San Francisco Vacations
Overview
San Francisco lies on the west coast of the United States. The Ohone Indians were the first inhabitants of the area when they populated the region over 15,000 years ago. San Francisco became a small settlement when the Spanish occupied California in the late 18thcentury. With the Gold Rush came a flood of treasure hunters and by 1860 San Francisco was the 10th largest city in the United States. San Francisco is now the fourth most populated city in California and well known for its many lush hills.
Activities & Attractions
San Francisco's economy largely relies on tourism. Rest assured, you will find plenty of sites to visit while vacationing there. The Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park draw huge crowds of sightseers. Fisherman's Wharf offers over 100 stores and a dozen restaurants with a view of the San Francisco Bay in its festive marketplace. The Aquarium of the Bay is made up of 300 feet of clear tunnels you can walk through to view marine wildlife. California's Great America is a popular theme park in the area with roller coasters, water rides and shows. For a more natural setting, visit the Presidio, a former military installation that has been transformed into a park with hiking trails, walking tours and exhibits. Some of the other amusements within the city are the Exploratorium, Ocean Beach, Grace Cathedral, and the California Academy of Sciences.
Lodging
Hotels in San Francisco range from budget motels to five-star spa resorts, ensuring there is a place to stay for every traveler's budget. You can even find home-styled lodgings in different price ranges. There are also RV parks, campgrounds, hostels and a selection of bed and breakfast inns. Some of the top rated hotels in the city are the Le Meridian San Francisco, Hotel Palace, and the Hotel Serrano-A Kimpton Hotel. Choose the amenities you want and pay from about $58 to over $600 per night, depending on your preferences.
Transportation
San Francisco International Airport is the main air hub in the city. Standard taxis, car rentals, limo rentals and other such services are also available to get around. Town cars are available as well and will take around a group of four at a reasonable rate. The Bay Area Public Transit system is a convenient way to get from the airport to any of the downtown areas, and also from one site to another at a very nominal fare ranging from $1.50 to $8.
