San Francisco is a city that loves to entertain.

The Golden Gate Bridge, perhaps the city’s most famous landmark, affords breathtaking vistas to those lured to its secured walking and bicycling path. Just make sure you avoid the walk on a foggy day—or you won’t see a thing. Lombard Street, the city’s crookedness street with 8 switchbacks, provides the more adventurous traveler a dizzying car ride down its 27% grade.

During the Christmas season, visitors can take in a performance of The Nutcracker by the San Francisco Ballet. Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker was first performed in the United States by the San Francisco Ballet in 1944. Today’s version takes its theme from the 1915 Pan Pacific Exposition held in San Francisco and boasts both fabulous performances by the ballet company and sensuous costumes from the period.

No visit to San Francisco is complete without taking in a performance of Beach Blanket Babylon. The show, which began in 1974, is America's longest-running musical revue. Spoofing pop and political culture, performers wear disproportionately large hats/wigs and gaudy costumes while performing satirical renditions of popular songs. The principal plot revolves around Snow White searching the world for a "Prince Charming." On her travels, she encounters topical characters such as President Barack Obama and Sarah Palin as well as long running characters Tina Turner, Carmen Miranda, and Elvis Presley. Beach Blanket Babylon can be seen at Club Fugazi in the North Beach district of San Francisco.

Year round, plays can be taken in at the American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) just off the Union Square shopping district. Or visitors can see Broadway plays or musicals such as Cats or Wicked at the Orpheum Theater.

The Orpheum, itself, is a showcase of artistry enveloping visitors in dramatic décor reflective of a 12th century Spanish palace. Magnificent carved doors lead into the lobby. Full-bodied lions ring the ceiling and mythical figures from Spanish folklore surround you as you walk down the aisles. An ornate sun with twinkling stars softly illuminates the seating area.

Just up the street from the Orpheum is the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts where, from May to October, events include jazz concerts, art displays, poetry readings and puppet shows. Located nearby is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). And across town are the two sites of the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco—the Legion of Honor located in Lincoln Park and the deYoung Museum located in Golden Gate Park.

Next to the de Young is Stern Grove where every summer for the past 73 years free concerts are held. Past performances have included the San Francisco Symphony as well as Luciano Pavarotti.

Whatever time of year you decide to visit San Francisco you can count on a wide array of entertaining experiences.