Intro to San Francisco 

From the TV shows and films that show cars taking off over its famous hills to the waterfront with a backdrop of Alcatraz! What more is there to offer? Read on….. 

“San Francisco has only one drawback: ’tis hard to leave.” — Rudyard Kipling

Alcatraz

• Alcatraz – yes we know what you’re thinking, there must be a catch. The actual island of Alcatraz is free, however you have to get there which is not free and around $40 for the 20 minute trip over to the island and back. We recommend booking online at least a month before you want to go to make sure you can reserve your slot.
• The prison has an audio tour around it with detailed oration of what it was like, the famous occupants and the day to day routines etc – it’s free!
• You can go outside ( which was Jayne’s  personal favourite part) which gave amazing photo opportunities of the bay bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge and the view of San Fran. Also shots from the ferry of the island, prison and bridges.

Pier 39 

• Walking along the boardwalk you can hear a noise if you don’t know these are here then, it is a surprise ! There are hundreds of seal lions.
• These draw lots of crowds who just stand and watch them laze or frolic in and out of the water.
• On pier 39 is a seal lion centre to visit.
• Also lots of shops and restaurants to satisfy your needs.

The Painted Ladies 

• The Painted Ladies as pictured above are a row of Queen Anne Victorian houses with balconies, large porches and two to three stories high.
• Head to Alamo Square, which is also, a green area you can sit and people watch and enjoy the view or picnic whichever you chose. 

Lombard Street

• Russian Hill is on the other side of the hill that Lombard Street, which requests cars park at 90 degrees ( so right angle to the pavement) due to the incline, hence why Lombard  street is known as the crookedest street, with its 8 hairpin turns.
• The road was built this way as suggested by a resident to give the area some kerb appeal in the 1920s. 
• Great photos from the top and bottom of the 8 hairpins- top will get you views of the Bay Area and bottom they are striking floral displays around the windy road 

Parks 

• Rincon Park – if you have walked the Embarcadero you will find this near Pier 24 and the ferry building, with great views of Bay Bridge. A sculpture of Cupid’s Span sits proudly in the Park which you cannot miss. Great place to sit, great if you like dogs as they will happily come and say hi. 
• Golden Gate Park – is 1017 aces in size and hosts lots of events throughout the year. For details of events https://sfrecpark.org/parks-open-spaces/golden-gate-park-guide/. Follow the winding paths and open space, floral displays and rows of eucalyptus trees and cypress avenue. It’s permanent attractions include conservatory of flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, museum, lakes etc as you can imagine covering such a large area. Some of the attractions such as the Japanese tea garden have an admission fee. However, you don’t have to go in these, the parks natural beauty will enchant you to wander around. 

Traveltagger Tips 

• Book your boat to Alcatraz at least a month before you want to visit! Also make sure to arrive in plenty of time for your ferry as it won’t wait for you!
• If going to Lombard Street from Russian Hill make sure you are wearing shoes with grip. 

Don’t forget to hashtag your photos

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If you would like any further help please email and we will help as much as we can!