Choose from 126 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco
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San Francisco Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown, one of North America’s oldest and largest, has long been one of the city’s top attractions. Visitors can browse the many shops, dim sum restaurants, temples, and markets in this bustling neighborhood that dates back to the California Gold Rush.
The Basics
Nearly all city tours include a stop or drive through Chinatown. For history, check out the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum and Portsmouth Square. Or book a Chinatown walking or Segway tour for insight into the neighborhood’s food and culture. A stop in the area is often combined with a visit to nearby North Beach or a tasty, traditional lunch. Chinatown food tours are especially popular.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is a neighborhood to explore on foot, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Chinatown bumps right into North Beach, another favorite San Francisco neighborhood, so it’s easy to visit both.
- Grab cash before you go, as many of the small shops and food venues only accept cash or have credit card minimums.
How to Get There
Chinatown covers about 24 city blocks in northeast San Francisco between Powell, Kearny, Bush, and Broadway streets. Enter properly through the Dragon Gate at Bush and Grant, walking north into the crowd to find souvenir shops and eateries. Located in the densest area of the city between Nob Hill, Union Square, and the Financial District, Chinatown is easy to reach by walking, city bus, and the Powell Street Cable Car. Driving is not recommended on the traffic- and pedestrian-heavy streets.
When to Get There
For shopping, go in the late morning when the shops are open but many visitors haven’t yet arrived. Otherwise, the evening hours offer a lively atmosphere, when locals head to Chinatown for drinks and dinner. To see the neighborhood at its best, visit during Chinese New Year, which falls in January or February.
Chinatown’s Fortune Cookie Factory
For a look at the making of fortune cookies, visit Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co., in business since 1962. Located on Ross Alley, off Jackson Street, the factory offers a free tour that allows you to watch how the cookies go from hot, flat dough to their iconic shape.
Address: Grant Avenue at Bush Street, 94133, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 30
San Francisco Bay Bridge
Though it doesn’t often get the attention of its famous sibling, the Golden Gate, the San Francisco Bay Bridge is spectacular in its own right. Once the largest and most expensive bridge of its time, in 75 years the Bay Bridge has proved critics wrong – the dream of connecting San Francisco to Oakland would not be stopped by anything. Logistics, cost, and politics couldn’t stop the expansion, and now the Bay Bridge has made history yet again my becoming the world’s largest self -anchored suspension bridge. Safely transporting the 280,000 automobiles that transverse its roads every day, the Bay Bridge connects San Francisco to Oakland, with a little stop at Yerba Buena Island along the way.
Practical Info
Heading westbound on the Bay Bridge will cost a toll: 2-axle vehicles pay $6 Monday-Friday carpool hours (5 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.), $4 non carpool hours, and $5 on Saturday and Sunday.
Address: San Francisco, USA
Admission: $6 Mon-Fri, $4 non carpool hours, $5 on Sat & Sun
From $ 10
Russian Hill
This neighborhood in the northeast section of San Francisco features mostly high-end real estate with enviable views of San Francisco Bay, but it’s also home to one of the city’s top attractions—the crooked block of Lombard Street. One of San Francisco cable car travels straight up and down the hill on Hyde Street, drawing lots of visitors to this otherwise residential area.
The Basics
With its location adjacent to Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, and Nob Hill, Russian Hill is part of many city sightseeing itineraries, but most tour buses won’t travel up the steep hill itself. Opt for an urban hike, food walking tour, or Segway tour for a more in-depth look at the neighborhood, which is one of San Francisco’s prettiest.
Ina Coolbrith Park at Taylor and Vallejo streets is a tiny spot with a lush garden, benches, and bay views—it’s a great place to take a short break if you’re exploring the neighborhood on foot.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is a lot of metered and free street parking available, but pay attention to posted signs about prohibited parking during street cleaning or other times.
- Wear shoes appropriate for walking down steep grades.
- Hyde and Leavenworth streets at either end of Lombard Street’s switchbacks are busy San Francisco roads; blocking traffic while trying to take pictures is not recommended.
How to Get There
Russian Hill sits roughly between Van Ness Avenue, Broadway, Columbus Avenue, and Bay Street. For the most quintessentially San Francisco experience, take the Powell–Hyde cable car line north from Union Square. The neighborhood is also accessible via Muni buses 19, 41, and 45.
When to Get There
For photos of Lombard Street without the crowds or serene views of the city and bay, go in the early morning before tour groups arrive. In August, the Polk Street Blues Festival features live entertainment, food stands, and arts and crafts booths.
