San Francisco, California is one of the most famous cities in the United States; known for its beaches, steep hills, cable cars, cool climate and iconic landmarks, which include the Golden Gate Bridge. Throughout history, it has also been widely regarded as a hub for the liberal movement within the country.
From the Aquarium of the Bay to the various performing arts venues, there is plenty to keep tourists occupied. This blog post focuses on some of San Francisco’s must-sees and details exactly why these city highlights should not be missed by its most welcomed visitors.
Sightseeing and Shopping
Tourists who have an interest in landmarks and sightseeing will almost certainly want to visit the famous Golden Gate Bridge, which links the city with Marin County and the North Bay. In addition, the infamous former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary is a major tourist attraction, having housed notorious criminals like Al Capone.
For those who enjoy a bit of retail therapy, Union Square is the city’s main shopping district. It contains a number of department stores, including Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, as well as boutiques from the likes of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
Entertainment
In terms of entertainment, San Francisco also has a lot to offer and is especially known for its rich history in showcasing the performing arts. Venues like the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center host dance, theatre and opera companies, while music venue The Fillmore played a role in the careers of Led Zeppelin and Janis Joplin.
Furthermore, the city has generated a reputation for the quality of its comedy clubs; a reputation built in part by the talents of the late great Robin Williams, who performed regularly in the area during the 1970s.
Nature
San Francisco contains more than 200 parks and recreational areas, which are ideal for relaxing walks or quiet picnics. Two of the most famous parks are Golden Gate Park and Alamo Square, the latter of which is famous for its use in various Hollywood films.
Moreover, the 100-acre San Francisco Zoo contains approximately 700 different animals, while the Aquarium of the Bay houses aquatic animals from the local area and allows visitors to make physical contact with a number of them, such as the leopard sharks and bat rays.
Beaches
Finally, visitors to San Francisco can also enjoy a trip to one of its beaches. Ocean Beach, on the west coast, runs along the Pacific Ocean and is a popular hangout for surfers and people enjoying bonfire parties.
Meanwhile, Baker Beach, located to the north west of the city, provides an interesting experience for the more adventurous. A ‘clothes optional’ beach, it is a popular sunbathing spot and essentialy serves as a nudist beach.
