Alcatraz

A mile-and-a-half from Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz was the site of the first lighthouse built on the Pacific Coast, then a federal prison for such notorious convicts as Al Capone. Now it is one of the city's most popular attractions.

A visit to the island includes a tour of the cell house where visitors can see where the prisoners lived. Although the last inmates were transferred off the island in 1963, the main prison block with its steel bars, claustrophobic (9 x 5-foot) cells, mess hall, library and "dark holes," where the recalcitrant languished in inky blackness, is still structurally intact.

Alcatraz Cruises is the official ferry provider to Alcatraz and back. Departures start at 9:30 a.m. and are available every half an hour throughout the day. However, please note that these cruises frequently sell out, so as much as possible, plan and book your cruise in advance, especially in the summer and on holidays. To purchase tickets, view the schedule and/or for more information, visit the Alcatraz Cruises website at www.alcatrazcruises.com.

Golden Gate Bridge

Once called "the bridge that couldn't be built," today it is one the seven wonders of the modern world. This magnificent span, perhaps San Francisco's most famous landmark, opened in 1937 after a four-year struggle against relentless winds, fog, rock and treacherous tides.

The single-suspension span is anchored by twin towers that reach skyward 746 feet, and was once taller than any building in San Francisco. To support the suspended roadway, two cables, each more than 7,000 feet in length and both containing 80,000 miles of wire stretch over the top of the towers and are rooted in concrete anchorages on shore. More than 10 years in planning due to formidable opposition, but only four years in actual construction, the Golden Gate Bridge brought the communities of San Francisco and Marin counties closer together.

Pedestrians including wheelchair users and bicyclists can go on the sidewalks of the bridge during daylight hours but roller blades, skateboards and roller skates are not permitted. There are vista points on both north and south sides of the bridge with parking lots. For information on sidewalk closures due to construction, visit www.goldengatebridge.org/bikesbridge/bikes.php.

Coit Tower

Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill is blessed with marvelous views. The construction of the tower was funded by a bequest from Lillie Hitchcock Coit who left one third of her fortune to the City and County of San Francisco "to be expended in an appropriate manner for the purpose of adding to the beauty of the city which I have always loved." Murals on its ground floor walls were painted in 1933 by some 30 local artists; each piece depicting a different aspect of the Great Depression.

A 360-degree view of the city is visible from the observation platform at the top of the tower. To gain access to the observation deck, there is a nominal fee to ride the elevator up. Public transportation is strongly recommended for access to Coit Tower as traffic can be heavy in this area.

Cable Cars

San Francisco is one of the few places in the world where people can ride on a National Historic Landmark. The cable cars are the world's last permanently operational manually operated cable car system, in the U.S. sense of a tramway whose cars are pulled along by cables embedded in the street. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) runs three cable car lines (Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street).

Painted Ladies

One of the most photographed locations in San Francisco, Alamo Square's famous "postcard row" at Hayes and Steiner Streets is indeed a visual treat. A tight, escalating formation of Victorian houses is back-dropped by downtown skyscrapers, providing a stunning contrast. The grassy square itself is an ideal midday break. One of 11 historic districts designated by the Department of City Planning, the area includes several bed and breakfast inns.

Take your time in admiring these homes in addition to taking a picture or two. For many people, the best shot is when the sun is setting in the west, casting a sunset glow over these houses and Alamo Square.

Fisherman's Wharf

More than 40% of San Francisco's visitors include Fisherman's Wharf on their itinerary. Waterfront marketplaces and the Wharf's famous fishing fleet make for a terrific fish story. Fishing boats, sea lions basking in the sun, seafood stalls, steaming crab cauldrons, seafood restaurants and sourdough French bread bakeries … you know you're in world-famous Fisherman's Wharf. Souvenir shops and historic ships add to the atmosphere. The historic F-Line streetcar and two cable car lines terminate in the area and sightseeing boats and boat charters link to Alcatraz ("The Rock"), Angel Island and other points around San Francisco Bay. To find out more information, please visit www.visitfishermanswharf.com.

Chinatown

As old as San Francisco itself, Chinatown is one of the largest Asian communities in North America. Perennially popular, it's both a legitimate dining destination and wonderland of interesting sights. However, if there's a trick to enjoying it fully, it's to recognize that there are actually two Chinatowns centered on parallel blocks: Grant Avenue (for tourists) and Stockton Street (for locals). Hilly and full of alleys, Chinatown rewards the curious wanderer. Get a taste of San Francisco's Chinatown filled with food, history, shopping and more at www.sanfranciscochinatown.com.