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.
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.
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.
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 operated the handle the grip grabs the cable and the cable car is pulled along by the moving cable. So hop in and enjoy the ride.
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.
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. Address: 151 Third Street (between Mission and Howard Streets).
I believe that Fisherman's Wharf is San Francisco's number one tourist trap but in a way getting there is unavoidable for the San Francisco's tourist. The sea lions at Pier 39 are located here; the Alcatraz ferrys or the bay cruises have Fisherman's Wharf as a starting point. But the place is a tourist trap. Think about it: Fisherman's Wharf has a Ripley Believe It or Not! Museum, a Wax Museum and a Rainforest Cafe. Plus a great number of souvenir stores where you can buy anything from bumper stickers to t-shirts reading "I left my heart in San Francisco" or "I escaped from Alcatraz".
Fisherman's Wharf has lots of seafood restaurants and sidewalk stands where sea products are sold. Try to sample some of the food; it's not exactly fine dining but it's good. Some restaurants offer nice views of the bay along with food. Be warned that this place is very crowded; Fisherman's Wharf has its share of street performers with their mine and music acts; one of the funniest acts is the "Bushman" (you'll recognize him right away).
Lombard Street is another postcard perfect San Francisco attraction. Because of that it's also very popular and no matter the day of the year you'll find numerous people taking pictures here. The attraction is advertised as the "crookedest street in the world" with eight curves in one block descent from Hyde to Leavenworth. The street wasn't always crooked (evidently) but its natural grade of 27 degrees made it harder for the earlier automobiles to climb it. Around 1920, the switchbacks were added and in the process the curve incline was reduced to 16. Cars can only go downhill while on the two sides there are stairways for pedestrians. The views from the top of the section are beautiful (towards the Coit Tower and the Alcatraz). It's nicer to visit in the summer when the flowers are in bloom. Address: Lombard Street. Descent begins at Hyde Street.
