Sunny flat in Telegraph Hill, San Francisco

A:1 The Golden Gate Bridge, the most famous bridge in the world, manages to impress even the most experienced travelers with its stunning 1,7-mile span Approximately 120,000 automobiles drive across it every day A pedestrian walkway also allows the crossing on foot, and bikes are allowed on the western side The Golden Gate Bridge is said to be one of the most photographed things on Earth



2 Cable cars have been transporting people around San Francisco since the late 19th century The cars run on tracks and are moved by an underground cable on three routes Their familiar bells can be heard ringing from blocks away Tickets ($5) may be purchased at the cable car turnarounds at the ends of each route Each one-way ride will provide spectacular views of the city’s celebrated hills as well as exhilarating transportation
3 Alcatraz, the notorious former prison, is located on an island of the same name in the middle of San Francisco Bay Some of the United States’ most notorious criminals were incarcerated there Though several tried, no inmate ever made a successful escape from “The Rock” The prison was closed in the 1960’s and stories about Alcatraz are legendary A visit to Alcatraz today is fascinating Recorded cell-house tours are available, allowing visitors to learn about the prison as they explore the buildings and grounds To reach the island, take an Alcatraz Cruises ferry from Pier 43 Advance reservations are recommended, 415-981-ROCK (7625)

4 Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to Pier 39, a festive waterfront marketplace that is one of the city’s most popular attractions A community of California sea lions has taken up residence on the floats to the west of the pier and visitors line the nearby railing to watch their antics From there it’s a short walk to the Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and the famous crab vendors selling walk-away crab and shrimp cocktails

5 Union Square is the place for serious shoppers Major departments stores and the most exclusive designer boutiques line streets like Post, Sutter, Geary, Grant, Stockton and Powell The Westfield San Francisco Shopping Centre houses the largest Bloomingdale's outside of New York and the second largest Nordstrom in the US

6 North Beach, (where my apartment is located) the city’s Italian quarter, isn’t a beach at all It’s a neighborhood of romantic European-style sidewalk cafes, restaurants and shops centered near Washington Square along Columbus and Grant avenues The beautiful Church of Saints Peter and Paul is a beloved landmark Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill offers a splendid vantage point for photos of the bridges and the Bay Inside the tower, floor-to-ceiling murals painted in the 1930s depict scenes of early San Francisco

7 The entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street is called the "Dragon's Gate" Inside are 24 blocks of hustle and bustle, most of it taking place along Grant Avenue, the oldest street in San Francisco This city within a city is best explored on foot; exotic shops, renowned restaurants, food markets, temples and small museums comprise its boundaries Visitors can buy ancient potions from herb shops, relax and enjoy a "dim sum" lunch or witness the making of fortune cookies

8 Dining in San Francisco is an attraction in itself Known as America’s best restaurant city, San Francisco chefs excel at combining the freshest local ingredients, authentic international flavors and a touch of creative genius Choose your cuisine – Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, Moroccan, Indian, Malaysian, Mexican, Greek, Russian or “fusion,” a combination of any or all of these influences Visit our dining section for a list of San Francisco's hottest restaurants, a calendar listing of food-related news and events, and a weekly insider's blog by Marcia "the tablehopper" Gagliardi

9 Nightlife in San Francisco is a constantly changing scene The “hottest” clubs currently are in the South of Market and Mission districts, with live and recorded rock and Latin music Jazz, blues, swing and “oldies” music can be found all over town, but particularly in North Beach, where my apartment is located


10 A visit to San Francisco would not be complete without a cultural experience The city is home to internationally recognized symphony, opera and ballet companies Playwrights such as Sam Shepherd and Tom Stoppard introduce their works in San Francisco and avant-garde theatre and dance companies in the city The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum, the de Young Museum, the Palace of the Legion of Honor and other museums and galleries are devoted to the finest of classical and contemporary arts San Francisco is also home to the California Academy of Sciences - the only place on the planet with an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a 4-story rainforest all under one roof For a complete museum guide, visit our museums listings

The San Francisco Visitors Planning Guide is at the Visitor Information Center, 900 Market St., at the corner of Powell and Market streets, lower level, Hallidie Plaza by written request to the San Francisco Visitor Information Center, 900 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94102

A:North Beach is that rare thing -- a neighborhood that manages to be a perennial hit with tourists, and also to remain beloved by San Franciscans It's best known as San Francisco's Little Italy, with its high density of check-clothed ristorantes, caffes and Old World delicatessens It's also a popular pilgrimage for fans of the Beat movement seeking the old haunts of Kerouac and Ginsberg However, North Beach is no relic, and it has much to offer beyond pasta and poetry

A:The North Beach Pool , Playground and library : 651 Lombard St San Francisco, CA 94129.
Renovated in 2005 to accommodate more users and programs, North Beach Swimming Pool has long been a neighborhood destination for swimmers of all ages The facility features two pools (a 25-meter x 21′ lap pool and a 89′ x 21′ recreation pool) to accommodate a variety of aquatic programs and needs

The Playground features basketball courts where you can find pick-up games during the week, well-maintained tennis courts and a backboard for solo players to use Baseball players can enjoy the two fields that are available! Finally, there is a Bocce Ball court if you know the rules of this strategic Italian game

The Bocce Courts are open to the public free of charge unless they have been reserved in advance by someone else If you would like to make a reservation, please contact, the Permits and Reservations Division of the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department at 831-5500

The North Beach Library is very close by for your literary needs

Restrooms are available and the pool and very well-maintained The pool has a lap pool and a heated recreational swimming pool