San Fransisco is a major commercial, cultural, and financial area located in the North of California. The whole region is popularly known as the west coast. The city can trace its beginning to Spanish colonialists who established the settlement in 1776 by constructing missions and forts such as the Mission San Francisco de Asis. The independence from Spain later put the area under Mexican rule. This change led to the naming of the town as Yerba Buena. The Mexican authorities introduced policies that set to privatize land in the town. This introduction, in turn, attracted American settlers who began arriving in the area. The Mexican-American war that followed in later years led to more change when the U.S. claimed the whole area of California as part of its territory. In 1848, after the end of the war, Mexico finally ceded its control of the area, leading to the changing of its name to San Francisco. In 1849, the rush for gold in California contributed to the town's increased growth and brought along more settlers even from abroad. These developments turned the town into the largest city in the West Coast region. After that, the city has increased in size, population, and importance. Various movements, such as the Gay Rights and Peace Movements, led to the city becoming an important center for liberal activism. San Francisco hosts headquarters for major and important companies such as Twitter.
The city has also risen to become a popular destination area for tourists and those who seek pleasure by traveling. This list includes some of its important and interesting sites to visit.
1. Golden Gate Bridge
This orange suspension bridge is an important landmark for the city. It spans an area that links the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay. It is one of the most widely known features of San Francisco and has a global reputation. The bridge's design can be credited to the American structural engineer by the name of Joseph Strauss. He designed it in 1917. It has also been declared to be among the list of wonders of the modern world. In 1937 when the bridge was opened, it measured 227 meters high and 1280 meters in length and was considered the world's tallest and longest suspension bridge. The bridge's orange color enables it to be more visible in the foggy weather of San Francisco Bay. Its design includes special areas and time durations for both cyclists and pedestrians. Travelers and tourists can also enjoy the incredible panoramic view of the area by boat or helicopter rides.
2. Aquarium of the Bay
This site, available to the general public, is located at the edges of Pier 39 in Embarcadero and Beach street. The aquarium is dedicated to indigenous aquatic animals from the San Francisco Bay and other local rivers and watersheds. It was opened in 1996 under a different name, Under Water World. The ownership then sold it to BNP Paribas in 2000, which gave it its current name and included more attractions and aquatic species to it by 2001. It was later put up for sale in 2005 and bought by Kenwood Investments, Darius Anderson. A pre-determined agreement then sold the aquarium to The Bay Institute, which currently operates as a non-profit research and education center. It is approved and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Due to the aquarium’s lack of negative effect on the local environment, the San Francisco city authorities certified it as a green business. It is also an affiliate of the Smithsonian organization. The aquarium is divided into four areas that offer unique exhibition experiences for tourists and travelers.
3. Pier 39
This popular tourist area is also a major shopping center developed and opened in 1978 by Warren Simmons, an American entrepreneur. Pier 39 is built on a pier that offers a unique view and experience of other tourist areas such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and Alcatraz Island. The area also includes restaurants, shops, and street performances that entertain people and their families. It is located close to Chinatown at the edges of Fisherman's Wharf and is accessible by streetcars.
4. Alcatraz Island
This popular destination, just off the coast of San Francisco city, is accessible to travelers and tourists by boat. It also the famous Alcatraz prison that was a maximum-security prison in the federal system before its closure. The prison buildings were built in the early 20th century as military prison facilities. The U.S. Department of Justice later turned it into a federal prison in 1934. Its location in the strong current and cold waters of the San Francisco Bay, high security, and high security made it to be reserved for the worst criminals. Many people at the time believed it to be the strongest prison facility in the country and impossible to escape. However, its status deteriorated over the years, and finally, in 1962, a successful prison escape led to its closure. The country's leadership then transformed it into a museum for the public operated by the National Park Services. The former prison buildings destroyed by salt sprays were later restored and are maintained regularly. Its world-famous notoriety as a scary place attracts several tourists per year. In addition, it gained much global acclaim through its portrayal in popular culture and films.
5. Chinatown
It is considered the oldest Chinatown located in North America. This enclave of mainly ethnic Chinese descendants and immigrants is their largest community outside of Asia. The area is located on Grant Avenue and Stockton streets. Chinatown was established in 1848 by Chinese immigrants who arrived during the heights of the California Gold Rush. Over the years, it grew to become an influential and important center for the culture and history of the ethnic Chinese in the country. Due to its retention of Chinese identity, customs, cuisine, and language, the place can draw in tourists and travelers fascinated by their traditions and experience. As a result, it is very popular with travelers compared to other tourist destinations. Tourists are offered unique chances to experience Chinese cuisine, cultural festivals, and events and buy souvenirs for their collections.
In Conclusion
The city of San Francisco contains many destinations that appeal to all kinds of people. From its landmarks, parks, aquariums, museums, beaches, and Silicon Valley area, tourists and travelers can enjoy different and exciting experiences. This list contains the most popular and favorite places that anyone visiting the city must visit to get the best experience.