Friendship Explorations/Corry Wagner, OT

Grace Cathedral is one of San Francisco's most visually striking attractions. This neo-Gothic structure atop Nob Hill is one of the oldest churches in town. The incredibly arresting spires that sit atop the church are one of the most recognizable parts of the skyline. The Cathedral is as striking from the inside as it is on the outside, as you will sense a true sense of calm when you stand within its walls that are adorned by some of the world's most beautiful stained glass windows. The church's order is Episcopalian, but people of all faiths are always invited to come in and reflect and pray in the beautiful house of worship.

Every step is crucial when you are on a rock climb. That sense of adventure and agility isn't for everyone, but if your idea of an afternoon of fun is scaling one of Northern California's rocky terrains on a recreation adventure, then let the pros at Mission Cliffs guide you all the way up, and then back safely all the way down.

The San Francisco Giants baseball team is a Major League team that plays at AT&T Park which opened in 2000. The stadium was actually the cornerstone project of the South Beach and Mission Bay redevelopment. The sports team hit the diamond season after season for 52 years before winning the World Series in 2010.

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.