By Robert Vaux
San Francisco is one of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities in the world, with countless things to see and do. That applies to teenagers just as much as children or older visitors. Teens want attractions which are engaging and exciting--sophisticated, but with a little more pizazz than the quieter charms of, say, a museum. Many of San Francisco's most famous attractions are just the right speed for teenage visitors. Here is a short list.
Alcatraz
Alcatraz lies on an island in the middle of San Francisco Bay. The prison itself housed such infamous criminals as Al Capone and the Birdman of Alcatraz, in conditions that were considered absolutely escape-proof. It was closed in 1963, but it has since reopened as a tourist attraction, covering not only its inmates but also lesser known events in its history such as its occupation by Native Americans in the early 1970s. Boats leave from Fisherman's Wharf to the island throughout the day, and tickets can be printed up online.
Pier 39
The centerpiece of Fisherman's Wharf has a number of shopping and entertainment options for teens, including an arcade, a carousel, kayak and boat rentals, the Aquarium of the Bay and a set of virtual 3D attractions. Over a dozen restaurants offer commanding views of the Bay, and an entire section of the pier has become permanent home to a colony of sea lions. A vintage World War II submarine--the USS Pampanito--is docked on permanent display at nearby Pier 45. Entrance to Pier 39 is free, though many of the attractions charge for admission.
Chinatown
San Francisco's world-famous Chinatown hosts hundreds of restaurants, temples, shops featuring exotic merchandise and other attractions. Tai chi demonstrations take place in Portsmouth Square each day, and parades are held ever year to celebrate Chinese New Year in the winter and the Autumn Moon Festival in the fall. Chinatown makes a good daytime activity for teens, since it tends to roll up the sidewalks after dark. It encompasses more than 24 blocks of territory, though the formal entrance--the "Dragon's Gate"--can be found at the corner of Grant Avenue and Bush Street.
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is the biggest strip of green in the city, constituting more than 1000 acres of trees and walkways. Features include a pair of lakes, the California Museum of Sciences, the Japanese tea Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers, a small herd of bison, the Music Concourse Area and the AIDS Memorial Grove (one of the few of its kind in the United States). For quieter teens or those with an interest in nature, the park is a must-see.
Resources
About the Author:
Robert Vaux has been a professional writer and editor since 1995. He has traveled throughout Europe and North America as well as parts of North Africa. Since 2000 he has been a professional movie critic at Flipside Movie Emporium, the Sci-Fi Movie Page and Mania.com. Vaux has a Master of Arts in English literature from Syracuse University.
