San Francisco HotelsThere are a couple of cities in the world where history, geological features, culture, and attitude blend together to make that city have an incredibly unique identity. I can only think of a handful of these cities. Rio de Janeiro is one of those cities and San Francisco is another. I love to visit San Francisco. Ever since gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in 1848, visitors from all over the world have flocked to San Francisco. Today, it's still possible to find gold in the "City on the Bay" in its numerous restaurants, beautiful neighborhoods, and world-class cultural attractions. San Francisco hosts a number of national landmarks, from the famous Telegraph Hill and old-fashioned trolley cars to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, that help make any trip special. Moving away from the Bay, San Francisco only gets better. The city's famous steep hills and trolley cars run back and forth between museums like the Museum of the Legion of Honor and attractions like the San Francisco Zoo, which houses over 1000 animals on 65 acres. The world-famous San Francisco Opera is also a perennial favorite among visitors, as are the city's numerous restaurants. In fact, inhabitants of San Francisco spend more on dining out per person than any city in America. San Francisco Bay was the source of the city's livelihood for a very long time, and it remains the key to the city to this day. The Golden Gate Bridge, a San Francisco icon, is 1.7 miles long and frames the Bay. Located around the Bay are several remarkable beaches and parks. Golden Gate Park contains several museums, gardens, and open spaces. The Presidio, a 200 year old Spanish Fort, is also a well-known Bay Area attraction. Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 are national landmarks, offering breathtaking views, fine restaurants and great shopping. Steinhart Aquarium is the oldest municipal aquarium in America, featuring a wide selection of creatures from both the Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Of course, no tour of the Bay would be complete without mentioning Alcatraz, America's most famous prison, and now San Francisco's number one tourist attraction. For a few lucky miners, San Francisco in the 19th century was the gateway to an unforgettable experience. Today's visitors to the Bay Area feel the same way. Things to DoBay Area Discovery Museum This museum features hands-on exhibits for children. Kids can climb on a fishing boat, learn to ride a unicycle, create clay animation movies.
Cable Car Barn & Museum 1201 Mason/Washington (M,5) (415) 474-1887 Visitors come here to learn about one of San Francisco's most enduring icons, the cable car. Displays on the history of San Francisco's cable cars include information on how they work, how they developed, and how they are built.
Hershey Factory & Visitor Center 120 South Sierra Ave., Oakdale. (209) 848-8126 Visitors enjoy free tours showing the process of making Hershey chocolate from cocoa beans to candy bars. The world of Hershey is vast, and guests get to see it all. Free samples of the end product are available.
Morrison Planetarium Located at the Academy, Golden Gate Park/8th Ave. (C, 10) (415) 750-7141 Part of Golden Gate Park, this attraction is renowned for its star and sky shows. Bringing the universe to guests, the Planetarium also features a Laserium, a laser light and music show.
PIER 39 Beach/Embarcadero (M, 2) (415) 981-PIER San Francisco's version of the old-fashioned boardwalk, this site features over 100 specialty shops, 10 restaurants and family attractions including Turbo Ride, the Venetian Carousel and the famous California sea lions.
San Francisco Zoo Sloat/Great Hwy. (A, 13) (415) 753-7061 This world-renowned zoo is home to over 1,000 exotic, wild and domestic animals housed on dozens of acres. Guest should make a note to visit the primate center, penguin island and the children's petting zoo.
Steinhart Aquarium At the Academy, GG Park/8th Ave. (C, 10) (415) 750-7145 Another part of the science offerings of Golden Gate Park, the Steinhart Aquarium holds more than 1,000 species of salt and fresh water fishes, reptiles, amphibians, marine mammals and even penguins. Visitors should look out for feeding times!
Aquarium of the Bay PIER 39 (M, 2) (415) 546-2700 This World takes you right to the fish in a very unique way! Aquarium of the Bay is America's first "under the sea" aquarium experience. Visitors walk through the all-new 707,000-gallon aquarium in sea-through tunnels. Guests get to get much closer to marine life than conventional aquariums allow.
Alcatraz No visit to San Francisco would be complete without a visit to America's most famous prison. No one has ever escaped from "the Rock" to tell the tale. This prison housed some of America's most feared criminals in the middle of San Francisco bay. Closed for over several decades, Alcatraz is one of San Francisco's most visited attractions. Visitors tour the island and get a taste of life "on the inside."
Golden Gate Bridge This landmark is a symbol of San Francisco and the Bay Area. The Bridge is an architectural marvel, and is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. The two towers are purposely out of alignment in order to compensate for the curvature of the earth. It's orange shape is beautiful to behold, whether it is on a clear day, or peaking above the rolling fog of the bay. Visitors should drive across it, take photographs of it, and enjoy this national landmark.
Blue & Gold Fleet PIER 39, (M,2) (415) 773-1188. This fleet brings guests along on a spectacular 1-hour narrated tour of the San Francisco Bay. The cruise includes passing under the Golden Gate Bridge and sailing around Alcatraz.
Hyde Street Pier Hyde/Jefferson (K, 2) (415) 556-3002 This is America's only floating national park, and it features the world's largest collection of historic ships from all of San Francisco's history.
USS Hornet Museum Located at the former Naval Air Station in Alameda. (888) 865-2812 This World War II aircraft carrier should interest naval history buffs, space program enthusiasts, and anyone looking to see something truly awesome from American history. The carrier is 900 ft. long and has played a significant role in several key events in American history.
Chinatown Some of San Francisco's first immigrants were from China, and they're influence on the city is notable. Chinatown has grown over the years, and is now a Mecca for Asian culture and cuisine. Visitors will enjoy the atmosphere, the history, and the contribution of this important group of San Francisco residents. From the original Chinese laundries, to the best Chinese food in the West, Chinatown has lots to offer everyone.
Fisherman's Wharf Millions visit this part of San Francisco each year to gaze across the piers, take in the local scene, and enjoy the attractions of numerous restaurants and fun things to do. Fisherman's wharf represents a modern San Francisco , but at a little slower pace. Visitors love the neighborhood and take in the sight of regulars and other visitors. San Francisco bay is beautiful from here!
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