Choose from 126 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco
ShowingFilter 81-100 of 126 listings.
Sutro Baths
San Francisco’s Sutro Baths was once a public bathhouse with seven indoor swimming pools. Perched atop granite bluffs at the city’s western tip, it symbolized the great wealth brought by the Gold Rush.
The Basics
Sutro Baths, north of the Cliff House, are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Dazzling visitors when it opened in 1896, Sutro Baths was an impressive engineering feat: swimming pools filled with water from the Pacific Ocean and a series of concrete walls at high tide. Its aquariums, restaurants, art galleries, and exhibits made it a must-visit for San Franciscans.
Many city tours stop at Sutro Baths to explore the ruins and snap a few pictures. Walking tours of Lands End generally include time at Sutro Baths and finish with a drink at the Cliff House.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With weather changing quickly from warm and sunny to foggy and chilly, layers are recommended.
- Sturdy walking shoes are needed to safely explore Sutro Baths and Lands End.
- Bring your camera to capture views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Cliff House, and San Francisco skyline.
- Sutro Baths is not wheelchair accessible but nearby Lands End Visitor Center and Cliff House are.
- Beware of wave break and slippery stairs and paths on the cliffs.
- There is a small café and restroom facilities at Lands End Lookout.
How to Get There
Ride San Francisco Muni’s 38 Geary bus line, exit at 48th Avenue and Point Lobos Avenue, and walk 0.33 mile (0.53 kilometer) to the Sutro Bath ruins, at the intersection of Point Lobos Avenue and Merrie Way. Or, hike from the Golden Gate Bridge to Lands Ends. A parking lot behind Lands End Lookout is impossibly busy on sunny days and summer weekends.
When to Get There
Sutro Baths can be accessed from sunrise to sunset, but Lands End Lookout is open daily from 9am to 5pm and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Most visitors come in the summer, which makes the baths, lookout, Cliff House, and trails crowded. Visit early in the morning or on a rainy day to have the place to yourself.
Adolph Sutro
Adolph Sutro, San Francisco's 24th mayor (1895–1897), made his fortune removing gas and water from the Comstock Lode, a major silver mine in Nevada. Using his wealth to benefit others, he also built Sutro Heights Park, a 20-acre (8-hectare) formal public garden; revitalized the Cliff House as a family-friendly venue; and opened his family estate to the public.
Address: Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
From $ 48
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a stunning venue for experiencing art in all its urgent vitality. The permanent collection, exhibitions, and events give artistic voice to issues facing California, the United States, and beyond, and encourage visitors to engage with art as an essential part of public life through interactive installations.
The Basics
Open since 1929, in 2016 the SFMOMA completed a massive expansion that nearly tripled its gallery space and opened up 45,000 square feet (4,180 square meters) of art-filled public exhibition spaces. Exhibits engage the senses through sound, light, digital arrays, and other modern tools of expression, while a continuously changing series of special exhibits examines artists at work today.
Tours of San Francisco generally stop at the MOMA, and the city’s 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour includes museum admission, as does the San Francisco CityPass. Purchasing tickets in advance means avoiding the long entry lines, which can be profound on weekends and during special exhibits. Note that special exhibitions typically require a separate admission ticket.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The SFMOMA is a must-see for art lovers. It’s also great for families: those under 18 receive free admission; the interactive nature of the museum allows for kids to truly engage with art; and strollers may be checked out free of charge.
- Though the museum has many elevators, there are often long waits. Save time by taking the stairs.
- Dining options include a coffeeshop, a family-friendly café, and In Situ, the 1-star Michelin restaurant helmed by chef Corey Lee (reserve well in advance).
- The museum store and In Situ, both located on the first floor, do not require museum admission to access.
- The museum is fully accessible to wheelchairs. Accessibility programs are extensive, with options for the deaf or hard of hearing, persons who are blind or partially-sighted, and on the autism spectrum.
How to Get There
Situated in downtown San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood, across from Yerba Buena Gardens, SFMOMA is easily accessed via public transportation. The Montgomery BART station and MUNI lines 8, 12, 14, 30, and 45 are all two blocks from the museum’s main entrance. Parking is difficult, especially on weekends; SFMOMA’s garage, on Minna Street, is a decent option.
