16-Day California Free Travel

The highlight of today's itinerary is Alcatraz Island, famously featured in the 1996 film "The Rock" starring Nicolas Cage. Originally a military fortress, it was later transformed into an impenetrable prison until March 21, 1963, when the last batch of inmates left the island. Since then, this isolated sea prison has become a popular tourist destination. The tour includes a Chinese audio guide that shares many lesser-known stories about the prison. After returning to the port, I strolled along the waterfront towards the Golden Gate Bridge, covering a distance of approximately 4.5 miles in about two hours. Walking closer to the bridge, the red line that initially looked as thin as a matchstick became increasingly striking. Upon reaching Fort Point, I was completely awestruck by its grandeur and beauty. This historic military fort was a significant site during the American Civil War. On the way back, I visited Lombard Street, a scenic steep street with eight hairpin turns, offering stunning views of the bridge, Coit Tower, and the bay. 📸 Alcatraz Island Federal Prison This iconic location, featured in Nicolas Cage's movie "The Rock," is the highlight of our itinerary. Initially a military defense fortress, it was converted in 1934 into one of the world's most secure prisons. After the last batch of inmates left on March 21, 1963, the island transformed into a tourist attraction. The audio guide supports Chinese, allowing visitors to hear the dark stories and escape legends of the prison. 🚋 Bay Area Antique Cable Cars Ride the classic Hyde–Powell antique cable car, passing through Russian Hill with breathtaking views. More than just transportation, these cars are a living piece of San Francisco's cultural history, offering stunning cityscapes along the way. 🏰 Fort Point A 4.5-mile (approximately 2-hour) walk leads to Fort Point, a Civil War-era military fortress guarding the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Despite the passage of time, it remains steadfast. Standing here and looking up at the Golden Gate Bridge, the majestic view and historical ambiance feel like stepping into a time machine. 🌉 Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoint Get up close to this engineering marvel, often referred to as the "red matchstick curve." Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects the city to the ocean, turning iconic postcard images into reality. 🌺 Lombard Street Known as the "world's crookedest street," this steep road with eight hairpin turns was redesigned in 1922 to reduce its original 27% grade. With red brick paving, lush greenery, and Victorian-style mansions, it's a must-visit for stunning photos. Strolling along the path offers views of the bay, Coit Tower, and the charm of North Beach. 🛍 Westfield San Francisco Centre A shopping haven in the city center, featuring luxury brands, diverse dining options, and entertainment facilities. After a day of exploring, recharge at the department store's dining area. It's the perfect way to end the itinerary. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendation: Hotel Windsor Located in the city center, this historic-style hotel combines elegant vintage charm with modern comfort. Its convenient location makes it an excellent choice for experiencing San Francisco life. ✨ Itinerary Summary From the sunlit Alcatraz Island to the historically rich Fort Point, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to Lombard Street, and finally recharging at the bustling Westfield shopping center, this journey blends history, architecture, culture, and scenic beauty. With Chinese audio guides, antique cable cars, hairpin-turn streets, and spectacular ocean views, every step is a memory worth cherishing.