"Every man should be allowed to love two cities - his own and San Francisco," stated author Gene Fowler. San Francisco, also known as the City by the Bay, is a diverse, colourful, and intriguing destination luring visitors from all corners of the world with its beauty, culture, history and dynamic ambience. It is best known for its steep hills, beautiful panoramic vistas, and excellent cuisine. The eclectic mix of architecture, sandy beaches, ethnic and cultural diversity and entertainment for all ages make San Francisco a great choice for vacation.

San Francisco is a peninsula surrounded on three sides by water. It is said to be the crossroads to everywhere, with 16 million visitors every year. San Francisco's strength lies in its neighbourhoods which give the city its uniqueness. Union Square is in the heart of the city and the hub of the shopping district. North Beach is known for its Italian heritage, bakeries, and restaurants. The Marina District has some of the most elegant homes in San Francisco and the Waterfront where shopping and dinning are at their best. The Haight, famous for the intersection of Haight & Ashbury Streets, is the location of former homes of Counterculture icons like the Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead. Unique shops, music and bookstores and cafés line many of the Haight's streets. Alamo Square is best known for the beautiful turn-of-the century Victorian homes called the "Painted Ladies". SoMa (South of Market) includes unique nightclubs, restaurants and museums. The Castro District has the highest concentration of Gay/Lesbian population of any city in America. Steep streets and brightly painted Victorian houses, imaginative boutiques and bars, and the largest Gay Pride Parade identify this area. Yerba Buena Gardens, is the cultural heart of the city, where community, entertainment, arts and pop culture come together San Francisco's climate is influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean. Days are generally cool year around and summer days are often foggy in the afternoon. Average summer temperatures range from 15 to 24 C and winter from 10 to 15 C.

San Francisco is a diverse destination, encompassing nature, history, the Arts, science and some of the most beautiful scenery along the West Coast of the United States. It is not only hip, but pop-culture and old traditions are neatly packed into this one fabulous city.

Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is acclaimed one of the world's most beautiful bridges. Its bright orange towers and sweeping main cables glow in the sunshine or are engulfed in the fog that frequents this area. No matter if you drive, walk or bicycle across this engineering marvel, the views are spectacular.

San Francisco Cable Cars
No visit would be complete without a ride on a cable car. These cable-powered streetcars have been transporting people up and down the fabulous hills of San Francisco since 1873. A highlight of the ride is actually at the end (or beginning) at the turnaround. Watch while drivers push the cable car on a rotating platform 180 degrees for the trip back up the hill.

Fisherman's Wharf
A long strip along the waterfront is home to the Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39. A working waterfront, also called Fish Alley, sells tons of sole, shrimp, salmon, and squid every year. Crab season (Mid November - June) is the time for seafood lovers. There is shopping, entertainment, restaurants and vendors who sell Dungeness Crab ready to eat.

Golden Gate Park
The Golden Gate Park encompasses one thousand acres on the western edge of San Francisco, including lush gardens, tranquil lakes, the Japanese Tea Garden, museums, Conservatory of Flowers, Botanical Gardens, stables and sports fields of all types. It is estimated that 75,000 people visit the park on an average weekend.

Alcatraz
Once a federal prison housing dangerous and notorious criminals, Alcatraz (The Rock) now welcomes tourists into the cellblocks once occupied by the likes of Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelley, and the Birdman of Alcatraz. Self-guided audiocassette tours have dramatic narratives of Alcatraz's grim history, including realistic sound effects one would hear in prison.

Chinatown
Walking through the dragon-adorned Pagoda Gates leads visitors in the colourful and exciting area of San Francisco know as Chinatown. It is tightly packed with exotic shops, ethnic food markets, and excellent restaurants. The Chinese New Year in February each year is celebrated here with parades and dancing dragons. Grant Avenue & Bush Street Internet:

Aquarium Of The Bay
In addition to the expected displays of sea life, this unusual aquarium invites visitors into the hidden world of life under San Francisco Bay. A moving walkway takes you through two crystal clear tunnels, 300 feet in length, surrounded by 700,000 gallons of filtered Bay water and more than 23,000 aquatic animals.
Address: Pier 39

Lombard Street
This steep and winding street is the most photographed street in San Francisco. Tourists come to Russian Hill to see, drive or walk down the "crookedest street in the world", with eight hairpin turns. The Hyde Street Cable Car makes a stop at the top of Lombard Street. Along with the dramatic view of Lombard Street, there are awesome views of Fisherman's Wharf and the Bay. Address: Lombard at Hyde Street

Public Transport
San Francisco has the most extensive public transit system on the West Coast. The MUNI-Metro, a light rail System, operates five routes that crisscross the city. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is the regional transit system connecting San Francisco with outlying communities. The MUNI Passport can be purchased at the airport, on line or at several locations inside the city. Offers unlimited rides on busses, historical streetcars and Cable Cars.

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