San Francisco has many fascinating attractions
What comes to mind when thinking of San Francisco? Rice-a-Roni and the Golden Gate Bridge. Perhaps in these days, gay rights is more likely and Silicon Valley.
Whatever his thinking, of San Francisco holds a special place in the heart of most Californians, because it embodies both the State – Its spectacular beauty, its magnificent views over the bay and the coast and its historic architecture. To be sure, is an expensive place to live – perhaps the most expensive place to live in California – but a place of incredible diversity and fun to visit.
Hotels in San Francisco are among the best in the world and everyone seems to have its own charm and the window in the history of San Francisco. Some are near the coast, while others are perched on one of the many hills that made this city famous.
If you are a California resident or visiting outside the state, San Francisco, should be at of its list of destinations in California. Although it is good 400 miles north of Los Angeles Basin – in other parts of the country traveling through three or four states to promote that day – such an important part of the California experience, which can not be neglected.
Before visiting, however, there are some things you should know. According Laurie Armstrong, vice president of public relations for the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau important Tidbit Number One is: You do not need a car. The city is quite congested with all these people in this small peninsula, but the good news is that public transportation in San Francisco is easy, fast and inexpensive. You can find a (Bart transit) station at the airport or through the East Bay and leaving these modern trains to fight in the center of the city. From there you can walk, take a tram or take a short taxi ride to anywhere in the city who want to visit. If you take your car, remember that the budget for parking spaces that are more expensive than some cheap motel room.
To save even more money, Ms. Armstrong suggested the purchase a San Francisco CityPass, which will give the seven days of riding all San Francisco Municipal Railway vehicles: tram, trams and buses. The pass, which is priced at $ 43 per adult, includes admission to some of the best museums.
Another important thing to remember when visiting San Francisco is the weather is much colder than Los Angeles or in the central part of the state.
"You can always say they're the visitors," said the Ms. Armstrong, "because they are shorts. Remember that if it's sunny and hot in the Central Valley's fog and cold. Some cities sell T-shirts – Sweatshirts that we sell.
Some of the highlights in San Francisco, you do not want to miss are Fisherman's Wharf, with its lively promenade, museums and numerous restaurants. A trip to Alcatraz is a necessity – you can see first hand what it was in the maximum security prison that houses the likes of "Machine Gun" Kelly and Al Capone. Pier 39 is the second most visited attraction in California, and east of Fisherman's Wharf. The Bay Aquarium is here, and several rides and attractions.
Nobody want to miss the Golden Gate Bridge, but remember to visit the other side where you'll find that the Marin County offers spectacular views over the bay and all the attractions themselves. With approximately 1,000 acres, Golden Gate Park is an attraction in itself, with paths of meadows, lakes and gardens.
Go to the west and Van Ness Avenue for more than 14,000 great examples of Victorian architecture. Coit Tower is on top of Telegraph Hill, and is a museum of history inside. Chinatown is a picturesque town rich in ethnic culture and well worth a visit. And do not forget to stop at Lombard Street, the winding street in the world. "
According to the people of San Francisco CVB, here are some other interesting stops to do everything San Francisco:
Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Tower – opened in spring 2005, the flagship two-story, Boudin is the place where visitors can observe 5000 square feet of action from the bakery. Located at Fisherman's Wharf, you can take a tour to showcase the history of the legendary San Francisco sourdough and enjoy some free samples of the oven while there.
DeYoung Museum – This attraction has been known about for over 100 years and, on 15 October, will reopen in a state of installing art that integrates art, architecture and natural landscape. The installation of relief valuable museum's collection of art from centuries 17 and 20.
Metreon at Yerba Buena – Metreon is the first of its kind entertainment center located at Fourth and Mission streets in the heart of downtown San Francisco. This complex of 350,000 square feet offers a mix of eclectic best restaurants in the Bay area, shops, theaters and entertainment venues, including the West Coast's largest IMAX theater.
Presidio San Francisco – a former military post, the Presidio is a national park and recreational paradise with spectacular vistas, winding paths and historical and architectural treasures. Go for a walk, a stroll, a picnic, see an exhibition or a stroll through time. The entrance to the park and most programs are free. The park is open all day, all year.
Winchester Mystery House, San Jose – A Bizarre, four-story mansion of 160 rooms. Sarah Winchester kept carpenters and craftsmen 24 hours a day for 38 years building this Victorian structure, but its strange construction and purpose remains a mystery. Hours per day 9 hours a day, closed on Christmas Day. Admission $ 19.95, $ 17.95 seniors 65 and older, $ 13.95 ages 6-12, under 5 free.
USS Hornet Museum – most famous aircraft carrier America is a National Historic Site. Families discover the history of marine and space exploration firsthand with authentic aircraft on display, exposure of Apollo, and a flight simulator available. Hours 10-5, about 4 pm for admission. Limited access Tuesday. Admission $ 12 adults, $ 10 military, students and seniors $ 5 children 5-18, free under 5.
The Exploratorium – The experience exciting and interactive exhibits that make learning fun, no matter your age or familiarity with science. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pmyear all year. Closed Mondays, except holidays. Admission $ 13 adults, $ 10 students, seniors, disabled and youth (13-17 years) $ 8 Children (4-12) and children under 4 Free.
Finally, the trip to San Francisco would be complete without a visit many places in the vicinity of San Francisco. Napa and Sonoma Valley are just a few miles north and east of the city. Across the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito is in its numerous fashion boutiques and neglect the views of the dead San Francisco. Travel south of the city and get to the beach town of Santa Cruz, a popular tourist destination for both Californians and out-of-state. Further south, is the Monterey Peninsula, with its many historical reminders of John Steinbeck and his world-class golf at Pebble Beach. A little further south Monterey is Caramel, a story of people with large stores, boutique hotels and restaurants.
IN BRIEF
Where: San Francisco is located about 400 km north of the Los Angeles Basin.
WHAT: San Francisco has some of the best hotels, restaurants and historical attractions in the State of California and is culturally one of the most beautiful cities in America. Oh, did we mention the views of the beautiful bay of almost any given location in the city?
WHEN: Any time of year. The weather in San Francisco is closer to Seattle to Los Angeles, dress warm.
WHY: This is simply a must-see parts of California and will give the visit a number of options that you visit.
How San Francisco hotels can be expensive to be sure of finding the best travel deals and vacation packages to help reduce the cost.
About the Author
Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer and president of Getaway Media Corp, which publishes websites focused on regional getaway travel. Among the sites currently offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com , which will help you travel California, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com , covering northwest travel deals and other travel destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
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