Choose from 126 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco
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Cable Car Museum
Amongst its famous hills and winding streets, the cable cars of San Francisco have become perhaps the most iconic part of the famous city. Though they have a historic feel, the cable cars remain both a draw for visitors and a part of the city’s public transportation today.
The subtle sound of the cables running underneath the tracks is only the first clue as to how this classic transportation system works. The city’s Cable Car Museum goes into greater depth about functionality and history of the cars. You can learn about how and when they were first developed, as well as see three original cars from the 1870s. All of the system’s mechanical parts are on display, from the brake to the grips, as well as a large collection of historic photographs that take you back in time. There’s also the chance to go underground and view a subterranean cable in operation.
Practical Info
Located in the Nob Hill area of San Francisco, you’ll find the Cable Car Museum at the corner of Washington and Mason Streets. It’s open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (or 5 pm from November to March) and is free to visit. Both the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines stop at the museum.
Address: 1201 Mason Street, San Francisco, California 94108, USA
Hours: Daily from 10 am - 6 pm (5 pm Nov-Mar)
From $ 79
AT&T Park
Home to the San Francisco Giants major league baseball team (winners of the 2010, 2012, and 2014 World Series Championships), AT&T Park is known for its waterfront setting on San Francisco Bay. This ballpark also features better-than-average stadium food, from Dungeness crab tacos to Hawaiian-style poke to Ghirardelli chocolate sundaes.
The Basics
Located in the South Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, AT&T Park is set apart from most of San Francisco’s tourist attractions. To visit, attend a baseball game or take a behind-the-scenes tour. Alternate views can be enjoyed from a seaplane or helicopter tour, or on a bay cruise. Visitors with access to a boat or kayak can even drift around McCovey Cove and wait for homerun balls (“splash hits”) that drop into the water.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring a jacket, beanie, and other warm layers; summer night game in San Francisco are usually cold, especially if you sit in the “view level.”
- A Guest Services Station is located behind home plate on the Promenade Level, where you can ask about wheelchairs, public transport, assistive listening devices, and more.
- Accessible seating is available throughout the stadium.
- Elevators are located at each of the four entrances to the ballpark.
- There are four main entrances: Willie Mays Gate at 3rd and King streets, Lefty O'Doul Gate at 3rd and Berry, Marina Gate behind center field, and the 2nd and King Street Gate.
How to Get There
AT&T Park sits at the southern end of the Embarcadero, bounded by King Street, 2nd Street, 3rd Street, and San Francisco Bay. N and T light-rail lines stop at the King and Second station, and a Caltrain station is one block away. Or, take the 10, 30, or 45 city bus. Paid parking lots are just south of the stadium but this is a congested urban area and public transport is recommended.
When to Get There
The Major League Baseball season runs from roughly early April to early October, followed by the postseason, which extends through the month of October. If you can’t make it to a game or aren’t interested in baseball, you can still visit the venue at one of the other events held throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and Cirque du Soleil shows.
21st Amendment Brewery
Pre-gaming is one of the best parts of going to any sporting event, and 21st Amendment Brewery is a popular spot to enjoy beer and pub-style food before a Giants game. Located on 2nd Street just two blocks from the ballpark, 21st Amendment produces local favorites like Hell or High Watermelon wheat beer, Brew Free! or Die IPA, and El Sully Mexican-style lager.
Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, on King Street, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, San Francisco 94107, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Asian Art Museum
Journey through Asia—without embarking on an overseas trip—in this museum dedicated to art from the region. During your stay in San Francisco, view artworks spanning different periods in history and contemporary art from cultural regions, such as India, Japan, China, and Korea.
The Basics
The Asian Art Museum takes visitors on a comprehensive tour of the major cultural regions in Asia. From Iran to Indonesia, the Himalayas to Malaysia, galleries include sculptures and paintings, sacred objects, and historical photographs, arranged to provide a detailed picture of the vast region’s differing cultures. Masterpieces, such as the Buddha Triumphing over Mara, a stone sculpture from India dating to the 900s, are interwoven into the collections.
The San Francisco Explorer Pass and Go card include admission to the Asian Art Museum. Hop-on-hop-off bus tours also stop here.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Asian Art Museum is known for its popular and immersive cultural programming, much of which must be booked in advance.
- All of the museum’s entrances are accessible to people using wheeled devices.
- A special effort is made to include children in the museum’s programming. There are even before-hours stroller tours for moms, dads, and caregivers for the 0–2 set.
- Tickets to evening programs are sold separately.
- The Exploratorium’s on-site restaurant, Sunday at the Museum, is very popular and lines can be long. Visit after 1pm to avoid the longest lines.
