San Francisco buzzes with an energy that guarantees anyone a good time. From hip neighbourhoods and historic buildings, to beautiful beaches and pristine parks, there’s no end of things to do in The Golden City.
Indulge your shopping habit in Union Square, where high-end boutiques line wide streets along which vintage cable cars trundle. A few blocks from here is Chinatown – eight blocks of interesting sights that will keep you entertained for the afternoon.
Running along the waterfront between Bay Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero is renowned for top attractions like Pier 39 and the Ferry Building, an iconic landmark known for its top-notch restaurants and food stalls. This scenic boulevard is also where boats depart for Alcatraz Island, located just over a mile (almost two kilometres) offshore. This former federal prison was once home to notorious inmates like Al Capone and ‘Birdman’ Robert Stroud. You can hear all about their lives, and stories of escapes and scandals during an audio-guided tour of the site.
Back in the Bay Area, it’s impossible not to spot the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which can be crossed by car, bike or on foot. In any case, a whole other world of beauty awaits on the other side. Muir Woods, an isolated canyon filled with ancient redwood trees, is well worth visiting, as is the seaside town of Sausalito – famous for its cute boutiques and sweeping views of San Francisco Bay.