The Asian culture is a vital part of San Francisco's identity. To celebrate the cultural contributions, you can get a deeper and quite colorful view when you visit the Asian Art Museum. This museum is one of the largest venues in the world devoted entirely to Asian art. When you enter the venue, you will be struck by the incredible variety of pieces which number to over 15,000. Every one of these exhibits span nearly 6,000 years of history. The sheer depth and breadth of the art presented here is a sweeping introduction to Asia's major cultures as well as those of India, Tibet, China, Japan and Korea.
If you or someone close to you loves to sew or simply create things, then Britex Fabrics is a must-visit. This impressive four-story structure houses what many consider to be the world's most extensive collection of fabrics. Everything from woolens to silks to couture and bridal laces can all be found here. There is also an extensive selection of cottons, linens, and various home decor fabrics that will help you finish that long-forgotten domestic project. Plus, you can have some fun with the variety of fake furs and remnants as well as handmade silk flowers, antique buttons and lots more!
When you visit San Francisco for the first time, visiting Alcatraz is definitely a must-do. The Rock, as Alcatraz is known locally, was originally a lighthouse and a military out post and prison before becoming a federal prison. The likes of Al Capone, among others, served their time here. The tour takes you from the shore to this ominous island and the guides are all well-informed and always ready to answer your questions. The inherent drama of Alcatraz itself makes it worth seeing, but the added touches and expert treatment by the guides only underscore how essential it is to see this dramatic facility when you are in the Bay Area.