What are the first things you think of when someone mentions San Francisco? Maybe the hills. Or the Golden Gate Bridge. Or Alcatraz prison. But the city by the bay has so much more to offer the visitor. Youll discover lot to see and do during your tour of this special city.

San Francisco is an ideal place for walking. The temperature rarely gets too cold for wandering outdoors and the city is so pretty; a nice walk is a great transportation alternative to take in all that San Francisco has to offer. And, should you find yourself tired from walking, you merely have to jump on one of San Frans famous cable cars and let them take you to your next destination. This form of transportation is unique to San Francisco, the city where the trolley was first used, and is a great way to put yourself right into the citys special culture.

And while youre checking out the city, head over to Fishermans Wharf. Stop by Pier 39 for a good time. Pier 39 offers great shopping center, which is filled with shops, arcades, and street artists. And if youre feeling adventurous, salute the other local inhabitants of the dockssea lions!easily glimpsed just off the pier. Fishermans Wharf is also the place to go if youve got an appetite for seafood. While there are many fun or elegant eateries to be found, be sure to grab a meal at Boudins restaurant and try their famous sourdough bread (you can even see the chef in action!) and unbeatable clam chowder. Fishermans Wharf is swimming with excitement; dont miss this tourist area!

For a real taste of San Francisco culture, get off the usual tourist path and see the citys neighborhoods. From North Beach to Chinatown, each neighborhood has a life of its own that you wont find in any other city. The neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury is one of the highlights of San Francisco. Considered the Bohemian part of the city, this neighborhood is the artistic birthplace of such legendary musicians as the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and Janis Joplin. The spirit of these artists and their music still continues in this district. Haight-Ashbury also prides itself on some small but great local eateries, bars and shops, including Amoeba Music, a bowling alley that was converted into a music store. Here you can locate nearly any music youre looking for, with a great choice of old-fashioned, vinyl records for the true audiophile. And just a short distance from this district you will find the Golden Gate Parka large, gorgeous park that resembles New Yorks Central Park.

Also near Haight-Ashbury and the downtown area, you will find Castro, the gay mecca of San Francisco. This district is brimming with great restaurants, clubs, bars, and shops as well as the height of San Francisco nightlife. Dont forget to catch a flick at the historic Castro theatre and take it easy at one of the great inns the district has to offer. And if you plan your visit carefully, you can catch one of the great San Fran festivals such as Pink Saturday in June.

So when you plan your San Francisco vacation, be sure to not just do the tourist stuff. In San Fran you will find unique adventures everywhere you turn. Engulf yourself in the culture of the city; its the only way to explore San Francisco!

www.WorldwideGayTravel.com welcomes all open-minded travelers, but we specialize in meeting the special gay travel needs in San Francisco or anywhere for our friends of alternative sexual orientations.