By Lisa Russell
Whether you're heading to San Fransisco for a week or for a day, there are certain attractions that have come to define an ideal
San Francisco experience. These must-see places in San Francisco have historical, cultural and gastronomical value for travelers near and far.
Tour Alcatraz Island
The infamous Alcatraz Island Penitentiary is open for public tours. Now a national park, there is no fee for admittance to the island, but there is a fee for the ferry service. Tour the prison, the warden's house and the beautiful gardens and learn about life on the rock.
Alcatraz cruises
Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing
San Francisco 94111
(415) 981-7625
http://www.alcatrazcruises.com
Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Fort Mason, B201
San Francisco, CA 94123
Ranger Station (415) 561-4900
http://www.nps.gov/alca/
Visit Ghirardelli Square
The historic Ghirardelli Square is now home to several world-class shopping and dining venues, with weekend events and festivals throughout the year. Ghirardelli Square contains many artisan boutique shops that specialize in providing you with an unforgettable experience.
Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point Street, Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 775.5500
http://www.ghirardellisq.com
Visit the Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf marketplace has over 100 artisan and food vendors, as well as street performers and live music. Spend the day shopping for souvenirs, meeting local artisans and dining in one of 13 restaurants overlooking the bay. Also on the wharf is the Aquarium of the Bay, with over 20,000 marine life species to see.
Pier 39
P.O. Box 193730
San Francisco 94119-3730
(415) 705-5500
http://www.pier39.com
Aquarium of the Bay, Pier 39
The Embarcadero at beach Street
San Francisco 94133
(415) 623-5300
http://www.aquariumofthebay.org
Sourdough Bread Bakery Tour - Boudin at the Wharf
Visitors can watch the 5,000-square-foot bakery churning out San Francisco's famous sourdough bread. You can learn how it's made and why it can't be baked anywhere else on earth. Afterward, enjoy San Francisco's popular clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.
Boudin Bakery
160 Jefferson Street
San Francisco 94133
(415) 928-1849
http://www.boudinbakery.com
Conservatory of Flowers at the Golden Gate Bridge
Rare tropical flowers and garden plants from all over the world are hosted right in the heart of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Five distinctive galleries give guests a well-rounded flower tour of the world.
Conservatory of Flowers
100 John F. Kennedy Drive
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco 94118
(415) 831-2090
http://www.conservatoryofflowers.org
About the Author:
Lisa Russell is an entrepreneur and writer from Washington State, with a professional background in education, cosmetology and the restaurant industry. She's been published in regional parenting publications, homeschooling publications and has published over 10,000 articles online since 1999. She studied Early Childhood Education at Antelope Valley College.