When to Get There
The SFMOMA is open 10am to 5pm Friday to Tuesday and 10am to 9pm Thursday; it is closed on Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Summer is the museum’s busiest season, and visiting on a summer weekend—or any holiday—can mean enduring long waits to enter, take an elevator, or stand in front of a special work of art. Thursday evenings are less crowded.
MOMA Must-Sees
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art showcases a continuing rotation of artists, exhibits, and programs, and rivals New York’s MOMA for exhibitions featuring photography. In addition to temporary shows, be sure to see the museum’s pop art collection, replete with works by Richard Artschwager, Philip Guston, Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol. Other highlights include the Calder mobiles, sculptures, and models; myriad works by Robert Rauschenberg; the museum’s various outdoor terraces; Richard Serra’s Sequence; and the largest public living wall in the US.
Address: 151 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
The San Francisco Bay
Few waterways carry the prestige and iconographic status of the beautiful San Francisco Bay. A great natural harbor, from the first years of its European discovery the Golden Gate became known as a pivotal access point to the American West. Trade and military strategy aside, The Bay is California’s most important ecological treasure. A natural nursery for crab, halibut, waterfowl, seals and sea lions, as well as endangered species, the San Francisco Bay provides a great ecological treasure to residents and visitors alike. Whale watching, ferrying out to Alcatraz and Marin, or simple sunset tours with the glistening Golden Gate Bridge are favorite pastimes, while residents simply feel assured looking out of their windows and knowing that its calm waters are there.
Address: San Francisco, CA, USA
From $ 10
Yosemite Falls
The highest measured waterfall in North America and the sixth-highest in the world, Yosemite Falls is the superstar attraction in Yosemite National Park. With a cumulative drop of 2,425 feet (739 meters), Yosemite Falls comprises three falls and is especially stunning in late spring when the snow melts and water flow is at its peak.
The Basics
You can spot the iconic waterfall from various vantage points within the park, including Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge (formerly Yosemite Lodge at the Falls). For active viewers, a 1-mile loop trail leads to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, or a strenuous (and usually crowded) 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) hike with 2,700 feet (823 meters) elevation gain beginning near Camp 4 hike takes you to the top of Yosemite Falls.
Due to the incredibly popularity of this natural attraction, Yosemite Falls is included in most park tours. You can see the falls, along with other park attractions—El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Vernal Falls, Half Dome, the Chapel, and the Cathedral Spires—on a day tour from San Francisco or Fresno.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Yosemite Falls is a must-see for first-time visitors, photographers, and strong hikers.
- Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially if you plan to hike to the top of the falls.
- Yosemite tours from San Francisco can last upwards of 14 hours.
- The eastern side of the loop to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Access Lower Yosemite Fall near the Yosemite Valley Lodge; the top of the upper fall is accessed via a steep hiking trail. For a great (and underrated) view of the falls, consider hiking to the summit of Sentinel Dome.
When to Get There
Yosemite Falls is at its most spectacular in the spring, with peak runoff occurring in May or June. The falls tend to dry to a trickle by late summer, but autumn rainfall rejuvenates it beginning in November.
Natural Phenomena at Yosemite Falls
On a clear night with plenty of moonlight and enough water to create mist, see if you can spot a “moonbow.” During the winter, an ice cone tends to form at the base of the upper fall, while frost accumulates along the edges of the falls.
Address: Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA
From $ 74
Yountville
Located a quick and easy 15 minutes north of Napa, Yountville is a fun addition to any wine country vacation must-do list. It’s the type of place where you don’t necessarily need to have a plan. Park the car when you arrive and wander down Washington Street. There are numerous tasting rooms to choose from including Jessup Cellars and Girard Napa Valley.
If only bubbly will do, it’s just a quick ride to Domain Chandon. Tours and tastings are offered regularly. Yountville is also a tasty place to be when hunger strikes. The list of gourmet restaurants is long; Ad Hoc Restaurant, Bistro Jeanty, Bouchon Bistro, and Bouchon Bakery. Then there’s The French Laundry, known around the world for its amazing food and hard-to-get reservations.
The Town of Yountville gets its name from founding father George C. Yount, the first person to plant grapes in the area.
Practical Info
Yountville is located approximately 60 miles from San Francisco and is a comfortable day-trip when visiting the city. There are also plenty of luxury hotels and inns in the area, if you decide you want to spend the night.
