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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 San Francisco Zoo benefits from its natural surroundings that allow it to create some impressive natural habitats for more than 5,000 animals and 250 species. Among the smartly designed enclosures and attractions, you will see such memorable creatures as penguins, lions, koalas, giraffes, bears, and elephants, among many others. The zoo also features one of the country's largest gorilla habitats as well as a highly entertaining kangaroo exhibits. In addition to the animals, the zoo also features a classic carousel, a petting zoo, a nature trail, and a wildlife theater.

While The Mexican Museum's collection is relatively small, it does make up for its lack of size with its breadth of history. The exhibits cover Mexico's history from pre-conquest to the contemporary era. These visually compelling pieces of Mexican craft are augmented by the addition of various creations of art of the Americas that provide a more sweeping yet integrated perspective. Along with these compelling presentations, the museum also features an excellent gift shop in which you will surely find the perfect souvenir to remind you of your visit.