How to Get There
The Asian Art Museum is located at San Francisco’s Civic Center and is easily accessed by public transportation. On BART, exit at Civic Center/Larkin Street. Muni J, K, L, M, N, and T streetcar lines all stop within a block of the museum near Larkin and Market streets. San Francisco Muni bus lines, 5, 6, 7, 21, 47, and 48 also make stops at Civic Center.
When to Get There
The Asian Art Museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10am–5pm, extending until 9pm Thursdays, February through September. The museum is closed on Mondays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. During events and festival days, such as Lunar New Year, the museum and on-site restaurant are extremely busy. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Sunday at the Museum
The museum recently invited local chef Deuki Hong and restaurateurs Andrew Chau and Bin Chen of Boba Guys milk tea to take over its on-site restaurant, Sunday at the Museum. A sample of the menu of Asian flavors include Hong’s classic Korean fried chicken sandwich, soy-chili-garlic chicken wings, and miso avocado toast on Japanese milk bread, and milk tea, of course.
Address: 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, California, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Golden Gate Park
The 1,000-plus acres (412 hectares) of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park are home to museums, picnic sites, lakes, golf, hiking and biking paths, concerts, and more. From the attraction-laden east end to the wilder west side where bison roam, the park offers plenty of ways to relax, get a culture fix, exercise, or gather with friends.
The Basics
Sitting between the Richmond and Sunset districts, Golden Gate Park stretches about 50 blocks across San Francisco from Ocean Beach on the western edge to the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. The de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences are the two main cultural institutions (with entrance fees) and sit conveniently near each other at the Music Concourse. The Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco Botanical Garden, Shakespeare Garden, National AIDS Memorial Grove, and Stow Lake are other popular attractions in this tourist-heavy section of the park. Moving west toward the Pacific Ocean, the park spreads out with more trails (both paved and dirt), a 9-hole golf course, disc golf, meadows that host annual music festivals, windmills, and even a bison paddock. Park Segway tours and bike rentals are the top ways to explore.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free street parking is available around the park in some locations, and a parking garage is set near the de Young and California Academy of Sciences.
- John F. Kennedy Drive is closed on Sundays and holidays from Kezar Drive to Transverse Drive. It’s also closed on Saturdays from April through September from 8th Avenue to Transverse Drive.
- Roads inside the park close occasionally for special events; signs will be posted.
- Food and drinks can be found at the de Young Café, the Beach Chalet, the California Academy Café, and the Stow Lake Boathouse, as well as at snack stands.
How to Get There
The No. 5 bus on the city’s Muni network stops at entrances to the park on the northern edge, along Fulton Street. Taxis and ride-sharing vehicles are allowed to pull up in front of the de Young and California Academy of Sciences for drop-off only.
When to Get There
San Francisco offers mild weather most of the year, so the park is enjoyable nearly every day (just be sure to wear layers). Music lovers may want to visit for the annual Outside Lands Music Festival in August or the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in October. Beware the city’s famous fog, affectionately known as Karl, which rolls in from the ocean in July and August, giving San Francisco its chilly summers.
The Golden Gate Park Bison Paddock
The most unusual thing about this city park is its bison paddock, home to a herd of American bison since the 1890s. Stumbling upon the animals is a delightful surprise for many visitors who make it to the western section of the park. To find the meadow, head along John F. Kennedy Drive just west of Spreckels Lake. Hopefully you’ll catch them near the fence, but know that they’re not always in view.
Address: Fell and Stanyan Streets, San Francisco 94118, USA
Hours: Daily. Closed (except for through traffic) 10pm-6am
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Half Moon Bay
Between San Francisco and Santa Cruz sits Half Moon Bay, a sleepy beach resort community with a population not quite reaching 12,000 people. The Victorian-era Main Street harkens back to its early days as a tourist destination in the 1800s when it slowly evolved from a fishing village with a Spanish mission to a booming town with a major stagecoach depot.
Many of the town’s historic buildings now house upscale restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, but the coast is the real draw here. While temperatures can fluctuate quickly, the long stretch of beach, parts of it now lined with multimillion dollar estates, draws surfers, students and weekend picnickers throughout the year. If you’re looking to catch big waves, head to Maverick’s at Pillar Point, but be sure to wear a wetsuit.
During the winter months, whale watching excursions depart from Pillar Point to see gray whales and sometimes orcas make their way south and back north again. In the summer, you can still spot some marine wildlife in the colorful tide pools of the James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
Many of the town’s historic buildings now house upscale restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, but the coast is the real draw here. While temperatures can fluctuate quickly, the long stretch of beach, parts of it now lined with multimillion dollar estates, draws surfers, students and weekend picnickers throughout the year. If you’re looking to catch big waves, head to Maverick’s at Pillar Point, but be sure to wear a wetsuit.
