Money lives in New York. Power sits in Washington. Freedom sips Cappuccino in a sidewalk café in San Francisco. So said Joe Flower, and he encapsulated the city's vibe perfectly. It's free and easy, home to Haight-Ashbury, the original birthplace of the hippy movement. It's gay-friendly, artistic and tolerant. And the entire, unforgettable edifice is topped by the stunningly elegant Golden Gate Bridge, ringed by wild hills.
San Francisco delivers a bit of everything, from contemporary to historic and everything in between.
Despite the famous fog the weather is wonderful, typical California. And the architecture is simply superb, topped by Alamo Square's famously lovely 'postcard row'. Whatever you are most passionate about, San Francisco delivers: friendly people, art, theatre and brilliant clubbing, wildlife and nature. Here are three legendary San Francisco destinations
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San Francisco Bay Area
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San Mateo
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Oakland
Spend time discovering the infinite variety of all three and by the time you leave you'll feel like a local. And don't forget to look out for the remarkable Transamerica Pyramid, the city's most distinctive skyscraper.
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The Golden Triangle
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A simple walk up and down the famously steep and architecturally intriguing streets is an experience in itself. Pier 39's Fisherman's Wharf is great fun with its sea lions, seafood and French bakeries. Alcatraz delivers a contrasting message, the city's dark side. What's
your style?
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Take a ride on the city's famous manually operated cable cars
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Explore sinister Alcatraz Island
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Catch the San Francisco Giants football team at AT&T Park
Imagine spending your days getting intimate with one of the US' most fascinating and welcoming cities, and your nights immersing yourself in its vibrant culture. Rudyard Kipling once said,
“San Francisco has only one drawback—‘tis hard to leave.” That was not far short of a century ago, and in that respect the city hasn't changed a bit.
Crazy hilly cityscapes, year-round fog, the iconic and beautiful Golden Gate Bridge, jangling cable cars and colourful Victorian homes... plus lively, varied night life and international cuisine to die for.
San Francisco is nothing if not quirky. The Chinese fortune cookie was invented there. The famously steep streets make it a fascinating place to negotiate on foot, by car and tram, with Filbert Street – running between Hyde and Leavenworth Street – almost tipping you over at an incredible 31.5 degrees. The city is loved for its excellent restaurants, top class clubs, beautiful parks, splendid bay views and gorgeous surroundings. A town that bore the famous 1930s depression with ease, with not a single bank failing, it's affluent and sophisticated, fun and funky. And nature surrounds you, including the gloriously green Presidio National Park, studded with fabulous hiking trails and perfect for a picnic, open all year round and free to enter.
Brilliant recreational opportunities including BBQs, picnics and beach sports, live music and wonderful street food. Chinatown has its own unique charm. The Palace of Fine Arts theatre awaits you. Muir Woods National Monument is delightful. It's hard to beat this beautiful place for sheer variety. Drama and excitement sit cheek-to-cheek with peace and love in this unique American city with a big, warm heart. The United Nations Charter was drafted and ratified in San Francisco in 1945, and the locals still take pride in their laid back attitude to life, the universe and everything.