Whether or not you will leave your heart in this great city is debatable. However, what is not debatable is that you will enjoy countless wonderful experiences while in San Francisco, you will have a fabulous time, and you will be a better and more cultured person for it. The citizens of this incredible city are about as diverse as anywhere in the world. They have brought along with them their cultures, traditions, and cuisine. San Francisco could not be more open to every nation and heritage. This is exactly what makes San Francisco such an extraordinary place to visit. Everyone is welcome, and walking through the city, you will encounter tolerant and fascinating individuals, eager to help you on your travels. The city has an old and esteemed history, becoming popular and really ballooning in size back in the Gold Rush days in the mid-19th century. Chinese immigrants flocked to this part of California, and Chinatown in San Francisco is one of the city's amazing cultural centers. The dining in Chinatown is authentic and delicious, as it is everywhere else in the city. Probably the best parts of the city are on the coast, as the glorious Pacific and Golden Gate Bridge paint a beautiful backdrop to this bustling center of commerce. Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square are some of the best sites found on the coast. Just off the coast, sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on its own rock, lies Alcatraz, a former penitentiary that can be visited by boat. There are a multitude of museums, activities, and sporting events to keep you busy during your stay. So grab a bowl of the best clam chowder around, and see the sights of this one-of-a-kind city.
