In San Francisco, there are many images - Rice-a-Roni, Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars. It also reminds of gay rights and Silicon Valley.
Whatever your thoughts, San Francisco holds a special place in the heart of most Californians, because it is so personified by the state - its impressive beauty, breathtaking coastal and flood landscapes, as well as its historical architecture. Of course, this is an expensive place to live - sometimes the most expensive place to live in California - but an incredibly diverse and interesting place to visit.
San Francisco hotels are among the best in the world, and each of them seems to have its own charm and window into the history of San Francisco. Some of them are located on the waterfront, while others are located on one of the many hills that made this city famous.
Regardless of whether you are a California resident or a state visitor, San Francisco should be high on your list of Californian cities. While it is 400 miles north of the Los Angeles Basin, in other parts of the country you travel through three or four states to travel so far that it is part of the California experience, you cannot ignore.
Before you visit, you need to know a few things. According to Laurie Armstrong, vice president of public relations for the Bureau of Conferences and Visitors in San Francisco, an important number one: you don't need a car. The city is fairly crowded with all these people on this small peninsula, but the good news is that public transport in San Francisco is simple, fast and cheap. You can find the Bart station (mass transit) at the airport or through East Bay and let these modern trains take you to the city center. From there you can walk, take the tram or take a short taxi ride to any part of the city you want to visit. If you take your car, do not forget to pay for parking spaces that are more expensive than some cheap motel rooms.
To save even more money, Ms. Armstrong offers to buy San Francisco CityPass, which will give you a seven-day ride on all San Francisco municipal railway cars: cable cars, trams and buses. The passage, which costs $ 43 for an adult, also includes admission to some of the city’s best museums.
Another important thing to remember when visiting San Francisco is that the weather is much cooler than Los Angeles or the Central part of the state.
“We can always tell who the visitors are,” said Ms. Armstrong, “because they wear woolen shorts.
Some of the attractions in San Francisco that you don’t want to miss are the Fisherman’s marina, with its bustling waterfront, museums and many restaurants. A trip to Alcatraz is obligatory - you will see how it was in the high-security prison, which housed such as the “Machine Gun” Kelly and Al Capone. Pier 39 is the second most visited attraction in California and is located east of Fisherman’s Wharf. Here is the Gulf Aquarium, as well as various rides and attractions.
The Golden Gate Bridge obviously should be part of your visit, and you will want to visit the side of Marin County to see breathtaking views across the bay to San Francisco. The park covers about 1000 acres, the Golden Gate Park is attractive for its paths, grassy meadows, lakes and gardens.
Walk to the area west of Van Ness Avenue and you will find more than 14,000 excellent examples of Victorian architecture. The Coit Tower is on top of the Telegraph Hill, and you will find the history museum inside. Chinatown is a colorful part of the city, rich in ethnic culture and worthy of attention. And don't forget to stop at Lombard Street, “the most critical street in the world.”
According to CVB San Francisco people, here are a few interesting stops that can be made in San Francisco:
Boudin Sourdough and Bakery Tour is the newly opened spring of 2005, the two-story Boudin flag building, where visitors can watch 5,000 hectares of bakery. Located in Fisherman's Wharf, you can go on a historic tour with the legend of leaven in San Francisco and enjoy the latest results from samples of perfumes while you are on it.
The DeYoung Museum - this famous landmark dates back over 100 years and will open again on October 15 in a modern complex that combines art, architecture and natural landscape. The object will display an invaluable collection of works of the museum from the 17th to the 20th century.
Metreon in Yerba Buena - Metreon is the first of its kind entertainment center, located on the fourth and missionary streets in downtown San Francisco. This 350,000-square-foot complex includes an eclectic mix of the best Bay Area restaurants, shopping centers, theaters and entertainment centers, including the largest IMAX theater on the West Coast.
Presidio San Francisco is a former military post, Presidio is a national park and recreational paradise with breathtaking views, winding paths and historical and architectural treasures. Go for a hike, a walking tour, a picnic to view the exhibition or stroll through time. The entrance to the park and most of the programs are free. The park is open daily, all year round.
Winchester Mystery House, San Jose - A quaint four-story mansion with 160 rooms. Mrs. Sarah Winchester continued to work as carpenters and craftsmen 24 hours a day for 38 years, building this Victorian structure, but its strange construction and purpose remains a mystery. Hours daily from 9 am daily; closed christmas. Reception $ 19.95; $ 17.95 - over 65; $ 13.95 from ages 6 to 12; up to 5 years free.
The USS Hornet Museum, America’s most famous aircraft carrier, is a national historic landmark. Families are studying for the first time the history of the navy and space exploration using authentic aircraft, the Apollo exposition and an existing flight simulator. Hours from 10:00 to 17:00, reception closes at 16:00. Limited access on Tuesday. $ 12 contribution; $ 10; students and seniors; $ 5 from ages 5 to 18, free for up to 5 years.
Exploratorium - the experience of exciting and interactive exhibits that make learning interesting, regardless of your age or familiarity with science. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00. Closed on Mondays, except holidays. Admission 13 adults; 10 students, the elderly, the disabled and young people (13-17 years old); 8 children (4-12 years old) and under 4 years old free of charge.
Finally, your trip to San Francisco will not be complete without visiting many places in the general jurisdiction of San Francisco. Wine lovers will want to know that Napa Valley and Sonoma are nearby. Just across the Golden Gate Bridge you will find Sausalito with its many trendy shops and beautiful views of San Francisco. Travel south from the city, and you will find yourself in the beach town of Santa Cruz, a popular place for Californians as well as for freelancers. Further south is the historic Monterey Peninsula, with its numerous reminders of John Steinbeck and his world-class golf games at Pebble Beach. South of Monterey is the village of the fairytale village of Carmel, which has exciting shops, great boutique hotels and great restaurants.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: San Francisco is located about 400 miles north of the Los Angeles Basin.
WHAT: San Francisco boasts some of the best hotels, restaurants, and historical sites in the state of California and is culturally one of the best cities in America. Oh, did we mention superb fills from almost anywhere in the city?
WHEN: At any time of the year. The climate in San Francisco is closer to Seattle than in Los Angeles, so dress warm.
WHY: This is just a must-have part of California and will give you lots of attractions while you visit.
HOW: Hotels in San Francisco can be expensive, so be sure to look for travel deals or vacation packages to reduce costs.
