Exploring San Francisco is practically an endless quest, so here are a few ideas to point you in the right direction and make the most of your visit to one of the West Coast's most beautiful and intricate cities. There is plenty to see and entertain you. From the famous architecture to the walking tours, you will have a memorable experience, but be warned, many a tourist has left their heart here.
Architectural Sights
Besides the streets of postcard-worthy Victorian row houses, there are churches, museums and hotels that command notice. The landmark that designates the city skyline as distinctly San Francisco is the pyramid-shaped Transamerica building downtown. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is a building made up of geometric creativity, striking an unusual balance against the neighboring skyscrapers. While meandering through the neighborhood streets you will be enchanted by the attention to detail on the houses and buildings.
Beaches
Although San Francisco is not necessarily famous for its beaches, there are a few that are perfect for a picnic, playing catch or Frisbee or taking the pooch for some exercise. Baker Beach on Pershing Drive is one of the most romantic and has an unbeatable view of the Golden Gate Bridge. A little further southwest is China Beach and along the Great Highway is the long, sandy stretch of Ocean Beach. Across the bridge in the Marin Headlands, Rodeo Beach is nestled between Fort Cronkhite and Rodeo Cove with the lagoon beyond.
Across the Golden Gate
Golden Gate National Recreation Area is home to the Marin Headlands. Along with dog-friendly Rodeo Beach, there is the 150 year-old Point Bonita Lighthouse, the historical Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite, plenty of hiking trails and unforgettable views of San Francisco. The visitor center is open all year, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. While on the other side of the bridge, stop in Sausalito. It is a quaint town directly across the bay from the city. Sausalito is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast with exceptional biking, sailing and hiking.
Walking Tours
San Francisco has plentiful options for walking tours, both guided and walk-it-yourself. The self-guided Barbary Coast Trail walk is 3.8-mile path marked by bronze medallions along the way marking historical points of interest. The trail winds from downtown to Nob Hill for an insightful perspective of the city. For a real work out, take one of the many stairway walks. In a city as sloped as San Francisco, there are enough to choose from. If you're not afraid of heights, take a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge and bring your camera for some incredible photographs.
Professional Sports
If all the walking and sightseeing has made your legs like jelly, take in a Giant's game at AT&T Park, chosen as "Sports Facility of the Year" by "Sports Business Journal" and "Sports Business Daily" in 2008. While catching a ball game, it may be difficult to not focus on the beautiful view of the bay. During football season join the loyal locals for a 49ers game.
Famous San Francisco
If you would like to experience the usual tourist attractions that San Francisco is famous for, board the Powell-Hyde cable car from Market Street and make your way through the city. The cable car stop is at the bottom of the steep hill leading to the Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 areas. On a warm day you can see the sea lions resting on the docks. Take a ferry from the pier to the infamous prison Alcatraz for a fascinating tour. Enjoy delicious Ghirardelli chocolate from their shop near the wharf, an original San Francisco treat.
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