Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5
Why You're Here:
San Francisco's
Great Attractions
Let's rank the ones you definitely must see
I
T
'
S AN INTERESTING THING ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO
.
FOR SUCH A BELOVED
tourist's city, there are surprisingly few world-class attractions such as museums and
historic sights. Basically, there's not heaps to see, but there's tons to look at, if you
know what I mean. Much of the lure of this town lies in things that are lovely to
behold: the Golden Gate Bridge, for example, and the city's famous vertiginous
streets where the lovely Painted Lady houses preen. A worthwhile visit to San
Francisco could entail nothing more than strolling its pretty residential lanes, admir-
ing its architecture, and sitting on the water; most of the city's appeal doesn't require
a cent to enjoy. There's something to be said for a city that's memorable simply
for what it is, without bells and whistles to muddy its charm.
That said, everything in this chapter is worth your time, even if I have critiques
about some attractions. Only once or twice do I list something I consider to be a
dud, which I only do because tourists are bombarded with entreaties to visit, and
I want you to be warned. Generally speaking, it's hard to go wrong in San
Francisco as long as you can see its architecture, taste its food, and soak up the
clang of the cable-car bell. The entire city is an attraction, and one that people
travel halfway around the world to absorb.
The chapter opens with the attractions that it would be a crying shame if you
missed—Alcatraz Island, for one. Then I'll list the city's other best sights by where
they're located so that when you find yourself in a certain part of town, you can
look up what's worth checking out while you're there.
But these attractions are not the limit of things worth seeing and doing in
town; not by a long shot. Make sure you look through chapter 6 (The “Other”
San Francisco), which unearths lots of places and activities that most tourists
never learn about.
Important note:
Expect all the places in this chapter to be closed on
Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME
IF YOU HAVE ONLY 1 DAY IN SAN FRANCISCO
Not a lot of time, but more has been done with less. If you know a few weeks in
advance that you'll be coming, make a morning reservation for the ferry to
Alcatraz Island
(p. 89) and build your day around your visit there. The ferry ride
will give you a decent view of the
Golden Gate Bridge
(p. 93) and of the city
skyline. At
Fisherman's Wharf
(p. 100), have a peek at the resident
sea lions
and
