+
+
+ San Francisco may only stretch across 7 miles, but it's packed with an
+ assortment of activities that's sure to please outdoorsy types,
+ foodies and curious wanderers of all ages. The Golden Gate Bridge is a
+ must-see, while a visit to Alcatraz Island to tour the infamous and
+ now closed federal prison should also be high on your list. Instead of
+ spending all your time around the touristy Fisherman's Wharf, you can
+ discover a more authentic side of San Francisco by grabbing a bite at
+ the Ferry Building Marketplace or with a walking tour through the
+ vibrant Castro. And whether it's climbing to the top of Twin Peaks or
+ sauntering through Golden Gate Park, active types and nature lovers
+ will find plenty to love about San Francisco. You'll likely hit these
+ top spots and more on a guided tour of the city.
+
+
+
California Academy of Sciences
+
+ Attention all traveling families: recent visitors said this is the
+ perfect place to bring kids in San Francisco. The California Academy
+ of Sciences brims with plenty of things to see, including an aquarium,
+ a planetarium, a natural history museum and even a rainforest. The
+ Steinhart Aquarium is home to about 40,000 animals representing more
+ than 900 different species, including a penguin colony from Africa, a
+ swamp with an albino alligator, a shark lagoon and a separate
+ 100,000-gallon tank that mirrors the ecosystem of the California
+ coast. Meanwhile, the Osher Rainforest houses 1,600 animals, including
+ 250 free-flying birds and about 100 reptiles and amphibians in its
+ four-story complex. The Morrison Planetarium is known for its
+ 75-foot-diameter screen, which screens "Tour of the Universe" shows
+ daily. And the Kimball Natural History Museum boasts dinosaur fossils,
+ an interactive science exhibit and a unique earthquake simulator. On
+ top of all of the permanent exhibits, each attraction features its own
+ program of presentations and activities. Travelers suggest sticking
+ around for the coral reef dive at the aquarium or venturing into the
+ Shake House, the earthquake simulator found at the Kimball Natural
+ History Museum. Admission may be pricey to some (adult tickets start
+ at $39.95; entrance for children costs between $29.95 and $34.95,
+ depending on age), but travelers say their experience was worth the
+ cost. Visitors were impressed with not only the quantity of things to
+ do, but the quality, with those young and old saying they left amazed
+ at what they were able to see and do in a day. And a day is what
+ you'll need to see everything, so make sure to pick and choose ahead
+ of time if you're on a tight schedule. You can find the California
+ Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, along Nancy Pelosi Drive.
+ There are multiple public transportation links around the park, but
+ the closest to the California Academy of Sciences is the Irving St. &
+ 9th Ave. Muni metro stop. The academy is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
+ Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more
+ information on the California Academy of Sciences, consult its
+ website.
+
+
+
Golden Gate Bridge
+
+ The Golden Gate Bridge's vaulting, orange arches amidst the rocky
+ seascape of the San Francisco Bay have made it one of the West Coast's
+ most enduring symbols and the city's most popular tourist attraction.
+ The bridge's name, "Golden Gate," actually refers to the body of water
+ it spans (the Golden Gate Strait that connects the Pacific Ocean with
+ the San Francisco Bay), and was built to make travel between San
+ Francisco and Marin County an easier feat. There are plenty of great
+ spots to capture a snap of the majestic bridge. But if you want a
+ truly postcard-worthy shot, head to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista
+ Point, situated high on a hill overlooking San Francisco. If you have
+ extra time, make sure to explore the Golden Gate National Recreation
+ Area. The actual span of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
+ encompasses multiple places in San Mateo (south of San Francisco), San
+ Francisco and Marin Counties (Alcatraz and Muir Woods included), but
+ notable parts of this recreation area can be found just a stroll away
+ from the Golden Gate. From the bridge, travelers will find some
+ scenic, bayside trails, some of which lead to secluded beaches,
+ including Kirby Cove and Black Sands Beach. If you really want a trek,
+ journey to the Point Bonita Lighthouse for sweeping views of the bay,
+ found at the very tip of the Golden Gate Strait. Like many travelers
+ who came before them, recent visitors were awestruck by the incredible
+ architecture of the Golden Gate Bridge as well as the incredible views
+ it affords. Some visitors made sure to point out to drivers not to
+ turn right (heading towards the Marin County side) to the first
+ lookout point, as it is crowded with tourists. Instead, venture into
+ the hills for more space and greater photo ops. Travelers also
+ suggested walking across the bridge for a scenic stroll (if it's not
+ too windy or crowded). If you want to let someone else do the driving,
+ consider signing up for an organized bus tour – many of which traverse
+ the bridge. And for a completely different perspective, consider one
+ of the city's best boat tours – many of which sail beneath the bridge.