Address: Yountville, USA
From $ 99
Yerba Buena Gardens
With two blocks of public green space in downtown San Francisco, Yerba Buena Gardens offers a refuge in the middle of one of the city’s busiest areas. Located next to the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the gardens include public art, waterfalls, and landscaped lawns for relaxing and people-watching.
The Basics
There’s no need to make a special trip to Yerba Buena Gardens. It’s within a few blocks of some of the city’s top museums, shopping centers, and entertainment venues, including San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the Museum of the African Diaspora, the California Historical Society, the Children’s Creativity Museum, Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center, Westfield Shopping Centre, and the Metreon complex with restaurants and movie theaters.
In addition to pairing a visit to Yerba Buena Gardens with a museum visit or other amusements, tourists can enjoy the gardens as part of a guided walking tour, or an independent excursion via Segway or a classic VW Bug.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are several places to eat and drink around the gardens, mainly along Yerba Buena Lane, on the gardens’ Upper Terrace, and at the Metreon.
- Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the gardens.
- There is a management office on the second level, near the Howard Street pedestrian bridge, in case you have any special needs or questions.
How to Get There
The Yerba Buena Gardens are bordered by Mission, Howard, 3rd, and 4th streets in the city’s South of Market (SOMA) district. It’s a short walk to the gardens from the BART and MUNI train stations on Powell and Montgomery streets. By city bus, take the 14, 15, 30, or 45 route. Metered street parking is available around the gardens, but check posted signs for limits.
When to Get There
The gardens are open daily from 6am until 10pm. Special events, such as an Easter egg hunt and Halloween Hoopla, and the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, showcase musical and cultural programs throughout the year.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
This cultural center, spread across two buildings—the YBCA Theater and the Gallery & Forum Building—features music and dance performances, contemporary art exhibits, art installations, and film screenings. The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is open Tuesday through Sunday.
Address: 745 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
From $ 15
The Castro
The Castro District, known otherwise as simply, "the Castro," is widely considered the United States' gay capital. Not only is it the largest, but also the country's first.
Regardless of a visitor's sexual orientation, the Castro is full of wonderful attractions, including the Castro Theatre, one of San Francisco's more popular movie palaces, complete with a world-class interior chandelier and designed with a colonial Spanish Baroque facade.
Perhaps the area's most culturally significant landmark, the GLBT Historical Society includes a museum and archives documenting the history of the gay and lesbian communities in the U.S. Aside from its core purpose, the building also houses other interesting institutions including the Cartoon Art Museum, which features well over 6,000 different cartoons and comics, and the Catharine Clark Gallery, an exhibition including different forms of media for contemporary, living artists.
Also be sure to check out Harvey Milk Plaza, named after the famous openly gay politician, commonly labeled the "martyr of gay rights."
Practical Info
The most efficient way to commute to the Castro District is via the MUNI Metro system, either by the L, K, or M line. For a more scenic and exciting experience you can also take the famous F Market streetcar line that will tour you through the Castro's lovely downtown area and Fisherman's Wharf.
Address: San Francisco, USA
From $ 24
Tiburon
Named for the small leopard sharks that swim along its shoreline, Tiburon sits scenically in Marin County across the bay from San Francisco. It is a small, charming town known for its affluent residents and relaxed attitude. The quaint architecture and style are reminiscent of a New England seaport village. The town developed as a terminal connecting the railways of San Rafael to San Francisco.
Of course being directly across from the city, much of Tiburon’s waterfront has an excellent view of the San Francisco skyline. Boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants with said views can be found on the town’s Main Street and Ark Row. Many outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and boating are popular here, especially on sunny days.
Practical Info
Two ferries depart San Francisco for Tiburon, or take Highway 101 to Tiburon Boulevard to arrive by car.
Address: Tiburon, California, USA
From $ 12
The Presidio
Since it was founded in 1776, the Presidio of San Francisco has had many lives, from a Spanish military site to an American Army post to a National Park Service location. Today, it draws visitors for its cultural sites, hiking trails, public art, restaurants, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.
The Basics
The Presidio is part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is managed mostly by the Presidio Trust. Perched on the city’s northwest corner, it’s unique among national park sites: In addition to a variety of recreational activities, it’s also home to residential houses, businesses, and a school. Visit on a bike tour, GoCar tour, or a small-group tour by VW van or vintage fire truck, or see it from above on a helicopter ride.
