San Francisco is a fun and lively city with a relaxed atmosphere. Located on the beautiful San Francisco Bay, the hilly fairways offer spectacular views of the water and the famous Golden Gate Bridge. The weather is cool year-round, and even in summer temperatures can hover in the 60s, so be sure to pack a sweater or jacket just in case.
fisherman’s wharf
One of the city’s most famous tourist attractions is Fisherman’s Wharf, a lively place packed with souvenir shops, boutiques, great restaurants, street performers, an aquarium, and museums, including a Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
gannet
From Fisherman’s Wharf you can take a boat to Alcatraz, also known as “The Rock”, once one of the most notorious prisons in the world. Alcatraz Penitentiary operated from 1934 to 1963 and during his reign housed some of the country’s most famous and difficult criminals, including gangster Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Visitors can walk around the facility and stand inside the actual cells. There are exhibits about the best-known prisoners, escape attempts, and the families of the guards who lived on the island.
Shopping?
Union Square is San Francisco’s main shopping area and is home to luxury shops, art galleries, theaters and restaurants. There is also a TIX booth located in Union Square where theater tickets are available for half price the day of the show.
Chinatown
After leaving the Union Square area, head down Grant Street until you see the elaborate gate and fu dog sculptures that guard the entrance to Chinatown. Chinatown is located between Bush and Columbus streets and is full of tasty Chinese restaurants and interesting souvenir shops where you’ll find satin purses, mesh slippers, chopsticks, vases, good luck figurines and the good old t-shirt.
golden gate park
Golden Gate Park is a huge park located in the heart of the city, with playgrounds, bike trails, Stow Lake boat rentals, a conservatory, arboretum and more. It is a popular destination among the locals.
japanese tea garden
For a change of pace, visit the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, a charming, tranquil oasis in bustling San Francisco. The garden features streams, bridges, sculptures, traditional Japanese plants and trees, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy. Be sure to stop by the tea house for a cup of tea and snacks.
Do you love art and history?
For an afternoon of art and culture, head to the MH de Young Art Museum in its new building in Golden Gate Park. The new building was built on the site of the old museum and opened to the public in 2005. Visitors to the museum can see an excellent collection of classic and contemporary art, as well as world-class traveling exhibits.
Finally, the Asian Art Museum’s treasures were once housed in the de Young museum, but now have their own building in the San Francisco Civic Center neighborhood. The collection is a fascinating mix of sculpture, painting, and objects such as exquisitely decorated snuff bottles, dolls, swords, and an elaborate Indian howdah that was used to transport passengers on the back of an elephant.
That’s a good number of attractions that will allow you and your family to fully enjoy San Francisco in one weekend! And the most affordable last minute getaway packages can be found at Last-Minute-Vacation-Guide.com.