Sites & Views

Alcatraz Island
Often referred to as The Rock, the small island early-on served as a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison, and a Federal Bureau of Prisons federal prison until 1963. Later, in 1972, Alcatraz became a national recreation area and received land marking designations in 1976 and 1986.

Today, the island is a historic site operated by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is open to tours. Visitors can reach the island by ferry ride from Pier 33, near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco.

Coit Tower
Coit Tower was built in Pioneer Park atop Telegraph Hill in 1933 at the bequest of Lillie Hitchcock Coit to beautify the City of San Francisco; Lillie bequeathed one-third of her estate to the City of San Francisco "to be expended in an appropriate manner for the purpose of adding to the beauty of the city which I have always loved”/ The art deco tower, 210 feet (64 m) of unpainted reinforced concrete, was designed by architects Arthur Brown, Jr. and Henry Howard with murals by 26 different artists and numerous assistants.

Fisherman’s Wharf
One of the busiest and well known tourist attractions in North America, it is best known for being the location of Pier 39, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, the Cannery Shopping Center, Ghirardelli Square, a Ripley's Believe it or Not museum, the Musée Mécanique, the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf, Forbes Island and restaurants and stands that serve fresh seafood, most notably dungeness crab and clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl.

One of the city's most popular figures is a harmless but controversial resident of Fisherman's Wharf called the World Famous Bushman, a local street performer who sits behind some branches and startles people who walk by. He has gained notoriety during the 28 years he has been doing this.

Golden Gate Bridge
he Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean. As part of both U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1, it connects the city of San Francisco on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County. The Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge span in the world when it was completed during the year 1937, and has become one of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco, California, and of the United States.

Twin Peaks
Being almost at the geographical center of San Francisco there is no finer place to see the city than atop Twin Peaks. With its panoramic views, Twin Peaks should be a must-stop on every tourist’s list of places to go. Named for its two virtually identical summits, Twin Peaks stands at an elevation of about 922 feet, second highest in San Francisco. Though, best known for its viewpoint, Twin Peaks has practical uses as well. The lower portion of Twin Peaks has been developed into a residential community with colorful houses built into the hillside providing optimal views for their residents.

Angel Island- Accessible by commercial ferries and private boats, Angel Island State Park, the largest Island in San Francisco Bay, is located one mile south of the Tiburon Peninsula. Park Headquarters and the main Visitor’s Center are located in Ayala Cove on the North side, the Islands’ main point of entry.

Muir Woods
You can enjoy a beautiful, ancient redwood forest that is truly unique for just $3 per person. The winding drive to the forest through the Marin Headland hills is truly special. Make sure to dress a little warmer for the cool, shaded, moist area. The redwoods reach for all the sun they can get, and the forest floor tends to be cool and damp. In this photo, a small amount of light has penetrated the redwoods to reach the ground. There are 3 walks, from one-half hour to 1.5 hours, and much longer hikes if you wish. The forest park is actually paved to make it easy for wheelchairs and mothers with strollers. The longer hikes are unpaved. The 560 acre park includes six miles of paved, mostly level trails on the canyon floor.

Cable Cars, Street Cars, & Cable Car Museum
There's probably not a soul who visits San Francisco without anticipating a cable car ride. A must see is the Cable Car Barn and Museum, this is the control center that drives the entire cable car system.  There are three Cable Car lines each with a unique destination.

At sea level, along Market Street and the Embarcadero, is another type of streetcar known as the F-Market Line.  This line creates seamless transportation between the Castro and Fisherman’s Wharf. 
    
Pacific Heights, Marina District & Cow Hollow
If you're interested in seeing the Victorian mansions and architecture of Pacific Heights, one of the best ways to tour is through San Francisco City Guides. They offer free walking tours of the Pacific Heights and the Marina District -- which includes Cow Hollow, the former pasture tucked in between the hill and the Marina flats below.

The Marina District and Cow Hollow are epicenters of food and shopping. A stroll along Union and Chestnut streets will render more than enough possibilities for restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Other attractions in the area include the Haas-Lilienthal House, Octagon House, Palace of Fine Arts & Exploratorium, Marina Green & Fort Mason, Crissy Field.