To explore on your own, start at the Presidio Officers’ Club or the visitor center to get oriented and ask any questions you have. Attractions and experiences on offer include hiking, golfing, bowling, sailing, beaches, military buildings, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and four pieces of art around the park by artist Andy Goldsworthy.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Unlike most national parks, the Presidio is free to visit.
- Most of its parking lots and street parking require a fee, but there are some free spaces.
- The Main Post is the heart of the park, where you’ll find the Presidio Visitor Center, Officers’ Club, the Inn at the Presidio, and the Presidio Trust offices.
- The Presidio is large, so you may end up walking more than you planned; wear comfortable shoes and keep water with you.
How to Get There
The PresidiGo shuttle operates a route inside the park, a route to Crissy Field, and a route from downtown. Biking from Fisherman’s Wharf or the Marina District is a pleasant way to get to the park, or take Muni bus 41 or 45.
When to Get There
Arrive in the late morning to plan your day from the visitor, while still leaving enough time to see everything you want. Events take place throughout the year, including outdoor family movies, live music, and cultural programs at the Officers’ Club. The Presidio Picnic runs on Sundays from March through October with a rotating selection of food trucks.
Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is not part of the Presidio but sits adjacent to the park’s northeastern edge, so it’s easy to visit at the same time. This European-looking monument was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition; today, it’s a great spot for photos and relaxing by the duck pond.
Address: San Francisco, California, USA
From $ 25
San Francisco Zoo
The San Francisco Zoo is home to hundreds of unique animals in a combination of natural habitats and imaginative exhibits. It is famous for being the home of Koko the gorilla, as well as the world’s oldest black rhinoceros. The larger animals can be found in the African Savanna, Cat Kingdom, and Grizzly Gulch areas, while the smaller, ever-popular penguins, koalas and lemurs each have their own habitats. There is also a unique insect zoo, which allows for visitors to interact with a variety of live anthropoids, hissing cockroaches, ants, termites, and tarantulas, among others.
In addition the zoo has a few exhibits dedicated to particular parts of the world, such as the Australian WalkAbout and South American Aviary and Tropical Rainforest. Aside from the animals, there are also peaceful gardens with several species of plants as well as a steam train and antique carousel. Families will enjoy a six-acre special area just for children, which includes a nature trail and animal resource center.
Practical Info
The San Francisco Zoo is located at Sloat Boulevard and 45th Avenue, on the edge of the Outer Sunset district between Lake Merced and the Pacific Ocean. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, admission costs $20 for adults and $14 for children. To get there via public transportation, take Muni Metro Line L Taraval or buses 18 or 23. Parking is available for $8.
Address: 1 Zoo Rd, San Francisco, California, USA 94132, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $20; Children: $14
From $ 23
Seward Street Slides
Tucked away from the main areas of the city, San Francisco's Seward Street Slides are a bit of hidden gem. Built in the 1960s by a local teenager for neighborhood kids, the two parallel slides are formed in concrete running down one of San Francisco's famous hills. The community garden and mini-park was up for redevelopment when locals protested the change. A 14-year-old girl designed the slides in a competition, and the space was officially converted into a park in 1973.
Some bring their own cardboard for the ride, but others find discarded pieces next to the slides that make the journey down a bit smoother. From the top of the slides, be sure to pause and enjoy the views of the city and the bay. A sign reads "no adults unless accompanied by children" to mark the park’s original intent.
Practical Info
The Seward Street Slides are located in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood at Seward and Douglas streets. It is recommended that full length pants be worn to protect the legs while sliding on the concrete. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Address: 30 Seward St, San Francisco, California, USA 94114, USA
Hours: Open daily 9am-5pm
From $ 49
War Memorial Opera House
Part of the larger San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, the War Memorial Opera House is a center for arts and culture in the city by the bay. It is home to the San Francisco Ballet and, of course, the San Francisco Opera.
The structure dates back to 1932, when it was designed by prominent architect Arthur Brown, Jr in a beaux-arts style. It was the first municipally owned opera house built in the United States, and at the time of its opening it was one of the most technologically advanced venues in the country. Today the elegant theater holds classical ballet and opera performances as well special events and lectures.
The opera house opens with a grand lobby and an ornately decorated 38-foot ceiling, lined with tall columns. Broad staircases lead to the theater, which is both modern and traditional at once. It is widely thought to be one of the most beautiful buildings in San Francisco.
