| To some, San Francisco is the quintessential | | | | rights to the streets (make sure you are not driving |
| American city, and most first-time visitors discover a | | | | that day!). A walk through The Castro, the |
| similar feeling upon leaving. The tumultuous | | | | predominantly gay and artsy neighborhood, is also a |
| rollercoaster of the city's history, tied in closely with | | | | must do. You will find exquisite boutique stores, |
| the history of the United States, has created a | | | | antique book shops and some excellent independent |
| mecca of modernism and tradition, revolution and | | | | movie theaters. |
| reaction, sassy style and sophistication. Find airfare to | | | | Sea, See and Scene |
| San Francisco now and don't miss out on another | | | | The sights in San Francisco are just as diverse (and |
| minute of the action! | | | | just as groovy) as its history. Discover the rugged |
| San Francisco has experienced a parallel history with | | | | terrain and map out the seascape of San Francisco |
| the nation's evolutions and revolutions. San Francisco | | | | from atop Telegraph Hill, where Coit Tower stands |
| began as the Spanish colony of Yerba Buena, | | | | as a former beacon to sailing ships. From here you |
| followed soon thereafter by the California Gold Rush, | | | | can drop easily down into North Beach where |
| which exploded the city's population nearly 25-fold | | | | Fisherman's Wharf is buzzing with street performers, |
| within a year. An earthquake followed by the Great | | | | sea lion shows, and some delicious seafood. Golden |
| Fire nearly destroyed the entire city in 1906. Since | | | | Gate Park, larger than Central Park, is an escape in |
| San Francisco's early cityhood it has been a mosaic | | | | many different forms with its numerous gardens, |
| melting pot of Chinese, Japanese and Italian | | | | exhibits and memorials - you can even encounter |
| immigrants (to name a few), many of whom were | | | | some roaming bison! |
| held at Angel Island, the West's own Ellis Island | | | | Sophistication is certainly everywhere you so desire |
| equivalent. Today you can catch a ferry out to the | | | | it. San Francisco's ballet, symphony, opera and |
| historic island which is now a beautiful park suited for | | | | theater rank the city's performing arts on a level |
| most outdoor recreation including cycling and jogging. | | | | unparalleled. Dining in San Francisco is as good as it |
| It's Got That Groovy Feeling | | | | gets, with superb Chinese, Vietnamese, French and |
| San Francisco has been a bastion of social | | | | Californian inspired fare. For dessert, take a visit to |
| movements and progressive thinkers over the last | | | | Ghirardelli Square; the famous chocolatier was |
| century. Although it may not be the Summer of Love | | | | founded in this American city. Or, head to Citizen |
| anymore, this city is still a product of its Hippie | | | | Cake after the opera as they are the self-proclaimed |
| parents, civil rights protests and beatnik artist | | | | "best dessert in the world." |
| generation - as well as the dot-com boom and burst | | | | Whether nightlife or daylife is what you are seeking |
| that came in the late 90s. | | | | in your perfect travel destination, you can be sure |
| The Critical Mass ride on the last Friday of each | | | | that San Francisco has everything to offer and then |
| month is true to form for San Francisco. Hundreds of | | | | some. Discover the intense history and vibrantly |
| bicyclists gather and ride a route through the city | | | | ecclectic reality of this Northern California metropolis |
| streets to a predetermined destination to claim their | | | | by booking your airfare to San Francisco today! |