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Interested in getting the most out of your San Francisco Vacation? Below we review the 5 things you must do in San Francisco the next time you visit.
1. Take a Trip To The Golden Gate Bridge
More than just a bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge stands as the most iconic landmark on the West Coast of the United States. Tall orange supporting pillars jutting out from the water and holding the bridge way in place, the Golden Gate Bridge is a massive an awe inspiring site.
You can view the bridge by car, bus, or motorcycle. You can also park on either side of the bridge with free parking on the north side. There are facilities available on either end.
While on the north end of the bridge, consider exploring the beautiful parks nearby. Massive trees create a unique habitat that is rarely seen in any other part of the world. Sublime, it is easy to get lost I many of the attractions that surround the bridge.
2. Explore Alcatraz
Another iconic landmark that stands as a popular tourist attraction, Alcatraz was once a maximum security prison that used its location on the bay to keep prisoners in. Closed to prisoners, it is none-the-less open to tourists interested in how the prison functioned.
A trip to Alcatraz provides great views of the bay. You can learn a great deal about the history of prisons and experience for yourself how prisoners lived and worked. While tickets are no where near inexpensive ($31 per adult), past tourists say that you get an incredible amount of value for the cost.
3. Walk Through Golden Gate Park
A free option, Golden Gate Park offers more than 1,000 acres of beautifully kept lands. Including lakes, museums, monuments, trails, and more, there is a great deal to see and do in this space. This includes and is not limited to a popular carousel and Japanese Tea Garden.
Additional sites worth checking out at the Golden Gate Park include the Conservatory of Flowers, the Strawberry Hill, and the Steinhart Aquarium. On the northwestern edge of the city, you have proximity to the coast as well as shops and places to explore near by. A place that can take days to explore fully, there is always something to do at the Golden Gate Park.
4. View The City From Twin Peaks
Want to see San Francisco like never before? The view from the Twin Peaks mountain offers a view of the city and bay that is simply astounding. Rising a total of 922 feet into the air, you can take in the entire area from this beautiful view.
Consider hitching a ride on the famed cabs instead of driving and take pictures every step of the way. Consider also exploring the vegetation and wildlife that is viewable from many of the trails that wind around the mountain. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, explore this free attraction and be amazed at just how beautiful the city can be.
5. Japanese Tea Garden
Offering a quiet and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of some of the more frequently visited tourist destinations, the Japanese Tea Garden provides a unique environment that is impossible to replicate elsewhere. Built after the World’s Fair of 1894, the Japanese Tea Garden, you can find and relax among the Japanese style buildings. You can also explore the various paths and find smaller bridges on winding paths.
A relaxing place to calm down, the entrance cost is $8 per adult and discounts for seniors and children. Be aware that if you get to the garden prior to 10am on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, you can get in for free. The garden is open to 6pm during the summer months.