Practical Info
You’ll find the War Memorial Opera House at the heart of San Francisco’s Civic Center, on Van Ness Avenue. The ballet and opera hold separate box offices. Tours are given every Monday for $7 per person.
Address: 301 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, California, USA 94102, USA
Hours: Box office is open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm
Admission: Varies by show
From $ 30
The Embarcadero
Acting as both the waterfront and major road along the eastern edge of San Francisco, the Embarcadero stretches from Fisherman’s Wharf to South Beach, passing through some of the city’s most popular destinations. It attracts visitors and locals with its restaurants, bars, hotels, tourist attractions, event spaces, bay cruises and ferries, and a wide pathway for walkers and joggers.
The Basics
You’ll likely find yourself on the Embarcadero at some point during your stay in San Francisco, whether you’re watching the sea lions at Pier 39, hopping on an Alcatraz ferry at Pier 33, visiting the Exploratorium at Pier 15, catching a ferry to Sausalito at the Ferry Building, or taking in a Giants baseball game at AT&T Park. See it from above on a helicopter flight, or explore on two wheels with a bike or Segway tour.
The Central Embarcadero Piers Historic District, which consists of piers 1, 1 1/2, 3, and 5, is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Embarcadero is 3 miles (4.6 kilometers) long, so wear comfortable shoes if you’re planning to walk it.
- It’s a busy road, with both vehicle traffic and streetcars, so only cross at designated crosswalks.
- Starting at the Ferry Building, odd-numbered piers run north to Fisherman’s Wharf and even-numbered piers run south to South Beach.
How to Get There
The MUNI light rail system runs along Market Street to the Embarcadero, as well as along the southern portion of the Embarcadero itself. If you’re taking the BART, get off at the Embarcadero station. Paid parking lots and metered street parking are available all along the Embarcadero.
When to Get There
Enthusiastic photographers will want to go at sunrise for shots of the sun rising over the bay, while those who want to eat and shop should wait until late morning. Waterfront bars and restaurants near downtown get lively during happy hour—a fun time to mingle with locals. Fourth of July fireworks take place near Fisherman’s Wharf, and an ice skating rink operates at the Embarcadero Center during the holidays.
Ferry Building
In the center of the Embarcadero, across from where Market Street ends at the Embarcadero Plaza, the Ferry Building Marketplace is a haven of gourmet goodies and views of San Francisco Bay. Taste your way through the historical building, from cheese and bread to oysters, wine, coffee, and ice cream, or try your luck at getting a table at the Slanted Door, a popular Vietnamese restaurant.
Address: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, USA
From $ 20
Sutter Home Winery
Set in the legendary Napa Valley, Sutter Home Winery has grown from a small business founded in 1948 to the second-largest independent, family-run winery in the United States. Now producing more than 20 varietals, they were the first winery ever to make white zinfandel. Due to its popularity in the 1970s and 80s, Sutter Home is credited with bringing wine into many American homes for the first time. The winery went on to bring a number of new varietals into wider availability across the country.
One of the oldest wineries in Napa, Sutter Home wines are known for their high quality and affordable price point. Most are available to taste at the winery tasting room. Wines are lighter, sweeter, and more accessible than the others in the surrounding area. Be sure to try some of their reserve wines and to check out the gardens, Victorian home, and small shop.
Practical Info
Located located on Highway 29 in Napa Valley, Sutter Home Winery is about an hour’s drive from San Francisco. The vineyard is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and or take a self-guided tour through the gardens.
Address: 277 St. Helena Hwy (Hwy. 29), South St. Helena, California, USA 94574, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm
From $ 105
Walt Disney Family Museum
Step inside the Walt Disney Family Museum to understand the man and innovator who created Mickey Mouse and Disney World and revolutionized the movie industry. Interweaving Disney’s personal history with early drawings Disney’s animated works, this museum takes visitors back in time to Hollywood’s earliest days.
The Basics
It is impossible to understand today’s animated movies without looking at the groundbreaking work of Walt Disney Studios. The museum deconstructs Disney’s foundational efforts to create both appealing characters, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the processes that bring them to life. Interactive galleries with listening stations reveal important moments in Disney’s life, including producing feature-length films in Hollywood. The work of pivotal Disney animators, such as Glen Keane, and art directors, such as Mary Blair, is also discussed. Disney fans can explore Disney Fantasia in galleries dedicated to its portrayal of the natural world in a realistic way or take a look at Disney’s work on Disneyland and EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow).