Polk Street
On the western edge of Russian Hill and down into Nob Hill, Polk Street is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife. After a day of climbing up and down some of the city’s steepest blocks, check out Polk Street’s bar scene to mingle with the locals.
Address: Russian Hill, San Francisco, California, USA
From $ 49
Vesuvio Cafe
One of San Francisco’s most storied watering holes, Vesuvio Cafe is an icon of the Beat Generation and a symbol of the history and culture of North Beach. Founded in 1948, the bohemian saloon was a popular hangout spot for writers and poets such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Other famous patrons include Bob Dylan and Francis Ford Coppola.
The Basics
Many travelers visit Vesuvio Cafe as part of a tour of the North Beach (aka Little Italy) neighborhood, which is a bustling nightlife destination. Get there on a hop-on hop-off tour, or join a pub crawl to visit the bar with fellow travelers.
Inside, the eclectic, artsy decor and two stories of lights create a retro atmosphere in an intimate space, with walls covered in paintings and writer memorabilia. The drinks menu includes classic cocktails and Beat-themed tributes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Vesuvio Cafe does not serve food.
- You must be 21 to enter; IDs are checked.
- There is plenty of free and metered street parking available in North Beach, but pay attention to posted signs about prohibited parking during street cleaning or other times.
How to Get There
The bar is easy to reach by cab, ride-hailing service, and public transportation. Take the Powell-Mason cable car to the Mason Street and Pacific Avenue stop, or hop on Muni bus 8 or 41.
When to Get There
Vesuvio Cafe is open daily from morning to late night. To enjoy the laid-back vibe of North Beach, visit in the evening or on a weekend afternoon, when sidewalk cafés and restaurants are bustling. Late-night, the neighborhood becomes more of a party scene. Every June, the North Beach Festival features a variety of food stands and merchants selling art and jewelry.
City Lights Bookstore
Located next door to Vesuvio Cafe, just across Jack Kerouac Alley, sits the other Beat-era icon of San Francisco—City Lights Booksellers & Publishers. A North Beach institution, this independent bookstore was founded in 1953 and is known for its international literature, progressive attitude, and author readings.
Address: 255 Columbus, San Francisco, California, USA
From $ 58
USS Pampanito
This World War II war ship has officially retired to the San Francisco Bay, where it is docked for visitors to enjoy. Commissioned in 1943, the Balao class Fleet submarine has a storied history that includes the sinking of six Japanese ships while patrolling the Pacific. It now operates as if a floating museum, with its original sleeping quarters, kitchen, dining room, and office open to the public. Walking through the living areas it’s possible to get a true sense of the camped quarters soldiers endured at sea for months at a time.
The ship’s museum (as a part of the larger San Francisco Maritime National Park Association) gives a glimpse into a unique time in naval history. Much of the submarine has been restored to its original working condition, including its torpedo tube, engine room, and periscope. The National Historic Landmark is one of the most visited historic vessels in the United States.
Practical Info
The USS Pampanito is docked at Pier 45 in San Francisco. Located along the Embarcadero at Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s open daily from 9 am to 8 pm for visits. Admission is $15 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $9 for children or active military. The Powell/Hyde cable car line stops here, and the SS Jeremiah O’Brien is docked right beside it. Audio and docent led tours are available.
Address: Fishermans Wharf, San Francisco, California, USA
Hours: Daily from 9 am - 8 pm
Admission: $15 for adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for children or active military
From $ 20
Vista Point
Visitors to the Bay Area always want to know: what is the best place to view the Golden Gate Bridge? For many, the answer is to head across the water to Marin Headlands.
Just across the bridge you’ll find some of the best views looking back at the bridge with the city of San Francisco in the background. On a clear day, the view from Vista Point of the bridge and the downtown skyline from across the bay is simply stunning. If thick fog is present, it is possible that you won’t be able to even see the bridge. Yet on a sunny day, with views spanning 180 degrees out to the water and out past Alcatraz, it’s hard to imagine a better place to see San Francisco. It is beautiful both during the day and at night, when the city lights are visible. It’s a particularly popular spot for photographers — in fact, many of the iconic photos you’ve seen of the bridge were likely taken from this locale.
Practical Info
Get to Vista Point from San Francisco by driving north on the Golden Gate Bridge. You will see an exit for Vista Point on the righthand side just after crossing. The circular parking lot can get crowded, but it is free for up to four hours. There is a short walking path from the parking lot to the best views. For nearby food, venture to the seaside town of Sausalito — or take a hike in the nearby Marin Headlands.
