Apenas 2,01 km da costa de São Francisco, a Ilha de Alcatraz possui uma história fascinante que se estende muito além de seu período como penitenciária federal de 1934 a 1963; é também o local do farol em operação mais antigo da Costa Oeste, as ruínas de uma fortaleza militar histórica e um santuário de pássaros. Embora à vista da cidade, Alcatraz está isolada do mundo exterior, cercada pelas águas geladas da baía, as correntes perigosas tornando a fuga praticamente impossível. Este fato fez de Alcatraz uma escolha adequada para uma prisão destinada a abrigar alguns dos criminosos mais notórios do país, incluindo Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud e Alvin Karpis. O ano de 1969 marcou o início de outro capítulo intrigante na história de Alcatraz, quando um grupo de ativistas nativos americanos ocupou a ilha por 19 meses, cujos sinais ainda são visíveis até hoje. Em meio a essa narrativa turbulenta, prospera um habitat vibrante para a flora e fauna nativas, criando um mundo em miniatura de contrastes surpreendentes, onde os restos assustadores da prisão ficam em meio a uma paisagem impressionante de piscinas naturais, costas escarpadas e flora exuberante. A ilha é hoje uma atração turística, uma das mais populares de São Francisco, com visitas guiadas e autoguiadas que mergulham no passado da ilha como um todo e da prisão em particular.
No final de 1800, o primeiro engenheiro estadual da Califórnia, William Hammond Hall, e seu assistente, um escocês chamado John McLaren, transformaram mais de 1.000 acres (405 hectares) de dunas de areia em um paraíso maravilhoso no meio da cidade, batizado de Parque Golden Gate. Estendendo-se por mais de 50 quarteirões da Stanyan Street até o Oceano Pacífico, a paisagem exuberante é marcada com inúmeras trilhas para caminhadas, corridas, ciclismo e cavalgadas, ao lado de um campo de golfe, gramados de boliche, um lago com pedalinhos, campos de futebol e um campo de beisebol . Do Jardim de Chá Japonês e do Conservatório de Flores à Academia de Ciências da Califórnia e ao Museu de Young, o Golden Gate Park de São Francisco engloba uma riqueza de beleza cênica e cultural em seu amplo espaço. Há também vários playgrounds, um carrossel pitoresco, um aquário, uma reserva de búfalos e um palco onde shows ao ar livre são realizados a cada verão.
Located at the western end of Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's biggest beach. It extends from Fort Funston in the south, to the Cliff House in the north. Typically, the cold winds, fog and low San Francisco temperatures deter any regular beach activities (unless you're lucky enough to be there on a hot day) but visitors fly kites or just walk along and admire the views of Seal Rocks and Point Lobos. Adventure seekers love surfing here. There are also bonfire pits provided on the beach for the general public; to claim one, go early in the evening.
Nomeada uma das Maravilhas do Mundo Moderno pela Sociedade Americana de Engenheiros Civis, a Golden Gate Bridge atravessa o estreito de mesmo nome que liga a Baía de São Francisco ao Oceano Pacífico. Projetada por Joseph Strauss, Irving Morrow e Charles Ellis, a ponte foi inaugurada em 1937 como a ponte suspensa mais longa do mundo, com seu vão principal medindo impressionantes 1.280 metros de comprimento. A ponte não é bem dourada, mas sim de um laranja brilhante, com suas torres Art Deco surgindo através da densa neblina que muitas vezes atola a baía; uma vista que se tornou emblemática da cidade de São Francisco. A ponte transporta o tráfego de veículos e pedestres entre San Francisco e Marin City, os pontos de vista de ambos os lados oferecem vistas inspiradoras da Golden Gate, enquanto a própria ponte promete vistas incomparáveis da baía.
O Teleférico de São Francisco é um dos meios de transporte mais populares para quem visita a cidade pela primeira vez. Os teleféricos percorrem várias rotas, oferecendo aos passageiros uma opção espetacular para conhecer a cidade pela baía. Pode-se também visitar o celeiro do teleférico, onde você pode ver como as máquinas operam os teleféricos. Enfim, nada como um passeio de bondinho para conhecer a cidade.
