Twin Peaks

San Francisco is well-known for its amazing views, but one trumps all the rest. At the top of Twin Peaks, the entire city comes into focus. Very few cities on Earth offer such an astonishing and panoramic natural vantage point.

I uploaded a short video of my most recent journey to the top of San Francisco, which is labeled below. For something a little more unique, check out this interactive panorama of Twin Peaks with embedded video. Once it opens, just read the instructions underneath the first photo and enjoy.

Video from the top of Twin Peaks:

Alcatraz Island

How does a former maximum security prison become such a tourist attraction? Well, "The Rock" (local nickname) has captivated people for years with it's unique setting, rich history and amazing views (live Alcatraz webcam).

A Spanish explorer named the island, "La Isla de los Alcatraces" (Island of the Pelicans) in 1775. By 1847, the United States Army took notice and built a military fortification here.

Later, the U.S Military decided that the isolation of the island, coupled with the swift, icy currents surrounding it, would make Alcatraz a perfect place for a prison (map). The rest, as they say, is history.

For more information about Alcatraz, click here. If you would like to schedule a tour of the island, click here. Although Urban Sole not offer tours to Alcatraz , we'd be happy to show our clients where to purchase the tickets and catch the ferry during our walking tour.

Transamerica Pyramid

  Towering 853 feet over the financial district (260 m), this skyscraper has been the tallest building in San Francisco since its construction in 1972(currently 111th in world). 

  Soon to be dwarfed by two future projects, the Transamerica Pyramid's days as the tallest in the city are numbered.  Despite losing this distinction, it will continue to be one of the most recognizable buildings in the U.S. for years to come.

The Most Popular Residents of Fisherman's Wharf

  California Sea Lions are highly intelligent mammals who, as the name suggests, are found primarily in and around the waters of California. They also been spotted in Mexico, Oregon and Washington.  These social creatures have taken over the marina by Pier 39.  They can often be spotted basking in the warm California sun, perched atop man-made rafts which shelter them from potential predators.  

 ** A word of advice for anyone planning to visit Fisherman's Wharf for the first time........be patient.  As one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco, the crowds can be overwhelming, especially on the weekends.

WATCH THE SEA LIONS VIDEO BELOW:

San Francisco Weather

Plan on visiting San Francisco soon?  Check out the weather forecast and live webcams at Weather Bonk.  This unique website fully integrates real-time weather, Google Maps (with zoom in capabilities) and live webcams.  Notice the "micro-climates" that the San Francisco Bay Area is so famous for.  Just another natural wonder that makes the "City by the Bay" a unique tourist destination.  

For more information, contact us at sf.urbansole@gmail.com

Fast Facts about San Francisco

Did you know:

1) San Francisco is only 46.7 square miles, but has a population of over 800,000 making it one of most densely populated cities in North America.

2) World famous Golden Gate Park, created in 1870, is one of the largest man-made parks in the world.  Once just wind-swept sand dunes, the area is now home to amazing museums, a breathtaking rose garden, hiking trails and even a Japanese Tea Garden.

3) The Golden Gate Bridge, officially open in 1937, has over 9 million visitors each year.  The world famous bridge was named after the strait which it spans, the Golden Gate Strait.  The actual color of the bridge is International Orange.

4) San Francisco is creative.  The Chinese Fortune Cookie, Levi's Jeans and the Irish Coffee were invented right here in the "City by the Bay".

5) The trademark "San Francisco Fog" occurs primarily in the summer months.  The combination of the high temperatures of the desert to the east of the city, and the cool ocean to the west, create to form natures own version of air condition.  It is not uncommon for temperatures in San Francisco to be in the 60's (f) while its 85 (f) only 20 miles away.  Crazy isn't it?

6) The small size (46.7 sq. miles), eccentric neighborhoods, great weather, historic public transportation and famous, panoramic views make San Francisco one of the most walkable cities in the world.