Address: US-101, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, California, USA 94965, USA
From $ 21
SS Jeremiah O'Brien
San Francisco has one of the only remaining historic World War II Liberty ships docked in its bay, and it is open to visitors. Named for American Revolutionary War ship captain, the SS Jeremiah O’Brien is one of only two currently operational World War II Liberty ships afloat of the 2,700 built during the war. The ship survived the storming of Normandy on D-Day in 1944, and is now a National Historic Landmark visitors can tour near Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.
The preserved Liberty ship is completely unaltered, allowing for an authentic and accurate historical experience of exploring the ship just as it was made. Walking through the hallways and on deck, one can truly experience a time and place of being on the ocean in wartime decades ago. Everything from the engine room to the flying bridge is accessible to visitors, allowing a rare glimpse into life at sea and at war at that time.
Practical Info
The ship is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm on Pier 45 at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. On weekends the main steam engine is operated so that visitors can see an engine in action.
Address: 11 Pier 45, San Francisco, California, USA
Hours: Open daily 9 am to 4 pm
Admission: Adults: $12
From $ 30
Huntington Park
Beautifully landscaped and cared for, Huntington Park is one of San Francisco’s most beloved neighborhood parks. It was formerly the site of a mansion destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. After the land was donated to the city by the widow of rail tycoon Collis P. Huntington, the park has become a favorite area of the Nob Hill area.
With beautiful landscaping surrounding the historic Flood Fountain, there is also a playground area for children. The park sits in front of the landmark Grace Cathedral, and with its wide lawn and many benches is great for picnicking and relaxing outdoors. The Roman “Fountain of Tortoises” at the park’s center is its most famous structure, often beautifully lit at night. The bronze sculpture is a copy of a 400 year old original in Rome.
Practical Info
Huntington Park can be found between California Street and Sacramento Street at Taylor Street in Nob Hill. The cable car stops at the intersection, and the MUNI bus route 1 stops at Sacramento and Sproule.
Address: California Street & Taylor Street, San Francisco, California, USA
Hours: Park is open 5am to Midnight
From $ 25
Saints Peter and Paul Church
The Roman Catholic Saints Peter and Paul Church dates back to 1924, and its cathedral-like façade and twin spires tower over the north side of Washington Square Park. Located in San Francisco’s North Beach district, or Little Italy, the church still holds daily mass, but it’s best known for a photo op—Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe posed here after getting married.
The Basics
Mass at Saints Peter and Paul Church is offered throughout the week. Inside, you can admire the church altar, carved from 40 tons of marble, as well as several small altars, shrines, statues, and the painted interior of the dome.
North Beach is often included on San Francisco city tours, including hop-on hop-off tours, ideal for independent travelers. A Segway tour, urban hike, or pub crawl offer entertaining ways to explore the neighborhood and pass the church with a guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Saints Peter and Paul Church is ideal for movie buffs (the church has featured in Dirty Harry and San Andreas) and those interested in Italian-American culture.
- Mass is offered in English, Italian, and Chinese on Sundays, in Latin on some Sundays, and in English during the week.
- If you drive, pay attention to posted signs about prohibited parking.
How to Get There
Conveniently located among Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and the Embarcadero, Saints Peter and Paul Church is easy to reach by cab, shared-ride vehicle, and public transportation. Take the Powell-Mason cable car or MUNI buses 41 or 45. Metered and street parking is available throughout the neighborhood for those who drive.
When to Get There
Mass services take place daily; schedules are posted on the church website. If you want to admire the church from the outside while discovering North Beach, go in the evening or on weekend afternoons, when sidewalk cafes and restaurants are full and locals are out strolling. The North Beach Festival, which takes place every June, features a variety of food stands and merchants selling art and jewelry.
Coit Tower
Head two blocks down Filbert Street and uphill to Coit Tower, where views of downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge can be found from the top of Telegraph Hill. The 210-foot-high (64-meter-high) tower, built in 1933, offers some of the best panoramic photo ops in the city.
Address: 666 Filbert Street, San Francisco, California, USA, USA
From $ 30
Legion of Honor
The San Francisco Legion of Honor houses a broad collection of ancient and European art. Best known for Auguste Rodin’s statute The Thinker in its front courtyard, the Legion, as it is called by locals, is equally impressive for the jaw-dropping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Ocean visible from nearly every window.
