San francisco, cr-unionstreetinn.com
Famous for its hills, cable cars and Painted Ladies, San Francisco is the city by the bay that captured the heart of one Frank Sinatra. Mark Twain notably described a summer in the city as the coldest winter he ever spent.
However, San Francisco has plenty more to offer tourists than its cold and windy weather. This article lists five of San Francisco’s unique destinations.
Alcatraz Island
Catch a ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf to Alcatraz Island, located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay area. Due to its isolated location, Alcatraz served as a prison until 1963. Alcatraz is known for housing notable criminals such as American gangster Al Capone and the “Birdman of Alcatraz,” Robert Stroud. Alcatraz Island features in a number of television shows and movies, including “Escape from Alcatraz,” which depicts the only successful escape attempt from the prison.
Chinatown
The oldest Chinatown in North America, San Francisco’s Chinatown is an embodiment of Chinese culture, customs and identity. San Francisco’s Chinatown has developed its own government, as well as over 300 restaurants and stores. Chinatown is a major tourist attraction of San Francisco, drawing more visitors annually than the Golden Gate Bridge. The Chinese Cultural Center is worth a visit, featuring authentic Chinese American art, as well as historical and cultural exhibits.
San Francisco City Hall
The current City Hall building, completed in 1915, is a replacement for the original building which was destroyed in an earthquake in 1906. Recognised for its neoclassical architecture, City Hall’s dome is the fifth largest in the world. Noteworthy events at San Francisco’s City Hall have included the marriage of Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe in 1954 and Harvey Milk’s assassination in 1978. Many films such as “The Wedding Planner” and “Bicentennial Man” have portrayed the beautiful and distinct architecture of City Hall. The San Francisco Movie Tour is sure to appeal to movie buffs.
Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most recognized suspension bridges in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge officially opened in 1937, linking the San Francisco Peninsula with Marin County. Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge totaled more than $35 million. The famous orange hue of the Bridge was chosen to enhance its visibility in San Francisco’s omnipresent fog. The Golden Gate Bridge is a well-known American landmark and has been depicted in various media.
Coit Tower
Built as a monument to the fire-fighters of San Francisco in 1933, Coit Tower offers tourists panoramic views of the city. Catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Nob Hill and Lombard Street (the most crooked street in the world) atop this 210-foot art deco tower. Coit Tower was listed on the U.S. Government’s National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
Sources
