This article was published on December 8th, 2013

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves to explore, pack your bags and head to San Francisco. Here are five unique, distinct and fun things that you can do in one weekend in San Francisco…

History buffs get your tickets to Alcatraz. The famous island, known as The Rock, is located 2.4 km (1.5 miles), off the shores of San Francisco. Alcatraz is home to the now decommissioned military and federal prison and the oldest operating lighthouse on the west coast of the United States. Alcatraz was ideal because it is surrounded by frigid waters and it was believed that prisons would never be able to swim through the bay back to the mainland and survive. It became a national landmark in 1986.

The cable cars are a fun activity and a great way to see the hilly city. The cable cars are pulled through the city along a special network of underground cables. The cable house has a massive bull wheel pulling the miles and miles of cables, which keeps the cars moving. Riders can hop off and on at points throughout the city including downtown and Fisherman’s Warf.

Dive in to the local food and craft scene at The Station for the Farmers Market. The market has an amazing selection of fresh, locally grown produce, jams and jellies, oils and balsamic vinegars, baked goods and handmade crafts. The Station is also home to a number of fantastic dining options including a Vietnamese tapas bar, premium coffee bars with locally roasted beans, and handmade ice cream.

If famous landmarks are on your list, head the famous Golden Gate Bridge. It’s one of the most iconic bridges in the world. It spans 1,280 meters (4,200 ft), and was the longest bridge in the world when it opened in 1937 until it was surpassed in 1964. The Golden Gate Bridge is often cloaked in fog, a common occurrence for the bay city. The toll bridge is easily see from many lookout points in Fisherman’s Warf or from the bike trails in the parks around the bridge. There are tons of other bridges in the area, including the Bay Bridge, another architectural marvel.

If unusual is more your style or if you love high-end cars, check out Lombard Street. It is the windiest streets in San Francisco, with eight hairpin turns in the span of just one block in the Russian Hill district. The street is a non-stop line-up of vehicles wanting to go down the twisty road. The parade of cars is mostly high-end luxury automobiles like Porches’, Ferraris’, and Lamborghinis’ and pimped out Cadillac Escalades.

Be budget conscious on this trip. Take in both the free activities, like the market, but also pick up a San Francisco CityPASS. It’s the only way to go. Save up to 42% on admission and access to five San Francisco attractions, including the cable cars and Alcatraz.

For more information on things to do and where to stay in San Francisco, check out the San Francisco Travel website.