+ The bridge is accessible all day every day by bus, car, bicycle or on
+ foot. If you drive, parking is available but very limited and
+ accessible on both the north and south ends of the bridge. The
+ Northeast Side Parking Lot is free up to four hours, while the
+ Southeast Side Visitor Parking Lot costs about $1 an hour. If you
+ drive, you may be subject to a toll. Tolls are only assessed if you're
+ traveling from Marin County into San Francisco. The tolls are taken
+ electronically only and are $7.50 or $6.50 if you have a FasTrak
+ account. For more information on how to pay your toll, and more about
+ visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, visit its website.
+
+
+
Golden Gate Park
+
+ If California had a Central Park equivalent, Golden Gate Park would
+ undoubtedly be it. Though Golden Gate Park sees a small fraction of
+ the visitor's its New York counterpart does (Central Park welcomes
+ upward of 25 million, while Golden Gate sees more than 13 million
+ yearly), it's about 174 acres bigger (Central Park is 843 acres). The
+ park offers so much to see and do, it could take an entire day to
+ experience all that it has to offer. Trails, picturesque picnic
+ spaces, playgrounds, sports courts, gardens, museums and more can be
+ found within its evergreen borders. With so many options available,
+ it's best to map out ahead of time what you want to do, though some
+ attractions warrant a visit, regardless of traveler taste. The
+ Japanese Tea Garden is one of those standout sites. This attraction is
+ one of a kind, serving as the oldest Japanese Garden in the USA. It
+ features five acres of manicured gardens outfitted with cherry trees,
+ bamboo-lined pathways, koi ponds, a five-story pagoda, Zen Garden and
+ actual tea house, among other features. There's also the Conservatory
+ of Flowers, the oldest existing public conservatory in the Western
+ Hemisphere. The conservatory offers visitors a look at a plethora of
+ vibrantly colored blooms and a chance to learn more about the nearly
+ 2,000 species of plants that call the conservatory home.
+
+
Yerba Buena Gardens
+
+ After a day of hasty sightseeing, the Yerba Buena Gardens provide
+ travelers with an opportunity to wind down and enjoy San Francisco's
+ weather and unique culture. The gardens proper include 5 acres of
+ landscaped lawns complete with flowers, trees, water and art. The
+ Cho-En Butterfly Garden attracts native San Francisco butterflies with
+ plants (also native) that encourage butterfly growth from eggs to
+ adults. Meanwhile, the Reflection Garden serves as a tribute to the
+ Ohlone Indians as well as a performance area for various oral
+ traditions. The Upper Terrace Garden and the Sister City Gardens,
+ which include plants from San Francisco's 18 Sister Cities from around
+ the world, are where visitors will find the area's cafes and most of
+ its seating. Additionally, the East Garden houses a variety of
+ sculptures and water features. Lastly, three of the Yerba Buena
+ Gardens' lawns boast designs meant to appeal specifically to children.
+ What's more, attractions like the Children's Creativity Museum and the
+ Yerba Buena Ice Skating + Bowling Center flank the Yerba Buena
+ Gardens, so travelers could feasibly spend an entire day exploring
+ this area of San Francisco. Due to the number of restaurants that also
+ surround the gardens, many past travelers recommend stopping by the
+ Yerba Buena Gardens after grabbing lunch nearby. Recent visitors
+ recommend checking out the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial as well.
