TRAVEL
Resources
Related content and features
Top 10: Architectural Highlights
San Franciscans will, rather candidly, admit that they are the most fortunate people on earth, the occasional earthquake notwithstanding; and most visitors, after a few days of taking in the sights and sounds of this magnificent city, will agree. Ask anyone who has been here and they will tell you it's their favorite US city. The geographical setting evokes so much emotional drama, the light seems clearer, the colors more vivid, the cultural diversity of the ethnic neighborhoods so captivating and inviting, that it's a place almost everyone can fall in love with at first sight.
Click on links for more information
1. Golden Gate Bridge
The much-loved symbol of the city and of California's place on the Pacific Rim, the Golden Gate Bridge is the third-largest single span bridge in the world, connecting San Francisco to Marin County.
- (415) 923-2000
- Pedestrians may access the east sidewalk 5am - 9pm daily. In-line skaters and skateboards are not allowed.
- www.goldengate.org
2. Cable Cars
San Francisco's little troopers have endured technological progress, and are now the only system of the kind in the world that still plays a daily role in urban life.
3. Fisherman's Wharf
Despite rampant tourism and commercialization, the saltiness and authenticity are still to be found here if you take time to look. The views of the bay are unmatched, and you'll have an opportunity to sample some great seafood.
4. Alcatraz
Although it was a federal prison for just under 30 years, the myth of "The Rock" continues to capture the imagination of visitors. Even if exploring prison life holds no appeal, the ferry ride makes it well worth a visit.
- Blue & Gold Fleet Ferries from Pier 41:(415) 705-5555 (tickets and schedules)
- Open daily
- Adm: $15.50 (day tours); $23.00 (evening tours)
- You cannot visit Alcatraz independently - booking a guided tour with the ferry company is required.
- www.nps.gov/alcatraz
5. Chinatown
The city boasts one of the largest public parks in the world, with natural beauty and fine museums.
- Entrances on Fulton St, Lincoln Way, Stanyan St and the Great Hwy
- Open sunrise - sunset daily
- Free
6. Golden Gate Park
The city boasts one of the largest public parks in the world, with natural beauty and fine museums.
- Entrances on Fulton St, Lincoln Way, Stanyan St & the Great Hwy
- Open sunrise - sunset daily
- Free
7. Grace Cathedral
Dominating Nob Hill with its timeless beauty, San Francisco's favorite cathedral offers a host of awe-inspiring and historic treasures, including Italian Renaissance masterpieces and stained-glass windows.
- 1100 California St
- (415) 749-6300
- Open 7am - 6pm Mon - Fri and Sun; 8am - 6pm Sat
- Free
- www.gracecathedral.org
8. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Second only to New York City's Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco's newest architectural landmark houses 20th-century masterworks of painting, sculpture, and photography, and the edgiest digital installations.
- 151 3rd St
- (415) 357-4000
- Open 11am - 5:45pm Fri - Tue; 11am - 8:45pm Thu
- Adm $10.00; audio tours $3.00; free first Tue of month
- Free gallery tours are offered hourly from 11:30am - 2:30pm, and at 6:15pm and 7:15pm on Thursdays
- Disabled access
- www.sfmoma.org
9. Mission Dolores
The city's oldest building is also the only intact chapel among the 21 California missions that Father Junipero Serra founded in the late 18th century. Its founding just days before the Declaration of Independence makes San Francisco older than the US.
- 3321 16th St at Dolores St
- (415) 621-8203
- Open 9am - 4pm daily
- Suggested donation $3.00 adult, $2.00 child; 40 minute audio tour in English $5.00
- Disabled access
- www.missiondolores.citysearch.com