Dolores Park is one of the main hot spots in San Francisco and is the major meet-up place for many citizens. Though it is not very large, it attracts crowds of people and the beautiful views make it worth the visit. Recreational resources include a few tennis courts, basketball courts, two soccer fields and a children's playground, but most of all Dolores Park is often used as a venue for special events such as movies in the park. Its surrounding area is known for some of San Francisco's major culinary attractions: Delfina, Pizzeria Delfina and the Tartine Bakery. It is also a great place to chill with some ice cream from the Bi-Rite Creamery. Saturday hang-outs in the park are often events themselves and it's always packed on weekends. Given its location, it's almost always sunny; the famous fog knows better than to ruin the oasis that is Dolores Park. Whether you choose to sit in Dog Beach, Hipster Beach, Speedo Ridge or partake in actual activity at the playground or tennis courts you are sure to have an unforgettable time.
Named in honor of the college's former coach and baseball legend, Louis Guisto Field opened in 2012. Enclosed by pine trees with the hills as a backdrop, this baseball field replaced its namesake arena. The base of Saint Mary's College of California's Gael baseball team, it is a great place to catch all the action of the home team.
Redwood Regional Park is located in the hills of Oakland. It boasts the largest remaining natural strand of coastal redwood in the East Bay. Early mariners used to use these tall redwood trees to help them navigate the San Francisco Bay. Many locals enjoy hiking and biking around the available trails, which offer gorgeous scenery. In addition to the deer, rabbits and squirrels that roam the park, it is also home to rare wildlife species such as the golden eagle and the striped racer snake. The Roberts Regional Recreation Area, a park within the park, features a swimming pool and playgrounds. Throughout the park, you will find access to a well-maintained system of restrooms, water fountains and picnic tables. The Chabot Observatory and Science Center is one of the park's most prominent attractions.
On the north end of Berkeley's fabulous Tilden Regional Park lies this 740-acre (299-hectare) preserve, where adults and children can visit the Environmental Education Center. The EEC is the ecology education headquarters of Tilden Park. Here, visitors can learn about wildlife and nature through a variety of displays, literature, and programs. Amid this haven of enlightenment, an enchanting highlight emerges the Little Farm. This cherished addition transforms Tilden into an idyllic playground, introducing children to the joys of interaction with farm animals in a safe and welcoming setting.
Getting on board Freda B is akin to being mesmerized by the charming waters of San Francisco Bay and the beautiful Sausalito, which is a storehouse of historic landmarks. Complete with TVs, guest cabins, salons and a delightful buffet table, this luxury schooner is everything you would want it to be.It traverses iconic places like the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Fisherman's Wharf, Crissy Field, Fort Mason and the teeming Marine Headlands among others. You can also sail through the sparkling waters and witness the marvel which are the Bay Bridge Lights which gleam endlessly come night. Freeda B also doubles as a wonderful venue for private parties, events and weddings.
A principal public-use lake that lies right above the San Andreas Fault, the San Andreas Lake initially started out as a tiny sag pond. It underwent expansion after a dam was built over the pond, and was promptly christened after the earthquake fault it was situated on. Closed off to the public due to its widespread use as a source of water for neighboring cities, the lake lies nestled amid lush verdure, curving gently along undulating landscapes. It covers a surface area of 550 acres (220 hectares), and is flanked by the settlements of San Bruno and Millbrae. A 6-mile (9.65-kilometer) hiking and biking trail slices through the lake's eastern shore, allowing locals to partake in a host of recreational activities around the lake.
Located near the busiest Ghirardelli Square, Lucky Tuk Tuk Tours invites you for a fun city ride on a three-wheeled electric vehicle. Tourists will enjoy exploring San Francisco and its major attractions on this battery-operated rickshaw. It is ideal for small groups and families. The best part is that they will provide you with relevant information about the top attractions of the city and other eminent destinations. You can feast your eyes on the spectacular city and skyline views and stop for capturing photos and videos. Besides, they also offer blankets and heated seating, when the weather gets chilly.