The Basics
Walk through the Legion of Honor’s imposing neoclassical stone archway and through The Thinker’s courtyard to reach galleries divided neatly into collections of European paintings, decorative art, and sculpture, as well as ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities. Rodin collection casts and sculptures draw many visitors, as do works by Peter Paul Rubens, El Greco and Rembrandt van Rijn. Print lovers should look for items from the Ed Ruscha Archive, Japanese prints, and prints and drawings from Depression-era WPA program. Complete a visit with a walk along the cliffs to see majestic views of the Golden Gate.
San Francisco CityPASS, Explorer Pass, and Go Card include admission to the Legion. Single admission tickets also include same-day admission to the Legion’s partner fine arts museum, the de Young Museum, in Golden Gate Park. Tours don’t include admission to any special exhibits.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Legion of Honor is a compact museum and easy to visit in a few hours—ideal for those with limited time.
- The small on-site café is very busy at lunchtime and during special exhibitions.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms on both floors.
- Children under 17 are always free.
- The Legion does not allow large bags (larger than a carry-on) into the museum and does not offer a bag check for large bags.
How to Get There
The Legion of Honor is at the far western end of San Francisco at 34th Avenue, inside Lincoln Park and near the Lands End Lookout. San Francisco Muni runs the 18 connection service to the Legion from the 38R bus line along Geary Boulevard. Exit at 33rd Avenue and Geary to catch the 18 directly to the Legion. Other visitors walk on the path up from Baker Beach through China Beach to the Legion.
When to Get There
The Legion is busiest during the summer and when special exhibitions are held. Arrive when the museum opens at 9:30am for uncrowded galleries and easy parking. In spring and fall, when the city’s notorious fog retreats to the coast, picnickers are plentiful in Lincoln Park and in front of the Legion. The Legion is closed on Mondays as well as Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Honoring World War I Soldiers
Modeled after Paris' Palais de la Légion d'Honneur, the Legion of Honor museum was built to commemorate soldiers who died in World War I. The Legion's neoclassical design and distinctive setting near Lands End combine the region’s nature with classic architectural lines to gorgeous effect.
Address: 100 34th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
San Francisco Cruise Port
Known for its hilly streets, cable cars, liberal outlook and the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is located in northern California on a peninsula between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Founded by Spanish settlers in 1776, the city’s population exploded during the California Gold Rush of 1849. An earthquake destroyed about 90% of the city in 1906, but San Francisco rebuilt and today is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.
How to Get to San Francisco
Your cruise ship will dock at Pier 35 on the San Francisco Bay, not far from the Embarcadero, the city’s downtown. Thus, many of San Francisco’s major sights are within an easy walk from the port.
One Day in San Francisco
Start your visit by taking a ride on one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars, which run up and down the steep streets between Fisherman’s Wharf and Market Street. Those with a strong interest in the history of the cable car may want to stop at the Cable Car Museum at the top of Nob Hill. Otherwise, while the morning fog is still lingering, head to the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood to check out some of San Francisco’s finest museums. In SoMa, take your pick of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Cartoon Art Museum, the Museum of Craft and Folk Art, the Museum of African Diaspora or the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
Once you’ve had your fill of museums, make your way to Chinatown, the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest in North America. Wander through the streets and alleys and stop in at shops selling herbs, porcelain and other trinkets before taking a break for an authentic Cantonese lunch.
Head back down to the waterfront and to Pier 41 and catch a ferry across the bay to Alcatraz Island. The island was home to a military prison in the late 1800s and a federal prison from 1933 to 1963, infamous for its inmates’ failed escape attempts and for housing criminals like Al Capone. Take an audio guided tour of the prison and then stroll around the island, enjoying views of the city, the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Returning from Alcatraz, head to Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can sample some Dungeness crab, salmon or Pacific herring before returning to your ship.
Port Information
The official language is English, although you may encounter locals who speak Cantonese, Mandarin or Spanish as well. The currency is the U.S. Dollar and ATMs are widely available, but currency exchange facilities are harder to come by. You may need to head to a major bank in the city to exchange money.
How to Get to San Francisco
Your cruise ship will dock at Pier 35 on the San Francisco Bay, not far from the Embarcadero, the city’s downtown. Thus, many of San Francisco’s major sights are within an easy walk from the port.
One Day in San Francisco
Start your visit by taking a ride on one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars, which run up and down the steep streets between Fisherman’s Wharf and Market Street. Those with a strong interest in the history of the cable car may want to stop at the Cable Car Museum at the top of Nob Hill. Otherwise, while the morning fog is still lingering, head to the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood to check out some of San Francisco’s finest museums. In SoMa, take your pick of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Cartoon Art Museum, the Museum of Craft and Folk Art, the Museum of African Diaspora or the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
Once you’ve had your fill of museums, make your way to Chinatown, the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest in North America. Wander through the streets and alleys and stop in at shops selling herbs, porcelain and other trinkets before taking a break for an authentic Cantonese lunch.
