San Francisco, California’s 4th largest city, was
a haven for pirates, prostitutes and desperados in the mid-19th century,
and was known as the infamous Barbary Coast. Later it was almost completely
leveled in the 1906 earthquake. It has been the epicenter of the gay
rights and hippy movement in the United States. It is known the world
over for its beauty, diversity, and odd mix of sophistication and eccentricity.
It’s a can’t-miss city.
San Francisco has many parks to enjoy. Lincoln Park offers striking
views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city’s most famous landmark,
and Lincoln Park’s Coastal Trail is an excellent scenic hike.
The Golden Gate Park is the largest developed city park in the world
at 1,017 acres, and is full to bursting with things to see and do. Tranquil
paddle boating is available on Stowe Lake. The de Young Fine Arts Museum
has many fascinating collections of aboriginal art from around the world.
Kids will live the hands on natural-history exhibits at the California
Academy of Sciences.
There are boating, swimming and surfing opportunities available at Ocean
Beach, but only for the skilled and well prepared. The ocean there is
cold and rough, with 12-foot swells and dangerous riptides, and there
are no lifeguards on duty. Wear at least a 3mm full-length wetsuit before
even attempting the water there.
There are many fascinating neighborhoods to visit in San Francisco California.
The famous Fisherman’s Wharf is extremely touristy, but it’s
a good place to rent a bike and tour the San Francisco Bay. The Castro
is the center of the gay and lesbian scene, and is the birthplace of
the organized gay rights movement in America. San Francisco’s
Chinatown is a must, with its great food and unique culture. Almost
20% of San Franciscans are of Chinese descent and San Francisco is home
to the largest Chinese population in America. The Chinese History Society
of America Museum examines the Chinese American experience.
Alcatraz, the infamous, but now defunct,
“inescapable” prison island, is located in the San Francisco
Bay, and is open for tours via the Blue Bird Ferry.
