87% of visitors flock here to experience the shops and restaurants. During crab season (mid-November through June), line up for the best of the catch. A fleet of historic ships berth at Hyde Street Pier, near the Maritime National Historic Park and Museum.

Pier 39 is home to a 30-berth marina, waterfront park, 100 one-of-a-kind stores and restaurants, fun-filled attractions like the Underwater World Aquarium and is California's second-most popular attraction.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, the oldest continuous chocolate manufacturer in America has called San Francisco home since 1852. Once the confectioner's shop, it is now the Ghirardelli Manufactory & Soda Fountain where you can savor the famous chocolate and sumptuous ice cream sundaes.

The entrance is San Francisco's world-renowned Chinatown is called the "Dragon's Gate," located at Grant Avenue (the oldest street in San Francisco) and Bush Street. Step through it to enter 24 blocks of hustle and bustle. If you come in February, you can celebrate an authentic Chinese New Year.

In the Russian Hill district lies "the crookedest street in the world," Lombard Street, with 8 sharp turns on a 40-degree slope.

A playful museum where kids make the discoveries for themselves in more than 700 exhibits. Combine the visit with some kite-flying on the Marina Green for a day the kids will never forget.

Ocean Beach to the west of the city has beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. At Cliff House offshore, are the outlines of Seal Rocks, inhabited by shore birds and a colony of sea lions. Swimming is not allowed at either site. For swimming, head to China Beach.

Cruise the bridge which offers pedestrian and bicyclists their own pathways. Then visit the 1,000 acre park full of attractions and a 6,000 plant-filled Botanical Garden.

The most popular exhibits remain Gorilla World, Koala Crossing and the Primate Discovery Center. Youngsters can feed, pet and play with barnyard animals in the Children's Zoo.

The hub of San Francisco's downtown retail district is Union Square; a combination of Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive. The elegant stores cater to every taste, with style to spare.

Once home to America's most hardened criminals, Alcatraz was phased out as a federal penitentiary in 1963. It was reopened to the general public in 1973. The Island is only accessible by a ferry from Fisherman's Wharf.