"Better Than You Can Imagine " a San Francisco Travel Page by painterdave

You've seen it on tv, and you've seen in in the movies, and you know it will be beautiful. But this city, one of the most enchanting and wonderful cities in the U.S., will be so much more when your shoes walk the sidewalks of San Francisco. Look at my tips and save some money and also find some special places most tourists do not visit.
Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge--it's free, Walk down the most crooked street in the world--it's free. Take an elevator ride in many of the buildings to the top for photos--free again. Venture under the Golden Gate bridge and tour Fort Point, take pictures from under the bridge--it's free. Drive up the side of the mountain on the north side of the bridge--free and by the way this is the top photo spot of all.
There are more places for you that I will recommend, just know that this city by the bay will be all you imagined it would be and more. I have written about inexpensive sites in the city. I hope you enjoy your visit.

Here is the view that people from the east bay see when they cross over to San Francisco via the Bay Bridge. You can see Coit Tower on the hill and below is the historical Ferry Building.
The Bay Bridge is being retrofitted for earthquake safety paid for by the taxpayers of California.
This is one of the longest bridges in the world.
During World War II the bridge had a railroad line on one level and cars going both ways on the other. Now cars going to San Francisco are on the top level, and the other direction is the lower level. If you have a car and an hour or two it is worth the trip to go across and back. You can get off at treasure Island and see a terrific view. Also great at night when lights are on in the city.

Under the Golden Gate Bridge on the south side is Fort Point an historical monument. Many tourists never know it is there. You can drive down, park for free and learn about this old fort. Seeing the bridge from this vantage point is also interesting and by walking along the waterfront you can find many great photo ops.
Bring a jacket as most days are breezy and the air off the Pacific can be chilly. If you go early in the morning there may be fog blocking your view.
The last time I was at Fort Point there was no charge for admission inside. You can walk up to the top and there is a museum that is interesting. They also give a cannon demonstration on weekends. There is a small store that sells souvenir postcards, etc., but no food.
Look at my tips on "things to do" which will tell you exactly how to get down to the Fort.