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San Francisco is known worldwide for its hills, but the City by the Bay is also nicely accessible to wheelchair-users and slow walkers. It's actually a city of neighborhoods, with hills in between them, so as long as you stay within one neighborhood, you're unlikely to encounter any hills. Of course, there are exceptions, but accessible transportation is also available. Don't be afraid to explore San Francisco because of its terrain.

Fisherman's Wharf is the best place to start your accessible San Francisco tour, as it offers a wide variety of food options, lots of street entertainment and the best people-watching west of the Mississippi. You'll find plenty of curb-cuts, accessible parking and level access throughout the wharf area.

Getting there is fun too. Just hop on the historic F-line, enjoy a city tour, and stop off at Fisherman's Wharf along the way. The fare is a bargain $1.50, and the F-line vintage streetcars offer roll-on access via boarding platforms and wayside lifts. It can get a bit crowded, but it's a fun way to experience San Francisco.

Another San Francisco must-see is Alcatraz Island. Transportation to Alcatraz Island is provided by Alcatraz Cruises, and departs from Pier 33, just a short walk from Fisherman's Wharf. If you'd prefer to ride, the F-Line also stops near there. All Alcatraz Cruises boats are nicely accessible, with boarding ramps and accessible restrooms. Make sure you buy your tickets well in advance though, as same day tickets are rarely available for this very popular tour.

After the short 15-minute bay crossing, the historic cell block is a short quarter-mile walk up a rather steep hill. Rest assured though, if you can't make the walk, a wheelchair-accessible tram transorts visitors to and from the dock every hour.

Bear in mind, Alcatraz is an old site and it has some uneven patches of concrete and a few tight spots here and there, but relatively speaking, the access is good. Recent access improvements include the addition of an elevator to the second floor of the cell block. For a colorful tour of the prison, pick up the new audio tour which is narrated by former inmates and prison guards.

Once you're back on the mainland, be sure and visit the Hyde Street Pier, just west of Fisherman's Wharf. Here you'll find a sampling of vessels found on the bay at the turn of the nineteenth century. You can get a good look at most of the ships from the pier, but the Eureka Ferry offers roll-on access. Be sure and have a look at the collection of vintage automobiles on her car deck.

For a different look at the waterfront area and a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge, catch a cab down to Crissy Field, San Francisco's newest national park. Accessible taxi service is available through Yellow Cab, which has ramp-equipped taxi vans.

As part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Crissy Field offers visitors over 100 acres of open space where the city meets the bay. This former airfield now boasts a restored tidal marsh, miles of hard packed dirt trails and a great bay view. Two all terrain wheelchairs are available for free loan at the Crissy Field Center. Reservations, which are accepted but not required, can be made at (415) 561-7752.

If you'd prefer a more structured tour of the city, there are a number of accessible options, including several self-guided walking tours from On the Level Tours. These excellent tour booklets contain an introductory description of the area, easy to follow directions and a map with the points of interest clearly marked. Guided tours are also offered by On the Level, with fees based on a sliding scale. Additionally, company founder, Marilyn Strake conducts a free guided tour of the Presidio on the first Friday of every month. All On the Level routes are accessible to wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

And don't forget to get your free copy of Access San Francisco from the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau. Compiled by Access Northern California (ANC), this excellent resource includes access details on over 100 San Francisco-area attractions, restaurants and hotels, plus information on accessible transportation, local disability organizations, wheelchair rentals and medical supply dealers.

Don't let a few hills discourage you. Pack your bags and head for San Francisco.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of Barrier Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide For Wheelers and Slow Walkers. Visit her blog for access news, resources and industry updates.