sea lions on the pier and the Aquarium of the Bay. Pier 39 can be found at:
Beach Street and The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94133
http://www.pier39.com/

Fisherman's Wharf by http://www.flickr.com/search/?l=cc&adv=1&w=all&q=fishermans+wharf&m=text

Just north of Pier 39 lies Fisherman's Wharf, one of the most famous areas of San Francisco. Like the pier, you don't want to spend too long here because it is also a bit of a tourist trap. Still, there are some great spots to visit here. The Boudin Bakery has been here for years. The small fish mongers on the sidewalk are a classic sight of San Francisco and the Musee Mechanique (a seaside museum dedicated to penny arcade machines) is a fun stop and a great way to dispose of your extra change. Fisherman's Wharf is at:
Jefferson Street, between Hyde and Powell streets
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 674-7503
http://www.fishermanswharf.org/

Golden Gate Park garden by http://www.flickr.com/photos/magslhalliday/794881/

Just west of Haight-Ashbury is the massive Golden Gate Park. This fantastic city park offers stunning gardens, top-of-the-line playgrounds, a carousel, sports fields of all types and a few museums. The current favorite museum of locals and tourists alike is the new California Academy of Sciences. Golden Gate Park is located between Fulton Street, Lincoln Way, Stanyan Street and The Great Highway. The museum can be found at:
55 Music Concourse Drive
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 379-8000
http://www.calacademy.org/