San Francisco : Top Attractions in San Francisco

San Francisco - Image by Adam Derewecki from Pixabay

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                San Francisco could be regarded as one of the most beautiful cities you can visit if you plan a trip to the United States of America. It is rightly known as the jewel of North California with a terrific history and so many attractions to look out for. Its picturesque location with the beautiful beaches along the ocean, rolling hills along the beaches, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge truly sets the place apart. So, if you are planning a trip to San Francisco, it is time to take to our list and discover the most impressive places to visit.

Alcatraz Island - Image by Bettina Nørgaard from Pixabay

Alcatraz Island
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The notorious Alcatraz penitentiary situated away from the mainland on an island has to be on your San Francisco itinerary, even if you are there for only a day. the prison was closed in 1963 after 30 years of service and has accommodated 1,576 convicts while operational. In 1973 the prison was reopened as a tourist attraction. Though there were 450 cells, the prison held a maximum of 250 convicts at a time. Some of the most infamous American convicts have done their sentences in this prison such as Al Capone and the Birdman.

Golden Gate Bridge - Image by Walkerssk from Pixabay

Golden Gate Bridge
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When the Golden Gate Bridge was opened in 1937 after 4 years of construction, it was the most iconic sight in the US and also the longest suspension bridge in the world. It still is one of the most iconic features of California and one of the most photographed places to represent San Francisco. There are various ways you can enjoy this orange structure against the backdrop of clear blue water from both the San Francisco end and the Marin County end. You could take a stroll through the bridge or bike up to Sausalito, a nearby town. You will also get stunning photographs of the bridge from nob Hill on the San Francisco side! Remember to visit the nearby National Golden Gate Recreational Area on the Marin County side whilst you are here.

Fisherman's Wharf - Image by Rhys Ludlow from Pixabay

Fisherman’s Wharf
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Fisherman's Wharf, once known as the Little Italy of San Francisco, is one of the most stunning places in the city for you to visit and has to be on your itinerary if you are there for just a day or two. The place is located along the water and is known for the many wonderful shops and restaurants and the exceptional views of the city from Pier 39. A stroll through the Fisherman's Wharf would get an exact feel of the city and how life is there. If you are lucky, you might also get to check out sea lions at Pier 39. There are many exciting attractions that you can browse through nearby such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, and Musée Mécanique.

Cable Cars - Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay

The Cable Cars
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The Cable Cars in San Francisco were started in 1873 to help the locals travel through the many hills the city is built. Nowadays, only a handful of these cable car service remains posed as historic monument for the benefit of visitors. Taking a ride on these cable cars will immediately transport you to San Francisco from the 19th to 20th century and enable you to have a great time. The cable car route also connects some of the major attractions of San Francisco such as Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Nob Hill, and Lombard Street! This is even better as you could enjoy all the major attractions while enjoying a ride on the cable car. Tickets are available from conductors after you hop onto one of the cable cars. You could also go for a pass if you plan to stay in San Francisco for a few days!

Twin Peaks - Image by YUDAI TODA from Pixabay

Twin Peaks
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Los Pechos de la Chola as the Spaniards called the Twin Peaks are the only hills in San Francisco that remain in their original natural state. They are about 900 feet high and offer some of the most impressive views of both the city and the bay. You can easily get to the top of the hills by driving- there is even a car park at the north peak. However, if you have time and feel adventure, you can even take on one of the trails at the bottom of the peak and hike to the top. This is regarded as one of the best hiking experiences in San Francisco.

Napa Valley - Image by thewinemix0 from Pixabay

Napa Valley

About 52 miles away from San Francisco lies Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley- two of the best and largest areas in California where grapes are cultivated. Napa is also one of the largest towns in California and is a fine place to relax and stroll through the vineyards. Founded in 1848 the valley was named after the original inhabitants, the Napa Indians, who have now gone extinct. This is a terrific place with some stunning places for you to look through along the way!

Ghirardelli Square - Image by David from Pixabay

Ghirardelli Square
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Ghirardelli Square is situated near Fisherman's Wharf area and could be clubbed together on the same day as you visit Fisherman's Wharf. It is a restored factory surrounded by restaurants, galleries, and various shops in industrial buildings that have gone through considerable renovation from the inside. The square was so fashioned in an attempt to give new life to abandoned industrial complexes and was opened for public use in 1964.

Muir Woods National Monument
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Muir Woods National Monument is situated about 45 minutes away from the city and is the best place around San Francisco if you wish to enjoy the warmth of nature. Covered in ancient redwood trees you will find many solitary paths winding through the trees. These trees are so ancient that some of them have grown to a height of about 260 feet and higher. It is an enchanting trip to walk through this 1,200-year-old forest. There is a visitor center where you can drop by if you are thinking of collecting souvenirs or have some queries regarding the park.

Legion of Honor - Image by Michael Pace from Pixabay

Legion of Honor
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The California Palace of the Legion of Honor is based along the lines of the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris and is the most exquisite museum in San Francisco. It was donated by Alma de Bretteville Spreckles and thus is a replica of the Parisian monument, because of her love for all things Parisian. Among its impressive collection, you will find various European decorative pieces such as sculptures and paintings, antiques from the Mediterranean and Near Eastern regions, and so on. Outside the museum, you can take a walk through the path which takes you through some stunning vistas of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. You will also get stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate ridge if you take the Land's End Trail.