San Francisco Attractions
Some of San Francisco's attractions are almost as famous as the city itself. When you think about San Francisco, you probably think about the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, Coit Tower and Cable Cars. These are indeed fine things to think about as each represent and add to the city in their own way, as do some attractions that may not be quite so famous. This sections provides descriptions of San Francisco's attractions both famous and relatively unknown.
San Francisco City Pass: 6 Famous San Francisco Attractions plus unlimited cable car rides!
- Alcatraz - Most famously, Alcatraz was a federal penitentiary between 1934 and 1963. During this time period, it became known as the "Rock." Famous former prisoners included Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly and Robert "Birdman" Stroud.
- Beaches - San Francisco has a nices selection of beaches within the city the city limits, some more isolated than others, including Ocean Beach, Lands End Beach, China Beach, Baker Beach, East Beach and the "Castro Beach" (a.k.a. Dolores Park).
- Cable Cars - No trip to San Francisco would be complete without a ride on the only moving National Historic Landmark in the United States. Most tourists ride the Powell-Hyde line which goes from Powell and Market over Nob Hill past Lombard Street to Hyde and Beach (near Hyde Street Pier and Ghirardelli Square). Unlimited Cable Car Rides! with San Francisco City Pass
- Coit Tower - Coit Tower sits perched on Telegraph Hill and is a distinct part of the San Francisco city skyline. The tower was built with $118,000 that Lillie Hitchcock Coit bequeathed to the city to build a monument to the city's firemen.
- Fisherman's Wharf - Fisherman's Wharf is the most visited tourist attraction in San Francisco. It also contains many attractions that are worth a visit in their own right, including Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay, The Cannery, Hyde Street Pier and Ghirardelli Square.
- Fort Point - San Francisco Fort Point was built between 1853 and 1861 to fortify the San Francisco Bay against hostile ships. The Golden Gate Bridge design included an arch that spans the historic military fort.
- Golden Gate Bridge - The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognized characteristics of San Francisco and is often used as a symbol of San Francisco itself. The San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge spans 1.2 miles and was constructed between 1933 and 1937.
- Lombard Street - The brick paving, lush gardens and Victorian architecture of this winding street draws in the tourists by the carload.
- Try the California Sunset Cruise on the San Francisco Bay or the Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise. Both offer a unique San Francisco experience showcasing much of San Francisco's beauty.
- Mission Murals - With over 600 murals, San Francisco's mural tradition is rich and diverse with murals painted on building walls and facades, fences, garage doors and more. The colorful Mission District is the capital of San Francisco murals with the greatest concentration of murals in the San Francisco.
- Painted Ladies - The San Francisco Painted Ladies are a row of Victorian homes located on Steiner Street between Hayes and Grove. When viewed from Alamo Square (the park across the street), the Painted Ladies are in stark contrast to the modern skyline of downtown San Francisco.
- Pier 7 - The beautiful panoramaic views offered by this public access fishing pier, make Pier 7 worth a stop on your way around San Francisco's Embarcadero. The panormaic view includes the Transamerica Pyramid, Coit Tower, Angel Island, Alcatraz Islant, Yerba Buena and the San Francisco Bay Bridge.
- Pier 39 - San Francisco Pier 39 boasts over 110 shops and 13 restaurants to satisfy your hunger for San Francisco souvenirs and San Francisco treats. Also be sure to visit the Aquarium of the Bay and the Sea Lions on the K-docks. Visiting Pier 39? Make the most of your trip with Wharf Pass!
- Streetcars - Another historic way to get around San Francisco is to take an F-line streetcar. The vintage F-line streetcars were purchased from cities around the world, so you may get on a car that originally in service in Milan, Moscow, Philadelphia, New York or Cincinnati.
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