by Jane Hendry

Created on: February 24, 2010   Last Updated: February 26, 2010

San Francisco, the city with the Golden Gate

About San Francisco

San Francisco is a city with history and heart. This cosmopolitan city was established originally in 1776, when the Spanish built a fort, and a mission for Francis of Assisi, at the Golden Gate site. Three quarters of San Francisco was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake and, not only was it rebuilt in record time, but a mere nine years later was ready to host the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. This is a city worth a visit.

Culture

As well as being a hub of commerce and retail, San Francisco is characterised by its culturally rich street scapes and mixed-use neighborhoods. Travelers and residents alike can wonder around neighbourhoods featuring a mix of restaurants, shops and business or leisure venues to suit the most discerning needs. San Francisco has been rated the ‘most walkable city’ with good reason.

Sightseeing and Tours

The two most commonly known attractions in San Francisco are the Golden Gate Bridge, which is painted 365 days a year, and Alcatraz, the so-called inescapable prison. Cruises under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz, particularly the ones which dock on the island, are incredibly popular and it is well worth booking a week or so in advance to make sure you don’t miss out. Another site worth seeing is the wiggliest road in the world. This road was constructed to compensate for the 27° incline on which the residences stand.

Fine Dining

With a tantalising array of cultural cuisines available, San Francisco has choices for every food lover. Whichever neighborhood you are in you will be enticed to sample from any number of cultural food groups. With such a selection of restaurants to choose from in San Francisco you will certainly never go hungry.

Off the beaten track

If you prefer to escape the energy and vibrancy of the city why not hire a car with GPS and take off into Northern California.. San Francisco’s vitality is not limited to the city, towering skyscrapers give way to giant redwood forests and snow capped mountains, the hustle and bustle of the neighborhoods merges into the quiet country lanes of small Californian towns and the beach communities, Silicon Valley and wine country are all within easy access if you have the time.

With so much to do in San Francisco, there is sure to be something of interest for even the most discerning traveler. San Francisco is inundated with guided tours including walks, bus rides, cruises and helicopter flights. So get in touch with one of the myriad tour operators available and book early to avoid disappointment.

Learn more about this author, Jane Hendry.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.