San Francisco Pictures

Until 1964, the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Now, it's the second-longest suspension bridge in the United States and the 11th-longest suspension bridge in the world. John Lund/Tom Penpark Getty Images

The touristy Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood is packed with seafood restaurants and souvenir shops.  Mike Roqué Flickr

While people tend to come for shopping and clam chowder bread bowls at Fisherman's Wharf, another can't-miss experience is watching the sea lions that regularly congregate at Pier 39 to sunbathe. By Drea Dizon Getty Images

Lombard Street, located in the Russian Hill neighborhood, is touted as the "Crookedest Street in the World." jimsideas Flickr

San Francisco is a major hub for American LGBTQ culture and is considered one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. nstanev Getty Images

Ferries to America's most notorious ex-penitentiary, Alcatraz, depart from Fisherman's Wharf. Geoff Livingston Getty Images

The serene Japanese Tea Garden is one of the top attractions within the sprawling Golden Gate Park. Dean Krafft Flickr

Muir Woods is renowned for its collection of towering Redwoods. narawon Getty Images

You'll see plenty of street art, especially murals, around San Francisco. The Mission District is one of the most popular areas to spot street art. David McSpadden Flickr

A row of brightly colored Victorian houses called the Painted Ladies sit near Alamo Square. You may recognize these houses – they've had cameos in a host of movies and television shows, including "Full House." MasterLu Getty Images

Union Square is considered San Francisco's city center. The area is filled to the brim with shopping, restaurants and entertainment options.  Christopher Chan Getty Images

Union Square's big heart is a popular photo op with travelers. What makes it so unique is that the art featured on the heart changes regularly.  miramar2009 Flickr

The Castro is the center of the LGBTQ community in San Francisco. It's also historic for serving as a hub for the gay rights movement in the 1970s. Marco Simoni Getty Images

There may not be a city more synonmous with fog than San Francisco and though it can create difficult travel conditions, it does make for a beautiful photo, depending on where you are. Ropelato Photography, EarthScapes Getty Images

San Francisco's Ferry Building Marketplace should be at the top of every foodie's travel itinerary. It features plenty of stalls for ready-made meals, snacks and grocery items. rramirez125 Getty Images

San Francisco's famous cable cars are best experienced hanging out the side as you go down one of the city's steep hills. Wonwoo Lee Getty Images

AT&T Park, home to the San Francisco Giants, is situated on the shores of the San Francisco Bay. On top of great views of the bay, baseball fans enjoy the delectable fare found here. Anna Fox Flickr

This Mission District park is famous for its views of the city, as well as the numerous residents who congregate at the park for one big party on Sundays.  photo_chaz Getty Images

Located on more than 1,000 acres of land, Golden Gate Park is full of trails, gardens and plenty of picnic areas. mcswin Getty Images

Muir Beach is one of the few beaches accessible at the Muir Woods National Monument. The overlook hiking trail is a popular spot for hiking and makes for excellent photo ops. BristolDen Getty Images

The California Academy of Sciences houses an aquarium, a natural history museum, a planetarium and an indoor rainforest dome all in one complex. Anne Petersen Flickr

A visitor favorite, Twin Peaks offers stunning views of the City by the Bay. phitha Getty Images

Baker Beach's incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge makes it one of California's best beaches. Naotake Murayama Flickr

San Francisco's hills are so tall, you won't fully understand their grandeur until you experience them for yourself. While there are plenty of public transporation options, you'll likely have to hoof it at least once during your journey. dschnarrs Getty Images

San Francisco's Chinatown is touted as being the oldest in North America as well as one of the largest outside of Asia. Thomas Hawk Flickr

San Francisco sourdough bread is must-try when visiting the City by the Bay. For the quintessential experience, grab a clam chowder bread bowl at Boudin's, the creators of the famous bread. Nigel Killeen Getty Images

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate strait, the mile-wide, 3-mile-long channel between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Seeing it from the water below is a unique vantage point. Moment Getty Images

Located on the edge of The Presidio in the Marina District, The Palace of the Fine Arts is one of the most photographed sites in San Francisco.  jpellgen Flickr

The Exploratorium is a "learning laboratory" that features more than 600 hands-on exhibits enjoyed by both kids and adults.  Chris Chabot Flickr

Many travelers choose to take a stroll along the Golden Gate Bridge. EyeEm Getty Images

The illuminated Golden Gate Bridge is quite a sight a night. EyeEm Getty Images

The Conservatory of Flowers is a greenhouse, botanical garden and historic landmark of traditional wooden Victorian architecture in Golden Gate Park. f8grapher Getty Images

You'll find a smattering of produce at the Ferry Building Marketplace, which has vendors selling all types of food and drink. Todd Fong Photography Getty Images

Delicious bread by ACME Bread Co. can be found in a stall at the Ferry Building Marketplace. Rebeca Anchondo Flickr

The rear of the Ferry Building Marketplace overlooks the water, offers outdoor seating and is a spot to catch ferries to Sausalito and Oakland. heyengel Getty Images

Rebeca Anchondo Flickr

M Mortati Flickr