San Francisco - The West Coast Center of Culture and Diversity

About halfway down the California coast, you'll findJapanese Tea Garden: In this five-acre oasis, you can
San Francisco, a city with a deep and colorful history.grab a hot beverage and take in the realistic pagoda.
Founded by Spanish settlers, this city has anYou can also see an amazing array of flowers and
abundance of attractions. To help you plan yourother vegetation.
excursion to the "City by the Bay," here are someFisherman's Wharf: As you might expect, this is home
attractions to keep in mind.to some of the freshest seafood available anywhere.
Golden Gate Bridge: This most famous symbol of SanIt also has some of the finest eateries you'll find
Francisco opened in 1937 and has attracted driversanywhere.
and photographers ever since. At 4,200 feet, it remainsExploratorium: This museum, founded by Frank
one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. ItOppenheimer (J. Robert's brother) in 1969, houses
accommodates cars, bicycles and pedestrians.plenty of hands-on exhibits on science and technology
Alcatraz Island: This island, now part of the Nationalsuitable for all ages.
Park Service, was home a federal prison, which closedLombard Street: This avenue, made famous by
in 1965 after housing some of the country's mostHollywood, has eight separate twists, and traveling
dangerous criminals. Today it plays host to touristsdown it can be an adventure in and of itself.
hoping to escape with some unforgettable pictures.Grace Cathedral: This Episcopal house of worship on
Haight-Ashbury: This neighborhood, named for theNob Hill offers awe-inspiring art and architecture
intersection of the two streets, is famous for the musicreminiscent of churches in the Old World.
that was written and performed there during the 1960sPalace of Fine Arts: This structure, built in 1915 in the
and 1970s. If you're going to San Francisco, you'll findMarina District, is now home to the Exploratorium, and
cafes, boutiques and hippie-related memorabilia here.a lagoon with its share of wildlife.