+ Plus, the attraction's location in the SoMa neighborhood makes it easy
+ to reach from many tourist hot spots. The Powell Street Station of the
+ BART public transit system will put travelers a short walk from the
+ center of the park. The attraction is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10
+ p.m. Be sure to check the Yerba Buena Gardens website before your
+ visit for information on public performances and other events.
+
+
+
Alcatraz
+
+ While riding a cable car and getting a snap of the Golden Gate is a
+ must when visiting San Francisco, both visitors and travel experts
+ tend to argue the same for Alcatraz. This is because Alcatraz is rich
+ with history. Sitting on a small, rocky island in the middle of San
+ Francisco Bay, Alcatraz is most known as being a former federal prison
+ that housed some of society's biggest offenders, the most famous of
+ which was Prohibition-era mob boss Al Capone. Before that, it was a
+ military prison that housed prisoners from the Spanish-American War
+ and Civil War, as well as the site of the West Coast's first operating
+ lighthouse. The prison closed down both times due to high operating
+ costs and was handed over to the National Park Service in 1972 after
+ the island experienced a short occupation from Native American
+ activists. Today, the attraction sees about one million visitors per
+ year. Recent visitors said Alcatraz is truly a can't-miss attraction.
+ Travelers enjoyed being able to get up close to cells and said the
+ audio tour (complimentary with ferry tickets) voiced by inmates and
+ prison guards made the visit that much more fun and informative.
+ What's more, travelers say the view of the bay from The Rock (the
+ nickname given to Alcatraz) is breathtaking.
+
+
+
Cable Cars
+
+ Chances are you've seen a television show, movie, postcard or some
+ type of San Francisco memorabilia emblazoned with the city's iconic
+ cable car or trolley. So of course, to fully experience San
+ Francisco's charm, you should hop on board. San Francisco's cable car
+ system is the last of its kind in the United States, given the title
+ of a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The cable car was conceived
+ after Andrew Smith Hallidie, an immigrant from England, witnessed an
+ accident involving a horse-drawn buggy trying to climb a steep San
+ Francisco hill and failing. His father had a patent for wire rope in
+ England and he used that to design a transportation system that relied
+ on just that. Thus, cable cars were born in the late 1800s. Though
+ cable cars are seldom used by locals (due in part to their small
+ travel network and high fare), tourists flock to them in droves. More
+ than nine million visitors ride the cable cars each year, and
+ according to recent travelers, it's easy to see why. Tourists had a
+ blast riding the cable cars up and down San Francisco's vibrant
+ streets. Many say the way to get the most out of your cable car
+ experience is to ride hanging out of the vehicle. Even though some
+ said they encountered long lines to board, the majority of visitors
+ believe the wait to be worth the experience. Though if you're not one
+ for long lines, some say to board at one of the stops along the line
+ instead at the beginning.
+
+
+
Twin Peaks
+
+ If you want the best views of San Francisco, take a hike to Twin
+ Peaks. These famous grassy pounds rise 922 feet from the ground,
+ making them the second highest point in the city (after Mount
+ Davidson). From the top, travelers can view multiple San Francisco
+ landmarks, including the Bay Bridge and the downtown skyscrapers.
+ Whether you decide to go during the day or night (some say you should
+ do both), numerous visitors agree that the views are stunning and
+ worth the trek. But make sure to bring a jacket: many recent visitors
+ said it can get windier (and subsequently chillier) up top than at sea
+ level. The Twin Peaks are open 5 a.m. to midnight and there is free
+ (albeit limited) parking at the top of Twin Peaks Boulevard. The
+ Castro Street station is the nearest Muni Metro stop and the Crestline
+ Drive stop on the No. 37 is the best bus route (picks up from Market
+ Street). Be sure to stay on marked trails, as poison ivy can be found
+ in the area. For more information, visit the San Francisco Recreation
+ and Parks website.
