Golden Gate Bridge
Opened to traffic on May 28, 1937 after a construction period of
four years, San Francisco's most recognisable sight is known across
the world as an iconic American landmark. The 4,200-feet
(1,280-metre) toll bridge connects the City of San Francisco and
the County of Marin to the north, and gained its name from the
three-mile-long and one-mile-wide Golden Gate Strait that it spans.
Painted in the warm International Orange colour to prevent erosion
of the steel it is constructed from, the bridge has featured in
movies ranging from 'The Maltese Falcon' (1941) to 'Rise of the
Planet of the Apes' (2011). Around 2,000,000,000 vehicles have
crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, which has been closed to traffic
only five times.
Fisherman's Wharf
Home to stands serving crab and gourmet seafood restaurants,
Fisherman's Wharf has plenty to treat your tastebuds. Animal-lovers
can watch the activities of hundreds of sea lions that gather on
docks next to Pier 39.
Alcatraz
Popularly known as "The Rock", the island of Alcatraz functioned
as a federal prison from 1934 until 1963. From November 1969, the
island was occupied for 19 months by a Native American protest. The
island was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986 and is
open to visitors. Alcatraz can be reached by ferry from Pier 33 at
Fisherman's Wharf.
Chinatown
With a history dating back to the 1840s, the Chinese quarter in
San Francisco is now the largest outside of Asia. The architecture,
cuisine and shops celebrate the community's heritage.
Haight-Ashbury
Famed for its 1960s hippie culture, experiencing 'The Haight'
can range from shopping in vintage clothing and vinyl record stores
to catching a cult movie at the Red Vic Movie House.