California

San Francisco - what to see

The most beautiful city on the west coast of the USA

Wrote 305 articles and follows him / her 17 travelers
San Francisco - what to see
Inserted: 27.10.2023
Author: Martin Javorský © gigaplaces.com
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Travelers

San Francisco is considered the most beautiful city on the west coast of the USA. There is so much to see, visit and experience in this diverse and colorful city. It is worth staying there for a few days.

1.
San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge

The bridge that became a symbol of the city

Altitude: -96 m / -315 ft

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects San Francisco and the city of Sausalito in Marin County across the Golden Gate Strait, which connects San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The bridge is one of the most famous and iconic symbols of San Francisco and the state of California and is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. continue reading

2.
San Francisco - Historic Streetcars

The last manually operated trams in the world

Altitude: 5 m / 16 ft

A ride on a historic tram is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Cable trams are one of the inseparable symbols of the city and carry more than seven million passengers every year. Although trams are part of the regular urban public transport system and are partly used by local residents, the majority of passengers are tourists. San Francisco's cable car system is the last working manually operated system of its type in the world. Of the original more than twenty lines, only three lines are in operation today. continue reading

3.
San Francisco - Pier 39

Popular pier with sea lions, attractions, restaurants and shops

Altitude: 4 m / 13 ft

On the northeastern edge of the city, Fisherman's Wharf is home to one of the city's biggest tourist attractions. It is a vast harbor pier called Pier 39, where a lot of attractions, shops and restaurants are concentrated. continue reading

4.
Alcatraz

America's most notorious prison

Altitude: 35 m / 115 ft

Alcatraz is a small island in San Francisco Bay that has become known as a prison for the worst criminals in the United States. Because of its notoriety, this prison has also appeared in several well-known films. In the middle of the island, a sprawling building serving as a military prison was built in 1910–12 on the site next to a mid-19th-century fort. In 1934, the prison was taken over by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, rebuilt again, and subsequently converted into a maximum security prison. The country's most dangerous criminals were housed here. The prison was known for its strict discipline and harsh conditions. The prisoners were isolated from the outside world and were under constant surveillance The prison was in operation until 1963 and during that time over 1,500 prisoners passed through it. Alcatraz's most famous inmates included Al Capone, Robert „Birdman“ Stroud, and George „Machine Gun“ Kelly. continue reading

5.
San Francisco - Twin Peaks

A unique view over the city

Altitude: 251 m / 823 ft

Twin Peaks is a pair of hills 279 meters above sea level in the central part of San Francisco. Equally high peaks are called „Eureka“ and „Noe“. It is the second highest point in San Francisco. Twin Peaks is one of the most famous and most visited places in the city. It's a great way to see the city from a different perspective. continue reading

6.
San Francisco - San Francisco Bay

The largest bay on the west coast of the USA

Altitude: -26 m / -85 ft

This largest gulf along the west coast of the USA (excluding Alaska) has two main branches and is up to 97 km long and 19 km wide. Most of the bay is shallow, with only the approximately 100 km² area adjacent to the Golden Gate reaching depths greater than 10 m. San Francisco Bay is an important transportation hub, home to many industrial and agricultural businesses, and a popular tourist destination. continue reading

7.
San Francisco - Lombard Street

The most twisted street

Altitude: 85 m / 279 ft

San Francisco is a city with a unique topography. It is built on a hill that rises from the San Francisco Bay, and the streets are consequently crooked and very steep. They had to be built to replicate the hill and to be suitable for horses and carts. continue reading

8.
San Francisco - Vermont Street

Quite a twisted street

Altitude: 75 m / 246 ft

Most tourists head for the „world's most crooked street“ to Lombard Street. Only about 3 miles south of this location is Vermont Street. On this street, more than one kilometer long, there is a section less than 180 m long, where seven narrow bends overcome a steep descent. continue reading

9.
San Francisco - Chinatown

The oldest and largest Chinatown in North America

Altitude: 12 m / 39 ft

San Francisco's Chi­natown is the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America. Located in the center of the city, it is home to more than 80,000 Chinese. According to some sources, it is the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. continue reading

10.
San Francisco - Telegraph Hill

Panoramic view of the city

Altitude: 86 m / 282 ft

Telegraph Hill is one of the most famous hills in San Francisco. It rises to a height of 90 meters above the bay and is best known for its shape, which resembles an elephant. The hill was named after a telegraph station that was built on the hill in 1853. The adjacent area is a popular place to live because of its views of the city and the historic character of the surrounding houses. continue reading

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