San Francisco, California

Located in northern California, bordering the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco is one of the most historic cities in the United States.

San Francisco was founded on the San Andreas Fault which caused the earthquake of 1906 which is also responsible for other significant tremors.

Alcatraz Island

Also known as The Rock, this island is situated in San Francisco Bay. It is famous for housing the high security federal prison, in operation between 1934 and 1963, in which AI Capone was held and from which it is said that no prisoner could escape. The island is also home to the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast and has been open to visitors as a national park since 1972.

Lincoln Park

Situated at the extreme north east of San Francisco Peninsula, this park is dedicated to President Lincoln, who abolished slavery in 1862. It also houses the Legion of Honor Palace - today an art museum with a golf course. It marks the end of the Lincoln Motorway which opened in 1913 and was the first road to cross the United States from east to west.

Union Square

This square and the surrounding area, filled with boutiques, hotels and theatres is one of the most elegant commercial zones in the world. The first underground car park in the world was built underneath the square in 1939.

Golden Gate Bridge

This suspension bridge, built between 1933 and 1937, links the peninsula with the north coast of California over a 1.3 km strait. The bridge received its name from its similarity to the Golden Gate of Istanbul (Turkey).

Chinatown

San Francisco has the oldest and one of the most populated Chinatowns in North America. Created in 1840 thanks to the first large Asian immigration, today it is an influential tourist attraction.

SF MOMA

The Modern Art Museum opened in 1935 as the first art gallery dedicated exclusively to 20th century art. In 1995 it was moved to its current headquarters under the guidance of Swiss architect Mario Botta.

The sea lions at Pier 39

This wharf is one of the main tourist and business areas made famous by the sea lions that come here to rest.