It is difficult to believe that this lively, cosmopolitan city is under constant threat from earthquake, the only rumble being that of the famous cable cars as they vie up and down the city’s hilly roads.

A boat trip is a great way to see Fisherman’s Wharf, various maritime museums, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, former home of Robert ‘The Birdman’ Stroud, Machine Gun Kelly and Al Capone.

Built in 1776, San Francisco’s first stone building, Mission Dolores, still stands today. Led by the Franciscan Padres, the Christianised Indians built a church, in the cemetery of which many of the city’s original settlers were laid to rest.

The Transamerica Pyramid has become the city’s most famous landmark. Earthquake proof, having been built on hydraulic spring foundations, the 260 metre high pyramid structure is situated in the heart of the Financial District.

Located between three hills, San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest Chinese settlement outside Asia, pagoda’s, colourful bunting, decorated balconies and Chinese characters combining with the sounds and exotic aromas of this fascinating area.

The Painted Ladies are charming Victorian wooden houses situated on the fringe of Alamo Square and the Haas Lilienthal House is a well-maintained jewel of a bygone era.

In San Francisco, history and modernity combine and give the visitor, “That California Feeling!”