Scott Hernandez - Alianza Mortgage

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 Alameda Creek Regional Trail is a 12-mile long, multi-use recreation trail that winds along the banks of Alameda Creek from the mouth of Niles Canyon in the east to San Francisco Bay at its western end. Walkers, runners, and cyclists enjoy this popular, picturesque trail.

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.

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.