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Visitors Information |
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Welcome to San Francisco
Places to go
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A symbol of isolation and the city's dark past, Alcatraz Island with its blinking lighthouse still lures new generations of tourists who view it with a mixture of curiosity and dread. Transformed from a military fortress and prison to a federal penitentiary in 1934, "the Rock" became home to the country's most dangerous and notorious criminals, including mobster Al Capone and "public enemy number one" Alvin Karpis. Although many tried to escape over the years, no inmates are known to have survived the icy bay waters. Still haunted by its grim history, Alcatraz ended its stint as a lockup in 1963 and is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. You can take self-guided trail walks, audio-cassette tours through the main cell block, and ranger-led tours of the island itself. The only way to reach this extremely popular destination is via ferry from Fisherman's Wharf, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. Contact the Alcatraz Cruises by clicking on the link or call 415.981.7625 to make your reservation and discover yourself what makes this a unique and unforgettable destination.
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A sweeping 8.5-mile suspension/cantilever structure consisting of an east and a west span joined by a tunnel through Yerba Buena Island , the Bay Bridge links San Francisco to the East Bay 's Contra Costa and Alameda . Views of the City's skyline are spectacular from the bridge's westbound upper deck, but unlike the Golden Gate Bridge , this one has no pedestrian access. You can, however, get off at the Treasure Island exit midway across the bridge, where you can enjoy views of the city skyline and the bay. From San Francisco 's Embarcadero, you can view the bridge up close and even walk under its western span. Crossing from the East Bay into San Francisco , you'll pay a $3 toll.
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Many visitors make Ocean Beach on San Francisco 's westernmost edge their first stop. The Pacific Ocean 's white-capped waves are always an exhilarating sight, especially for first-timers, but the dangerous undertows prohibit swimming. The expansive windows of the Cliff House, erected in 1909, are a popular lookout. Just offshore are the abrupt outlines of Seal Rock, which is nearly always inhabited by shore birds and a colony of stellar sea lions. Bring binoculars for a close-up view. If it's a clear day, you'll also spot the Farallon Islands some 30 miles away. Swimming is allowed at China Beach (28th Avenue and Sea Cliff), where lifeguards are on duty all summer. At Baker Beach , off 25th Avenue , swimming is dangerous, but hikers, fishermen, and picnickers can enjoy views of the Golden Gate . |
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Navigating the city's steep hills on a cable car is a "must do" experience for tourists and visitors. San Francisco 's - and the world's - first cable-powered streetcar took its maiden voyage down Nob Hill in August 1873, and these historic railways have been a hit ever since. Today these nearly 8-ton, 18-foot-long relics operate along three routes: The Powell-Hyde line begins at Powell and Market streets, terminating at Victorian Park near the Maritime Museum and Aquatic Park; the Powell-Mason line also begins at Powell and Market, but ends at Bay and Taylor near Fisherman's Wharf; the California Street line runs from California and Market streets to Van Ness Avenue. Nearly as much fun is the experience of seeing the drivers hop off the car and turn it around for the trip back. Get up early and go to the turnaround at Powell and Market or the one at the end of Hyde Street at Aquatic Park . Buy a CityPass and get a seven-day cable car discount.
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Built in 1907 as a Del Monte peach-canning factory, the Cannery has been transformed into a waterfront marketplace with something for everyone. Its historic brick warehouse now includes three levels of walkways, balconies, and bridges with an inviting courtyard in the center. Relax under one-hundred-year-old olive trees and have an alfresco snack or an elegant meal while being entertained by street performers. Discover a variety of shops and galleries where you can buy one-of-a-kind treasures or the latest fashions. Treat yourself to live entertainment and enjoy one of the finest comedy clubs in the city. Close to Fisherman's Wharf and less than a block from the Hyde Street cable-car turnaround, the Cannery is located at the corner of Leavenworth and Beach streets. |
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No place epitomizes gay freedom and pride more than San Francisco's Castro district, where rainbow flags flutter from apartment and store windows, and same-sex couples stroll arm in arm without worrying about what anyone else might think. After weathering both the 1978 assassination of the city's first openly gay supervisor, Harvey Milk (known as the Mayor of Castro Street) and the devastation wrought by the AIDS epidemic soon after, the Castro developed a strong sense of solidarity and activism that continues to thrive. Although it has become famous as the symbol of the world's most fiercely outspoken gay community, the Castro has also evolved into a vibrant neighborhood of stylish shops, upscale restaurants, and exotic night spots. While you're there, don't miss seeing one of the city's few remaining single-screen movie theatres, the lavishly restored Castro Theatre, which has been around since 1922. With its opulent orchestra and balcony seating of more than 1400 and a mighty Wurlitzer organ, it's no wonder this one-of-a-kind gem has been designated a San Francisco landmark. A must-see event is the Gay Pride Day parade on the last Sunday in June, which turns Market Street into a sea of gay- and lesbian-themed floats, each more outrageous than the last. And if you happen to be in San Francisco on October 31, this neighborhood is definitely the place to be, because Halloween is the city's favorite holiday, and no one celebrates it better than the Castro. |
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Walk through the Dragon's Gate, at Grant Avenue and Bush Street , and become part of the colorful, noisy, and exciting world that is San Francisco 's Chinatown . Packed into 24 blocks of narrow streets, hidden alleys, and steep hills are a myriad of exotic shops, excellent restaurants, ethnic food markets, spiritual temples, and unusual museums. Join the hustle and bustle at the heart of Chinatown , Grant Avenue , the city's oldest street. Each February, Chinatown is the focal point for San Francisco 's Chinese New Year, a fun-filled week of festivities culminating with a huge downtown parade, replete with exuberant dancing dragons. |
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