San Francisco's Sights and Sounds
Learn what this Southern California City has to Offer Visitors
Oct 3, 2009
Three full days in San Francisco enables visitors to see and experience this vivacious city's highlights. Don't forget to pack a sweater for evening outings as the breeze off the bay can be a bit cool.
Golden Gate National Recreation Vista Points - Popular Photo Opportunities in San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most well-known landmarks in the world. It’s often the first place people go when they arrive in San Francisco. That said, after driving across the bridge go through the far right toll lane #1, exit right just past the Toll Plaza onto Merchant Road. Make an immediate right onto a roadway that goes down a short hill and into an underpass which leads directly into the southeast side visitor parking lot. This is where sightseers have an opportunity to get some fantastic photos. This bridge is a perfect subject whether the photographer is professional or amateur. The golden lights it boasts are exquisite. The mist off the ocean is refreshing to see and feel all at the same time. There are other spots to get great shots. Check out the link above. Driving back over the bridge into the city will cost a $6 toll fee.
San Francisco's Most Famous Crooked Street - How to Navigate Down Lombard Street
People come from all over the world to snap photos of Lombard Street which is twisted and steep. Brochures advertise it as the “Worlds Crookedest Street” though this is arguable to some; visitors still come and gather here. Tourists can either walk or drive down this one way street. There are stairs adjacent the street to walk up or down. People that choose to drive it must ride their breaks all the way down because there are eight sharp turns on a 40 degree hill. The houses on Lombard have lots of old fashioned character while they blend into this magnificent city’s streets. Most window frames overhang and are fancied up with elegant trims. The houses are clustered together almost touching. It’s especially stunning to see the glow of golden lights shining throughout the city at dusk or dawn.
Fishermen's Wharf is Home to Pier 39 - Things to do at San Francisco's Famous Dock
Pier 39 at Fishermen’s’ Wharf is another popular spot. There is so much to do here. There are dozens of stores and restaurants, selling all kinds of souvenirs for tourists and serving up all kinds of foods from burgers and pizza to exotic sea foods. At The Wipe Out Bar & Grill tourists can order a generous order of calamari, cooked to perfection. Along with fries and a cold beer it’s a scrumptious meal. The pier is home to hundreds of sea lions who bark and bask in the sun competing for the tourists’ attention with the street performers who also gather here.
Take a Day Trip to Alcatraz Penitentiary - Cruise on the San Francisco Bay
Alcatraz Island is something travelers should take the time to go see. It’s a part of American history. From 1934 to 1963 it is recognized as being a maximum security prison for Mafia criminals and high risk convicts like “Machine Gun” Kelly, Al Capone, and Robert “Birdman” Stroud. Presently the prison is part of The Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Visitors can take the guided audio tape tour while there. During the tour you’ll hear sound effects that actually give a sense of what was heard back in the days when men were confined in this prison. There are re-enactments of some of the infamous jail breaks which include gun shots and grenades going off. Tickets to Alcatraz Island can be purchased at Peer 33 on Bay Street at a cost of $26.00 per adult.
San Francisco's Public Rail Transportation - Day Pass to Ride Historic Cable Cars
A visit to San Francisco isn’t complete without riding the Cable Cars. They have been working the hills for more than 120 years. There are still some cars that date back from the last century but the entire system was overhauled in the 1980’s. There are about 40 cars on three different routes. Day passes sell for $11 each. It 's thrilling to take a ride after dark. A slight cool breeze will be felt, the streets will be lit up, and most passengers will holler and laugh as they are pulled through the heart of the downtown area. Tourists have the time of their lives while standing on the side and hanging on tight to the poles. Remember, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart” – Confucius.
Check out Exploring San Francisco: Things to Do Off the Tourist Trail for other interesting things to do while in San Francisco.
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