Top 10 San Francisco Sights and Attractions

The Golden Gate Bridge.
Said to be one of the most photographed things on Earth, the bridge is 1.7 miles wide and on days when it has a lacing of fog on it, you can get a romantic moment or two. There is a pedestrian walkway for the adventurous or try a helicopter ride round the Bay and fly under it!

Cable Cars
They’ve been trundling people around since the late 19th century and are a great way to not only see the City but to navigate some of the steep hills – don’t forget to hang on to the side for extra fun!. The cars run on tracks and are pulled by a cable along three routes. You can buy $5 dollar tickets at the turnaround stations at the end of each route.

Alcatraz
The infamous former prison located on Alcatraz Island in the middle of the Bay. Many of America’s most notorious criminals were incarcerated there including Al Capone. Though many tried, no one ever escaped ‘The Rock’. You can take a ferry across from Pier 43 and enjoy a cell-house tour and a walk around the island.

Fisherman’s Wharf
Also home to Pier 39, a festive waterfront marketplace that’s one of the city’s most popular attractions, though these days a little too commercial. The best thing is to ignore all the tacky shops and go see the sea lions who’ve made the floats to the west of the pier their home. Also, grab a crab or shrimp cocktail to go from the crab vendors while you’re there.

Union Square
This is the place to go for serious shoppers on the lookout for the major department stores and exclusive designer boutiques. The Westfield Shopping Centre contains the second largest Bloomingdales and Nordstrom in The US. Also right here in an ideal position for basing yourself is The Handlery, a highly recommended privately owned and operated hotel. It’s a luxurious and elegant eight storey European style hotel with its own outdoor heated pool (rare in San Francisco), over 350 tasteful rooms, a pretty good restaurant and even an in-house barbershop. I think The Handlery is one of Frisco’s hidden secrets. www.handlery.com

Take a Segway Tour
Touring the waterfront at 8 miles an hour on the latest mode of people moving vehicles – the Segway, is fantastic fun. It’s a stand up scooter that responds to your body movements for direction. Just leaning forward gets you going, and when you lean back, you reverse. After just a 20 minute tuition session we were ready to do tricks. www.electrictourcompany.com

Go Whale Watching
A real benefit of San Francisco’s Bay is the wealth of sea life that is almost within touching distance. I’ve already mentioned the sea lions, but taking a day cruise out from the Bay to the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and you’re talking dolphins, puffins, 50 foot whales and maybe even sharks. Take a few layers with you!  www.sfbaywhalewatching.com

See Beach Blanket Babylon
This is a San Fran institution. It’s a crazy musical revue in the North Beach district at Club Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Boulevard, that’s been running for years, and can only be described as weirdly wonderful. Let’s just say that it’s certainly weird, and a wonderful way to experience a piece of San Fran legend. Check out all those hats!    

Bay Sunset Cruise
Take a romantic two and half hour cruise around the famous Bay at sunset. Free drinks and appetizers, See all the sights in a relaxing way and then sit back and enjoy some live music. www.redandwhite.com

San Francisco Restaurant Recommendations
With over 5,000 restaurants in San Francisco, there’s no shortage of eating possibilities. You could get a diner breakfast, follow it up with an Italian lunch, and get a Chinese dinner. Round the world in day!

Some recommendations:

Pisco Latin Lounge for tapas and cocktails at 1817 Market Street. First Crush at 101 Cyril Magnin - check out the shrimp bruschetta. Louis Diner at 902 Point Lobos Avenue, for a great 50’s breakfast. McCormicks Seafood Restaurant at 900 North Point Street, extensive menu including meats and great views of the Bay.