During the winter months, whale watching excursions depart from Pillar Point to see gray whales and sometimes orcas make their way south and back north again. In the summer, you can still spot some marine wildlife in the colorful tide pools of the James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
Address: Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA
From $ 94
Grace Cathedral
Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Nob Hill neighborhood, the Gothic-style Grace Cathedral is best known for its stained-glass windows that depict modern figures such as Thurgood Marshall, Robert Frost, and Albert Einstein. The church’s commitment to social issues is showcased in its AIDS Memorial Chapel, which houses a bronze altarpiece by activist Keith Haring.
The Basics
Some San Francisco city tours stop at Grace Cathedral. Wander the Episcopal church on your own—including a walk through the indoor or outdoor labyrinth for inner peace, prayer, and solstice—or download the app for a self-guided tour. On select days, there is a 90-minute paid tour to visit parts of the church that are not accessible to the general public. Services are offered throughout the week, and a yoga class on the indoor labyrinth is offered on Tuesday evenings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cathedral is free to enter.
- While the cathedral itself is not open 24 hours, visitors are welcome to walk the outdoor labyrinth at any time of day.
- This remains a functioning, religious site, so remember to be respectful when visiting.
- Grace Cathedral is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Grace Cathedral is best accessed via public transportation. The California Street Cable Car stops in front of the church, the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines are two blocks away, and MUNI buses 1 and 27 stop in the vicinity. If arriving by car, there’s a paid parking garage at the cathedral or across the street at the Masonic Center. Daytime street parking is metered and limited to two hours.
When to Get There
Grace Cathedral is open from 8am to 6pm most days, and there isn’t a bad time to visit. If you want to see the cathedral in action, plan to attend a service. Various events are offered throughout the year, so check the calendar in advance.
Other Attractions Near Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral presides over the centrally located neighborhood of Nob Hill, also home to the historical Fairmont and Mark Hopkins hotels. San Francisco’s iconic cable cars traverse the neighborhood, making it easily accessible from Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Cable Car Museum, Chinatown, and the Financial District are all within walking distance.
Address: 1100 California Street, San Francisco 94108, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 25
Grgich Hills Estate
Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Grgich Hills Estate is a family-oriented winery committed to natural wine growing and sustainability with a history of excellence.
Founder and winemaker Mike Grgich is nearly as famous as his wines, thanks to his 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris Tasting – thus firmly putting Napa on the map as a wine-making region to contend with (and inspiring the movie Bottle Shock). The legend himself still tours the picturesque landscape daily, so it is possible to run into the kind and spritely gentleman while on a tour of this fabulous estate.
Practical Info
Grgich Hills Estate is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm Tours and tastings are available, as is the signature Grape Stomping event come harvest. Grgich Hills Estate is a stop on the Napa Valley Wine Train tour.
Address: 1829 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, CA 94573, USA
Hours: Daily 9:30am-4:30pm
From $ 0
Monterey Bay Aquarium
One of the top aquariums in the United States, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is not just home to hundreds of marine animals—the nonprofit organization is also known for its dedication to ocean conservation. With its Pacific Coast location on Monterey Bay, this California aquarium enjoys a prime spot to highlight marine environments and educate the public about protecting wildlife. Visitors will find some 200 exhibits and galleries featuring more than 600 species of marine mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates.
The Basics
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-visit for families with kids and wildlife lovers on any trip to Monterey. Book tickets in advance to save time when you arrive, or book a guided day trip from San Francisco for round-trip transportation from the city. Tours in the area typically also visit Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea or make the 17-Mile Drive. Admission tickets provide access to shows and exhibit areas such as the Kelp Forest, Life on the Bay, and the Open Sea, while allowing visitors to see sea otters and giant Pacific octopuses.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most travelers spend between two and three hours here.
- An on-site café, restaurant, and coffee bar each offers food and drinks.
- The aquarium is accessible, with complimentary wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Lockers are available to rent to store belongings.
- Free on-site WiFi is available.
How to Get There
The aquarium is located about 115 miles (185 kilometers) south of San Francisco (about two hours by road) and 43 miles (69 kilometers) from Santa Cruz, with parking available at the Cannery Row Parking Garage. If you’re already in Monterey, biking to the aquarium along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is a great way to arrive, as is the free MST Trolley. The museum sits along Cannery Row, Monterey’s historic waterfront street made famous by author John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name.
