San Francisco
★ 4.7🇺🇸 San FranciscoSuggested visit 1-2 daysBest season September to November, with less fog and the steadiest weather
City landmarkCoastCity walk
A red suspension bridge in the fog above a bay city, with steep streets, cable cars and Alcatraz.
Overview
On a peninsula in northern California, the Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937 with a main span of 1,280 metres, once the longest suspension bridge in the world; its towers reach 227 metres and fog often pours across the deck. The cable cars, Lombard Street and Fisherman's Wharf are the classic sights, boats leave Pier 39 for the Alcatraz prison site, and Twin Peaks overlooks the city and bay.
History
A Spanish fort was established in 1776, the Gold Rush of 1849 made it boom, it was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake and became a cultural and technology centre on the West Coast.
Highlights
- •The Golden Gate Bridge in fog
- •The Alcatraz prison site
- •Cable cars and Lombard Street
- •Twin Peaks and the bay
Practical tips
- •Alcatraz tickets need booking weeks ahead
- •The coast is windy with a sharp temperature drop — bring a jacket
Practical information
- Best time
- September-November
- Tickets
- Bridge toll about USD 9; Alcatraz about USD 45
- Opening hours
- All day
- Local food
- Clam chowder, sourdough, burritos
- Getting around
- BART and cable cars cover the city; the airport is 30 minutes away.
- Visa
- A visa is required; apply one to two months ahead.
Traveller reviews
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