10 Things Not to miss in SF

One of the nicest things about visiting San Francisco is that, although the city is “big” in terms of attractions and amenities, it is geographically small – only 49 square miles. Consequently, it is very easy to see and do a great many things in a short period of time.

It is also easy to spend weeks in San Francisco and still not experience everything the city has to offer. Here is a suggested list of what we think are the top 10 things not to miss in San Francisco:

1 The Golden Gate Bridge, the most famous bridge in the world, manages to impress even the most experienced travelers with its stunning 1.7-mile span. Approximately 120,000 automobiles drive across it every day. A pedestrian walkway also allows the crossing on foot, and bikes are allowed on the western side.

2 Cable cars have been transporting people around San Francisco since the late 19th century. The cars run on tracks and are moved by an underground cable on three routes. Each ride will provide spectacular views of the city’s celebrated hills.

3 Alcatraz, the notorious former prison, is located on an island of the same name in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Some of the United States’ most notorious criminals were incarcerated there. With a new authentic tour of the cell house a visit to Alcatraz today is fascinating. Advance reservations are recommended, 415-981-ROCK (7625) or www.alcatrazcruises.com

4 Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to Pier 39, a festive waterfront marketplace that is one of the city’s most popular attractions, offering a large selection of dining, shopping and entertainment. From here it’s a short walk to the Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and the famous crab vendors selling walk-away crab and shrimp cocktails.

5 Union Square is the place for serious shoppers. Major departments stores and the most exclusive designer boutiques line streets like Post, Sutter, Geary, Grant, Stockton and Powell. The Westfield San Francisco Shopping Centre houses the largest Bloomingdale's outside of New York and the second largest Nordstrom in the U.S.

6 North Beach, the city’s Italian quarter, isn’t a beach at all. It’s a neighborhood of romantic European-style sidewalk cafes, restaurants and shops centered near Washington Square along Columbus and Grant Avenues. Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill offers a splendid vantage point for photos of the bridges and the Bay.

7 The entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street is called the "Dragon's Gate." Inside are 24 blocks of hustle and bustle with an abundance of exotic shops, renowned restaurants, food markets, temples and small museums.

8 Dining in San Francisco is an attraction in itself. Known as America’s best restaurant city, San Francisco chefs excel at combining the freshest local ingredients, authentic international flavors and a touch of creative genius. Countless restaurants offer something for every taste and budget. For dining options, visit www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com.

9 Nightlife in San Francisco is a constantly changing scene. The “hottest” clubs currently are in the South of Market and Mission districts. Clubs and bars with live music, jazz, blues and swing can be found all over town. For a complete list of nightlife options, visit www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com or check out our latest Nightlife Map.

10 A visit to San Francisco would not be complete without a cultural experience. The city is home to internationally recognized symphony, opera and ballet companies. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum, the de Young Museum, the Palace of the Legion of Honor and other museums and galleries are devoted to the finest of classical and contemporary arts. For a complete museum guide, visit www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com.