Head back down to the waterfront and to Pier 41 and catch a ferry across the bay to Alcatraz Island. The island was home to a military prison in the late 1800s and a federal prison from 1933 to 1963, infamous for its inmates’ failed escape attempts and for housing criminals like Al Capone. Take an audio guided tour of the prison and then stroll around the island, enjoying views of the city, the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Returning from Alcatraz, head to Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can sample some Dungeness crab, salmon or Pacific herring before returning to your ship.
Port Information
The official language is English, although you may encounter locals who speak Cantonese, Mandarin or Spanish as well. The currency is the U.S. Dollar and ATMs are widely available, but currency exchange facilities are harder to come by. You may need to head to a major bank in the city to exchange money.
Address: Port of San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
From $ 30
Lombard Street
Lombard Street runs more than 20 blocks across northern San Francisco, but only one block—between Hyde and Leavenworth streets—gives the thoroughfare its nickname, “the crookedest street in the world.” Lined with well-manicured flowers and trees and tidy million-dollar homes, the red-brick-paved road zigzags its way down Russian Hill.
The Basics
Some San Francisco tours include a Lombard Street stop or drive-by, but most tour vehicles are prohibited. Opt for a more niche experience like an urban hiking tour or a Segway tour if you want to visit Lombard Street with a guide. From the top of the street, look toward North Beach for a view of Coit Tower and San Francisco Bay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lombard Street is a must-see for first-time visitors and families.
- This is a residential area, so be respectful of the private homes on both sides of the street.
- Wear shoes appropriate for walking down a steep grade.
- Hyde and Leavenworth streets at either end of Lombard’s switchbacks are busy San Francisco roads; blocking traffic while trying to take pictures is not recommended.
How to Get There
For the most quintessentially San Francisco experience, take the Powell–Hyde cable car line, which runs north from Union Square, to the top of Lombard Street. Alternatively, Muni bus 45 stops at Leavenworth and Union streets, a few blocks away. If you want to drive down the one-way street in your own car, you must go west to east from Hyde to Leavenworth; take the switchbacks slowly.
When to Get There
Lombard is a public street and has no opening or closing hours. If you want to avoid catching too many other visitors in your photos, go as early in the day as you can. On busy summer days and weekends, the line of cars waiting to drive down can stretch for blocks, so try to be flexible if you’re visiting during this time.
Fisherman’s Wharf
The crooked portion of Lombard Street is about eight blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf, so it’s easy to explore both in the same day. If you visit Lombard Street first, it’s a downhill walk to the wharf. Enjoy views of San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island along the way.
Address: 1000 block of Lombard Street, between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, San Francisco 94109, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 30
St Helena
Napa Valley is chock full of charming towns worth a visit during your stay in wine country and St. Helena is one of them. There are countless wine tasting spots to choose from in St. Helena, so know when you visit that you’ll be back for more. Even if you only have a couple of hours in between wine tastings, it’s worth taking a stroll down St. Helena’s Main Street. Along with boutique style shopping you’ll find an assortment of great restaurants that offer both fine and casual dining. If a cooking class is on your wine country wish list, St. Helena is also home to a campus of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).
On weekends it’s worth making the trek a few miles north of town to the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park. Here visitors can see the tallest waterwheel west of the Mississippi in motion, milling corn and wheat into flour, cornmeal and polenta.
Practical Info
St Helena is only a 15-minute drive from Calistoga, famous for its therapeutic mineral hot springs and mud baths. Their proximity makes it easy to see both, even on a busy Napa Valley wine country itinerary.
Address: St Helena, USA
From $ 139
San Francisco Dungeon
Welcome to Fisherman’s Wharf newest and spookiest attraction! Located in what formerly was the Wax Museum, the San Francisco Dungeon takes visitors on a frightening journey through the city’s gruesome past, from the Gold Rush era to Alcatraz. The experience consists of 36 enthusiastic and terrifying actors, 200 years of history, one dark boat ride and nine live shows—not to mention the screams! The Dungeon focuses on terror and ghastly stories, yet somehow manages to provoke genuine belly laughs even from those having just screamed bloody murder. Dark and claustrophobia-inducing spaces, working girls, murders, questionable surgical abilities and hair-raising stories await in company of San Francisco’s most sinister characters, like Miss Piggott, the Wild West saloon owner, and the infamous crimper, Shanghai Kelly.
