Golden Gate Bridge and other San Francisco, CA Things to Do Tips

I recently ran across a discussion on another travel talk board debating what is the "most famous bridge in the world". The opinions seemed to be split between the Tower Bridge, in London, and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. A slight edge gave San Francisco's span the victory in that discussion.

The bridge certainly is a symbol (if not THE symbol) of the City. Many are shocked at first glance to find that it is not gold. "It's orange!", they cry out... feeling slightly betrayed! (It's actually painted continually with a rust preventative coating).

The name Golden Gate actually refers to the opening to the San Francisco Bay, not the bridge itself. This was a welcome view, when not obscured by fog, to the many exhausted seafarers who traveled to California to get rich during the Gold Rush.

There have been a series of Gold Rushes in California since that famous first discover in the1800's. And many created as many busts as wealth. Perhaps the dot.com era is the latest example of this.

Regardless, the Golden Gate Bridge is a wonderful representation of one of the world's most beautiful and inviting Cities.

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Phone: (415) 921-5858
Address: Northwestern Tip of San Francisco Peninsula
Directions: The bridge is Highway 101's link from San Francisco to the counties North.
Website: http://www.goldengatebridge.org

This tour is aboard a replica of a cable car on wheels. It will show you the major sights of the city and you can sit inside or out. Unlike the real cable cars, this one is not confined to tracks so it can cover just about everything.

There are two options for this tour:

First is 2 hours and cost $20. A $2.00 discount is available if tickets are purchased on the web.

http://www.guideyou.com/prod_view.php?prod_idx=38

A second ticket buys you a hop on hop off option. For $32.95 (a $5.00 internet savings available) you can hop on hop off the trolley at 3 locations and pick up a later trolley.

http://www.sanfranciscotours.us/tours/tourDetail.cfm/tid/153

For visitors to the city without a car, these are a great way to see sites that are harder to reach on foot or by public transportation. The tour crosses the GG Bridge and stops for a brief photo opportunity at Vista Point.

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Address: Fisherman's Wharf
Website: http://www.guideyou.com/prod_view.php?prod_idx=38

This is one of the many wonderful museums in San Francisco. Changing exhibits make it attractive to return from time to time. The views from here are spectacular.

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Phone: 415.863.3330
Address: 100 34th Avenue
Directions: Take Geary to 34th. Ave. Turn right on 34th Ave. and follow it into Lincoln Park.
Website: http://www.thinker.org/legion/

Anywhere along the Embarcadero you will see Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill. Built by Mrs. Coit to honor the firefighters of SF, today you can tour the tower.

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Phone: (415) 362- 0808
Address: 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd
Website: http://www.coittower.org/

It seems that where ever you go in Paris, you may get a glimpse of the Eiffle Tower. In San Francisco, it's the Transamerica Building that is omnipresent. Along with the Golden Gate Bridge, it is truly a symbol of the SF skyline.

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Directions: Downtown, Financial District

The Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building is a must for anyone who happens to be in the City on Saturday morning. Dozens of vendors bring their various wares; produce, flowers, fish, cheese, chilis, plants, fresh bread, meats, and any assortment of specialty items and the displays are colorful and exciting to see.

The market is open from 8 to 1:30. Parking can be difficult but it's worth it to browse the area.

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Address: One Embarcdero
Directions: The Plaza behind the Ferry Building, 1 Embarcadero.
Website: http://www.ferryplazafarmersmarket.com/

No visit to SF is complete without a walk through Chinatown. I remember as a very small child being so excited about getting to shop in the many shops and seeing the ducks hanging from their feet in the windows. Stop to have a lunch of dimsum. Buy souveneirs for the folks at home.

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Address: Bordered by Broadway, Bush, Kearny, Stockton sts.
Directions: Ornamental gate at Grant and Bush intersection.
Website: http://www.sfchinatown.com/

Walk down Columbus Avenue, through North Beach (be sure to stop for a capuccino or glass of vino at one of the cafes along the way). You will catch this glimpse of the Transamerica Tower.

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Address: Columbus Avenue

Built for a former World's Fair, today this is the site of the world famous Exploratorium, an interactive museum for learners of all ages. The grounds are beautiful and often you will see people taking wedding photos. Free parking behind the building (a rareity in SF!)

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Phone: (415) 561-0360
Address: 3601 Lyon Street
Directions: (415) 561-0360
Website: http://www.exploratorium.edu/

Recently opened after years of extensive storm damage and earthquake retrofitting, the Conservatory of Flowers, in Golden Gate Park, is one of the most beautiful of its kind. Originally constructed in 1879, the wood and glass structure houses more than 10,000 plants from arround the world.

Open Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 to 4:30
Admission $1.50 - $5.00

Favorite thing: Giant water lilies that can hold a small child. (but don't try it!)

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Address: Area bounded by Lincoln, Fulton, Stanyan.
Directions: Follow the 49 mile drive signs to eventually find your way to the Conservatory.
Website: http://www.conservatoryofflowers.org/visitus/index.htm