SERVICES/FAQS TRIP IDEAS NEIGHBORHOODS Alamo Square POINTS OF INTEREST The following section provides details on many of the city’s attractions, neighborhoods and other notable places. Armed with this, you’ll be ready to build incredible itineraries for every interest. Be advised that any festivals and special events mentioned are subject to change, and your best bet is to confirm directly with organizers and vendors. ALAMO SQUARE Corner of Hayes and Steiner streets. One of the most photographed locations in San Francisco, Alamo Square’s famous “postcard row” is indeed a visual treat. A tight, escalating formation of Victorian houses is backdropped by downtown skyscrapers, and the grassy square makes for an ideal midday break. service to the 740-acre island, the largest in San Francisco Bay, is available from Fisherman’s Wharf, Tiburon and Alameda/Oakland; service is limited during the winter. Bike rentals, audio-enhanced historic tram tours, Segway tours, café, picnic and camping facilities are available. Dogs, skateboards and scooters are not permitted. ALCATRAZ ISLAND AQUATIC PARK San Francisco Bay, 415-981-ROCK (7625) for reservations. A mile and a half (2.4 km) from Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz (the name means “pelican” in Spanish) was the site of the first lighthouse built on the Pacific Coast, and then a federal prison for notorious convicts such as Al Capone. Now it is one of the city’s most popular attractions (advance reservations are strongly recommended). Tours include a self-guided walk through the main cell blocks, a video presentation and audio tours narrated by former guards and inmates. Multilingual tours are available upon request. Foot of Polk St. At the west end of Fisherman’s Wharf, this bayside park encompasses a quarter-mile stretch of beach, the Maritime Museum and a protected part of the bay where dedicated swimmers brave chilly waters. Cable Car CABLE CARS San Francisco is the only place in the world where people can ride on a National Historic Landmark. Refurbished in 1984, they operate much as they did on Aug. 2, 1873, when Andrew S. Hallidie guided the first car down Clay St. Today’s fleet totals 40; the adult fare is $8. A ride on a cable car and a visit to the free Cable Car Museum are the best way to understand the system, its mechanics and worldwide popularity. ANGEL ISLAND STATE PARK CANDLESTICK POINT San Francisco Bay, 415-435-5390 for information. Often referred to as the “Ellis Island of the West,” the Angel Island Immigration Station originally opened on Jan. 21, 1910, and closed in 1940 after a fire destroyed the administration building. During that time, more than one million individuals were processed through the center, including an estimated 175,000 Chinese immigrants and 150,000 Japanese immigrants. The Immigration Station was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1997. Ferry Alcatraz Island From Highway 101, take Candlestick Park exit and follow the shoreline to the Candlestick Point State Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the bay, the East Bay hills, the San Bruno Mountains and relax in the peaceful park itself. Its location on the western shoreline of San Francisco Bay provides a variety of recreational opportunities such as windsurfing, fishing, bird watching, walking and hiking. The trails, group picnic sites and fishing piers at this urban park offer access to open space and outdoor activities. San Francisco Travel Association; ©NAN -stock.adobe.com; © 2010 Scott Chernis Photography EXPLORE MORE OF SAN FRANCISCO BY GETTING TO KNOW THE GENERAL GEOGRAPHY, DISTINCTIVE NEIGHBORHOODS AND MAJOR POINTS OF INTEREST.
San Francisco Travel Planner's Guide 2024/2025 TPG: Page 14
