Things to do in Lafayette

The Golden Gate Bridge stretches 2.7 kilometres across the opening of San Francisco Bay out to the Pacific Ocean, otherwise known as the “Golden Gate”. As one of the most photographed bridges in the world, it never fails to inspire both visitors and locals with its sheer size and beauty. Although often covered in mist, it’s worth waiting for a clear day for your own photo opportunity, although crossing it on foot shouldn’t be missed whatever the weather.

Visit Oracle Park for more than simply watching a San Francisco Giants game. Tour this privately financed ballpark, known for its breathtaking views, charm and character. This is the city’s replacement for notoriously windy Candlestick Park.

The star attraction at Fisherman’s Wharf is the noisy colony of sea lions that live and play on the floating docks of Pier 39. Barking, belching, playing and sleeping, these amusing creatures are a big hit with both locals and visitors.

Designed in 1871 by park commissioner William Hall, the Golden Gate Park is over five kilometres long and 800 metres wide, and a favourite spot for residents and visitors to walk, meet, relax and picnic. Over 405 hectares of landscaped gardens and walking trails through woods and lakes make the park a green oasis in one of the USA’s most vibrant cities. Starting at the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood, the park runs all the way down to the Pacific Coast.

A one-block section of Lombard Street shows the steepness of San Francisco’s hills in a unique way. The redbrick road makes eight hairpin turns as it goes downhill from Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street. See this famous spot, one of the beloved quirks of the City by the Bay.

Between 1934 and 1963, the prison on Alcatraz Island housed criminals such as the likes of Al Pacino, Alvin Carpis and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Standing on the mainland and gazing out to the rocky island, it’s not difficult to see why Alcatraz law-breakers of the day were filled with such dread at the utterance of its name, with its stormy weather and bleak isolation.

The longest running military base in US history, Presidio Military Reservation was set up by the Spanish in 1776. After a brief occupation by the Mexicans, the Americans held the outpost until 1994. Today, it’s a National Historical Landmark District.