Great American Cities -
San Francisco
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San Francisco
San Francisco is a major city in California located in the peninsula between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific coast. It is well known for its liberal community, Victorian architecture, hilly terrain, summer fog, scenic beauty, and its great ethnic and cultural diversity. People say that California is a state of mind - if that's the case, then San Francisco is surely euphoria. This city will take you to new heights, leaving your mind spinning, your taste buds tingling, and your calves aching.
With tourist attractions for every age, San Francisco is considered as one of the world's top travel destinations. Places such as Fisherman' Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island often appear in movies and TV shows. Fisherman's Wharf in particular is one of the busiest and well known attractions which serves some of the best seafood around. The Golden Gate Bridge was completed in the year 1937 and for a long time was the longest suspension bridge span in the world, and the second largest today. Alcatraz Island is a historic island that was a former prison turned museum where some of the most notorious criminals spent their sentences. You can visit Alcatraz Island by going on a ferry from Fisherman's Wharf.
See also:
California Vacation Rentals |
California Vacation Guide
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San Francisco - Overview
To get around town, hop on one of the many cable cars which San Francisco is famous for. This cable car system forms part of the intermodal city transport network and they have actually become one of the biggest tourist attractions in this city. What a way to promote the importance of public transport!
Linking the city's most intriguing neighborhoods, fascinating sights, and spectacular views, the 49-Mile Scenic Drive provides a splendid view of San Francisco. Keeping this well-marked route is easy: simply follow the blue-and-white seagull signs. Some of these are hidden by overwhelming vegetation, so you need to be alert. You need to set aside a full day for this trip; there are plenty of places to stop to take photographs or to admire the views.
The Golden Gate Park is third most visited city park in the United States. The Japanese Tea Garden is amongst the most popular attractions by tourists inside the Golden Gate Park.
Chinatown in San Francisco is the oldest Chinese town in North America as well as one of the largest Chinese communities outside Asia.
San Francisco's economic engine is fueled by the Financial District, lying at the heart of downtown. The district stretches from the imposing skyscrapers and plaza of the Embarcadero Center to the Montgomery Street, called the "Wall Street of the West". All the main banks, brokers, and law offices are located here.
The Exploratorium is a museum full of hundreds of hands-on exhibits representing a mixture of science and art. It was founded in 1969 with the purpose to promote informal education. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art forms the nucleus of San Francisco's reputation as a leading center of modern art. The galleries display paintings, sculptures, architecture, design, photography, and media art.
Lombard is an east west street in San Francisco where it is being recognized and popular for having a sharp, one block section that consists of hairpin turns.
Among many other things, San Francisco is also famous for being part of the Silicon Valley, as well as the hub for Gay and Lesbian community. Whether you are visiting San Francisco for business or for pleasure, this is one city that you will never forget.
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