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- Locals have answered 154 questions about San Francisco.
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1. Golden Gate Bridge
- Perhaps the most iconic bridge in the country, if not in the world, the rusted-orange expanse of the Golden Gate Bridge is a not-to-miss sight... read more
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- Landmarks
- Nile Expert Tip: An absolute must-see for any San Francisco visitor. You were going to go back home and tell your friends...
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2. Golden Gate Park
- Spanning three miles from the edge of Haight-Ashbury all the way to the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Park contains so many mini-universes and attractions... read more
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- Attractions
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3. Alcatraz Island
- "The Rock," as Alcatraz is known locally, has a formidable past. Most people don't know it served as a lighthouse, military outpost, and military... read more
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- Landmarks
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4. de Young Museum
- Renovated in 2005, de Young Museum's ultra-modern design stirred up quite the controversy in San Francisco when it was first reopened. However,... read more
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- Art Museums/Galleries
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5. Mission District
- Often known as the "first neighborhood" of San Francisco, Mission District is one of the favorite places of the people of the city. The district... read more
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- Culture
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7. AT&T Park - Home of the Giants
- Baseball lovers would be remiss not to catch an open-air game at AT&T Park, home to MLB powerhouse the San Francisco Giants and the record-breaking... read more
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- Sports
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8. Baker Beach
- Baker Beach is located inside the historic Presidio. If driving, consult a map for detailed directions, while Muni Bus #29 makes stops at the beach... read more
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- Beaches
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9. Coit Tower
- The landmark Coit Tower was built in the 1930's as a tribute to the city's firefighters, at the behest of eccentric local celebrity Lillie Hitchcock... read more
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10. California Academy of Sciences
- Renovated and reopened in late 2008, the California Academy of Sciences has a lot to boast about. With a four-story tropical rainforest, an aquarium... read more
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- Museums
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The Best of NileGuide
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Boredom doesn't exist in San Francisco. Endless activities indoors, outdoors, and across both bridges can make it overwhelming when trying to choose the best things to do. While the weather in Northern California is mild compared to most of the country, summers are foggy and cool here in the city, so no matter what you decide to do, always bring an extra layer. You've been warned!
A trip to San Francisco wouldn't be complete without such outdoor adventures as walking or cycling the Golden Gate Bridge or dabbling in the many attractions of Golden Gate Park. The park is home to beautiful gardens like those hosted at the Strybing Arboretum or the Conservatory of Flowers. Take a stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden before heading indoors and viewing the incredible art on display at the de Young Museum or California Academy of Sciences. Sports fans will not want to miss a Giants game at AT&T Park, one of the best ballparks in the country.
If you're traveling with kids or just the young at heart, you will not want to miss the hands-on science experiments at the incomparable Exploratorium located by the Presidio and Fisherman's Wharf. It's worth the ferry trip over to Alcatraz; the self-guided audio tour will interest any cynic, the place is absolutely creepy! Shoppers will love the chintzy treasures stocked in the bright and colorful Chinatown shops. Those with big pocketbooks or a love of window shopping will enjoy high-end shopping in Union Square, just a few blocks away.
San Francisco is home to numerous world-class museums. The MOMA, de Young, Contemporary Jewish Museum, and the Academy of Sciences are all stellar and demanding of an afternoon. For a different take, visit the museums during the one night they stay open late. Some actually turn into mild parties with live music and booze.
The sweeping views from Coit Tower are sublime, take the Filbert Street steps for a possible glimpse of the famous parrots of Telegraph Hill. On the opposite side of town, Baker Beach is the prettiest city beach with a stunning view of the Marin Headlands, Golden Gate Bridge, and massive cargo ships entering and exiting the Bay. Dolphin-sightings possible. A stroll in the mural-filled, foodie-haven Mission district is a must to really experience the raw and true San Francisco.
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