Mia Olvera

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.

The Cartoon Art Museum is virtually guaranteed to put a smile on your face as you walk through it and see the nearly 6,000 original items housed in this fascinating facility. The museum received the support of Charles M. Schultz, the creator of "Peanuts," and it was with that impressive blessing that the museum transitioned from a mere idea to becoming the only collection of its kind west of the Mississippi. Located in Yerba Buena Gardens in the city's art center, this popular venue attracts cartoon and comic lovers from all over the world. In addition to the major exhibitions held yearly, the museum also features the very popular bookstore that features several unique items for sale.

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.

Cycling is considered a legitimate way to get around San Francisco, and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition does its best to make sure that safety is everyone's first priority. Several of the best bike trails in the city are posted, along with detailed reviews, on their website.