Along California’s northern coast is the beautiful and cosmopolitan San Francisco Bay area. More than seven million residents call this area home, with close to a million in the city of San Francisco alone. With the many attractions and diverse cultural areas offered, visitors are never left looking for things to do San Francisco. San Francisco sightseeing is as varied as its residents. From the bustling activity of Chinatown San Francisco to the quiet serenity of a day spent sailing on the water, a San Francisco vacation will not disappoint.
 
The famed Golden Gate Bridge stands as a landmark of the city, stretching across the Bay, gleaming red with the setting sun. Just a few miles offshore is Alcatraz Island. "The Rock," as it’s often called, was once a federal prison and housed such notable inmates as Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Alcatraz Island is now a historic site operated by the national park service, offering public tours of the famed prison and grounds.
 
Other destinations on a San Francisco vacation include a trip to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, world class shopping in Union Square and museums and art galleries throughout the city. San Francisco is largely a walking city, though the steep hills can make foot traffic quite a workout. Fortunately, the cable car system is easy to navigate and takes travelers throughout the city. Visitors may want to take the cable car up to Nob Hill to glimpse some of the society mansions of San Francisco and beautiful views of the city below, and of course take a stroll down Lombard Street, called "the crookedest street in the world" because of the eight sharp turns that zigzag down the steep incline.
 
No matter the season, San Francisco weather is consistently mild with wet winters and cool, dry summers. Rarely does the temperature rise past 75 degrees, so a sweater or light jacket is a must for a San Francisco vacation.