San Francisco The Top Three Stops to Make Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

San Francisco The Top Three Stops to Make - Essay Example The Golden Gate Bridge was the world’s longest suspension bridge, at 1.7 miles (4,200 feet) long, for 27 years following its completion in 1937 with two towers that each stand taller than the Washington Monument. It crosses Golden Gate Strait, which is about 400 feet deep and serves as the gateway to the harbor city. It can be seen from a variety of locations throughout the city. One favorite is from the top of the Marin Headlands, which offers the fun of a hike and some exercise with a tremendous view of the harbor and city. Another favorite is from the top of the Coit Tower, which also affords a glimpse of the famously twisty Lombard Street and Alcatraz. Water tours are offered for just about any time of the day, leaving from the famous San Francisco piers that will take visitors under the bridge and around Alcatraz Island. Alcatraz itself offers a view of the bridge and visitors can also opt to see it by picnicking at Golden Gate Park or by biking, walking or driving over i t.  Alcatraz Island, from which one can get a nice view of the Golden Gate Bridge and that will also be visible from many approaches to the Golden Gate, is the home of the famous Alcatraz Prison, now closed and offered as a tourist attraction. Ferries run to the island every half hour during peak seasons and tours are offered once on the island. The tours will take visitors through the various cell blocks, demonstrating the living conditions of the prisoners there, offering information about various prison escape attempts and touring through Cell Block D, the home of the Birdman and showcasing other interesting pieces of information about the prison and the island on which it stands.  One other location that must be visited before leaving the city is San Francisco’s Chinatown.