Once home to famous criminals Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and Alvin Karpis, Alcatraz Island ("The Rock") is a historical and former U.S. military prison from the 1850s to 1933. Although the prison was officially closed in 1963, the island was "occupied for almost two years by a group of Native-American activists" and remains a popular tourist destination each year. Public tours are available via a short ferry ride from Pier 33 and is highly recommended you reserve your tour ticket in advance.
Ding ding! Hop aboard the world-famous cable cars in San Francisco and experience a ride like no other. Cable cars have long been a staple of the city and one of San Francisco's most identifiable traits. Cable car routes operate along Powell, California, Hyde and Mason Streets within city limits. For complete cable car routes, view this map. There's even a cable car museum with all kinds of historical information and statistics on this unique transportation system. You simply cannot leave the city without riding cable cars!
As told by The Presidio of San Francisco, Fort Point has guarded the Golden Gate since the Civil War. This historic site offers visitors incredible views of the bridge and is located towards the end of Crissy Field.. If you're lucky, visitors may also encounter Civil War re-enactors and a crabbing demonstration! Military buffs and those looking for fantastic scenic views absolutely must visit Fort Point. After all, admission is free!
Golden Gate Park is home to 1,017 acres of beautiful gardens, playgrounds, lakes, trails, monuments, and an array of cultural venues, events and activities. Among other attractions, Golden Gate Park features the de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, Dutch Windmill, Anglers Lodge, Bison Paddock, and Frisbee Golf Course. There's simply something for everyone and offers a great cultural experience for all who visit.
San Francisco offers up some incredible courses with picturesque views. Fees and hours vary depending on the course, so please visit each website above for complete and accurate information. Bring your clubs and hit the links on some of San Francisco's best golf courses!
Widely known as the "World's Crookedest Street," Lombard Street is tourist favorite nestled among many of the cities most beautiful Victorian mansions in the Russian Hill neighborhood. As such, "some of the city's most expensive real estate" sits alongside this very steep street. Even if you're not driving, you can still peak down from the top to get a better perspective of just how unique Lombard Street truly is.
If you're looking for some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the bay area and "thousands of old-growth coast redwoods, the tallest living things in the world" then, Muir Woods is your answer. This National Monument contains 6 miles of trails consisting of various loops into the surrounding Mount Tamalpais State Park. So pack up your hiking boots, water, and camera and take a short drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods. You won't regret it!
As its namesake implies, these two adjacent peaks provide "postcard views and a treasure trove of animal and plant diversity." Sitting at 922 feet in elevation, Twin Peaks offers 180-degree views of the entire bay area so it's no wonder this vista point is a world-famous tourist attraction. The picture shown here simply doesn't do it justice ... you have to see it to really appreaciate it.