Beny's Iron Works

Music fans know that in these days of a volatile economy, it is actually a challenge to find a real music store anymore. That's why collectors stay devoted to Amoeba Music, which just happens to be the world's largest independent record store. Both young and old music fans alike spend hours flipping through Amoeba's incredible selection of vintage vinyl LPs to find several long-out-of-print treasures. There's also a great selection of CDs, DVDs, and related items like t-shirts, posters and various other collectibles. Plus, the store regularly features musical guests who perform right in the store. So don't lose your groove, find it, at San Francisco's Amoeba Music!

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.

The Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center offers more than just your average alleys and pins. This venue has been consistently rated as a favorite of San Francisco bowlers for several years, and the state of the art bowling facility is also home to a year-round ice skating rink. So whether you are out for strikes or figure eights, you'll find an excellent afternoon of recreational sports fun at the Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center.

One of the most essential sites to see in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge. Getting up close to this amazing attraction, the kids will be able to see what an incredibly built structure this bridge is. The bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County, and if you are on the Marin side, you will get a captivating view from a spot called Vista Point. But given the ocean, the sailboats, and the natural landscape in and around the bridge, it is difficult to find a place where the view isn't absolutely stunning.