When to Get There
The aquarium is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Summer and the winter holidays are the most popular times of year to go to the aquarium—try visiting on weekdays to avoid the crowds. Fall and winter generally see fewer visitors.
Aquarium Experiences
To dive deeper into the underwater world of the aquarium, tours and activities are available, most for an additional fee. These include kids’ scuba diving experiences and sleepovers, guided behind-the-scenes tours, and sea otter conservation tours.
Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 50
Fort Mason
Fort Mason’s use as a military site dates to 1864, but it’s now part of Golden Gate National Recreation Center. The 13-acre (5-hectare) site houses art spaces, a bar, restaurant, and coffee shop and is also known as the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture. Its Great Meadow is a favorite for a warm-weather picnic.
The Basics
Similar to the Presidio, Fort Mason morphed from a military base into an urban national park, with events, festivals, a farmers market, art spaces, and concessions all on the grounds. Its prime location on the San Francisco Bay waterfront, between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Marina District, makes it easy to visit on foot. You can bike through on a tour to the Golden Gate Bridge, or admire it from the water on a bay cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fort Mason is divided into an upper section and lower section, with the Great Meadow sloping between.
- There is a paid parking lot on site.
- A visitor center is open on weekdays only.
- Fort Mason is mostly wheelchair accessible, including paved pathways surrounding the Great Meadow.
How to Get There
From Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s easy to bike or walk to Fort Mason. MUNI buses 28, 30, 47, and 49 stop outside the fort. If you drive, there’s an on-site parking lot. The main entrance is located at Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, but you can also enter from Bay Street.
When to Get There
Big events such as beer and wine festivals and craft fairs take place in the festival pavilions and draw big crowds—the Renegade Craft Fair every November is popular. The weekly farmers market and the Off the Grid food truck gathering are local favorites.
Ghirardelli Square
Walk a block down North Point Street from Fort Mason’s eastern edge to reach Ghirardelli Square, a red-bricked multilevel retail center that is recognizable by the large “Ghirardelli” sign. Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, the square is home to shops, restaurants, and a wine-tasting room, but its staple is the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop.
Address: 2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, California, USA, USA
From $ 31
Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle, perched along California’s Central Coast, is the ostentatious creation of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan. This 90,000-square-foot (8,361-square-meter) estate comprises 165 rooms and 127 acres (51.4 hectares) of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways—all now open to the gawking public.
The Basics
Construction of Hearst’s Moorish-style castle began in 1919, and it was his private residence until his death in 1951. La Cuesta Encantada, which means “enchanted hill,” opened to visitors in 1958. Today Hearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark. The home is furnished with items collected on Mr. Hearst’s travels, such as monastery ceilings, Byzantine tapestries, Spanish and Italian artworks, and gaping fireplaces from Gothic castles. In its heyday, Hearst Castle also boasted the world’s largest private zoo.
To see any of the castle or grounds, you must purchase one of the tours offered. The Grand Rooms Tour, which includes the Assembly Room, refectory, gardens, theater, Neptune Pool, and Roman Pool, is the most popular. Highlights on other tours include the Casa Grande, the guest houses, and Casa del Sol, in addition to the main house. Evening tours are also available—a great way to beat the Central Coast’s summer heat.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Reserve tickets or a tour ahead of time for this popular attraction; admission is available up to 56 days in advance on the site.
- There is a handicap- and wheelchair-accessible tour available in the evening during spring and fall that skips much of the walking and stair climbing.
- The only dining option with food for purchase is at the Visitor Center.
- Temperatures in San Simeon can be high in the summer, and there is a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing involved.
How to Get There
Reach Hearst Castle from the north via Highway 101 to Paso Robles. The castle’s entrance is about five miles (eight kilometers) inland, atop the Santa Lucia Range, about five miles (eight kilometers) north of Hearst San Simeon State Park. Alternatively, book a tour from Paso Robles or Los Angeles that includes transportation.
When to Get There
Hearst Castle is open from 9am every day, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Summer temperatures can be quite high; a spring or fall visit is lovely. Holiday time at the castle brings the Holiday Twilight Tour, with twinkling lights and decorations galore.
Star Power
During Hearst’s heyday in the 1920s and ’30s, he often entertained stars from Hollywood and members of the political elite. Famous guests included politicos Winston Churchill, Calvin Coolidge, and Franklin Roosevelt; and entertainers Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Joan Crawford, the Marx Brothers, and Greta Garbo.
Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, USA
Hours: Varies by season
Admission: Adult: $25; Child $12
From $ 845
Grateful Dead House
On a quiet street in the Haight district of San Francisco, this purple painted Victorian house stands as the former dwelling of the band Grateful Dead. Street art depicting guitarist Jerry Garcia can be found on the sidewalks in front of the house. The timing was such that the band lived there from 1965-68, including during the famed “Summer of Love” in 1967. San Francisco was the center of the “flower power” hippie movement, and the Haight became known for its Bohemian lifestyle and the birth of several new musical genres.
All five members of the rock band lived in the house, which became known after the drug raid in 1967 for the possession of marijuana. It is claimed that it was in this house that the Grateful Dead’s distinctive musical style was born, as well as its naming by Jerry Garcia. Fans of the band, or “Deadheads,” can often be found making a pilgrimage to pay their respects to the musicians.
Practical Info
The house is located at 710 Ashbury Street in the famous Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco. It is a private residence and only the exterior can be viewed.
Address: 710 Ashbury Street, San Francisco, California, USA 94117, USA
From $ 48
De Young Museum
If de Young Museum’s Herzog & de Meuron architectural design doesn’t capture your attention, the bird’s-eye view of Golden Gate Park from the observation tower will. Wander the collections of Oceanic and American art, as well as galleries of impressive textiles and decorative arts.
The Basics
The M.H. de Young Memorial Museum’s American collection features 17th- to 21st-century works. Many visitors view pieces from Hudson River School artists. Oceanic art, such as New Zealand Maori wood carvings, and African art, including ancient terra-cotta from Mali, figure prominently. An expansive textile arts collection, including 20th-century couture from European designers, such as Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, and Saint Laurent, is very popular.
The San Francisco CityPASS and Go card, plus a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, include admission to de Young Museum, while other tours, such as self-guided, electric bike, and Segway tours, and Surrey rentals, don’t. Single-admission tickets provide same-day admission to de Young’s partner fine arts museum, the Legion of Honor. Tours don’t include admission to any special exhibits.
Things to Know Before You Go
- de Young Museum is compact and easy to visit in a few hours.
- The small on-site café is very busy at lunchtime and during special exhibitions.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms. It sets aside separate days during new exhibitions to allow visitors who request accommodation to visit when the museum is less crowded.
- Admission for children under 17 is always free. Admission is free to everyone on the first Tuesday of the month.
How to Get There
de Young Museum is in Golden Gate Park, near the California Academy of Sciences, the Hagiwara Tea Garden, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Muni’s 44 O’Shaughnessy, 5 Fulton, 21 Hayes, and N Judah streetcar all stop within walking distance of the entrance. If driving, there’s a parking lot at the Music Concourse and free on-street parking throughout the park. Golden Gate Park is closed to car traffic every Sunday.
When to Get There
de Young is busiest during the summer, on important holidays, and when special exhibitions are held. Arrive during opening at 9:30am for uncrowded galleries and easy parking. In spring and fall, picnickers fill Golden Gate Park. The museum is open Tuesdays–Sundays, 9:30am–5:15pm; it’s closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Dine with a View
de Young Café hosts a popular Weinpause or traditional afternoon wine or coffee break. It also attracts crowds who take in the view of the Barbro Osher Sculpture Garden, which includes works designed to blend in with the natural landscape of Golden Gate Park.
Address: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Half Dome
Iconic Half Dome rises 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above the floor of Yosemite Valley. Perhaps one of the most famous hikes in Yosemite National Park, Half Dome was once considered impossible to climb. Now hundreds of park visitors reach this magnificent granite formation’s summit each day, and countless more gaze at its towering face from below.
The Basics
Spend any time at all in Yosemite, and you’re sure to catch a glimpse of postcard-perfect Half Dome. Sightseeing tours through the park—including full-day and multi-day trips from Fresno, San Francisco, and Los Angeles—offer plenty of views and photo ops of the park’s distinctive peak. For adventure travelers, climbing to the top is somewhat of a rite of passage: The intense round-trip hike is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) with a 4,800-foot (1,463-meter) elevation gain. A guided hike to the top is a full-day affair, and the spectacular panoramic views from the summit are well worth the effort.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Half Dome is a must-see for adventure travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and photographers.
- Hiking Half Dome requires a permit, so be sure to apply well in advance.
- If hiking, wear sturdy and comfortable footwear suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, as well as sun protection, and bring gloves to ascend the metal cables that line the final stretch of the route.
- Along the trail, flush toilets are located at the Vernal Fall Footbridge, and composting toilets are available at Emerald Pool (above Vernal Fall), at the top of Nevada Fall, and in Little Yosemite Valley.
How to Get There
The top of Half Dome is accessible only via a strenuous round-trip hike. If you’re not hiking to the top (or don’t have a permit), take the park shuttle to Sentinel Bridge or drive up to Glacier Point for excellent views of the peak.