+
+
+
The Castro
+
+ If you want to explore San Francisco's rich gay and lesbian culture,
+ the Castro neighborhood is its beating heart. Not only is the Castro
+ the center of the city's LGBTQ community, but it's considered by many
+ to be the gay capital of the world. And once you learn the Castro's
+ history, it's easy to see why. In the 1970s, the Castro was home to
+ Harvey Milk, California's first openly gay public official and one of
+ the first in the USA. His steadfast efforts in the gay rights movement
+ not only earned him the title the "Mayor of Castro Street," but his
+ political efforts helped put San Francisco at the forefront of the gay
+ rights movement. His former camera shop, Castro Camera, that also
+ served as his campaign headquarters, still stands on Castro Street and
+ now serves as a Human Rights Campaign retail shop. Visitors found the
+ Castro laid-back, fun and above all colorful, citing its friendly
+ residents, plentiful amenities and striking aesthetics as its best
+ assets.The neighborhood is lined with picturesque Victorian homes,
+ previously built by immigrants who moved to the Castro in the 19th
+ century seeking cheap land (the area was once a dairy farm). Travelers
+ say a stop at Harvey Milk's old camera shop is a must, even if there
+ is only a plaque commemorating his presence there now. Those wanting
+ to delve further into the neighborhood's history should head on over
+ to the GLBT Museum on 18th street. The unmissable Castro Theatre,
+ situated along the neighborhood's main drag, is another neighborhood
+ gem and a registered city landmark.
+
+
+
Baker Beach
+
+ While San Francisco isn't known for being a beach town, the city's
+ Baker Beach is often considered one of the best in California. Located
+ in the northwestern area of San Francisco in the Presidio, Baker Beach
+ is primarily known for its sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge
+ and the neighboring Marin Headlands. The mile-long beach offers
+ travelers plenty of room to spread their legs and features picnic
+ areas and access to nearby Presidio trails. Travelers flock here to
+ snap photos of the bridge, however, if you're looking to catch some
+ rays or get your feet wet, you should go elsewhere: Swimming at Baker
+ Beach is dangerous thanks to large waves, undertow and rip currents,
+ and the city's fickle weather means it's not always warm enough for
+ sunbathing. Travelers strongly recommend bringing an extra layer, no
+ matter what time of year you visit. Reviewers also stress that those
+ traveling with families should stick to the south side of the beach:
+ North Baker Beach is clothing optional, and it's definitely practiced.
+
+
+
Ferry Building Marketplace
+
+ Attention all foodies: this delectable attraction needs to be at the
+ top of your San Francisco to-do list. The Ferry Building Marketplace
+ is a public food market that features a variety of food stalls that
+ act as small restaurants, snack stops and grocery stores. Here you can
+ find everything from staples, such as seafood, burgers, Mexican food
+ and plenty of coffee, to a Japanese delicatessen, empanada stand, nut
+ shop and a cheese and dairy bar. Many travelers who stopped by the
+ Ferry Building Marketplace visited multiple times during their San
+ Francisco trip. Visitors were impressed with the amount, variety and
+ overall quality of eats available on-site. Though there are formal
+ restaurants available, some visitors say the best strategy is to pick
+ up a to-go meal and enjoy it along the scenic waterfront. And if
+ you're not one for lines, don't come on the weekends. For a different
+ perspective of the marketplace, view it from the water on a narrated
+ boat tour.
+
+
+
China Town
+
+ While New York City's Chinatown tends to take center stage in the USA,
+ San Francisco's Chinatown is just as much of a star. San Francisco's
+ Chinatown hosts one of the largest Asian communities outside of Asia,
+ and is considered one the oldest in North America. Chinese immigrants
+ first started coming to California in search of fortune during the
+ Gold Rush. After being driven out of the gold mines (due to
+ discrimination and restrictive legislation against Chinese
+ immigrants), the Chinese moved to build businesses of their own in the
+ area that is now Chinatown – one of the city's most visited
+ neighborhoods. The best way to experience Chinatown is to simply
+ wander around the neighborhood. Chinatown isn't very big (about 24
+ blocks), so even a short stroll will likely get you to top spots in
+ the neighborhood.
