San Francisco

A marvel of modern engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937 to become the world's most photographed bridge. Its red-orange towers and sweeping main cables glow in the sunshine, when they are not embraced by thick fog. Drive, walk or cycle across this man-made marvel — the views are just spectacular. The name Golden Gate was given to the strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean in 1846 by Captain John C. Frémont. He compared it to the Golden Horn of the Bosporus when he visualized precious cargo flowing to and from San Francisco. Here's where to take photos of Golden Gate Bridge: Battery Spencer (north side) It is probably the most classic angle from high above the road. Best reached by car. Golden Gate Overlook and Visitors Center Plenty of parking here. The best spot if you plan to cross the bridge on foot or by bike. Presidio, Marshall Beach The entire coastal side of the Presidio offers excellent views, but Marshall Beach wins. Marshall Beach is also a famous nudist beach so mind where you point the camera!

Once a federal prison housing dangerous and notorious criminals, Alcatraz (The Rock) now welcomes tourists into the cell blocks once occupied by the likes of Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelley, and the Birdman of Alcatraz. Self-guided audio tours have dramatic narratives of Alcatraz’s grim history, including realistic sound effects one would hear in prison. Apart from the prison complex itself, Alcatraz Island essentially operates as a national park. You can spend a full day hiking, taking in the view from multiple observation points and appreciating the natural beauty.

A festival marketplace with 13 bay-view restaurants, dozens of fun attractions and over 110 stores, many one-of-a kind. Bling Things (jewelry), Alpaca Fashion (sweaters), the Cable Car Store (collectibles), Field of Dreams (sports and celebrity gift store), Houdini Magic, and Puppets on the Pier. If you can’t find it here, you can’t find it anywhere.

The Seven Painted Ladies of San Francisco are one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. They are symbolic of the California Gold Rush, which enabled a building boom with all its newfound wealth. The colorist movement in the 1960s gave the normally gray houses their bright colors to complete their look. Fans of the sitcom "Full House" will recognize the Seven Painted Ladies from the opening credits.

A walk through the dragon-adorned Pagoda Gates leads visitors into the colorful and exciting area of San Francisco known as Chinatown. It is tightly packed with exotic shops, ethnic food markets, and excellent restaurants. In February each year, the Chinese New Year is celebrated here with parades and dancing dragons. Chinatown in San Francisco is the biggest chinatown outside Asia. Always a good choice for a quick and budget-friendly meal, especially of you're craving dim sum.

Still maintaining its reputation as the 60s psychedelic-hippie-counterculture capital, this quarter's streets are dotted with Victorian houses, piercing salons and vintage clothing shops. Music and bookstores are the biggest draws to this area.

Mission Dolores Park, often abbreviated to Dolores Park, is a city park at the western edge of the Mission District. Amazing views, a relaxing atmosphere, and a location close to some of the city's most popular neighborhoods. What more could you ask for in a park? Dolores Park makes appearance in many movies and series set in San Francisco since it is such an essential part of the city.

After its opening in 1898, the Ferry Building became the transportation focal point. At its peak, as many as 50,000 people a day commuted by ferry. An elegant two-story public area with repeating interior arches and overhead skylights, the Ferry Building is a great place to be whether you're looking to dine, shop for fresh and local produce, or just look around. You'll find lots of delicious seafood restaurants along the back of the building where you can overlook the harbor. Don't miss Hog Island Oysters, Cowgirl Creamery, and Gott's Roadside. The farmers market takes place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10am–2pm. As a city committed to environmental sustainability, every vendor here has adopted a sustainable mission, and therefore, sells mostly organic products. Speaking of eco-friendly practices, the Ferry Building has been working closely with the transit authority to support the revitalization of the waterfront and the wildlife that resides in the bay.