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| Alcatraz |
The small Alcatraz Island, some 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco, was developed in the mid-19th century with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, and a military prison.
San Francisco’s first cable car, which appeared in 1873, was introduced by Scottish immigrant Andrew Smith Hallidie.
In 1934, the island was converted into the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, with the strong currents around the island and cold water making escape nearly impossible.
While it is 60 years since the closure of Alcatraz, the infamous island prison now attracts 1.5 million annual visitors who can take a walk-through of hidden spots used for attempted escapes and read fascinating accounts of its most notorious convicts, including Al ‘Scarface’ Capone and Robert ‘Birdman’ Stroud. www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm
The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate suspension bridge spans the one-mile-wide strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Construction began 90 years ago and it now links San Francisco with Marin County, attracts more than 10 million visitors annually and is one of San Francisco’s most recognisable landmarks. www.goldengate.org
San Francisco cable car
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| San Francisco cable car |
Passengers today can choose two lines from Powell and Market to Fisherman's Wharf and one from California and Market to Van Ness Avenue.
The cable cars are the only moving national historic landmark in the USA. Visitors wanting to learn more about their history can visit the free Cable Car Museum. http://www.cablecarmuseum.org/
San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Ballet
The War Memorial Opera House, which is home to San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Ballet, is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Designed in the Beaux-Arts style by Arthur Brown Jr, the War Memorial Opera House is one of three landmark buildings, along with the Veteran’s Building and Davies Symphony Hall, that make up the War Memorial Performing Arts Center.
*Source: Maddy Ryan at maddy@sftravel.com
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