San Francisco is a great place to visit. You can see the famous Golden Gate Bridge, the crookedest street in the city, and an old-prison-turned-Indian-demonstration-site. You can walk up (or down) some of the steepest streets in the country and see one of the longest musical revues in the history of theater. For a fun-filled trip, pack your day with some of the city's activities.
Walk Down (or Up) Lombard Street
Lombard Street is probably San Francisco's most visited street because it is billed as the crookedest street in America. The winding road, beautiful views and gorgeous homes make this a worthy way to spend some time while you're in San Francisco. Board the famous cable car at Hyde Street and tell the driver you want to get off at Lombard Street. The cable car will leave you at the top of the hill. Grab your camera; the view down Lombard Street is very pretty. Walk down the pedestrian path, watching out for cars that are coming down the street as well. Keep walking down Lombard Street to Leavenworth Street. Turn around and you'll be perfectly positioned to take a photo of the cars slowly making their way down the crooked street. For those who want to brag about climbing San Francisco's streets, walk back up to the top of Lombard Street. Walking back up will give you a better idea of just how steep the street really is.
Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the icons most frequently associated with San Francisco. The bridge, which spans 1.7 miles, connects San Francisco with Marin County. The pedestrian walkway is 220 feet above the bay, providing spectacular views of the city. Start on the San Francisco side of the bridge. The pedestrian entrance is beside the toll plaza. Once you get to the other side, turn around and have your camera ready. On a clear day, you can capture beautiful pictures of the San Francisco skyline. Those who are looking for adventure can continue the walk (or bike ride) into Sausalito, a picturesque village on the waterfront. Those who aren't quite up to that much exertion can simply turn around and walk back to San Francisco.
Go to Alcatraz
Alcatraz is an island just off the coast of San Francisco, accessible by ferry boat. It was home to the first fort and lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States. After being used as a fort, it was used as a federal penitentiary. Famous inmates include Al Capone and Robert Stroud, "The Bird Man of Alcatraz." The prison was closed in 1963. Several years later, American Indians occupied the island for 18 months to protest the American government's treatment of them. Wear good shoes for this trip because you'll have to climb many hills and steps throughout the island. Once you get to the prison complex, you'll have the opportunity to see guards' houses, dining facilities, lookout towers and recreation yards. This is a popular site, so purchase your ferry tickets in advance.
See 'Beach Blanket Babylon'
"Beach Blanket Babylon" is the longest running musical revue in history. The show is an entertaining and comical spoof of pop culture. Current events, pop icons and international headlines are regularly incorporated into the script. Guests are seated at shared tables, so seeing this show is also a great way to meet fellow travelers. There is a drink menu and a small menu of snacks. Shows are often sold out, so it's best to plan ahead and buy your tickets in advance. The show is performed from Wednesday to Sunday.
Visit the Sea Lions on Pier 39
In 1989, a major earthquake struck the Bay Area. Shortly thereafter, a group of sea lions claimed Pier 39 as their home. They started as a small group of just 10 to 50 lions. Within just a few months, the population exploded to include more than 300 of them. Every winter, as many as 900 sea lions make their home on Pier 39. You can hear the lions "barking" before you even get to the pier, and you'll lose track of time as you watch them play, fight, swim and lounge around in the sun. Staff from The Marine Mammal Center's Kiosk are happy to answer any questions you may have about the sea lions. For more information, or to check out interactive exhibits, walk up to Level 2 to go to the Marine Mammal Center's Interpretive Center and Gift Store.
Member Comments