With a spectacular bayside location, the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge and a climate to die for, San Francisco is an exciting destination. Head for the designer boutiques of Union Square, the seafood restaurants of Fisherman's Wharf or the famous Chinatown. Ride the cable car to Nob Hill or take a ferry from near Pier 39 to the abandoned prison island of Alcatraz. The city was born out of the gold rush after gold was discovered in 1848 and people from all over the world flocked to the city. Millions visit the city each year to climb its steep streets and drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. Pacific Coast - Away from the hustle of San Francisco and Los Angeles, California's spectacular coastline offers clean sandy beaches, unspoilt natural beauty and the thundering pacific surf. Many of the coastal towns are characterized by fine examples of Spanish Revival architecture and they make a great base from which to explore the outstanding scenery of one of the world's premier wine producing regions.
What To See
In the daytime, visitors throng the sidewalks and piers of Fisherman's Wharf - a centre for souvenirs, restaurants, shops, street entertainment, attractions and the spectacle of some 400 resident sea lions crowded onto pontoons to sunbathe. Pier 39 is one of the most popular areas of the Wharf with many attractions, such as the impressive Aquarium of the Bay. The Golden Gate Bridge is the city's most famous landmark and sightseeing boats can be taken out to the bridge from Fisherman's Wharf, as can trips to Alcatraz, site of America's toughest maximum-security jail. In-mates included Al Capone and the birdman Robert Stroud. No longer operating as a jail, it is now a museum. To avoid disappointment, excursions to Alcatraz should be booked in advance. San Francisco is well known for its different districts and neighbourhoods. Best known of all is The Haight where traces of the sixties and the 'flower power' seventies prevail, with 'smoke shops' everywhere and long haired hippies wearing tie-dyed t-shirts still roaming the streets. Another of the city's better known neighbourhoods is The Castro, home to America's, and maybe even the world's largest gay community. Although it is mainly young gay males who live and socialize in the area, tourists flock to the area. San Francisco's Chinatown is home to the largest Chinese community outside China. Wedged between Union Square and North Beach, Chinatown is perhaps the busiest part of San Francisco and offers an authentic slice of Chinese life.
The heart of the city's Italian neighborhood, North Beach is one of the 'foodiest' places in this very foodie city and some great Italian food can be had in the bistros and trattories that line Colombus Avenue. Coffee houses abound and you can get some terrific Italian pastries to go with it.
Venturing beyond San Francisco, visitors experience a subtle transition from lush vineyards to a rugged coastline. Immediately to the north of the Golden Gate Bridge is the small port of Sausalito. A charming Mediterranean looking town nestled along an inviting shoreline, rustic houses cascade down the slopes to the bay, overlooking shops and open-air restaurants and cafés. Ferries from San Francisco make frequent crossings to Sausalito. Leaving San Francisco by the Golden Gate and travelling east for an hour on Route 116, you will come across the first vineyards. Napa and Sonoma, two parallel valleys, produce most of the best Californian vintages. There are about 200 vineyards here, most of them offering guided tours with tasting of the product included. Two hours from San Francisco is the old fishing port of Monterey that has now become a holiday resort. The town is built round a mission founded in 1770 and its quayside is lined with shops and restaurants. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row and the 17-Mile Drive along Pebble Beach are musts for Monterey Peninsula visitors. Carmel's downtown shopping sector resembles a peaceful turn-of-the-century marketplace, whilst a short distance beyond Carmel lies the gorgeous grandeur of Big Sur.
Food & Drink
There are over 4000 restaurants in San Francisco, therefore, eating in the city is never difficult. There are many ethnic cuisines to choose from including Mexican, Chinese and Italian. Health-concious San Francisco also has a wide range of vegetarian and whole food restaurants. The area also has a number of quality wines with the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Valley nearby
Shopping
San Francisco does not disappoint. All the big names are there - Saks, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany's - most clustered around Union Square, the centre of downtown spending. But it is the dozens of galleries and bookshops within a half-mile radius of the square that provide the stimulus to 'shop till you drop'.
GENERAL INFORMATION (A-Z)
Airport
San Francisco International airport is located 15 miles southeast of the city, about a 25-45 minute drive away, depending on traffic. You can either use the shuttle bus service or take a taxi. The shuttle bus costs approximately $12. Taxis cost approximately $30.
Climate
San Francisco has a very moderate climate but is nowhere near as warm as Los Angeles. During the summer months fog is commonly found all over the city and it does not clear until around midday. Even though temperatures can sore quite high during the summer months, the city has spring like weather all year round.
Clothing
Lightweight cottons are the norm however in winter a jacket; jumper or coat may be needed particularly in the evenings.
Currency
US Dollar (approx. US$1.8 to £1).
Driving
Traffic drives on the right.
Electricity
The current is 110/120 volts AC, 60Hz.
Flying Time
Approximately 11 hours 30 minutes from London.
Getting Around
Whilst coming into San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge by car is a delight, driving around it is not. Hills and cable cars, which have right of way, do not help. Parking is difficult and car parks are expensive. Public transport is by far the easiest and most economical way to get around San Francisco. Muni buses operate citywide with name, destination and line number on the front. Stops are designated by pole signs and curb and street markings. Muni metro streetcars travel underground in the downtown area and on the streets in outlying neighbourhoods. The Muni F-line runs from Market Street along the Embarcadero on the waterfront to Fisherman's Wharf and now has up to 16 historic streetcars running every 6-15 minutes. The fare for buses and streetcars is approximately $1.25. Tickets are purchased upon boarding and exact change is required. Cable cars, which run three routes and provide some of the best views in the city, cost approximately $3. Taxis are plentiful - prices vary but fares are about $2.50 for the first mile and $2 per mile thereafter.
Health
Recommended: Tetanus. For the latest immunization requirements please contact your GP.
Holidays
2005 - January 1 (New Year's Day), January 17 (Martin Luther King Day), February 21 (Presidents' Day), May 30 (Memorial Day), June 14 (Flag Day), July 4 (Independence Day), September 5 (Labor Day), October 10 (Columbus Day), November 11 (Veterans' Day), November 24 (Thanksgiving Day), December 25 (Christmas Day).
Language
English.
Opening Hours
Banks are open Monday to Friday 9am-3pm.
Time
GMT - 8 hours.
Tipping
In bars and restaurants, you should leave a 15% tip. Taxi drivers and tour guides expect a similar tip. Hotel porters should be tipped $1-$2 for each bag.
Tourist Board
California Tourism (UK): 0906 577 0032 (calls cost £1.50 per minute).
Visa Requirements
Entry rules into and in transit through America are changing on a regular basis, therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of and in possession of all the correct documentation, well in advance of your departure from the UK. All passengers, including children, as of the 26th October 2004, travelling to or in transit must hold an individual machine-readable passport to qualify for the Visa Waiver Programme. Passengers born in America and those who hold dual citizenship with America must travel on their American passport and need to check their own visa regulations. For further information please check www.passport.gov.uk, www.usembassy.org.uk and www.fco.gov.uk.