The Dungeon features several attractions, including Gold Rush Greed, Lost Mines of Sutter’s Mill, the Court of San Francisco (slogan: “Give ‘em a fair trial, and hang ‘em high!”), and Ghosts of Alcatraz.
Practical Info
The San Francisco Dungeon is located at 145 Jefferson Street in the Fisherman’s Wharf district. It is accessible by streetcar F. The Dungeon does not have onsite parking, but there is a parking lot nearby at 170 Jefferson Street (maximum daily rate is $35). Entry to the Dungeons costs $26 per adult and $20 per child aged 12 and younger. The Dungeon is open every day of the year—Sunday through Thursday from 12 to 8pm and Friday and Saturday from 12 to 10pm.
Address: 145 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, California, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: Adult $26; Children $20
From $ 16
Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall
One of San Francisco’s grandest concert venues, the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall was built specifically for the San Francisco Symphony. Upon completion the symphony was able to expand to a year-round, full-time schedule of concerts. It formerly shared space with the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet.
The symphony hall, designed by a team of architects and acoustic consultants, is artful and beautiful inside and out. Sound bounces off of glass walls built to create a building within a building, and the result is that audience members are surrounded by reverberant sound. To accommodate an expanded repertory, a massive pipe organ was added to the structure in 1984.
The San Francisco Symphony plays a wide range of classical music alongside hosting contemporary events. Windows and balconies on the second floor offer beautiful views of the skyline and the City Hall. The symphony hall is a beacon of elegance and culture in San Francisco.
Practical Info
Louise M Davies Symphony Hall is located in San Francisco’s Civic Center neighborhood and is easily accessible by both Muni (bus) and BART (rapid transit) at the Civic Center station. A number of paid parking facilities are also available nearby. If you’re attending a concert, “nice dinner” attire is recommended. Concert ticket purchases are recommended in advance. Tours of the hall are offered on Mondays.
Address: Grove Street, between Van Ness and Franklin, San Francisco, California, USA, USA
Hours: Box office open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm and Sat 12pm-6pm
Admission: Varies by concert
From $ 30
Lands End
A rocky point at San Francisco’s westernmost tip, Lands End is a shutterbug’s dream. With epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, sweeping vistas of the Pacific coast, and access to the ruins at Sutro Baths, Lands End is wild, windy, and beautiful.
The Basics
Lands End is a hiker’s paradise with coastal trails running from Ocean Beach past Sutro Baths and the memorial to the USS San Francisco to Fort Point and the Golden Gate Bridge. The recently remodeled Lands End Lookout Visitor Center has indoor exhibits about the natural history of the area, Sutro Baths, and Sutro Heights. The on-site café serves up piping hot mocha and hot chocolate, enticement to return after a brisk hike in foggy weather.
Many tours of San Francisco stop at Lands End and allow time to explore Sutro Baths and the Cliff House and enjoy stunning views of the Pacific. Walking tours of Lands End or coastal walking tours from the Golden Gate Bridge to Lands End generally include more time at Sutro Baths and finish with a drink at the Cliff House.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Layers are recommended as weather can change quickly from warm and sunny to foggy and chilly.
- Sturdy walking shoes are a must to safely explore Sutro Baths and the hiking trails of Lands End.
- Don’t forget your camera for the unique views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Cliff House, and San Francisco skyline.
- Sutro Baths is not wheelchair accessible, but the nearby Lands End Lookout Visitor Center and Cliff House are. Those with limited mobility can also access an overlook with benches at the north end of El Camino Del Mar parking lot, while wheelchair-accessible trails begin at the Merrie Way parking lot.
- There is a small sea cave and tidal pools where the ocean meets the land beyond the Sutro Baths. Beware of the wave break and slippery stairs and paths when walking on the cliffs.
- Lands End Lookout has a small café, gift shop, and restroom facilities.
How to Get There
Access Lands End Lookout Visitors Center, at the intersection of Point Lobos Avenue and Merrie Way, by San Francisco Muni’s 38 Geary bus line. Exit at 48th Avenue and Point Lobos Avenue and walk a third-mile (0.54 kilometers) to the baths. Many visitors hike from Lands End to the Golden Gate Bridge or vice versa. A parking lot behind Lands End Lookout is impossibly busy on sunny days and summer weekends.
When to Get There
Lands End Lookout Visitor Center is open daily from 9am to 5pm and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. You can visit Sutro Baths from sunrise to sunset. Summer brings the most visitors to the area, and the baths, lookout, Cliff House, and trails can be quite crowded. Visit early in the morning or on a rainy day if you would like the place to yourself.
