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

Golden Gate Bridge is probably the most recognized San Francisco landmark. Since I moved here many of my friends come to visit and because of this I have the chance to go to Golden Gate Bridge maybe 10 times a year. But I never get tired of walking on the bridge which is about 2 miles long. On a sunny day you are rewarded with great views of Alcatraz, San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean. But foggy days can be interesting too. I usually stop at one of the vista points at the two ends and walk all the way to the center where you can touch the main cable and be impressed by the magnificent engineering that went into building the bridge. If you stop at the vista point before the tolls you can find a section of the main cable. After crossing the bridge make a U-turn at Alexander exit and continue up the hill for beautiful views of the bridge and San Francisco.

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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

Frankly I consider Pier 39 with its carnival-like atmosphere a tourist trap, but I like the sea lions. They started arriving here in 1990; they used to be seasonal and come every January but now they're here all year round. They're smelly and noisy but so fun to watch.

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Phone: (415) 705-5500
Address: The Embarcadero at Beach Street
Website: http://www.pier39.com/home.cfm

Everybody heard of Alcatraz as the maximum security prison but it only served this purpose from 1934-63. Before 1934 it served as a fort for the US military until 1907 when it became a military prison. Unoccupied from 1963 to 1969 the islands was taken over by members of the American Indian Movement. Today Alcatraz is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. To get to Alcatraz you need to take a Blue & Gold Fleet ferry which departs from Pier 41. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in summer.

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Phone: Blue & Gold (415) 705-5555
Address: In the middle of San Fracisco Bay
Directions: Alcatraz is reached by ferries of the Blue and Gold fleet from Pier 41
Website: http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz

Most buildings on the island are now in ruins but the cellhouse is intact and can be visited. Rent one of the self-guided audio-tours available at the entrance; they are well made and a good value for the money. While you stroll through the corridors between the blocks you get to hear former inmates talking about the harsh life on Alcatraz and you listen to details about different escapes tried by the prisoners. Some of the cells are open so you can enter and look around. We went there on a cold day (which is every other day in San Francisco) and the wind blowing through the corridors and the freezing temperature gave this place an even more depressing look.

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Phone: Blue & Gold (415) 705-5555
Address: In the middle of San Fracisco Bay
Directions: Alcatraz is reached by ferries of the Blue and Gold fleet from Pier 41
Website: http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz

Cable cars are considered one of the San Francisco signatures. This public transportation system was invented in 1873 and was designed to deal with the city's steep slopes. Presently there's only three lines left (Powell-Mason, Powell-Hyde, and California Street). The concept is quite simple. Under the city streets there's looped cable which is powered from the central powerhouse. When the cable car gripman operates the handle the grip grabs the cable and the cable car is pulled along by the moving cable. Hop in and enjoy the ride.

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Address: 1201 Mason St. at Washington
Directions: There are 4 cable car lines (Hyde, California, Mason and Powell).
Website: http://www.sfcablecar.com

The massive brick building located at the junction of Mason and Washington Streets is San Francisco's only surviving cable car barn. Although the building's main function is as a powerhouse and barn, it also houses a small museum which offers insight into the inner workings of the cable car system as well as historical tidbits regarding cable cars. On the upper level there is a balcony which offers a view of the huge wheels over which the continuous loops of cables are revolving. It's quite an impressive sight, especially when you realize that the entire cable car system is run from here (the signs above the huge wheels read "California" "Mason" "Hyde" "Powel", the only remaining cable car lines). The museum's exhibits include the Car No 8, the only survivor of San Francisco's first cable car line, which began operation in 1873. The museum also includes explanatory displays, historical tools and photos. Downstairs you can take another look at the "sheave" (wheel) room where the thick steel cables enter the building before being routed up to the main sheaves.

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Address: 1201 Mason St. at Washington
Directions: There are 4 cable car lines (Hyde, California, Mason and Powell).
Website: www.cablecarmuseum.com

Baker beach is to me the best of SF's beaches. It not a good place to swim because of the strong currents but if you tried to swim in the Pacific Ocean around San Francisco you'll know the water is too cold for swimming anyway. But you can sunbathe and fish and walk along the beach looking at the Golden Gate Bridge. At the end of the beach there are tables and grills for barbequing.

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This is the place to see modern art in San Francisco. SF MOMA's collection includes major works by the 20th-century artists from post-impressionists to latest contemporary art. The beautiful building designed by the Swiss architect Mario Botta has a central skylight which gives the atrium a theatrical feel. The museum was created in 1935 but moved to its current location in the South of Market neighborhood in 1995. Works by the 20th-century European artists are located on the second floor including paintings by Matisse, Braque, Picasso and a beautiful sculpture by Brancusi. There are three paintings that I really enjoyed and I believe should not be missed: "The flower carrier" by Diego Rivera, "Frieda and Diego Rivera" by Frida Kahlo and "Guardians of the secret" by Jackson Pollock. The two upper floors are dedicated to temporary exhibitions.

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Phone: 415.357.4000
Address: 151 Third St. (between Mission and Howard Stree
Directions: SFMoMA is located in the South of Market (SOMA) area of downtown at 151 Third Street between Mission and Howard Streets
Website: http://www.sfmoma.org

The Chinatown gate can be found at the intersection of Bush St. and Grant Avenue. It has three beautifully ornated arches and is guarded by two lions. Its design was inspired after ceremonial entrances of Chinese villages. The materials were provided by the Taiwan government and the design belongs to Clayton Lee. The gate opened in 1970. Once you pass through it, you'll find yourself surrounded by a multitude of shops selling souvenirs, jewelry, electronics, artwork etc.

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

Grant Avenue, between Bush Street and Broadway is the main tourist street of Chinatown. The avenue is lined with dragon-entwined lamp posts and buildings that borrow elements from Chinese architecture, with towers and curved rooftops. Grant Avenue is an odd mix of souvenir shops for tourists, restaurants, banks etc. The parallel Stockton Street seems to cater more for the local Chinese community.

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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/