Mention San Francisco and the first thing most people picture is the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge's towers can be seen from nearly every high point in the city. The Golden Gate spans 4,200 feet, and took just over four years to build. It opened in 1937. You can walk across the bridge in about a half-hour, taking in the bridge's size and the views it offers.
Another tourist favorite is Alcatraz, found in the middle of San Francisco Bay. The former military and federal prison is located on an island 1.5 miles from shore, which left prisoners with few means of escape. Alcatraz Island now offers visitors a close-up view of what is left of the prison as well as the island's earlier uses for military fortifications and the Pacific Coast's first lighthouse.
Chinatown is an eclectic neighborhood worth visiting for the sights, sounds and food. There are about 100,000 people in this neighborhood, making this Chinatown the world's largest outside Asia. It's also the oldest in the United States. Visit the Chinese Culture Center to see the exhibits and learn about Chinese culture and history and watch performances of Chinese opera and dance.
If you're an architecture buff, don't forget to stroll by the Painted Ladies, the term that describes the Victorian houses framed against the city's skyline, or the greenery of residential neighborhoods. Nearly 50,000 homes in this style were build in San Francisco during the last half of the 19th century, but many were lost in the fire after the 1906 earthquake. Though others have been torn down through the years, many remain. To find them, head to one of these neighborhoods: Pacific Heights, the Fillmore, the Haight and the Western Addition.
Coit Tower, at the top of Telegraph Hill, was built in honor of the city's volunteer firemen and has an observation deck with stunning city views. The tower was built in 1933. The cable cars have provided transportation since 1837. The once 110-mile tracks are now down to 17 and serve as a moving historic landmark. Three lines remain, all of which can take you past other must-see destinations.
Fisherman's Wharf is another must-see. The wharf is a historic waterfront area where you indulge in seafood, great views and shopping. It's close to several other sights, such as Alcatraz and the Maritime Museum, and is the spot for some of the best views of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline. Ghirardelli Square also offers unique shopping, walking tours and art galleries. It was the original site of the Ghirardelli chocolate factory and served as home to many of its workers.
