The Blue and white seagull signs mark the 49-Mile Scenic Drive past landmarks including Palace of Fine Arts, Mission Dolores and the Ferry Building, through Chinatown, along Fisherman’s Wharf, views of Twin Peaks, through Golden Gate Park and along Ocean Beach. Note: Part of the route is closed to vehicular traffic on Sundays. Order a copy of San Francisco Guide® for a map of the 49-Mile Drive.

Known for its historic waterfront, delicious seafood, and bay views, Fisherman’s Wharf offers a wide array of things to do. Walk along Jefferson Street where San Francisco’s commercial fishing fleet is docked. If you are up early enough, you can see the fisherman at work along “Fish Alley,” on Jefferson Street between Jones and Hyde. Seafood vendors with open-air stands along Taylor Street and Jefferson near Pier 45 offer a variety of tasty fish specialties. Family attractions along Jefferson include our famous Boudin Sourdough Museum including a bakery and cafe, and the Wax Museum complex with galleries of celebrities, world leaders, artists, and the Chamber of Horrors. Bay Cruises leave from Piers 39, 41 and 43 ½. PIER 39, a two-level shopping and dining marketplace, is home to Blue & Gold Fleet Cruises and Land Tours, Aquarium of the Bay, stages for an ongoing schedule of performers, a historic carousel, game arcade, Hard Rock Cafe, and the popular sea lions who make their home on K-Dock. Stop at the California Welcome Center to assist you with your travel needs. Pier 45 is the home to Musee´ Mechanique, with coin-operated vintage games (open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am-8pm), the Museum of San Francisco (free of charge), the National Liberty Ship S.S. Jeremiah O’Brien, and the USS Pampanito submarine museum. Anchorage Square features outdoor promenades, al fresco seating for dining and relaxing, family dining including In-‘N-Out-Burger and China Station, specialty shops like EB Games, Crazy Shirts, Walgreens pharmacy, Starbucks, and parking garage with validated parking, The Cannery at Del Monte Square, originally a fruit and vegetable cannery, now houses shops, restaurants, and nightclubs. Jump on the historic Fire Engine on the Beach Street side for a city tour!. Ghirardelli Square, once home to the famous chocolate maker, features terraced courtyards with bay views, boutique shopping, a variety of top restaurants, stages for events and entertainment, and the popular chocolate shop and ice cream parlor.

At the end of Hyde Street, by the cable car plaza, is Hyde Street Pier, with historic ships maintained by the National Park Service. Open daily 10am-5pm. Aquatic Park, at the foot of Polk Street, is a popular bayside park encompassing a quarter-mile stretch of beach. Order a copy of San Francisco Guide® for a map of Fisherman’s Wharf, points of interest and transit lines.

Our landmark Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937 and connects San Francisco to Marin County (Hwy 101). The distinctive rust-colored towers and graceful cables of the Bridge make this famous symbol of San Francisco the most photographed bridge in the world. It is visible from many high points in the city, although it is often shrouded in fog. Spanning the 2 mile mouth of the bay, it is built to withstand winds of over 100 mph. The color ³International Orange,² was chosen as a complement to surrounding scenery. Car toll is $6 and is collected southbound only. Vista points, parking areas and rest rooms are located at the northeast and southeast ends of the bridge (look for the sign ³Last SF exit² on the south side; Vista Point exit on the north). Getting to the Golden Gate Bridge by car: Follow the signs from anywhere in the city, taking Lombard Street (US 101) west, and then to reach the south vista point, take the exit marked "Last SF Exit," just before you get to the toll booths. You can avoid busy traffic by taking Lincoln Avenue through the Presidio. South Vista Point parking is metered and there are only 81 parking spaces. If you find this parking lot full, or want to spend more time than the meters will allow, there are two options: Drive down the hill, and turn left out of the parking lot onto Lincoln. You will find gravel lot not far down on your left. If you are approaching from the Presidio on Lincoln, the lot is just across from the former officer's quarters. Turn right out of the parking lot onto Lincoln, and then turn right again at the next opportunity (after you pass under the bridge approach). There is free parking uphill from the toll plaza, and you can get back to the pedestrian side of the bridge by walking through the tunnel under the tollgates. North (Marin Side) Vista Point parking is free up to four hours, and there are restrooms. This lot is accessible only from northbound US 101. By bus, Muni's #28 and 29 lines go to the south side.Walk onto the Golden Gate Bridge if you can. You can't really appreciate the size and height unless you've walked on it, at least a little way. At mid-span you are 220 feet above the water's surface, and passing ships below look like small toys. The distance from one vista point to another is 1.7 miles, but even a short walk will be interesting. Pedestrians are allowed only on the east (city side) sidewalk, during daylight hours, and pets are not allowed for safety reasons. Pedestrians can access the east sidewalk from 5am to 9pm (6am-6pm Nov-May). Cyclists can use the Bridge during the same hours, but which side they are allowed on varies; check the posted signs. The historic ³Roundhouse² at the southeast end offers information andsouvenirs. Call 415-923-2342 for details.

Explore Fort Point, a Civil War-era fort located at the south end of Golden Gate Bridge on Long Avenue. This gives you the same spectacular view of the bridge as seen in Alfred Hitchcock¹s film Vertigo. Take a guided tour, view videos and visit the military museum (open 10am - 5pm); call 415-556-1693 or visit http://www.nps.gov/fopo for information. Walk the Golden Gate Promenade, a 3 1/2 mile scenic shoreline walk beginning at Fort Point and ending at Aquatic Park near Fisherman¹s Wharf.