Overview

Ever since gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in 1848, visitors from all over the world have flocked to San Francisco. Today, it's still possible to find gold in the "City on the Bay" in its numerous restaurants, beautiful neighborhoods, and world-class cultural attractions. San Francisco hosts a number of national landmarks, from the famous Telegraph Hill and old-fashioned trolley cars to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, that help make any trip special.

San Francisco Bay was the source of the city's livelihood for a very long time, and it remains the key to the city to this day. The Golden Gate Bridge, a San Francisco icon, is 1.7 miles long and frames the Bay. Located around the Bay are several remarkable beaches and parks. Golden Gate Park contains several museums, gardens, and open spaces. The Presidio, a 200 year old Spanish Fort, is also a well-known Bay Area attraction. Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 are national landmarks, offering breathtaking views, fine restaurants and great shopping. Steinhart Aquarium is the oldest municipal aquarium in America, featuring a wide selection of creatures from both the Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Of course, no tour of the Bay would be complete without mentioning Alcatraz, America's most famous prison, and now San Francisco's number one tourist attraction.

Moving away from the Bay, San Francisco only gets better. The city's famous steep hills and trolley cars run back and forth between museums like the Museum of the Legion of Honor and attractions like the San Francisco Zoo, which houses over 1000 animals on 65 acres. The world-famous San Francisco Opera is also a perennial favorite among visitors, as are the city's numerous restaurants. In fact, inhabitants of San Francisco spend more on dining out per person than any city in America.

For a few lucky miners, San Francisco in the 19th century was the gateway to an unforgettable experience. Today's visitors to the Bay Area feel the same way.