Los Lobos
The Spaniards named the rocky, westernmost point of land "Point Lobos" or "the sea wolves" for the many sea lions (lobos marinos) that used to call the area home. Though the sea wolves have moved north in search of cooler waters, the Spanish name stuck.
Address: San Francisco, CA, USA
From $ 48
Muir Woods
The Muir Woods National Monument is a must-see destination on any visit to the San Francisco Bay Area. Home to one of the world's last remaining coastal redwood forests, this protected nature reserve allows travelers to hike, relax, or picnic among these giant Northern California trees for an incredible experience only minutes from the city. The Muir Woods forest forms part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which includes nearby outdoor attractions including Stinson Beach—the park's only lifeguarded beach—and Fort Baker, offering great views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Marin County.
The Basics
How To Get to Muir Woods
Muir Woods is located just 12 miles (19 km) north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge, making it an easy day trip from the city. It's possible to arrive by public transit, but the easiest way is by organized tour. If coming by car, drive north on Highway 101 and continue north on a short drive along Highway 1 (Shoreline Highway). Then take the Panoramic Highway, a right-hand fork. Continue about one mile (1.5 km) to Four Corners, where you'll turn left onto Muir Woods Road.
When to Get There
The Basics
At the park entrance are a gift shop, cafe, and visitors center—follow the raised boardwalk from there, and you'll find yourself at the crossroads of the park's easy and popular hiking trails. Most tours of Muir Woods depart from San Francisco and last between four hours and eight hours, depending on the activities included. Because Muir Woods is north of San Francisco, just across the Golden Gate Bridge, many tours combine a visit here with a Sausalito tour, a San Francisco city tour, a bay cruise, a trip to Alcatraz, or a half- or full-day visit to Napa Valley wine country.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you're not prepared to look for a parking spot (availability is extremely limited), book a bus tour or a private tour that includes San Francisco hotel pickup and roundtrip transportation.
- Walking tours and bike tours are among the most popular ways to see the area.
- The park has many accessible features, with boardwalk platforms throughout.
- Even the easiest hikes can stir up an appetite—stave off the hunger by booking a tour that offers a gourmet lunch in Sonoma County.
Muir Woods is located just 12 miles (19 km) north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge, making it an easy day trip from the city. It's possible to arrive by public transit, but the easiest way is by organized tour. If coming by car, drive north on Highway 101 and continue north on a short drive along Highway 1 (Shoreline Highway). Then take the Panoramic Highway, a right-hand fork. Continue about one mile (1.5 km) to Four Corners, where you'll turn left onto Muir Woods Road.
When to Get There
Muir Woods is open from 8am to sunset during summer and closes at 5pm in winter. The site can become quite crowded, especially on weekends, so try to come midweek, early in the morning, or late in the afternoon to beat the crowds. Even at busy times, a short hike will get you out of the densest crowds and onto trails with giant redwoods and stunning vistas.
Address: 1 Muir Woods Road, Mill Valley, California 94941, USA
Hours: Daily 8am–6pm
Admission: $10
From $ 65
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
One of three main airports in the San Francisco Bay Area (the others being in Oakland and San Jose), San Francisco International Airport, or SFO, welcomes visitors on all major U.S. airlines and many international airlines.
The Basics
SFO is located just 13 miles (22 kilometers) south of downtown San Francisco, but with the Bay Area's seemingly never-ending traffic, those 13 miles can feel like much more, so it's best to book an airport transfer to eliminate the hassle of driving yourself. Shared transfers by van offer pickup at most hotels in the city, while a private transfer by sedan or SUV provides a more luxurious and flexible experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The airport includes three domestic terminals and one international terminal; note that Alaska and JetBlue fly out of the international terminal regardless of the destination.
- Terminal 1 houses Delta, Frontier, and Southwest airlines.
- Terminal 2 is home to American and Virgin America airlines.
- Terminal 3 is home to United Airlines.
- The international terminal is home to Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Qantas, and about 40 more airlines.
- All rental cars can be picked up at the Rental Car Center, which can be reached by SFO's 24-hour AirTrain.
How to Get There
SFO can be reached via airport transfer or Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). It's possible to travel between the airport and San Francisco or Oakland on this train line. Ride-sharing vehicles are also allowed to operate at the airport at specific locations.
