by Mary P Ivy

Created on: September 05, 2010   Last Updated: September 09, 2010

San Francisco has to be one of the best places to visit in California and is likely one of the best places to visit in the world, judging from the international tourists who flock there. With easy air access, great public transportation systems, fantastic restaurants serving locally produced food and wine, plenty of hotels in convenient locations, it’s definitely a city that is equipped to handle its many visitors.

Within the city itself visitors find infinite charms and fascinating places to explore. In a tightly packed, though admittedly very hilly few square miles, a visitor can find entertainment for a week without wandering far from a centrally located hotel near Fisherman’s Wharf and the Bay.

It starts with the Bay and that iconic bridge. Any time you are near the water, the Golden Gate Bridge is part of the landscape. The graceful lines and signature color seem so perfect for the setting. Ferry tours take you under the bridge for a close look while bus tours take you across to the north side of the bridge. You can hop on and off, spending as much time soaking in the view as you wish. Another dominant feature – and great attraction – is the famous Alcatraz Island and the old prison there. Tours are available or simply cruise by on the Red and White fleet tours of the Bay.

All along the Bay are other attractions and plenty of shops. In the Fisherman’s Wharf area, many are drawn to Pier 39 where the sea lions took up residence decades ago. Their noisy, comical life can be seen from the pier and many people spend an hour or so simply enjoying the sea breeze and sunshine while watching the fascinating creatures that live here.

Another top draw is only a few blocks west of the Sea Lions of Pier 39 and an easy walk. This is the outdoor Maritime Museum, featuring a re-created early working dock. Several large vessels are open for close inspection, including a huge wooden ferry that once transported people and vehicles across the Bay. Another favorite is an old cargo ship that transported goods between California and England, around the Cape. Visitors can also watch small boats being restored and admire the vintage fishing boats and dories tied up along the east side of the pier. An indoor museum across the street from the Pier provides further information.

After a day or so of exploring the wharf area, your thoughts begin to wander to other parts of the city. Coit Tower and the parrots of Telegraph Hill, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park

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