Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE NORTH SHORELINE
As its name suggests, the Bayshore area spreads out along the Bay at San
Francisco's northern edge. This impressive shoreline faces the islands and
enjoys unforgettable views of both the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges. Histor-
ically, the city began its life here, when the Spanish set up a military outpost
at the Presidio in 1776. More history can be found at the piers of the north-
ern Embarcadero, including now heavily commercialized PIER 39 and Fish-
erman's Wharf, where San Francisco's fishing industry began in the 19th
century. But also part of the area is the smart Marina District, with its
swanky homes and two yacht clubs. Some of the finest parks are found here
too, most notably the Presidio, Crissy Field, the Marina Green, and the
Great Meadow above the Fort Mason Center. The area is also home to the
particularly stylish and sole-surviving remnant of the 1915 Panama-Pacific
Exposition - the Neo-Classical Palace of Fine Arts.
1. GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
This world-famous engineering masterpiece sets off the entrance to San Francisco
Bay in the most spectacular way, and never fails to elicit gasps of awe from first-time
visitors and old-timers alike (for further details see
Golden Gate Bridge
)
.
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2. FISHERMAN'S WHARF
Although now largely tourist-oriented, there are still authentic sights to see, aromas
to savor, and salt air to breathe among these piers (for further details see
Fisher-
man's Wharf
)
.
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3. ALCATRAZ
America's “Devil's Island” didn't operate as a prison for very long, but the cell blocks
and control room can still evoke a chill (for further details see
Alcatraz
).
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