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McKinley Square is one of the city's most popular park areas. Because of its location on a hillside, it offers spectacular views that combine the majestic backdrop of San Francisco with the more urban realities of the various roofs of the nearby houses to give it a special kind of balance. The neighborhood charm of the park is evident, as several people are out walking their dogs, playing with the kids or just taking a quick stroll down one of the many walking trails. This is most definitely a great place to come breathe in some fresh air and enjoy time outdoors before heading back to your usual routine.

There are many traditions to be celebrated in San Francisco. One of the most iconic is taking a ride on the city's cable cars. They were first put into use in 1873 as a means of offering transportation for citizens who needed a respite from walking up the steep hills in the city. The fact that the cable cars operate in exactly the same way (they grip underground loops of steel to move forward) says quite a lot about this mode of transportation that has survived over one hundred years and is now almost always associated with the city of San Francisco.

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.