San Francisco has cool things to do around every corner of the city. Take a walk down what is thought to be the most crooked street in the world, take a ferry across the bay and tour a haunted prison or take a short drive to visit the Mysterious Winchester House. There are activities for visitors of all ages in San Francisco; the toughest decision may be what to do first.
Take a ferry to the island where you can tour the former prison built on an island in the San Francisco Bay. The former federal prison was also used as a civil war fort. Alcatraz is now owned and operated by the National Park service. Many of the former prison buildings were destroyed by a fire in the 1960s or torn down because of deterioration in the 1970s. The lighthouse, cell house and military barracks still remain. Alcatraz is thought to be haunted by the civil war soldiers who died there and by former prisoners, some of whom were famous, like Al Capone or Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz." The tickets for the tour sell out fast so it is recommended that you order well in advance. Alcatraz is open daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The tour lasts approximately four hours and the boat leaves from Pier 33 at the San Francisco Bay.
Alcatraz Island Tour
Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-981-7625
alcatrazcruises.com
There are plenty of activities to do for people of all ages at the Fisherman's Wharf. Some of the interesting activities include Ripley's Believe it or Not, a wax museum, the Cannery Shopping Center and the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park. Fisherman's Wharf was previously the home to a fleet of more than 400 boats and is now a tourist's haven of cafes, shops and attractions. There are several options available for discounts to attractions such as the San Francisco City pass, Fisherman's Wharf Pass or the Go San Francisco Card. The area is open daily and there is no admission charge to sightsee around the Wharf; however, some of the attractions do charge an admission fee.
Fisherman's Wharf
Jefferson Street, between Powell and Hyde
fishermanswharf.org
Lombard Street and Vermont Avenue are two of the crooked streets worth taking a peek at. The crooked section of Lombard Street is located between Hyde and Leavenworth. The street is located near Ghirardelli Square in Fisherman's Wharf. Don't forget the camera as it is a funny sight to watch the cars drive down the crooked street. The crooked section of Lombard street is one block in length and built with eight switchbacks on a 40 degree angle. There is no charge to see the crooked streets, but please respect the residents during the night hours by being quiet.
Crooked Streets
Lombard Street & Vermont Ave.
lombardstreetsf.com
The Winchester House is a short drive from San Francisco in San Jose, California. The house is a 160-room Victorian mansion and was home to Sarah Winchester, the rifle heiress. The home is a mystery of twists and turns with doors that lead to nowhere, a staircase that descends seven steps and rises eleven, as well as ghosts that supposedly haunt the mansion. The Winchester House is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm, except Christmas day. The price for tours vary depending the type of tour chosen and for safety reasons, children under 5 are not permitted on tours.
Winchester Mystery House
525 S Winchester Blvd.
San Jose, CA 95128
408-247-2000
winchestermysteryhouse.com
