Whether you are visiting San Francisco for vacation or a business trip, there are numerous places to see and activities to do. When you visit the city, you should take a stroll along the ocean beach or enjoy the site of the Golden Gate Bridge. These are some activities that you should also partake in when visiting the bay area.
Located at PIER 39, the aquarium houses over 20,000 marine animals. When you walk through the tunnel exhibits or look through transparent touch pools, you have the opportunity to see jellyfish, octopus, sharks, and otters. While at the aquarium you can also visit the EcoCenter, an educational facility designed to teach students from elementary through college about habitat restoration and sustainable energy.
The Ghirardelli's factory was initially opened in the late 1800s. After the facility closed down, a group of residents bought the land and converted it into a retail location. The square is now home to shops, hotels, and restaurants.
Located less than 2 miles away from the bay, Alcatraz Island was both a military and federal prison. It was created to house prisoners that continuously caused issues in other jails across the country. Two infamous residents that were incarcerated were convicted murderer Robert Franklin Stroud and gangster Al Capone. Now it’s a tourist attraction that allows visitors to traverse the jail and learn its history.
With a population of 60, this island offers breath-taking views, delicious food, and the opportunity to learn Civil War history. You can reach the location by ferry from San Francisco or Tiburon, where you can take a Segway or open-air tram tour of the island. From June to October, enjoy live music at The Cantina with music ranging from reggae to bluegrass.
If you are a big fan of Disney, visit the Walt Disney Family Museum where you will learn about the creator’s life. Spanning over 40,000 square feet, it highlights the awards that he won over his career and contains initial illustrations that he created as a young adult. When you have finished at the at the museum, you can watch a classic Disney movie in the museum's theatre.
Located in the middle of Golden Gate Park, the Japanese Tea Garden offers visitors the opportunity to walk along stone paths through native Japanese plants. You can watch koi swim in ponds and enjoy the featured garden. If you are looking to enjoy the cherry blossom trees to their full extent they bloom between March and April.
Originally published at TamaraCooksey.net.