One of the most vibrant and picturesque cities in the United States, San Francisco attracts a lot of tourists every year. San Francisco offers a significant number of cultural attractions and world famous landmarks, all in the surroundings of impressive natural beauty.
The first settlement here was built in the end of the XVI century by the Spanish conquers and received its name in honor of Saint Francisc.
Now San Francisco is called the pearl of the Western Coast. It’s a unique mix of the old architecture (of the Victorian period) and the modern buildings. The city lies on the hills surrounding the ocean. San Francisco is on of the most poetic cites in the United States, the city of bohemia with its special fleur and atmosphere. The city has its nickname – Frisco.
San Francisco is known for its wonderful food, intensive nightlife and its glorious views. Golden Gate Bridge is one of the world-known symbols of San Francisco and the view of the sunset is the best here. The bridge is 210m high.
Every month of the year there is something interesting happening in San Francisco – festivals and different cultural events are carried out throughout the year. As for climate and weather, of course, summer months are the best choice for visiting this city, but you won’t mistake if you choose another season for traveling. San Francisco isn’t a cold city anyway. The closest in time events – Holiday Festival: Great Dickens Christmas Fair, Celebration of Craftswomen, Holiday Festival of Lights, Marin Art and Garden Center and Macy’s Union Square Tree Lighting Ceremony. All they take place in December.
So, what else is worth to see in San Francisco?
Except the above-mentioned Golden Gate Bridge another world famous symbol of the city is Alcatraz. It’s the rock with the former prison, which can be called the best-known prison on earth. This prison is situated on an island in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Now it’s a museum exhibiting objects made by notorious inmates, historic photographs and documents, escape materials and inmate artwork; items used by officers including correctional materials when Alcatraz was a federal penitentiary from 1934-1963; military prison period materials from 1859-1934; and the American Indian occupation of 1969 -1971.
Aquarium of the Bay is also a very interesting place for visit in San Francisco. It was opened in 1996. Now it’s a unique educational and entertainment facility dedicated to the rich and diverse aquatic life of the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters.
One of San Francisco’s main retail and cultural centers is Union Square. Set aside as a park in 1850 and named before the start of the Civil War as a tribute to the frequent demonstrations in support of the Union troop, the park got a major renovation and restoration in 2002.
Another sightseeing in San Francisco is Coit Tower. It’s 210ft (60m) high and crowns the top of Telegraph Hill. The tower was built as a monument to the firefighters of San Francisco.
To confirm the reputation of the intellectual city it’s enough to name Berkeley – one of the most prestigious Universities of USA is located near San Francisco.
So, there is enough to see and to take part in San Francisco – just don’t miss it!
Filed under California, San Francisco by on Dec 31st, 2010. Comment. 
Although the traffic can be very daunting in this gigantic metropolitan area which encompasses so many different cities, you can spend a nice day exploring the city by taking one of your very own Los Angeles tours. Just jump in the car after 10 in the morning any weekday to let some of the traffic die down, pump up your jams, open up the convertible ragtop and drive into the city to see some of its wonderful sights.
Los Angeles tours have to start somewhere in the middle and so why not start with the La Brea Tar Pits Natural History Museum? Located on Wilshire Boulevard not far from downtown, the La Brea Tar Pits Natural History Museum has one of the most extensive fossil collections in the world today. See exhibits built into one of the bubbling black tar pits showing saber-toothed tigers and wooly mammoths sinking to their preserved deaths. The dioramas are great and so are all of the exhibits.
No round of Los Angeles tours would be complete without a tour of the “Homes of the Stars” up in the Hollywood Hills north of Beverly Hills. You can either buy one of the Star Maps and drive around yourself or take one of the many guided tours that are for sale in the area. Whichever one you opt for you will probably go away disappointed since most of the time you can’t see over the walls or gates where the stars actually live. Occasionally you may be privileged to see one of the stars drive in or out but even then you will only get a glimpse, and fleeting at that.
If you really want to see stars all you need to do is go on one of your own Los Angeles tours to one of the great shopping malls in the Westside area. Some of the best for star gazing are Century City Shopping Center, Beverly Center, Santa Monica (outdoor area), and Hollywood and Highland. Of these Beverly Center and Century City are the best. On any given day you can see stars like Usher, Jon Voight, Julia Roberts (in disguise), and many, many more. Stars love to go out and shop and the only rule is that in Los Angeles you are not allowed to follow them, talk to them, or bother them in any way. It is just not done and you will be branded a tourist if you do any of these things. Fainting is allowed however, but only if you see Tom Cruise or Denzel Washington.
The Getty Museum which is up in the Bel Air area is one of the biggest attractions when it comes to Los Angeles tours. There is usually a huge line to get in and you may even have to buy your tickets way in advance. There are always wonderful exhibitions going on and this is one of the greatest museums anywhere in the world, ranking right up there with the Louvre and the Metropolitan in New York.
Filed under California by on Jul 29th, 2010. Comment.
California is the United State’s most popular state, which is located on the west coast, and this makes it a lovely hub for holidaymakers and honeymooners. It is home to wonderful cities such as Los Angeles, San Jose, San Diego, and San Francisco, which are well known for their burst of life. Some of the attractions that endear California to many people include her highest point, Mount Whitney and the Death Valley that makes its lowest point. Its forested area adds up to 40% and this makes it an ideal place for adventure and nature tours. Los Angeles for instance is California’s heart for entertainment and this will sure thrill the party people.
California has a high population and this makes it a melting pot for many cultures from the diverse peoples of the world. While here, you will have to book into one of California bed and breakfast beautiful accommodations as you embark on your tours of this lovely state. One such place is the Bed and Breakfast Inn, which is located at La Jolla. It has a great site of the sea and its lush gardens will definitely brighten your day. It also comes with a library that will make that morning memorable as you peruse through its history with a hot cup of tea in your hand. This inn is ideal with its convenient location that is near the San Diego city making it easy and fun to go shopping in her great malls. It is also near the San Diego airport and this makes your travel hassle free. A double room will cost you between 199 and 499 USD.
If you are looking at a more private suite to lay your head for the night, then the Penthouse is all you need. California bed and breakfast will taste best at the Simpson House Inn, which is located at Santa Barbara. This inn gives you a romantic retreat from the hustles and bustles of city life with its English gardens, which are serene on the secluded leafy areas of California. While here, you will enjoy a restful sleep and a delicious breakfast in bed, as you get ready to visit the cultural and historic sites near it. Another California bed and breakfast inn that will keep you coming back is the East Brother Light Station that is located in Point Richmond.
The East Brother Light Station is built on a secluded island that will wow you with its tranquility and beauty. It gives you a beautiful view of the ocean and your stay here will be memorable as you enjoy their gourmet dinners and breakfast in bed. The Captain’s Inn at Moss Landing is another of California Bed and breakfast inns that gives you luxurious beach walks and fishing galore. It has a waterfront view that makes it stand out among other California bed and breakfast inns. While here, indulge in whale watching, boat rides, nature safaris, and kayaking and take a break to indulge in their wonderful delicacies. Their rooms are delightful and the hot breakfast will be a yummy start to your adventurous morning.
Filed under California by on Jul 21st, 2010. Comment.