San Francisco - Places to Visit
Northern Waterfront
From the weathered pier timbers of Pier 39, to the endless fresh seafood of Fisherman’s Wharf, the northern waterfront is a must see on any visitor itinerary. This area is an unending hub of activity. Travel less than half a mile east to Ghirardelli Square to taste world-famous chocolate, or pack up for an impromptu picnic of fresh sourdough bread and cracked crab. For a bit of San Francisco history, visit the San Francisco Maritime Museum and the historic ships berthed at Aquatic Park. A quick walk over the hill takes you to Fort Mason and Crissy Field, which affords some of the best views of the city’s premier landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge.
top ↑Union Square
Union Square is surrounded by some of the world’s best shopping, finest dining. Its renovation, unveiled in 2002, creates a new gathering place and outdoor stage. Market Street has been galvanized with the addition of the San Francisco Shopping Centre, a galleria of boutique department stores and convenient eateries. Choose from an array of theater entertainment, including musical productions, dramas and comedies and the best of repertory in the nearby Theatre District.
top ↑Parks
In 1972 the United States Congress created a vast recreation area in San Francisco and Marin Counties. This is the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, known as GGNRA. Few urban shorelines contain the diversity of these 39,000 acres: islands, maritime parks, yacht harbors, Ocean Beach, special event venues, and historic points of interest. At the northernmost section is the 67,000-acre Point Reyes National Seashore. San Francisco is home to Golden Gate Park, the largest man-made park in the world, with over 1,000 acres. And there is not a single “Keep off the grass” sign.
top ↑Neighborhoods
Within San Francisco’s 47 square miles, the city’s diversity is most evident in its unique neighborhoods. Grant Avenue’s dragon gate provides an exotic entrance to Chinatown. The towering steeples of Saints Peter and Paul Church overlook the inviting cafes of North Beach. Colorful murals surround the Mission District and its authentic Mexican restaurants. Look for a five-tiered pagoda in Japantown or browse in the trendy boutiques of Fillmore or Union Street. For a touch of San Francisco culture or to experience the nightlife of “SoMa’s” clubs, head south of Market Street to the most recently developed area of San Francisco. The Haight-Ashbury district will lure you back to the 1960s with its veneer of tie-dye, incense and rock history.
top ↑Sports and Recreation
Four conveniently located public golf courses exist in the City of San Francisco that are accessible to visitors. The views are as dazzling as the greens. In addition, numerous private courses are located throughout the Bay Area from Monterey to Santa Rosa. Tennis, windsurfing, sailing, and sports fishing are perennial favorites. Or take in a San Francisco Giants or 49ers game.
top ↑Museums
The Legion of Honor, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art draw world-class exhibits and have esteemed collections of their own. The Asian Art Museum reigns over a new location in the Civic Center and the new de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park opened to much fanfare in 2005. The Museum of African Diaspora, also new, joins more than 30 other small museums in San Francisco.
top ↑Accommodations
In a city renowned for its splendid collection of hotels, the process of assembling a strong hotel package is easily accomplished. With more than 32,700 hotel rooms San Francisco offers accommodations in every size and price range. There are approximately 250 hotels in San Francisco; the largest ranges from 1,900 rooms to intimate bed and breakfast inns.
top ↑Shopping
Among the most popular shopping destinations are Anchorage Square, The Cannery at Del Monte Square, Crocker Galleria, Embarcadero Center (Boston Properties), Ferry Building Marketplace, Japan Center, Metreon, the Mission District, Pier 39, Stonestown Shopping Center, Union Square, Union Street and Westfield San Francisco Centre.
top ↑Dining
It’s only fitting that a cosmopolis known variously as the “Paris of the West” and “Gateway to the Orient” should uphold a tradition for fine foods of infinite variety. Nowhere is San Francisco’s worldliness more evident than in its cuisine. Great restaurants flourish here and are the focus of much civic pride. More than 3,300 restaurants of every ethnicity can be found in San Francisco to satisfy everyone’s tastes and preferences. Among the local specialties are Dungeness crab, sourdough French bread and local dishes and beverages such as Hangtown Fry, Joe’s Special, Crab Louie, Crag Cioppino and Irish Coffee. San Francisco claims to have invented the fortune cookie and no one should leave without sampling an It’s It, a sweet confection of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two oatmeal cookies and dipped in chocolate.
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