When to Get There
The cables that allow visitors to summit Half Dome usually go up just before Memorial Day and come down after Columbus Day, depending on the weather. Never attempt to ascend if you see storm clouds. If you’re in the park around sunset, make your way to Sentinel Bridge to see Half Dome illuminated by the setting sun.
The Infamous Half Dome Cables
One of the most notorious parts of the hike to the top of Half Dome is the last 400 feet (122 meters), where hikers are aided by two metal cables to summit the stone face without the need for rock-climbing equipment. The predecessor to today’s modern cables were laid by George Anderson, when he successfully reached the summit in 1875.
Address: Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 74
Haight-Ashbury
The heart of San Francisco’s 1967 Summer of Love, the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood will forever be associated with the hippie movement and American counterculture. Today the district’s mix of boutiques, smoke shops, vintage stores, restaurants, and bars makes it a favorite among locals. It also has a high concentration of the beautifully restored Victorian homes the city is known for.
The Basics
Visiting the Haight, as it’s known, is mostly about people watching and enjoying the laid-back vibe. Walk up and down Haight Street to visit landmark record store Amoeba Music and the popular Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop, located at the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets.
Many San Francisco city tours will take you past the neighborhood, but opt for a VW van tour, Haight-Ashbury walking tour, or themed hippie tour for a more in-depth experience with a guide, who can often point out places of interest such as where Janis Joplin or the Grateful Dead used to spend their time.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Haight-Ashbury is a must-visit for counterculture history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
- Metered and non-metered street parking is available on and around Haight Street; read the street signs to check time allotments and street-cleaning days.
- Haight Street ends at the eastern edge of Golden Gate Park, making it easy to explore both in the same day.
How to Get There
Haight-Ashbury is in central San Francisco, tucked between the green spaces of Golden Gate Park, its Panhandle, and Buena Vista Park. MUNI buses 6 and 7 have stops along Haight Street, or take the N light rail to the Cole Street stop and walk four blocks north.
When to Get There
To get the full effect of the bustle of Haight Street, go in the late morning, when the shops typically open and lots of folks are out and about; the neighborhood is particularly popular for brunch. The evening scene is also lively, with many dinner options and a hopping bar scene.
The Painted Ladies
It’s just 1 mile from the corner of Haight and Ashbury streets to Alamo Square, a popular city park that draws visitors looking for the Painted Ladies. This multicolored row of Victorian houses is known for being featured in the intro to the television show Full House and also appeared in the 1978 remake of the horror classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Before or after you explore the Haight, head to Alamo Square to enjoy a view of Postcard Row with downtown San Francisco in the background.
Address: Haight and Ashbury Streets, San Francisco 94108, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 30
El Capitan
Yes, it's a big rock, but what makes El Capitan a must-witness sight in Yosemite is the fact that it's the largest exposed-granite monolith in the world. Oh, and people climb it. Rising 3,593 feet (1095 meters)—more than 350 stories—above the Valley, El Capitan was once considered impossible to climb. However, since Warren Harding first conquered the "nose" in 1958, El Capitan has become the standard for big-wall climbing.
Take binoculars to spot the little bits of color that pinpoint adventurous climbers tackling the smooth and nearly vertical cliff.
Take binoculars to spot the little bits of color that pinpoint adventurous climbers tackling the smooth and nearly vertical cliff.
Practical Info
El Capitan is located on the north side of Yosemite Valley, across from Bridalveil Fall; you can get a great view from the pullover at Tunnel View. If you're interested in reaching the top of El Capitan, hike the trail next to Yosemite Falls then head west. If a face-to-face view of El Capitan is more your style, Yosemite Mountaineering School offers climbing lessons to guests of all ages and abilities.
Address: El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA
From $ 74
Exploratorium
San Francisco’s Exploratorium is more than a museum—it’s one giant laboratory. Perched on the downtown waterfront at Pier 15, the Exploratorium brings together science, art, and human perception through interactive, science-based experiences. The Exploratorium is wholly hands-on, with nearly every surface designed to be touched, played on, and engaged with.
The Basics
The Exploratorium, comprising six main galleries on a single floor facing the San Francisco Bay, houses a series of interactive exhibits and touch-me activities that invite—as the name suggests—exploration. From the Tactile Dome to the Tinkering Studio, the Exploratorium invites visitors of all ages to engage with the exhibits to explore the natural world and every individual’s perception of it. Featured themes include the living world, human emotions, and the senses of sight and hearing.