Tours of the area, such as adventure van or bike excursions, stop at the Disney Family Museum but don’t include admission.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fans of anime, cartoons, and 20th-century animation learn about the origins of this field of visual arts.
- Children can explore the various media that are Disney’s legacy. Disney’s characters are explored here through the creative process, not through feature-length films.
- Each gallery offers listening stations and the chance to view extensive video and digital film shorts created by Disney, which is half the fun but time-consuming.
- The on-site museum cafe offers light bites and seasonal fare.
How to Get There
San Francisco Muni bus lines 30, 70, and 101’s closest stops are Richardson and Francisco avenues at the Presidio’s eastern end. Visitors can take a 15-minute walk or wait for the PresidiGo shuttle, which stops directly in front of the museum as well as throughout downtown San Francisco.
When to Get There
The museum is open 10am–6pm, Wednesday–Monday and closed Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. In honor of Disney’s birthday, the museum offers free admission December 5, and all active and retired military veterans and their families are always admitted free of charge.
Diane Disney Miller
Diane Disney Miller, Walt's daughter and a dedicated philanthropist, was the driving force behind the creation of both the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Her legacy includes founding the Silverado Winery with her husband Ron Miller.
Address: 104 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Sausalito
Perfectly arranged on a secure little bay harbor, seaside Sausalito certainly isn’t short on charm. Set across the bay and to the north of San Francisco, Sausalito's small settlement of hillside homes tumbles neatly into a lively downtown area featuring a mix of art galleries and small boutique shops set alongside restaurants often serving fresh seafood. Strolling along the waterfront, visitors will find a number of spots to stop for lunch or coffee, a unique houseboat community, and views of the city and the San Francisco Bay.
The Basics
Sausalito is a popular day trip from San Francisco, accessible by boat, bicycle, and car. It can be visited as part of a half- or full-day tour, with many also taking in Alcatraz or other Marin County highlights including Muir Woods National Monument. A number of bay cruises run past Sausalito or allow for free time here, while the ferry ride across the water is often rated as one of the most scenic in the world (the ferry pier is in the heart of downtown, so you'll be right in the middle of everything if arriving by water). A San Francisco city sightseeing tour can be paired with a drive or bike ride over the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sausalito, a highlight of any visit to the Bay Area.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A journey across the bay on the Sausalito ferry takes about 30 minutes.
- Dress in layers, as winds and fog can bring wind, fog, and cool temperatures on the bay.
- Be sure to check out the San Francisco skyline from Sausalito for beautiful views.
- If crossing the bay by road, don't miss the Golden Gate Bridge vista point in the Marin Headlands just across the bridge.
How to Get There
Sausalito is set in Marin County, just north of San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge. Public transport via the Golden Gate Transit bus or Golden Gate Ferries runs on a regular basis, with ferries departing frequently from the San Francisco Ferry Building and offering views of the city skyline, Angel Island, and the coast. Drive can take the first exit off the bridge, Alexander Drive. Free and paid parking is available downtown.
When to Get There
Sausalito boasts a mild climate and is lovely year-round. Temperatures rarely break 70°F (21°C), even in summer, while winter weather tends to hover around 60°F (15°C). Most restaurants and shops are open from 10am to 5pm or so. Stick around at sunset to see the bay and San Francisco skyline surrounded by a pink and orange sky.
Address: Sausalito, California, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Yosemite National Park
One of the United States’ most popular national parks, Yosemite is packed with natural beauty and views that never cease to amaze. From the majestic mountain peaks to the green meadows on the valley floor (plus all the waterfalls and groves of tall Sequoia trees in between), there’s no shortage of outdoor and leisure activities set against the park’s epic views. And whether you spend a single day or stay for a multi-day camping trip, you’ll feel a deeper appreciation for the nature at this national treasure.
The Basics
Yosemite is one of the most popular day trip destinations from San Francisco, often visited on full-day and multi-day excursions from the city. Visit with roundtrip transportation to explore the park independently, or choose a guided experience to see much of the park in a short amount of time. Sightseeing bus tours, valley floor tours, and Glacier Point tours are available, while small-group and private options are offered.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The park features a number of walking and biking trails that vary in difficulty and length. The Visitor Center is the best place to find information on the trails.
