What to do in San Francisco County, CA

This feat of engineering may no longer be the longest, the tallest, nor the oldest, but it remains one of the most photographed bridges in the world and still has the power to inspire awe. It’s also something of an event to cross. This iconic landmark stretches 2.7 kilometres across the "Golden Gate", where the San Francisco Bay opens into the Pacific Ocean.

One of the highlights of Pier 39 is watching the vast numbers of sea lions basking in the sun or playing on the floating docks on which they live. These noisy residents are popular with visitors, so the best time to see them is early in the morning.

Visit Oracle Park for more than simply watching a San Francisco Giants game. Tour this privately financed ballpark, known for its breathtaking views, charm and character. This is the city’s replacement for notoriously windy Candlestick Park.

Golden Gate Park is a horticulturally diverse and picturesque space, designed in 1871 by park commissioner William Hall. The park incorporates winding walking trails that weave their way past beautiful gardens, playgrounds, picnic areas, woods and lakes spanning over 400 hectares. Golden Gate Park has a laidback and peaceful vibe and is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco.

Between 1934 and 1963, the name Alcatraz uttered in a courtroom was enough to make a grown man cry. Even today, viewing it from the mainland, the image of this austere island fortress conjures up images of bleak isolation. “The Rock” as it is known, was the federal prison home to some of America’s most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone, Robert Franklin Shroud (the birdman of Alcatraz) and Alvin “Creepy” Karpis, who spent more time in Alcatraz than any other prisoner.

A one-block section of Lombard Street shows the steepness of San Francisco’s hills in a unique way. The redbrick road makes eight hairpin turns as it goes downhill from Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street. See this famous spot, one of the beloved quirks of the City by the Bay.

Back in 1776, the Spanish set up camp here and it became Spain’s northernmost outpost of colonial power in the New World. Following a brief encounter with the Mexicans, the Americans occupied this photogenic outpost until 1994. This makes it the longest running military base in US history. Today, it’s a National Historical Landmark District.