Choose from 126 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco
Cartoon Art Museum
Beat Museum
- Quirky as the movement, the museum displays original artifacts next to secondhand books.
- Enter from the street and walk up a short flight of stairs to enter the small museum.
- The museum serves as a great introduction to the Beat Generation. Fans of 1950s and 1960s music, literature, and history will find plenty to savor here.
Haas-Lilienthal House
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Tomales Bay Point
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Silverado Trail
- There are a multitude of dining options along the trail, from snack stops to gourmet restaurants. Shopping, lodging, and a variety of other services are also available.
- Pick up a map in Napa, as many fine wineries lie just off the Silverado Trail and are worth a visit.
- Wheelchair and stroller access varies between wineries.
Transamerica Pyramid
- The Pyramid is a commercial building and is open on business days only.
- The visitor’s center is located on the Plaza Level off Clay Street.
- A historical display features videos and information about the Pyramid.
- Driving to the Pyramid is not recommended, as street parking is limited.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
- The market is a must-see for foodies and culture lovers.
- The Ferry Building contains restrooms, ATMs, and limited public seating. All facilities are wheelchair-accessible.
- The nearest parking lot is at Washington Street and Embarcadero.
Tunnel View
A 2008 renovation included a more accessible viewing area, improved traffic flow and educational exhibits. Every vista from Tunnel View is picture-worthy, but for frame-worthy light, try to time your stop at Tunnel View to coincide with sunset, when the light turns to shadow and sweeps across the valley.
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Tuolumne Grove
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Tuolumne Meadows
Try the easy hike to Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge or trek up to Gaylor Lake for spectacular high-country views. Less crowded than the Valley, Toulumne is worth the approximately two-hour drive from the Yosemite Valley to experience this idyllic setting.
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Treasure Island
- Treasure Island is ideal for wine lovers and those who want to see a different side of San Francisco, off the tourist path.
- With its location on the water, Treasure Island is exposed to the elements so bring layers and sunscreen to shield yourself from wind, fog, and sun.
- There are a few cafés and restaurants on the island.
- Redevelopment and construction on the island is ongoing; closures of roads, venues, and events are possible.
Children's Creativity Museum
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Union Square
The newly paved grounds of Union Square, bordered by brightly lit department stores and hotels, may not at first seem like an inviting place to hang out. But perch awhile on a skinny bench or grab a coveted seat at the café in the square, and you’ll discover some of the best people-watching in the city.
For in one day, you’ll see theater-goers debate the merits of the latest David Mamet productions, Nob Hill society dames in dark glasses duck into Maiden Lane spas for facials, and giddy teens wear out their parents while shopping for prom dresses.
But the real reason to come to Union Square is to shop. The square is home to six major department stores: Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Barney’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus. Boutique shoppers will find plenty of spots to browse the latest designer fashion. High-end emporiums surround the square, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Prada, and Giorgio Armani. Other stores, just south of Union Square along Market Street, include Old Navy, Apple Store, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters.
Nearby attractions include the theater district, Chinatown, and the French Quarter, with its many restaurants and cafes. Union Square is also only a few blocks from fashionable Nob Hill.
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You can get to Union Square by all forms of public transportation. Two cable car lines (Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason) serve Union Square on Powell Street; the F-Market antique street car, trolley, and bus lines also stop here.
SoMa (South of Market Street)
- SoMa is ideal for art and culture lovers, baseball enthusiasts, and night-clubbers.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as SoMa is a vast area.
- There is a lot of metered street parking, but pay attention to posted and temporary signs about prohibited parking during street cleaning, construction, and certain times of day.
Ferry Building
- The Ferry Building is a must for foodies.
- The marketplace is exceptionally busy during rush hour, and an hour before and after games and events at AT&T Park.
- Situated on San Francisco's waterfront, weather can shift quickly from bright and sunny to foggy and cold. Dress in layers.
- Restrooms are located on either end of the main hall.
- Ferry Building restaurants and restrooms are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
ZD Wines
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Twin Peaks
- Restrooms and a parking lot are available.
- The scenic overlook in the North Peak parking lot is wheelchair accessible.
- Bring layers, as you may feel strong winds standing at the second-highest point in San Francisco.
- Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore any of the hiking trails in the 64-acre park.
Contemporary Jewish Museum
- Because the educational programs and special exhibitions change frequently, review their program list in advance to determine the best day and time to visit.
- The museum and store are wheelchair accessible; accessible parking is available at the Jessie Square garage.
- The CJM offers free admission every first Tuesday of the month.
- Families will enjoy the extensive program designed for visitors of all ages.
Angel Island Immigration Station
- The Angel Island Immigration Station is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but parts of the grounds are steep.
- There is a small fee to enter the museum.
- No matter the weather or the season, bring layers to shield yourself from the wind.
- Bikes are permitted on the island, but skateboards, scooters, roller skates, and Rollerblades are prohibited. Those under 18 years of age are required to wear a helmet while biking.