A storied American city in northern California, San Francisco is as unforgettable as it is unique. Those who travel to San Francisco for the first time will marvel at seeing in person what they’ve seen so often in photos or movies—the Golden Gate Bridge, the cable cars, the steep streets lined with Victorian houses. The city offers magnificent (often romantically foggy) views of San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, as well as a sophistication that makes it one of the most culturally interesting U.S. cities.
A vacation in San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the nation’s largest Chinatown, with its famous gateway and numerous restaurants. Other fascinating neighborhoods include the trendy Mission District, which is centered around Mission Dolores, built by Spanish missionaries in 1791; lofty Nob Hill, where many of the city’s wealthiest citizens live; the Castro District, home to a large gay and lesbian population, and featuring many boutiques and bookstores; and the waterfront Fisherman’s Wharf, especially good for a San Francisco family vacation, since its many attractions, seafood restaurants and shops appeal to all ages. A cruise to the famous prison of Alcatraz, now part of the National Park Service and open for tours, leaves from Fisherman’s Wharf. San Francisco visitors also enjoy trying out the city’s many great restaurants and choosing from its interesting array of hotels (including a plethora of hip boutique hotels).
The City by the Bay is served by two airports—San Francisco International Airport, about 13 miles south of the city, and Oakland International Airport, about 25 miles south of downtown San Francisco. Both are served by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). The San Francisco Municipal Railway, or “Muni”, offers public transportation in the form of cable cars, buses, historic streetcars and the underground Metro. A Muni Passport, offering unlimited rides on the system, is available for one day, three days or seven days. For more information on San Francisco travel, log on to www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com, the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau website.