You can buy tickets at the Exploratorium or save time with advance-purchase skip-the-line tickets for the specific date of your visit. The museum is a stop on the hop-on hop-off bus, and entry is included with the San Francisco Go Card, Explorer Pass, and CityPass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Exploratorium is a must for families with children. Young kids and adults who are young at heart will delight in the freedom to play.
- Some exhibits, including the popular San Francisco fog and wind and tide exhibits, are outside. Wear layered clothing and shoes that can get wet.
- While the Exploratorium is oriented toward science and exploration for children, the Thursday evening events such as the Tactile Dome and After Dark attract an adult crowd.
- First-time visitors are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to do. Plan an early arrival to experience as much as possible.
- The on-site restaurant, Seaglass, is very popular. Dine after 1pm to avoid the longest lines.
- The Exploratorium is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers; loaner wheelchairs are available for free at the information desk.
How to Get There
The Exploratorium is served by MUNI’s E and F streetcars. Bus lines 10 and 12 stop a few blocks over, and the Embarcadero BART station is about a 15-minute walk away. If you must drive, there is a paid parking lot at Embarcadero and Green Street, and limited street parking along the Embarcadero before 3pm.
When to Get There
The Exploratorium is open daily from 10am to 5pm; in summer (generally July through August) it’s open 6pm to 10pm Thursday for those 18 and older, and 5pm to 9pm Friday for all ages. It’s an incredibly popular place, and on weekdays it’s often bustling with school and camp groups; late afternoons tend to be quieter.
From the Palace of Fine Arts to Pier 15
The brain child of Frank Oppenheimer, the Exploratorium originally opened in 1969 at the Palace of Fine Arts, the former site of California’s Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915. Oppenheimer’s passion for teaching with hands-on activities and experiences helped transform science education. Working closely with artists, educators, and developers, this first-of-its-kind science museum invited visitors to use more than their eyes to learn. The Exploratorium moved to its new location on the Embarcadero’s Pier 15 in 2013.
Address: Pier 15, San Francisco 94111, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Fort Point National Historic Site
Sitting just below the massive Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point is a National Historic Site that once served to defend the entrance to San Francisco Bay. The brick fort can still be explored on foot today, with the opportunity to learn about the area’s history and the fort’s former military use.
The fort was in operation from the Gold Rush era through World War II, a fascinating time in San Francisco’s history. A visit to the site offers extraordinary, close-up views of San Francisco’s most famous landmark — the Golden Gate Bridge. It is one of only three third-system brick forts on the west coast of the United States. Due to its location and protection of the coastline, it is also known as the “Gibraltar of the West.”
Visitors have the chance to explore Civil War era uniforms, weaponry, and historic photographs on display. With its many floors and wide brick arches, it stands as an excellent example of American military architecture.
Practical Info
Fort Point is open Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and is closed Monday to Thursday. It is located at the end of Marine Drive on the Presidio of San Francisco. To get there by public transportation, take Muni bus 28 or the PresidiGo bus and get off at the bridge toll plaza stop. Limited parking is available. Tours and cannon drills are offered when open. Admission is free.
Address: Long Avenue & Marine Drive, San Francisco, California, USA, USA
Hours: Fri-Sun 10am-5pm
From $ 28
Crissy Field
A wide swath of beach in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area backed by restored wetlands is just part of Crissy Field’s story. An integral part of San Francisco’s waterfront, Crissy Field hosts a yacht harbor, a tidal marsh, and Crissy Promenade—a popular bike and pedestrian path that climbs from the beach to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
The Basics
A favorite playground for locals and dog walkers alike, Crissy Field is easy to explore. A foot and bike path connects Crissy Field to the city’s coastal points from Ghirardelli Square in Fisherman’s Wharf to Fort Mason, the Golden Gate Bridge, and beyond. From the naturally occurring Wave Organ to a broad, beach-bordered tidal marsh, Crissy Field is a great place to experience natural San Francisco while getting stellar views of Alcatraz Island, the Marin headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Tours of the area such as walking and bike tours, surrey rentals, and GoCar tours cover Crissy Field’s natural history and national historic sites as well as the field’s former use as a military base. Tours wend from the eastern edge of Crissy Field to Fort Point and the Golden Gate Bridge. Bike rentals offer a low-key way to explore Crissy Field and the northern side of peninsular San Francisco. To see the area from a fresh perspective, take to the air on a seaplane or helicopter tour, or take a sailboat cruise out onto the bay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Families with kids enjoy the access to the picnic area and the beach, while history buffs get to explore Crissy Field’s past history as a military base and home to the Ohlone people.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and sunglasses, and always dress in layers: San Francisco’s infamous summer fog sweeps over the Golden Gate Bridge and along the bay, casting a sudden chill on an otherwise warm day.
