San Francisco, California

San Francisco is one of the most popular destinations in California. This classic city is home to an array of family-friendly attractions, including Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Park, and the San Francisco Zoo. There are also plenty of shopping destinations, such as Ghirardelli Square, and chances to see the unique San Francisco architecture of the row houses. The San Francisco International Airport makes it easy to reach the city from destinations around the world, and the array of hotels in San Francisco ensures that travelers on any budget can find a place to say.

The city's history is a fascinating one. Archaeologists suggest that the Ohlone Indians settled in the region around the year 500, and San Francisco was the population center. Back then, its natural beauty, plentiful wildlife, and abundant fish made it a natural choice for the Ohlone Indians. The first Europeans to visit the area were the Spanish in 1776. San Francisco then began to take on the shape of a larger population center. Landmarks like the Presidio and Mission Dolores church were built after the Spanish found the entrance to San Francisco Bay and began to colonize the area.

It wasn't until the California Gold Rush that San Francisco grew from a small town to a teeming city that was quickly growing. From all parts the world people flocked to California. Inevitably, they stopped in San Francisco, which had a large shipping port. The Barbary Coast was filled with a menagerie of people and cultures, which would converge on the saloons and bawdy houses that sprung up almost overnight.

Within twenty years, thousands of Chinese had arrived as laborers. Irish, French, Italian, Germans, Russians, and Jews all arrived here as well, and all of these cultures have a large community in San Francisco California. Chinatown and North Beach (the Italian neighborhood) remain popular among visitors to the city today.

1906 San Francisco Earthquake Over the next 50 years, the city would undergo changes and in 1937 the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge put the city on the map. Historical landmarks like Mission Dolores and the Cable Car let you view the history of the city when you take one of the San Francisco tours. There are walking tours, as well as a motorized replica of a Cable Car that will take you around the city. The Ferry Building was recently renovated and now has an excellent farmers market that sells quality foods from the region.

Attractions like Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman's Wharf are fun, but when you stop to think about how old they are, you will get a sense for what San Francisco is famous for. With its incredible views from the top of steep hills, rows of well-kept Victorian homes, and historic neighborhoods filled with quaint Italian eateries, visitors in San Francisco soon realize that this city has a charm unlike any other place. Grey Line, on the motorized red Cable Car, or on foot, does San Francisco tours. Since the city is filled with history, it's helpful to have a guide giving you historical information on the things you see, so you can appreciate the sights.

Coit Tower, Twin Peaks, and the colorful San Francisco neighborhoods gives a tourist more to do once you've been to the tourist attractions like Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square. San Francisco vacation packages save you a great deal of money on airfare, hotel, and tickets to area attractions. Whether you take a cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy a sourdough bread bowl filled with fresh chowder or take the Cable Cars up to North Beach and immerse yourself in one of the premiere districts in the country for Italian food, San Francisco California can accommodate you.

There are many different attractions, and so many hotels and travel agencies will offer San Francisco vacation packages to help you save time and money during your trip. You can tailor your trip to include anything you like and avoid the hassle or waiting in long ticket lines in the summer sun when you book one of the many San Francisco vacation packages. If you're inspired to visit the city by the bay, talk to your travel agent today, to take a trip you will never forget.