At 1.7 miles long, the Golden Gate Bridge is an architectural masterpiece. This landmark is one of the seven man-made wonders of the United States. No visit to San Francisco would be complete without a trip across the bridge. Visitors can drive, walk, or bicycle across the Golden Gate Bridge. Pedestrians and bicyclists must visit the bridge during daylight hours. On the southeast side of the bridge, visitors will find the Roundhouse which is home to the Golden Gate Bridge's Gift Center.
Golden Gate Park encompasses 1,017 acres of beautiful parkland. Here you can view American bison in the Buffalo Paddock, dine on buttermilk fried calamari at the Beach and Park Chalet, and explore the walking trails on Strawberry Hill. The Academy of Sciences, also located within the park, offers fascinating exhibits from the rainforests of the world to swamp sightseeing. Other attractions in the Golden Gate Park include the Children's Playground, Conservatory of Flowers, Strybing Arboretum and the de Young Museum as well as two historic windmills.
Located in San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, the Exploratorium is a museum full of hands-on exhibits in the areas of science, art, nature and technology. The Exploratorium has developed more than 700 exhibits to fascinate visitors of all ages. Of these, typically about 400 are on display at any given time. These interactive exhibits explore physics, biology, visual perception and listening. The Exploratorium also hosts lectures, performances and other special events throughout the year.
Fisherman's Wharf is home to a variety of attractions, including the Aquarium Marine Museums and the Fisherman's Wharf Wax Museum. This is still a working wharf, so visitors can watch the fishing boats bring in their day's catch and enjoy fresh seafood at the many restaurants located along the wharf. Fresh Dungeness crab and locally made chocolate are just a few of the delicious items available here. A variety of street performers are always on hand to entertain visitors along with the sea lions present for most of the year beside PIER 39.
Alcatraz, also known as The Rock, has been home to many things over its lifetime including the first lighthouse on the West Coast, a Civil War fortress and a federal prison. Alcatraz has since become a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can reach the island by ferry from Pier 33. When exploring Alcatraz during the day, visitors will be free to go on a self guided tour of the island. In the evenings, visitors will receive a guided tour and may be able to participate in other activities and tours.
