"The Rock" is located one mile off the San Francisco shore. Alcatraz was one of America's highest security prisons until 1963. It was officially closed and converted into a national recreation area in 1972. October, 1973, the prison was opened to the public for tours. The National Park Service offers an award-winning, self-guided audio walking tour of Alcatraz Island. One receives first-hand accounts of life on Alcatraz from former guards and inmates.

The San Francisco Castro District features superb cafes, stylish shops and historic Victorian homes. This lively San Francisco neighborhood provides a nightly bar scene that attracts various people from all over the world. Local residents have prided themselves in knowing that the Castro District is one of San Francisco's most vibrant and cohesive communities.

San Francisco's Chinatown is one of America's largest Asian communities. Officially established in the 1850s, this part of San Francisco is home to some of the nation's best Chinese restaurants and eateries. Many Chinatown residents prefer to converse in their native language to keep a part of their culture alive. A guided tour of Chinatown will provide insight and history to this iconic San Francisco neighborhood.

A few blocks north of Market Street and Van Ness Avenue intersection, San Francisco's Civic Center is an area containing many of the city's largest government and cultural institutions. It has two large plazas (Civic Center Plaza and United Nations Plaza) comprised of large buildings built in a classical architectural style. This is a popular locale for rallies, demonstrations and festivals throughout the year.

A grand promenade affording some of San Francisco's most enchanting views, the Embarcadero is an ideal spot for strolling next to the San Francisco Bay. Enjoy some of the iconic sights of San Francisco while viewing the waterfront. Watch as vintage street cars (trolleys) travel down the street and take a look at the Bay Bridge. The Embarcadero is a local favorite with five star restaurants and a wonderful Farmers Market at Pier 1.

Fisherman's Wharf is the epicenter of San Francisco's tourism. It is located on San Francisco's waterfront between Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39. This area is known for souvenir shopping and unique street performers. Fisherman's Wharf is famous for fresh Dungeness crab and clam chowder. It is argued that the "best seafood in the world" can be found at Fisherman's Wharf. Other attractions at the Wharf include: the Aquarium of the Bay and the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf.

This San Francisco landmark is one of the most recognizable images representing San Francisco and the United States. It spans approximately 4200 feet and offers incredible views of the San Francisco Bay. Bicyclists, walkers and joggers are thoroughly excited when crossing this magnificent bridge. It is also one of the most photographed bridges in the world and remains a symbol of human ingenuity.

This huge expanse of greenery stretches from the middle of the city to the ocean. Golden Gate Park is the ultimate haven away from city traffic. Visit the botanical garden, the conservatory, rose garden, tea garden and museums. Enjoy one of the many places to play all kinds of sports, relax on the lawn, take a stroll or even a bike ride. There are so many beautiful sights to see!

Tie-dye, Grateful Dead posters, punks, vintage clothing stores and bars make up what was once home to the "Summer of Love". If there is any part of San Francisco that evokes images of the 1960s hippie culture, then it has to be Haight-Ashbury. The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is a great place to relax at one of its many coffee houses or lounges.

The Mission District is named after the Mission San Francisco de Asis and occupies land previously settled by Spanish-Mexican rancheros. Today, this ethnically and economically diverse area is full of artists and hipsters. A fusion of cultures is evidenced by the many colorful Mexican and Latin American themed murals. Mexican, Salvadorian and Latin American restaurants are throughout the neighborhood.

"This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world," declared conservationist John Muir when describing the majestic coast redwoods of Muir Woods. The park is cool, shaded and moist year round. The perfect place to get away from the stimulus of San Francisco city life. As part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the park caters to pedestrians. The hiking trails (paved and unpaved) vary in difficulty and distance, but all provide grand views of the tall redwoods of Muir Woods.

Nob Hill is one of San Francisco's signature neighborhoods, renowned for its city landmarks and famous hotels bordering Huntington Park. Many of the hotels were built over the ruins of railroad tycoon's mansions, due to the 1906 earthquake and fire. The views are fabulous and a walk over to majestic Grace Cathedral, one will view the impressive doors (The Gates of Paradise) that were lovingly crafted. Take the cable car up the steep hill and enjoy "the gateway to the stars."

This elegant neighborhood embodies Hollywood's vision of San Francisco with blocks of Victorian mansions and its' iconic views of the bay. Million dollar mansions line the rolling hills and locals often walk to the trendy shops and restaurants located on Union, Chestnut and Fillmore streets.

Just north of Golden Gate Park, "The Richmond" is referred to by some as "New Chinatown." This area also features a prominent Russian community with many Geary Boulevard stores catering to a high concentration of Russian and Eastern European immigrants. The strong presence of Russian culture is also symbolized by a large Orthodox Cathedral in the center of this neighborhood.

This neighborhood was named in the late 1800s after gold minors found seven Cyrillic inscribed gravestones on one of the hills. The residential neighborhood is lined with pockets of local restaurants and shops. Russian Hill is welcoming to tourists and provides spectacular views of San Francisco.

Traveling across the dynamic Golden Gate Bridge north, you will discover Sausalito. This delightful, art-oriented community along the waterfront offers relaxation away from the big city. It is a wonderful town for art studios and exciting galleries. Stroll along the marina and note the colorful houseboats while gazing at fantastic views. Enjoy tantalizing first-class restaurants and charming outdoor cafes for seafood and classic California cuisine.

South of Market is a sprawling patchwork district. The district has warehouses, swanky nightspots, residential hotels, art spaces, loft apartments, furniture showrooms and internet companies. During baseball season, Soma becomes an entertainment hub for locals and tourists going to AT&T Ballpark to catch a Giants game.

After almost all the buildings were destroyed in the 1906 Earthquake, the Marina District was chosen to be the site for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition. The Marina District was chosen as the exposition site to communicate the resurgence of architecture, business and life after the earthquake. Today, The Marina is home to a youthful crowd of locals who shop and dine at popular venues throughout the area.

The Presidio has been a part of local and global history for over 200 years. The Presidio has played a vital role in historic military campaigns and world fairs. Enjoy the beauty of the Presidio as it rests between the San Francisco Bay, the hills and the ocean. Take a moment to observe the national cemetery or walk through the barracks looking at the classic architecture.

Aside from the radio towers and reservoirs, the surrounding areas on top of Twin Peaks remain mostly undeveloped. This preserved area is home to many natural resources and wildlife. As part of the Mission blue butterfly habitat conservation, Twin Peaks is one of the few remaining habitats for this endangered species. A wide variety of bird species, insects and vegetation also thrive in the area.

This square is the central shopping, hotel and theater district in San Francisco. The name "Union Square" came from its historic use as an area of rallies and support for the Union Army during the United States Civil War. Today this one-block park is home to the largest collection of department stores, swank boutiques, tourist shops and salons in the Western United States.

The Wine Country northeast of San Francisco is known worldwide as a premium wine-growing region. Viticulture and wine-making have been practiced here since the mid-19th century. There are over 400 wineries in the area, mostly located in Napa, Sonoma, Alexander, Dry Creek, Bennett and Russian River Valleys in Sonoma County. The region is defined not only in terms of viticulture, but also its ecology, geology, architecture, cuisine and culture.