The combination of a location surrounded by the Pacific, the charm of Victorian architecture and a cosmopolitan metropolis make the city of San Francisco a popular tourist destination. Located in Northern California, where the mild Mediterranean climate draws hundreds of visitors year-round, the San Francisco Bay Area is famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Summers can be cool and misty and winters mild with occasional showers, but many days are sunny and perfect for exploring the various regions that comprise the City by the Bay.
Public transportation from the airport includes a modern rail system, BART, which drops passengers in the inner-city regions. From the Financial District and Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Nob Hill, and other districts can be reached on foot, by bus, or by cable car. San Francisco is a great city for walking if moderate climbing isn’t a problem and stunning views from the hilltops are the reward.
Much of San Francisco developed during the gold rush period of 1849, when wealthy miners brought their profits to the city. Quaint Victorian-era terraced houses are stacked along the streets and feature bay windows, a characteristic local style. Cable cars run through these steep neighborhoods, taking passengers from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown. The curviest street in the US, Lombard Street, can be seen at the top of a cable car stop.
Hundreds of Chinese came to work on the railways during the 19th century. Today, Chinatown ranks as one of the highest Asian populations in the US, stretching across several densely populated city blocks. The fragrant aroma of Chinese food, dozens of import shops, herb and food markets make this unique region a delight for tourists.
On level ground, Fisherman’s Wharf runs for several miles along the harbor. Numerous restaurants offer fresh oysters and shellfish to go or the opportunity to sit down for an elegant meal. A large sourdough bread factory creates the favorite staple of the 49ers. Souvenir shops line the Embarcadero and also an open-air mini mall known as Pier 39. Visitors watch oodles of black seals stranded on the docks and listen for seagulls overhead. From the port, various cruise excursions take tourists around the bay. Alcatraz Island, once an imposing prison, is an interesting half-day trip.
No visit to San Francisco would be complete without taking a look at the famous Golden Gate Bridge that spans from the city to Marin County. The sprawling Golden Gate Park (larger than New York’s Central Park) contains walking trails, botanical gardens, flower conservatories, and museums.
The city is known for its exquisite cuisine, and each district has a unique ethnic focus. In North Beach, Italian restaurants line Columbus Street, offering everything from pizza, veal parmigiana, and tiramisu. Along with sourdough bread, Ghirardelli chocolate is an SF favorite and the factory and flagship stores are located in Ghirardelli Square near Fisherman’s Wharf. On the north side of town, many contemporary French and California-style restaurants are found in the Pacific Heights district.