- The Warming Hut, at the field’s western end, is an ideal spot to grab a sandwich for a picnic or just to warm up.
- The promenade is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Crissy Field is on the northwest side of San Francisco facing the Golden Gate Bridge. Most visitors arrive by foot or bike, though MUNI lines 28 and 43 drop off within the Presidio, or take the 30 to the field’s eastern end. Another option is PresidiGo, a shuttle service that runs from downtown San Francisco and stops at key points in the Presidio. If you’re driving, note that the free parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
When to Get There
Crissy Field is open sunrise to sunset every day of the year. It is quietest on weekday mornings; the grass gets crowded on weekend afternoons (especially sunny ones) and holidays. It’s also an incredibly popular spot during special events on the bay, such as Fourth of July fireworks or the Blue Angels aerial show during Fleet Week (generally the first week of October).
San Francisco’s Presidio and the Wave Organ
Crissy Field is part of the Presidio, a former military base transformed to a modern community of restaurants, homes, offices, and green space. While exploring, check out the Wave Organ at Crissy Field’s eastern end. A naturally occurring sound machine, the Wave Organ emits sounds as the bay waters move through it, delighting children and adults with its unique auditory emissions.
Address: 1199 E Beach, San Francisco, California, USA
From $ 26
California Academy of Sciences
One of the United States' premier science and natural history museums, the California Academy of Sciences holds a fascinating collection of 38,000 natural wonders. With its Morrison Planetarium, Steinhart Aquarium, four-story rain forest dome, and open-air, green "living roof," the academy is a highlight for many visitors to San Francisco.
The Basics
There's much to see and do at the academy, so a full-day visit is recommended. Check out the largest spherical rain forest exhibit in the world, where the air is humid and tropical birds and butterflies fly overhead. Or, enter the all-digital planetarium for special exhibits and an astronaut's view of Earth. Other highlights include the aquarium's California Coast, Philippine Coral Reef, and Water-World tanks; the penguins in the African Hall, and the museum's most popular resident Claude, an albino American alligator. Travelers can visit with a general admission ticket, take a behind-the-scenes tour, or stop by as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Cal Academy is great for kids and makes for a prime family outing in San Francisco.
- The museum's two restaurants serve food throughout the day.
- Hop-on hop-off bus tours stop near the museum, providing an easy way to get out to the site's location in Golden Gate Park, which is about five miles (8 km) from downtown.
- Entry is included with the San Francisco CITYPass.
- While you're in Golden Gate Park, take some time to visit other top attractions such as Stow Lake or the Japanese Tea Garden.
How to Get There
The California Academy of Sciences is located on the west side of the Golden Gate Park, about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from Union Square. While set away from central San Francisco, the park is easily accessible via public transportation on the #44 or #5 bus or the N-Judah Muni Metro streetcar. From the Embarcadero, expect about a 30-minute drive by road to the museum or a 40-minute public transit ride.
When to Get There
The Cal Academy of Science is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm, with an 11am opening on Sunday. Daily programs such as planetarium shows and penguin feedings take place between 10:30am and 4:30pm (check the day's schedule upon arrival).
NightLife at the Cal Academy of Sciences
Every Thursday night, the academy hosts NightLife, an adults-only even that combines museum entry with themed activities and drinks, often with expert speakers, workshops, and live music or a DJ. The even is suited for adults aged 21 and over only.
Address: 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California 94118, USA
Hours: Daily 9:30am–5pm (Sunday from 11am)
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Hayes Valley
Sandwiched between San Francisco’s Civic Center and Alamo Square, Hayes Valley has grown into one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. Both residential and commercial, with its main drag Hayes Street, the area is full of custom shops and gourmet restaurants. There are also several Victorian and Queen Anne style townhouses in the surrounds, as well as numerous playgrounds and art-filled parks.
Though the area has been historically neglected, it has emerged as one of the most desirable areas in the city. Recent openings of coffee shops, craft cocktail bars, upscale boutiques, and even a beer garden have made this a hot spot of local activity. It seems that the city’s best new restaurants are opening in Hayes Valley on a regular basis. Its proximity to nearby arts and culture means it is often a pre- or post-show spot for dinner and drinks. It is also home to the new SJ Jazz Center.
Practical Info
Hayes Valley is a section of the Western Addition of San Francisco. Its primary draw is the blocks of Hayes Street between Laguna and Franklin Streets, where the majority of shops and restaurants are located. It is accessible via multiple Muni bus lines.
Address: Hayes Street, between Laguna and Franklin, San Francisco, California, USA, USA
From $ 48