Things to do in San Francisco
Most visitors take a trip on one of the many trams which run up and down the length of the straight, climbing streets of the city, although it is probably quicker and certainly cheaper to catch a bus or even walk – particularly if you're heading downhill! The trams used to be a central part of the city's transport network but in recent years the remaining ones have become more popular with tourists than locals.
However, while the trams could be missed out, a trip to San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf is almost compulsory for any traveller. This is where the locals and visitors mix together, with the famous seafood markets offering some of the best local produce caught straight out of the Pacific. A plethora of themed eateries and souvenir shops have popped up along the wharf, but it is worth the visit for the array of seafood on offer and to enjoy the street performers, who ensure that there is always a lively atmosphere in the area.
Not far from the Wharf lies the wonderful Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which is a national park covering 74,000 acres of land and water. Some beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge can be glimpsed from this park and is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
As well as the massive bridge, San Francisco is also famous for its Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The building itself is a work of art and can be as inspiring as anything inside. Located near the city's financial district, this area is full of surprising and impressive buildings. Along with the MoMA is the huge triangular-shaped skyscraper, the Transamerica Pyramid, which dominates the skyline and is visible from most of the city. Despite housing nothing more interesting than offices, the skyscraper has become a famous feature of the San Francisco skyline.
Perhaps the most famous part of the city, however, is not a man-made structure at all. While the Golden Gate Bridge is famous the world over, the small island in San Francisco Bay is infamous. This is Alcatraz and a visit to the city would not be complete without a trip to the former abode of such notorious criminals as Al Capone. The Rock, as it is affectionately known, is famed for being the most secure prison in US history and it is claimed that no-one ever escaped the prison when it was in use. Today, the island is a tourist attraction, with the former prison cells still on display for visitors to view. But for those looking to get onto the island, tickets on the boats across do not come cheap and it is often advisable to book in advance, as it can get exceptionally busy, especially during the holiday season.
Union Square is a haven for shoppers and visitors looking to pick up a bargain can often find what they are looking for in this area. Despite the fact that some of the shops are at the upper end of the market and can be quite expensive, there are also a variety of cheap alternatives, meaning that this area really has something for everyone.
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Things to Do
