San Francisco plays host to millions of tourists every year. Sometimes they discover a city nestled in the hills overlooking a sparkling bay and a golden bridge. Sometimes they find a city of mysterious enclaves, old-fashioned cable cars and mist-shrouded streets. No matter what time of year you go to San Francisco, or whom you travel with, you are sure to have a great time.
For lovers, San Francisco offers both adventure and romance. Many couples cruise the bay on the little boats that leave from Fisherman's Wharf. Sunlight on the water, the magnificent vista of the Golden Gate Bridge, the lights of the city sparkling as dusk falls--there are few things more romantic. North Beach has hundreds of wonderful little restaurants, many of them family-owned. The San Francisco Museum of Art has an extensive collection and beautiful grounds. If you enjoy nature, check out the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. Haight-Ashbury is a great place to remember the Summer of Love and the Vietnam War protests.
San Francisco has a number of child-friendly museums, including the Exploratorium next to the Palace of Fine Arts. Golden Gate Park's aquarium and planetarium are worth a day all their own. The Wells Fargo Museum introduces kids to the California Gold Rush. Chinatown, dating to 1848, is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. Charming shops filled with acres of exotic toys, great food, imported art and clothing and beautiful jewelry, Chinatown has something for everyone. For people-watching, check out the waterfront along Fisherman's Wharf--and don't forget to stop at Ghirardelli Square for ice cream.
No trip to San Francisco is complete without a ride on cable cars. The view of Alcatraz from the top of Market Street is something you will never forget.
The Bay Area Rapid Transit System is great fun for kids, and you can use it to travel anywhere in the city at a reasonable cost. Using these resources, the occasional cab and San Francisco's bus network, you can get around without a car. Not only will you save time, and money, you'll see more of the city.
If you've never been to San Francisco, you are in for a real treat. It's a great city for travelers, with something for everyone of every age. You'll remember every moment of your trip, because every square inch of the city seems to have its own story and its own charm.
