Author William Saroyan once said, "If you're alive, you can't be bored in San Francisco. If you're not alive, San Francisco will bring you to life." San Francisco offers plenty of sights, from Pier 39 to Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square. But the city has another side to it, with options slightly off the beaten path.
Ride the Powell-Hyde cable car to the top of Lombard Street, billed as the "crookedest" street in San Francisco, where you'll enjoy expansive views of Ghiraradelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz. For a real adventure, take a fast ride down the block between Leavenworth and Hyde Street at night.The zig-zagging from left to right combined with the steepness of the hill give a thrill as good as any carnival ride.
Hop a ferry over to Angel Island for a day of hiking, biking and discovery. The island has a rich history as the first stop for many immigrants coming into the country from the Pacific Basin, Asia and Russia. It played an important role in American military history, and is home to military garrisons like Camp Reynolds, dating back to 1863, and Fort McDowell.
Start your ascent at the corner of Museum Way and Roosevelt Way, and take the combination of paths and steps up 520 feet to the top of Corona Heights. Once at the top, relax and enjoy the views of the city, let Fido run in the enclosed dog run, take pictures of the unique rock formations or head down the other side to visit the science, nature and art exhibits at the Randall Museum.
San Francisco is one of the country's most expensive cities, and Pacific Heights is one of its most expensive neighborhoods. The 2700 and 2800 blocks of Broadway Street take wealth to an extreme. Stroll through this exclusive neighborhood and catch glimpses of mansions owned by people like Getty Oil heir Gordon Getty, University of Phoenix heir Peter Sperling and Levi Strauss heir Peter Haus.
Alcatraz, the island that lives in infamy, offers an evening tour featuring special activities not available during the day, like "Sound of the Slammer," which recreates the nightly mass lockup. Learn about the island's history and tour the prison while watching the sun set over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Chinatown's roots go back to 1848, when three Chinese immigrants arrived in San Francisco. Today the neighborhood is a hub of Chinese culture and tradition, and a popular spot for tourists to experience the city's Asian community. Get a taste of Chinatown with some dim sum from restaurants like Great Eastern or Gold Mountain.
Located on a jetty in San Francisco Bay, the one-of-a-kind wave organ is an acoustic sculpture made from pieces of granite, marble, PVC pipes and concrete. The waves that hit the pipes and rush through them make subtle music-like sounds to the delight of visitors.
Make your way to Seward Street and spend time being a big kid. A small park tucked away between Castro and Noe Valley is home to several cement slides built into the landscape, originally constructed in the 1970s. Bring some cardboard for a faster ride and a buffer between you and the cement.
San Francisco is home to many labyrinths, and the Lands End Labyrinth with its ancient feel is one of the most popular. Take the stairs down from Mile Rock Beach, and stroll through the intriguing and dramatic labyrinth with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. Although constructed in 2004, it looks as if it has been one with nature for much longer.
In keeping with Japanese tradition, Kabuki Springs & Spa offers communal bathing for the adventurous at heart. The spa requires bathing suits, and no co-ed hours are available. The spa offers its guests a selection of bath products and sea salts to enjoy while bathing.
