People have been escaping to San Francisco, at least since the cry went out from California in 1849 that there was “gold in them thar hills.” There is not as much gold in California, but there are still plenty of hills in San Francisco and plenty of places to explore. I jumped at the chance to show off one of my favorite cities and test drive the new Ford Escape as part of a promotion for Ford Escape Routes. One of my favorite “escape routes” in San Francisco is along the waterfront.
Alcatraz
We started in the Marina district on the North end of San Francisco, with its views of Alcatraz. If you have time, take the boat out to Alcatraz and tour the old Federal Penitentiary. Plan ahead, as the tickets can sell out days in advance, and there are a limited number of boats making the journey. Spring for the audio guide narrated by former convicts and guards. The guide makes the place come alive.
The Marina
As you might suspect, the most notable feature in the Marina District is a large marina. It is a great place to watch the sailors or perhaps find a way to stow away yourself for a longer escape.
The Wave Organ
At the end of a breakwater that protects the Marina, you will find what may be one of the strangest science projects since the potato clock, the Wave Organ. The Wave Organ plays “music” or sounds through tubes extending out into the bay. It is best to visit on a day with some wave action. This project was created by one of the designers at the nearby Exploratorium Museum and was designed to look like the ruins of an ancient civilization.
Palace of Fine Arts
Only a block from the Marina is the Palace of Fine Arts, which was built as part of the Panama-Pacific Exhibition in 1915, which celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal and the recovery of San Francisco from the devastating 1906 earthquake. All of the 9 other halls built for the exhibition have long since been torn down, but this picturesque spot is a favorite for photographers. It used to host the Exploratorium hands-on science museum, but that museum has moved closer to Pier 39.
Traveling Soon? These useful links will help you prepare for your trip.- Book Your Accommodation HERE
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Save at San Francisco's Top Attractions with a San Francisco CityPass
- Search for Great Tours HERE
- Get a Car Rental
- Book Your Accommodation HERE
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Save at San Francisco's Top Attractions with a San Francisco CityPass
- Search for Great Tours HERE
- Get a Car Rental
Fort Point and the Golden Gate Bridge
Further west along the waterfront, you will reach Chrissy Field and Fort Point, which are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Chrissy Field is an old Army Air Corps base that worked much better as an airfield before a big bridge was built near it. Fort Point houses a fort built to keep San Francisco out of the hands of the Confederacy should they make a play for it in the Civil War.
There is also a bridge just above Fort Point, which you may have heard of. The Golden Gate Bridge is even visible some days, but the best time of day to see it is between 10 a.m. and 3 pm, after the morning fog burns off and before the evening fog rolls in. Always bring a jacket when you visit San Francisco because even the sunniest day may end in a foggy evening.
If you add in a visit to Alcatraz, this itinerary can easily fill much of your first day in San Francisco, but there is much more to explore, as we have not yet seen how the Ford Explorer will do on San Francisco’s famous hills.
Ford Sponsored me to write this post and also let me drive the new Ford Escape… how cool is that?
San Francisco Walking Tour (part 2) – Sound Seeing Tour 2
The Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar – tiki everlasting
Travel to San Francisco, California – Episode 622
Marin Headlands – Missiles, Mammals, Hikes and Views just over the Bridge from San Francisco