- Yosemite day hikes, adventure tours, and hiking tours offer opportunities for active days out in nature, all with the help of a guide. Choose from hiking tours, yoga tours, photography tours, and more.
How to Get There
Yosemite National Park is best accessed via car ($20 fee per vehicle). From San Francisco, it’s about a four-hour drive—you’ll cross the Bay Bridge and travel through the Great Central Valley into the Sierra foothills. Following the beautiful Merced River to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, you'll enter Yosemite Valley. Most tours from the Bay Area include roundtrip transportation.
When to Get There
Yosemite is accessible year-round, though snow chains may be required in winter. The park is beautiful in every season, but be aware that access to some hiking trails is weather-permitting. Many consider spring the best time to visit—expect crowds in summer and snow activities such as snowshoeing and skiing in winter.
What Not To Miss in Yosemite National Park
It’s hard to go too wrong, but where to start? The majestic profile of Half Dome is perhaps the most iconic sight in the park. You can also view the mighty mecca that is El Capitan, or hike into Tuolumne Meadows, where giant sequoias surround you. As for waterfalls, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and Vernal Falls are all must-sees, and when it comes to viewpoints, be sure to check out Glacier Point and Tunnel View.
Address: Yosemite, California, USA
Hours: Open 24 hours every day
Admission: US$20 per car entrance fee
From $ 80
Sea Cliff
Epic views of the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate Bridge, as well as sunny palm tree lined streets and a perfect mix of modern and old-school architecture are just part of what makes the famous San Francisco neighborhood of Sea Cliff a destination for travelers as much as transplants.
Visitors will find massive mansions built with old money tucked into rocky hillsides, with wide-open windows that look out over some of the most iconic views in town. Pristine public parks and golf courses, paired with well-known hiking paths like the Lands End Coastal Trail, offer plenty of outdoor opportunities for travelers looking to enjoy this seaside wonderland without having to relocate.
Practical Info
Sea Cliff is located in northwestern San Francisco near Baker Beach, just east of Lincoln Park.
Address: San Francisco, California, USA, USA
From $ 58
The Cannery
Located beside San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, The Cannery is a historic building that (as you might have guessed) was once home to the California Fruit Company (later Del Monte) fruit and vegetable canning plant. In fact, while it was open it was the largest peach canning facility in the world.
It was utilized as such until 1937, and upon renovation in 1960 it reopened as collection of shops and restaurants. The beautiful red brick exterior surrounds a courtyard where trains once ran into the cannery. Its courtyard still has the same century-old olive trees which line the outdoor space for sidewalk cafes and, during the summer, street performers and musicians.
Unique shops located at The Cannery include a build-a-bear toy shop, art and sculpture galleries, and an international musical instrument shop. There is also a small wine tasting room, artisan bakery, and the classic Jack’s Cannery Bar. The shopping center overlooks San Francisco Bay.
Practical Info
The Cannery is located at Del Monte Square on Leavenworth Street, just three blocks from Pier 39 in San Francisco. Shops open daily at 10 am, and on Sundays at 11 am. Restaurants begin serving lunch around 11 am.
Address: 2801 Leavenworth Street, San Francisco, California, USA 94133, USA
Hours: Shops are open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm and Sun 11am-6pm
From $ 59
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
With wide views looking out over San Francisco Bay, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is the perfect place to revisit the maritime past of the West Coast. The park includes a maritime museum, research facility, visitors center, and a fleet of historic ships.
Docked at Hyde Street Pier, the many vessels include Balcultha, a rigged sailing ship from 1886, as well as five more historic schooners, ferries, and tugboats. The vessels are well-preserved and offer some of the best views of the bay from onboard their decks. Some of the boats have historic cars and other vintage goods. Each of the ships tells the story of a period of time in maritime history.
At the nearby museum housed in the historic Bathhouse Building, curated exhibits tell the story of San Francisco’s long history as a port. The displays give great context to nearby ships with information on the culture and history of the maritime industry.
Practical Info
The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located in Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. It’s best to first visit the Visitors Center on Jefferson Street, where you can plan your visit before heading to Hyde Street Pier. Admission to the park is $10, free for children 15 and under. Passes are good for 7 days.
Address: 499 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, California, USA 94109, USA
Hours: Open daily 9:30am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $10; Children: Free
From $ 20