If You’re Going to San Francisco…
When you come to visit this famous and beautiful city by the coast, you’ll find a serious wealth of culture, history, and diversity. This city has become a tourist hot spot with many famous landmarks that travelers from all across the globe come to see. Some of the most famous land marks in San Francisco include the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge, this country’s most authentic China town, and the breathtaking steep, rolling hills of San Francisco. Marvel at the mystery of Alcatraz, the famous prison in which all thought was inescapable, until one man shocked even the highest trained security officers. Tour the city via the famous cable cars to see the enchanting mix of modern and Victorian architecture, and be sure to catch a glimpse of the Coit tower. Don’t miss out on Potrero Hill, where you’ll enjoy the sweeping view of downtown San Francisco.
Established as the city of San Francisco in 1847, the California Gold Rush in 1848 transformed the city into the largest city on the West Coast at the time. Today, this multi-layered city carries a mix of all kinds of people and cultures, and the neighborhoods display the same diversity. In the Financial District where Union Square is located, you’ll find the main shopping area and hotel district in very close proximity. At Fisherman’s Wharf, be sure to try some of the famous clam chowder and Dungeness crab at this ever thriving fishing industry. In the same area, you’ll hit upon Russian Hill, where the well known, crooked and striking Lombard Street is found, as well as North Beach, the city’s mini-Italy. Telegraph Hill, also nearby, is the area you’ll find Coit Tower. The Tenderloin is infamous for most of the crime and poverty found in San Francisco. Be sure to observe the gorgeous murals found in the Mission District, and come see the Castro to appreciate the center of gay life in the community.
The city of San Francisco is a well known lure for counterculture in the United States, mainly due to the many mass movements that have occurred there, giving it the reputation of being the liberal center of the States. In the 1950’s and 60’s, the San Francisco Renaissance was encouraged by the Beat Generation writers, and soon hippies gathered to Haight-Ashbury resulting in the famous Summer of Love and the Gay Rights Movement. The writers and artists who came to the area established the modern coffee house culture, and the social upheaval of the 60’s led San Francisco to become the center of liberal activism.
The mix of cultures and communities in this melting pot of an area has led to the emergence of a thriving artistic and active community, where acceptance and respect are major attitudes that most members value. Another positive feature of this city is the fact that the weather is good all year long. The winters are mild and so there’s really no time of the year that is unsuitable for a trip. So come to visit this amazing city, and be sure to give yourself plenty of time to visit all the wonderful attractions and hot spots it has to offer.
