San Francisco as one of the most scenic and highly visited cities in the United States
San
Francisco is consistently rated one of the top tourist destinations in
the United States and is also one of the most recognizable. One visit and
you will understand the famed lyrics, 'I left my heart in San Francisco'.
A relatively compact city, the fourth largest in California, San
Francisco is only 18 sq km (7 sq miles) in area - making it the second most
densely populated American city after New York. However, its largely
waterfront location, its rolling hills and its many parks, ensure that it
never seems more than a large town.
Whether you are searching for the best in sightseeing, dining, culture,
history, sports, outdoor activities or splendid scenery, San Francisco
has something to offer everyone.
China Town, the largest Chinese community outside China itself, is
entered through the ornate and colorful gates on Bush and Stockton
Streets. Here you will see every kind of tea shop, grocer's, knick-knack
shop, pharmacy, restaurant, bakery, florist and market filled with live
animals for sale and swarming with people, a sea of activity and a
cacophony of exotic sounds and aromas.
Next to China Town is North Beach, also known as 'Little Italy', once
home to the beat poets like Alan Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac who used to
drink here and give readings at the City Lights bookstore. Here is
Washington Square Park with its gorgeous church and many street fairs,
fabulous Italian cuisine and authentic and charming coffee shops, where
you can fortify yourself for the walk up to Coit Tower.
Nearby is Fisherman's Wharf, home to the famous Dungeness Crabs,
sourdough chowder bowls and hordes of sea lions basking on the docks.
From here you can pick up the ferry to Alcatraz, the maximum security
prison once home to the toughest criminals in the world, and Angel
Island, the other island and national park floating in the San Francisco
Bay, as well as to nearby Sausalito and Tiburon, two upmarket waterfront
suburbs.
The Embarcadero, a palm-fringed promenade, hosts the newly refurbished
Ferry Building, home to organic farmers markets, fantastic restaurants,
bars and shops in a charming building reminiscent of European railway
stations. Stop off any morning to get the best in local cheese, fruit and
bread for a picnic in Golden Gate Park. Often fogged in, Golden Gate Park
is home to the de Young Museum, the fabulous botanical gardens, many
large ponds and lakes, fields of bison and picnic spots.
On one edge of the park is Haight-Ashbury, another colorful area, where
the hippies of the 1960s and 1970s practiced free love. It is still home
to tie-dyed teenagers and organic cafés, so a stroll through 'the Haight'
is like a step back in time.
Another well
known neighborhood is the Castro, home to the largest percentage of the
city's gay population. The Castro has many lively bistros, cafés,
galleries and restaurants among the well kept lovely Victorian homes and
well groomed gardens.
In front of the Letterman Digital Arts Center is the Marina Green, a
grassy expanse of playing fields, running tracks and pretty beach with
the most dramatic views of the landmark red Golden Gate Bridge. While you
are here try the scenic Palace of Fine Arts.
Other neighborhoods of note are the Nob Hill/Russian Hill area, the
upmarket playground of many of the wealthiest homeowners. Atop the hill
are the luxurious Fairmont, Huntington and Mark Hopkins Hotels as well
the impressive Grace Cathedral. The Marina/Cow Hollow is filled with
charming boutiques and cafés along Chestnut and Union Streets. Wander up
Fillmore Street, up, up, up the hill past the mansions of the rich and
famous.
The best way to get a full view of the city is to take the scenic '49
mile drive', which will lead you through the parks and beaches as well as
the various historical and scenic spots of interest. Also a must is a
trip on one of the cable cars, the two routes will take you from
Fisherman's Wharf through Russian and Nob Hills - down to Union Square -
do not forget your camera!
Almost too
many films have been made here to mention, but the most famous include
Escape from Alcatraz and The Rock.
