America America | страница 84

Alcatraz Island

Golden Gate Bridge

1 Handlery Union Square

2 Orchard Hotel

3 Argonaut Fisherman ’ s Wharf

SAN FRANCISCO

One of the ultimate must-visit cities on any travel list

With its cluster of steep hills , mist-shrouded crimson bridge and shimmering bay , San Francisco is undeniably one of the world ’ s great cities . Full of history , intriguing neighbourhoods , elegant Victorian homes , vintage streetcars , magnificent parks and entertainment by the bucket load .

Its most notable landmark has to be the Golden Gate Bridge and crossing the famous suspension bridge by bicycle or on foot is a genuine thrill whilst also giving you superb views over the bay and city skyline .

Boasting several waterfront attractions like the Embarcadero and , at Fisherman ’ s Wharf , you ’ ll find tantalising seafood restaurants dishing up the catch of the day , basking sea lions at Pier 39 and The Exploratorium on Pier 15 , which is a family-favourite . Gaze across the water and you ’ ll spy another must-see sight , Alcatraz Island , which can only be reached by boat ( advance bookings essential in peak season ). Once on the island , self-guided audio tours bring insightful commentary to life at this notorious former prison , whose inmates included Al Capone .

Clanging cable cars are beloved icons of the city and are both a unique and convenient way to travel between the waterfront and Union Square . It ’ s also certainly great fun , especially if you opt to stand by one of the car ’ s open sides taking in the breeze as you travel up and down the hilly streets .

Be sure to catch a glimpse of scenic Lombard Street , the “ crookedest street in the world ”. Lined by landscaped gardens and immaculate homes , the road zig-zags its way down one of the city ’ s steep hills .

Adding to the city ’ s allure is the oldest Chinatown in North America . Here tea rooms , Taoist temples , dim sum palaces and pagodas make for a fascinating place to stroll . Bustling Union Square and Ghiradelli Square provide opportunities for shopping and some great dining options , Golden Gate Park is the city ’ s largest and most diverse green space , while Nob Hill is noted for its buzzy restaurants , famed hotels and stunning views . Catch a glimpse also of City Hall , designed in the Beaux-Arts style , which is considered a true architectural wonder .

Getting there : San Francisco is around 11 hours flying time from the UK .

Best time to go : Spring and autumn bring the sunniest days , while summer often sees heavy fog roll in ( although the warm sun usually clears it by mid-morning ). Winter is when the city has it ’ s highest rainfall .

UNMISSABLE SAN FRANCISCO EXPERIENCES Get more out of your stay . Prices are per person

SAN FRANCISCO CITYPASS from £ 85

This great value pass allows you to see four of San Francisco ’ s most famous attractions for one low price . Valid for nine days from first use , the pass includes an hour-long narrated Blue & Gold Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruise and the California Academy of Sciences , plus your choice of two from the Walt Disney Family Museum , Exploratorium , San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and more .

MUIR WOODS & SAUSALITO TOUR WITH BAY CRUISE from £ 119

This tour begins at Muir Woods National Monument for time to peer up at the towering redwoods . Next , visit the beautiful coastal town of Sausalito with its quaint shops , art galleries and waterfront restaurants . Return to San Francisco ’ s beautiful waterfront before embarking on an hour long Bay Cruise past the famous Pier 39 sea lion , under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island .

SAN FRANCISCO CITY TOUR WITH ALCATRAZ from £ 155

A half day city tour by coach shows you some of San Francisco ’ s famous neighbourhoods and sights including Chinatown , North Beach , the Presidio , Nob Hill , the Golden Gate Bridge and more . Later , you ’ ll head off by boat across the bay to Alcatraz Island , where an insightful audio guide tells you the turbulent history of this world-famous enclave . Minimum age 5 years .

CALIFORNIA WINE TOUR from £ 159 ( includes wine tastings ) This full day tour begins with a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and then on through pretty Marin County to Sonoma and Napa Valley within California ’ s wine region . Visit three different wineries for tours and tastings of the local produce . There is also free time for lunch .

REDWOODS & WINE COUNTRY TOUR from £ 175 ( includes wine tastings ) This full day tour starts with Muir Woods National Monument for an easy stroll through this ancient forest where coastal redwoods soar up to 200 feet ! Continue up the coast to Napa County for your first wine tasting , then travel on to Sonoma County for time at historic Sonoma Plaza before visiting two boutique wineries .

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK from £ 195

A fabulous full day tour taking you through the Central Valley and onwards into Yosemite National Park with stops at viewpoints taking in the Yosemite Valley , Bridalveil Falls , El Capitan and Half Dome . Later , enjoy free time in the Yosemite Valley , where you can take advantage of the free shuttles , hire a bike , stroll the hiking trails or simply sit and soak up the views .

84 CALIFORNIA prices & offers change constantly - call for today ’ s best available deals !