Top 5 Things To Do In San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge
Upon completion in 1937 it took the title as the longest suspension bridge in the world. It has since been superseded by eight other bridges but is still an iconic symbol of California and the USA. The Golden Gate is the defining feature of San Francisco Bay and thousands every year either walk or cycle to the bridge to cross over or for the excellent views of downtown and Alcatraz. If you walk from the city to the bridge it will take over an hour each way but you can definitely make an afternoon of it in the summer time. Cycling is safe and popular as there are cycle paths along the bay front away from the traffic and relatively cheap.
Ride The Cable Car
The cable cars have operated in San Francisco since the late 19th century and have survived as a popular transportation method until this day. The majority of people I saw on the cable cars were tourists as it is something you do when you visit and a lot of fun. If all the seating is taken you are permitted to hang off the sides but be sure to keep in when another approaches from the opposite direction. You can catch the cable cars from Union Square (main shopping district), fisherman’s wharf, and California Street. An adult can get a single journey for $3 or a day pass for $9.
Alcatraz Tour
The main and best attraction in my mind is the Alcatraz tour. You are taken by boat out into the bay and moor on “The Rock”. The tour lasts for 2 hours from the moment you leave the land until you return. This includes a 45 minute audio tour of the prison including stops at the cells, the kitchen, hospital, officer’s quarters and solitary confinement. If you opt to go for the night tour (which is a little dearer) then you also get several presentations to see. It provides a very good insight into the escapes, riots and every day life of the infamous prison. Be sure to book ahead in peak season as it can get very busy and many people are disappointed every year. Adult prices start from $34.50 at time of writing.
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is popular place to find family entertainment and good food. There is always something going on at the wharf as it seems to be a hub for events and seasonal festivities. Many tours of the city and the Bay area depart from the piers including the highly popular visit to Alcatraz. There are plenty of places to buy all your tacky souvenirs from here to but if you want really shopping then head uptown to Union Square.
Muir Woods
Across the Bay and over the hills is Muir Woods National Park, home to Giant Redwoods. If you have not got a car then you can arrange a tour from the city. There will be leaflets available from any hotel reception or tourist information. Once there, you can see these enormous trees and do some of the varying length walks throughout the wood. The length of time needed there will depend on the amount of walking you wish to do but it takes 45 minutes to get there from down town San Francisco.