San Francisco has a lot to offer visitors. It is not a tourist destination in the same sense as Las Vegas or Cancun, and that’s one of its strengths. Visitors can experience all that the city has to offer in a more meaningful way. San Francisco is home to a number of incredible historic experiences, like cable cars, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Coit Tower, as well as having a rich diversity of restaurants, wineries, breweries and bars.
Cable Cars
The city’s cable cars were named a historic landmark back in 1964 and are the world’s last remaining cable car system that is manually operated. Cables embedded in the street pull these cars along their routes. In the past these cars were widely used throughout the city, today there are 3 routes that remain. The Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason and California Street lines will take you though some of San Francisco’s most well-known neighborhoods, including Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf.
If you are interested in learning about these amazing cable cars, then it’s crucial that you check out the San Francisco Cable Car Museum. The museum has all kinds of historical information and objects, including the massive machines used to run the system. The best part, it’s completely free!
The cars have been featured in a number of big movies including The Birds and The Rock.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Known world-wide, Fisherman’s Wharf is loved by visitors and locals alike. Pier 39 offers all kinds of experiences, from amazing food and beverage to incredible views of sea lions. There is constant entertainment, dining and shopping. Monthly and annual events can make for an unforgettable trip and make sure to snap a few pictures with the city’s famous skyline.
The Aquarium of the Bay will bring you up close with local marine animals, a magical experience for sure. They assist in protection and restoration of the bay, so people and marine life can continue to live in harmony. The awe inspiring clear acrylic tubes will give you a view of aquatic life that’s rarely seen.
The wharf holds more attractions, such as Madame Tussauds wax museum and the San Francisco Dungeon. The wax museum holds life like wax sculptures of actors, sports stars and other well-known figures. The Dungeon has live shows and storytelling of San Francisco’s brutal history.
Alcatraz
Once an infamous prison, Alcatraz is now open to the public as a national recreation area. The federal prison was active from 1934 to 1963 and held notorious criminals like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Now you can tour the cell block and see where prisoners lived. Because it is an island, you will need to take a ferry, provided by Alcatraz Cruises.
There isn’t an official tour, you can explore at your own pace. There is, however, an audio tour that will give you some insight into the past of this incredible place. Alcatraz has been a fascination among people for some time and has appeared in a number of movies, including: The Rock, Escape From Alcatraz, and Birdman of Alcatraz.
Golden Gate Bridge
The most recognizable feature of the city, The Golden Gate Bridge is considered one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. It crosses the strait of the Golden Gate, of which it gets its name. At 8,981 ft long and 746 ft tall, the bridge is a true feat of engineering. The iconic orange color was chosen for visibility in fog as well as how it fit aesthetically with its surroundings.
The bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists, providing spectacular views. If you are looking for a view with the bridge in it, there are numerous hotels and rentals that can deliver. There are also many awesome vantage points, try to line up the time of day with the vantage point for the best views.
This iconic bridge has been in a huge list of films, including: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Big Trouble in Little China, Superman, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and many more.
Coit Tower
In the 1930’s Lillie Hitchcock Coit left $125,000 “for the purpose of adding beauty to the city which I have always loved.” The Coit Tower was built in 1933 and has art depicting life in the 1930’s in San Francisco, a historic look at life in the city during the Great Depression. The art was a success and influenced art on public buildings in other parts of the country. At 210 ft tall, the tower offers awesome 360° views of the city.
Hospitality
Aside from historic attractions, the city offers top notch hospitality. San Francisco is a global city and a melting pot of cultures. The cuisine is diverse and world class, the quality and quantity of the restaurants here make San Francisco an unparalleled food city. The city is best known for its farm fresh, ingredient-driven food showcased at local restaurants. Beyond food, the area is home to many wineries, breweries, coffee houses, and bars. There are lots of options, which means everyone is bringing their A game!
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