Whether it's voyeuristic tours of the world's most famous slammer, escaping to the cool sophistication of wine country, or simply catching a cable car for a spot of people watching, San Francisco, the city by the Bay, has something for everyone. As a federal penitentiary, Alcatraz was reserved as the harshest of punishments for the most hardened of criminals. The former prison, more recently the setting for blockbuster Hollywood movies like The Rock, is one of the United States' most visited attractions.
Audio tours are available, featuring interviews with former guards and inmates.
Park rangers provide insight on famous escapes. When claustrophobia sets in there's more to explore outside the cells. Ranger John Cantwell says Alcatraz Island is rich in flora, with many self-guided walks. Back in the real world, Pier 39, with its street entertainers, cinemax theatre, venetian carousel, cyber station arcade, aquarium and sea lions, is San Francisco's number one tourist attraction. Pier 39 boasts 110 shops but Union Square, home to Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue is the true carrier bag mecca.