SFO Terminals
Terminal 2 was renovated and re-opened in 2011 with a modern design, artwork, a yoga room, and food venues that offer healthier and more locally focused fare than typical airport restaurants. Most of the terminals feature an XpresSpa and SFO Museum exhibits to relax and entertain you while you await your flight.
Address: San Francisco, California 94128, USA
From $ 17
San Francisco Botanical Garden
To call the San Francisco Botanical Garden a living museum of plants does not adequately describe this remarkable conservatory. With 55 acres (22 hectares) of landscaped and open spaces, the urban garden is a veritable sanctuary, an escape from the hustle and bustle, in the heart of Golden Gate Park.
The Basics
The San Francisco Botanical Garden comprises an array of landscapes. From a rhododendron garden to a lush tropical cloud forest garden, a wealth of natural, globally inspired greenery awaits. You can spend hours experiencing the garden’s more than 8,500 different kinds of plants. If you have limited time, docent-led tours, held daily at 1:30pm, are a great way to have a comprehensive experience of the vastness.
Many San Francisco tours cruise through Golden Gate Park, and some popular tour packages include entrance to the garden. But most city tours via Segway, surrey, and hop-on hop-off bus take you to the park or garden but do not include the entrance fee.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The San Francisco Botanical Garden is a must for lovers of the outdoors.
- Wear comfortable shoes that can get wet and are designed for walking.
- Admission is free on the second Tuesday of every month as well as on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
- The garden has public restrooms but no food services.
- Most of the garden’s paths are accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.
How to Get There
The San Francisco Botanical Garden is located in Golden Gate Park, walking distance from the DeYoung Museum and the California Academy of Sciences. MUNI’s N-Judah, 7, and 6 lines stop a block from the garden’s main entrance near Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Way. If driving, there is a parking lot at the Music Concourse; from here, it is a 2-block walk to the garden’s second entrance on Martin Luther King Drive.
When to Get There
The garden is open daily from 7:30am; last entry is between 4pm and 6pm, depending on the season. One of the most popular exhibits, the Magnolia Collection, is at its peak bloom from approximately mid-December to mid-March. The California Collection flourishes from April through June. The Southeast Asian Cloud Forest Collection is lovely year-round, as are the Redwood Grove and California Natives. Arrive via the main gate at 7:30am to experience the garden at its quietest.
Laying the Garden’s Seeds
Golden Gate Park Supervisor John McLaren designed the San Francisco Botanical Garden’s master plan in the 1880s. The project did not become a reality until Helene Strybing infused the founding organization with needed funding in the late 1920s. After years of construction, the San Francisco Botanical Garden opened in 1940. New projects, such as the Center for Sustainable Gardening, are ongoing, and events take place throughout the year in the garden’s buildings and on its lawns.
Address: 9th Ave & Lincoln Way, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, USA 94122, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Hyde Street Pier
Part of San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, the Hyde Street Pier introduces visitors to San Francisco’s maritime heritage as a busy Pacific port with its collection of ships from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Jutting out into San Francisco Bay, the pier also offers scenic views of the waterfront.
The Basics
Hyde Street Pier is located on the western edge of the tourist-centered Fisherman’s Wharf. From the wooden pier you can tour historic ships. Check out the Balclutha, a 3-masted square-rigger that rounded the horn 17 times, or learn how Hercules, a steam tugboat, towed another ship from New Jersey around the tip of South America to San Francisco. Guided walks and Segway tours of the waterfront are available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hyde Street Pier is ideal for history and naval buffs.
- There is a visitor center at the corner of Hyde and Jefferson streets.
- Driving is not recommended in this busy neighborhood, as street parking is limited.
- Wear comfortable shoes to walk out on the pier and along the waterfront.
How to Get There
For a quintessentially San Francisco experience, take the Powell–Hyde cable car line, which runs north from Union Square to the cable car turnaround at Hyde and Beach streets. Alternatively, take the F line streetcar along the Embarcadero.
When to Get There
Go in the evening to enjoy the sunset light, which is perfect for photos, or go in the morning to beat the crowds that descend on Fisherman’s Wharf every day. Fleet Week (early October), and July 4 (when the city puts on a fireworks display) are great times to be on the waterfront.
Aquatic Park
Head just down Beach Street to Aquatic Park to visit the art-deco Maritime Museum and learn more about San Francisco’s maritime history. You’ll also see bold locals—members of the historic South End and Dolphin swimming and rowing clubs—swimming in the frigid bay waters. Just above the park is Ghirardelli Square, where you can treat yourself to some chocolate or an ice cream sundae.
Address: 2905 Hyde St, San Francisco, California 94109, USA
From $ 30