From Golden Gate Bridge to the historic Cable Cars, San Francisco is a hip and intoxicating destination, alive with attractions, museums, art galleries, nightclubs, restaurants, festivals, entertainment and riveting city tours. You will be captivated by San Francisco’s eclectic neighbourhoods, Victorian homes, cultural diversity and dramatic scenery.
Experience the essence of San Francisco at Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, the San Francisco Zoo, Alcatraz, Union Square, The Presidio, Yerba Buena Gardens, the Theatre District, The Asian Art Museum, Chinatown and the diversity of nearby eateries, cafés and shops that colour lively streets. Escape to San Francisco where your heart will embrace a culture as unique as San Francisco's enchanting coastal panorama.
Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most breath-taking structures in the world; the Golden Gate Bridge offers magical views of the San Francisco Bay Area, connecting San Francisco and the Marin Headlands. The iconic orange towers of the 4,200-foot Golden Gate Bridge, the most famous symbol of San Francisco are visible from every high point in the city. Driving or biking across is a thrill, but the half-hour walk allows you to absorb the amazing views.
Things to see and do in San Francisco:
Fisherman’s Wharf - the centre for the city’s commercial fish industry is California’s second most visited tourist attraction. Walk through open-air fish markets and check out the craft shops at Pier 39.
Alcatraz Island - ’The Rock’ can be visited by catching a 15 minute ferry across the one and a half miles of water from Pier 41. This is a fascinating and unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Al Capone and the famous birdman.
Golden Gate Bridge - no visit to San Francisco is complete without a photograph or two of the city’s most famous landmark.
Lombard Street - famed as the world’s most crooked street, take the time to view the interesting facades and colourful flowers.
Golden Gate Park - a 1,000 acre area that includes bike parks, hiking trails, numerous sports fields and three lakes offering boating opportunities, Golden Gate Park is a very popular place with the locals at the weekend.
Union Square - since 1850 Union Square has been the heart of San Francisco’s downtown and boasts some of its finest department stores and most exclusive boutiques.
Chinatown - home to one of the largest Chinese communities outside Asia, this 14 block area boasts some of the best Chinese cuisine in the States.
Nob Hill - an elegant hilltop area of hotels and residences, home to the Gothic Grace Cathedral and Huntington Park and the place to see some of the best views of the bay.
Top tips:
- Take the ferry over to Sausalito, or hire a bike, cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge and catch the Blue and Gold ferry home.
- Consider buying a San Francisco City Pass, which includes a book of admissions tickets to various attractions as well as seven days unlimited use of the cable car sand local buses.
- Go on a tram, but expect to queue
For more information on holidays to San Francisco call 01243 779 737
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