Located in Northern California, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, the city of San Francisco offers moderate weather, hilly streets and plenty of familiar landmarks, including Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. Founded in 1776, the city offers plenty to see and do for both business and leisure travelers alike. San Francisco is a staying fit and healthy.
Arts and Culture
San Francisco has much to offer in the way of dance, music and art. Enjoy ballet performances, such as The Nutcracker, at the San Francisco Ballet. Visit the San Francisco Symphony where the orchestra performs classical pieces. Explore the history of Asia at the Asian Art Museum. According to its website, the museum's collection features over 17,000 objects, including monumental sculptures, paintings and basketry. (See Reference 3.)
Festivals and Special Events
The San Francisco Jazz Festival is a two-week event held every fall, featuring local jazz artists, as well as national artists. Held for over 40 years, the Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates Japanese-American culture and community. With over 150,000 visitors annually, the festival features food, cultural performances, live entertainment, martial arts and a parade. The annual Bay to Breakers Footrace, sponsored by ING is a 12K race through the streets of San Francisco. The event has been around for over 90 years and has seen over 10,000 participants each year.
Restaurants
San Francisco has an eclectic mix of restaurants including American, French, Italian and Mediterranean. Ducca's, located near the Westin San Francisco Market Street Hotel in the SOMA district, is a casual-elegant restaurant serving American-Italian cuisine. Faralloon, located in Union Square, is a seafood restaurant. Opened since 1997, Faralloon's menu items, include citrus cured California yellowtail, poached bay scallop parfait and Oregon coast dungeness crab salad. Greens, located in the Marina District, is a vegetarian restaurant serving brunch, lunch and dinner.
Sports and Recreation
There are a variety of activities to keep you in shape while having fun in San Francisco. Visit Mission Cliffs, an indoor rock-climbing wall. Originally built in 1995, the wall spans over 50 feet and has terrain for all skill levels. Play golf at the 18-hole, par 72 Presidio Golf Course. Built by Robert Johnstone, the golf course features a clubhouse, driving range and on-site restaurant. Rent a bike at Bay City Bike Rentals and explore the city of San Francisco on wheels, while working your leg muscles.
Tourist Attractions
Popular San Francisco tourist attractions, include Coit Tower, Ghiradelli Square and Pier 39. Don't forget to visit the San Francisco Zoo. Built in 1929, the zoo houses over 900 animals, including amphibians, invertebrates, mammals and reptiles from over 245 species. Explore the zoo via a Bikeabout, which is a 1-1/2-hour tour of the zoo by bike, led by a knowledgeable tour guide. The San Francisco Zoo is open daily and children three and under receive free admission.
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