Top ten places to see in San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco is located on the west coast of America. If you love natural beauty, then this is a very good city to see in America. This city is famous for its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, diverse communities and world class cuisine.
San Francisco is famous for its months-long episodes of fog, steep rolling hills and modern architecture. This city is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, which is often, laced with fog, creating a romantic mood in this most European of American cities. The famous landmarks in San Francisco are Golden Gate Bridge, Cable cars, Alcatraz and the largest Chinatown in the United States. A stroll of the City’s streets can lead to Union Square, the Italian-flavored North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Castro, Japan town and the Mission District. Because of the large gay and lesbian population, this city is a fascinating place today.
The city has world class theaters, operas, ballet companies and culture changing performing of arts.
Top ten places to see or things to do in San Francisco are described below:
1. Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge is the longest and strongest bridge in the world. It is built to withstand winds of over 100 miles an hour. This bridge is 745 feet tall and 1.7 miles long. This bridge is the symbol of San Francisco. Taking a walk, driving or cycling on this bridge is a wonderful experience for anyone.
2. Alcatraz Island and Prison
Alcatraz Island is one of the main attractions for tourists. You can have a very good view of the mountains, golden gate bridge and the city of San Francisco from this Island. On the Island there is the Alcatraz Prison, which was once the home of Al Capone, George Machine Gun Kelley, and Robert. You can go on this Island by ferry ride and with self-guide brochures you can reach the cell house. Audio tour is also available in prison cell house. By this audio tour you will get information of famous escapes and interviews of former guards and inmates. The Alcatraz Ferry departs from pier 41.
3. Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a very popular place in San Francisco. This place serves as a fishing working pier. So you will get fresh sea food in restaurants. Nearby this place, there are many other attractions like Pier 39, The Cannery and Ghirardelli Square, which are famous tourist spots.
4. Japanese Tea Garden
Golden Gate Park of San Francisco is one of the good tourist places. The park includes gardens, lakes, bridal and walking paths, Strybing Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and the tranquil Japanese Tea Garden. In the Japanese Tea Garden, there is a beautiful waterfall and pond.
5. Cable Cars
In San Francisco, the roads are not straight – roads have steep slopes. So, if you want to move easily on these roads, this city provides a unique transport solution; the cable car. This car carries you to some historic landmarks and is available seven days a week. It runs on century old routes. If you want to take an unforgettable tour of the city, then you have to take the California Street line, which starts from the Financial District, through Chinatown and over Nob Hill.
6. Exploratorium Museum
Exploratorium museum is one of the best museums in San Francisco. It is the museum of science, art and human perception. In the Exploratorium Museum there is one pitch black Tactile Dome which inspires you to accept challenges in new way.
7. Chinatown
In every city of the U.S. there is a Chinatown, but San Franciscois famous for its very big Chinatown. In San Francisco it is located at the intersection of Bush and Grant streets. In Chinatown there are fish and vegetable stalls, herbal shops, temples, and eateries like Lichen Garden, Hunan Home’s and R & G restaurants. But there are also museums like the Chinese Historical Society of America and Chinese Culture Center.
8. Lombard “The Crooked” Street
San Francisco is a city made on volcanic rocks. The city has one of the most irregular landscapes. Lombard Street is a street with so sharp curves that it looks crooked. The street is a steep downhill and lined with some of the most beautiful and expensive mansions.
9. Union Square
Located in the center of Downtown San Francisco, Union Square is the most happening place of the city. It has plenty of shopping and entertainment options around it. You can also just sit in the plaza and enjoy the surroundings.
10. San Francisco zoo
If you have kids with you, try to visit the San Francisco zoo. It houses big wild cats and gorillas plus the usual collection of animals.