San Francisco has a rich history dating back centuries. Originally settled by the Ohlone tribe and signed to the United States in 1848, modern day journeymen can visit these historic sites to get a taste of what made this city.
Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary:
The most famous prison in the world is situated on Alcatraz Island and just a ferry ride from Pier 33. Once home to infamous criminals like Al Capone and Whitey Bulger, the prison has a reputation for having an eerie atmosphere, though that doesn’t stop more than 1.5 million people from visiting the island every year.
The only Victorian era home in San Francisco to withstand the test of time, this house is now open as a museum to preserve the city’s architectural history. Designed by Bavarian architect Peter R. Schmidt, the exterior contains several Victorian features and is primarily a Queen Anne style. The home also contains authentic furniture and artifacts and is the only private home to be open to the public.
The Cliff House, San Francisco © Vasart234 | Dreamstime
Camera Obscura on the Cliff House:
Located just north of Ocean Beach, the Camera Obscura was built in 1946 on the terrace of the Cliff House. A rotating metal hood allows light to enter the building, and through a set of mirrors and lenses, the device projects a moving image of its surroundings onto a table in the black room. The Cliff House is also more than 150 years old and houses two restaurants.
The oldest continuously operating movie theater in San Francisco originally opened its doors in 1909 as the C.H. Brown Theater. It had a tumultuous history, undergoing several name changes and renovations. In 2010, it was re-established as a community based non-profit and has since become an oasis for the independent film community.
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