san francisco tourism and travel guide ** information about san francisco tourism and travel

SAN FRANCISCO OVERVIEW

 

With little more than 750,000 residents, San Francisco is not the huge metropolis one might expect from a city with such a highly regarded reputation for tourism. The City by the Bay is a 46-square-mile strip of land situated between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Its extraordinary location on the California coast, complete with a mountainous backdrop to the east, is of intrinsic value to city residents and equally appealing to tourists. In addition to San Francisco’s geography and environmental awareness, the city offers a colorful past and has yet to digress in its exciting growth, which is clearly evident in the city’s heavily frequented attractions.

San Francisco is best experienced on foot. However, the city’s topography is one of rolling hills and steep slopes, which can prove physically demanding to some. The next best means of sightseeing is by riding San Francisco’s historic Cable Car -- they are charming, inexpensive, and most routes generally correlate with the city’s major attractions. Significant sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Fisherman’s Warf are a great introduction to the city. Of course, a visit to the San Francisco Visitors Information Center is always a prudent place to begin your sightseeing tour, as they offer a wide variety of detailed maps, tour information and more.

Many of San Francisco’s historic and nautical attractions are situated along the northern bayfront. Visitors can easily walk between popular sites like Fisherman’s Warf, Pier 39, the Cannery and Ghirardelli Square. Aquatic Park sits in close proximity, and is home to the National Maritime Museum, Hyde Street Pier and more. To the west is the city’s most prestigious leisure area---The Presidio, offering spectacular views, a diverse ecosystem, countless recreational activities, historical insight, and two of the city’s most popular attractions---Commandante’s Quarters and the Presidio Museum. Don’t forget to take the ferry ride out to Alcatraz for a tour of the country’s most notorious prison.

A nice way to tour downtown San Francisco is by beginning at bustling Union Square, located in the heart of the city. San Francisco is extremely cosmopolitan with a large ethnic diversity, and some of San Francisco’s most exciting neighborhoods are in propinquity to Union Square, such as Chinatown, Japan Town, the Financial District and North Beach. An inspiring experience can be a Cable Car ride to nearby Nob Hill, a stroll through gay Castro or a trolley ride though swanky pacific Heights. Be sure to experience San Francisco’s art scene as well, as the city is world renowned for its contributions in theater, music and dance.