San Francisco, California Attractions

By Betsy Bender

San Francisco, California Attractions
With six municipal golf courses, water sports, historic sites and family-friendly activities, San Francisco offers numerous attractions for an active vacation. Discover the famous sites of the city with a walking or an organized bus tour. Explore the bay by going on a sightseeing cruise, renting a boat or cruising to the former prison on the island of Alcatraz. Use an automated tee time reservation system for reservations at the Harding Park Golf Course, the Lincoln Park Golf Course or the Sharp Park Golf and enjoy visiting the scenic city of San Francisco.

Presidio Golf Course

The challenging and attractive golf course has hosted U.S. presidents and respected military officers as well as civilians and international visitors since 1895. Non-resident visitor rates are available at the second oldest course in the United States west of the Mississippi. If you did not travel with your clubs, rental clubs suitable for the novice through the expert level golfer are available at the Pro Shop. The Clubhouse decor features rich cherry wood paneling, vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, an extensive limestone fireplace and panoramic views of the grounds and the Presidio. Nestled in the oldest part of the Presidio Forest, the Presidio Cafe serves classic American dishes with a California flair. Open daily for lunch, weekend brunch and private events, the Cafe offers a seasonal menu and scenic views.

Presidio Golf Course
300 Finley Road at Arguello Gate
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 561-4661
lincolnparkgc.com/Lincoln_Park/Home.html

Pier 39

Pier 39 is a family-friendly venue, featuring 110 shops and numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood and California cuisine amid scenic Bay views. Located at Beach Street and the Embarcadero, the 45-acre tourist attraction is just two blocks east of Fisherman's Wharf and the popular resting spot for wild California sea lions. The two-level structure situated along the historic waterfront provides views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and the city skyline. Public parking is available across the street.

Pier 39
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 981-7437
pier39.com/index.cfm

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Discover an abundant variety of plants from Mediterranean climates around the world, including more than 7,500 rare and unusual plants. The tranquil garden is managed through a partnership between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society, a nonprofit corporation. Enjoy a self-guided tour along the Redwood Trail or join in the free guided walks offered daily at 1:30 p.m. Saturday Plant Sales are held at the Garden Nursery from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offer plants that are generally not available in commercial nurseries or garden centers. All plants are propagated by volunteers from the Garden's collections. Visitors are welcome every day of the year and donations are appreciated.

San Francisco Botanical Garden
9th Avenue at Lincoln Way
San Francisco, CA 94122
sfbotanicalgarden.org/

San Francisco Zoo

With the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, the zoo is home to more than 250 species of animals, many of them endangered. Check the daily schedule for feedings times of the grizzly bears, penguins and American white pelicans. Animal feedings are generally scheduled in the morning or in the late afternoon and viewing positions are based on a first-come basis. Wander through the zoo grounds to see botanical collections set among a wide variety of animals, including giraffes, kangaroos, lemurs, lions and zebras. Interactive educational information is available on the official website and several children's programs are offered for infants through 12-year-olds on site. Contact the Zoo or check the Calendar of Events online for more information and pricing. Programs may involve wildlife crafts and games, keeper talks, customized tours, close-up animal encounters and a Junior Keeper Club. All classes at the Zoo include a small snack for the kids. Open daily, admission discounts are available for children, seniors and San Francisco residents.

San Francisco Zoo
1 Zoo Road
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 753-7080
sfzoo.org/

About The Author

Betsy Bender is a media consultant with experience in publishing, event management, media relations, digital media and television production. Specializing in entertainment, travel and sports, Bender has worked with high-profile personalities, facilitated publicity campaigns for network television programs and traveled to more than 100 cities in eight countries, including Russia and Australia.
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