John Linneball

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.

Sure, you can hang with the best of them, but can you hanglide with them, too? If not, take some time to let the pros at Airtime of San Francisco guide you and prepare you for some hangliding fun. They offer instruction as well as tandem paragliding so you can be airborne in no time to catch some spectacular views and high levels of adrenaline as you experience this extreme sport.

The Great American Music Hall offers lots of great entertainment all in one place. The stage always features some of the most talented comedians and musicians from all around the country. This two level venue offers an inviting dance area on the first floor and small dining area on the second. The atmosphere offers a nod to the California Gold Rush, as various items and décor add another dimension to the Hall's classic feel.

People who love books love Litquake, the yearly literary festival held every fall in San Francisco. Renowned authors are on hand for lectures and book signings, and interesting panels, workshops and parties are also part of what makes Litquake such an essential event for both readers and writers of all backgrounds. One of the highlights of this event is the three-hour Lit-Crawl through the Mission District that features stops at galleries, bookstores, bars and cafes.