+
+
Union Square
+
+ Situated a couple blocks north of Market Street and southwest of the
+ city's Financial District, Union Square sits at the heart of downtown
+ San Francisco's hustle and bustle. This area is loved by travelers and
+ locals alike for its awesome location and incredible energy. Union
+ Square Park is flanked by tall buildings (some of which are adorned
+ with Time Square-size ads) and busy streets, offering people the
+ unique opportunity to sit in the middle of a busy city and enjoy the
+ atmosphere without the risk of getting run over. The square also acts
+ as a park, outfitted with small grassy spaces and palm trees. There
+ are also multiple seating areas and works of art dotted across the
+ square. The most recognized are the tall Dewey monument, situated in
+ the center of the square, and the regularly photographed Hearts of San
+ Francisco sculpture found at the base of the square Travelers
+ appreciated the abundance of amenities that surround Union Square.
+ There are plenty of hotels as well as dining options left and right.
+ Union Square is pretty well-known, however, for its shopping. Just
+ blocks away shoppers will find everything from Neiman Marcus to a
+ multi-level Forever 21. Recent visitors agreed this is a great place
+ to shop but warn against driving through the area. While there is
+ parking underneath the square, some drivers find the roads around
+ Union Square to be so congested that braving the traffic is not worth
+ the convenient parking. Getting to Union Square via public
+ transportation is much easier. The attraction sits just blocks from
+ Market Street, a hub for all types of public transportation including
+ the bus, Muni Metro and BART. Union Square is only two blocks
+ southeast from the Market St. & 3rd St. Muni Station and about four
+ blocks south of the Powel Street BART Station. Union Square can be
+ visited all hours of the day and night for free. For more information
+ on Union Square, visit the attraction's website.
+
+
+
Lombard Street
+
+
+ Fans of zigging and zagging and charming thoroughfares will appreciate
+ Lombard Street, an exceptionally crooked street in northern San
+ Francisco. Victorian mansions line the street, while beautiful flowers
+ and landscaped shrubbery fill the space between its eight switchbacks.
+ While the road runs from east to west for the length of the city, the
+ portion between Hyde and Leavenworth streets is the section worth
+ exploring. Travelers can walk along each direction of Lombard Street,
+ or opt to drive down it instead. The top of this iconic road boasts
+ stellar views, though recent travelers still express mixed opinions on
+ whether the heavily trafficked street warrants a visit. One tip
+ travelers recommend: Taking the cable car to the attraction, which
+ stops at the top of the hill (at the intersection of Hyde and Lombard
+ streets). From the elevated view, you can gaze at the winding street
+ as automobiles queue up for the quick drive down. You'll find Lombard
+ Street just south of Fisherman's Wharf; it's free to visit.
+
+
+
Lands End
+
+ One of the top places in San Francisco to catch the sunset, Lands End
+ offers whimsical, winding trails through rocky cliffs. Located in the
+ northwestern corner of San Francisco, the park sits inside of the
+ Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The park encompasses multiple
+ historic sites, monuments, a golf course, multiple trails and a
+ shoreline labyrinth with excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
+ Past visitors appreciated the historic ruins of the Sutro Baths, which
+ San Franciscans used as a recreational swimming facility from 1898 to
+ 1964. The baths were demolished in 1964, then further destroyed by a
+ fire in 1996, leaving the structure that travelers can visit today.
+ Similarly, the park's iconic Cliff House was destroyed twice by fire,
+ but it was rebuilt each time. Now, the Cliff House offers a space for
+ travelers to enjoy a meal or drink. The heart of Lands End is the Land
+ End Lookout visitor center, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
+ and includes exhibits and videos on the nature and cultural history of
+ the area. Entrance to the park and the visitor center are free.
+ Cultural enthusiasts will want to stop by the nearby Legion of Honor
+ museum as well, which houses multiple eras of European art. The Legion
+ of Honor is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
+ Admission costs $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $6 for students and
+ is free for children 17 and younger.
+
+
+
Fisherman's Wharf
+
+
+ Fisherman's Wharf is so tourist-laden that some travelers might prefer
+ the quieter, more authentic attractions nearby (like the Castro or
+ Golden Gate Park). But if you're looking to explore all of San
+ Francisco – from its alternative underbelly to its mainstream
+ attractions – Fisherman's Wharf really is a must-see. This waterfront
+ neighborhood features a laundry list of things to do, as well as a few
+ popular San Francisco sites. One of these is Pier 39. The Pier
+ features plenty of shopping and restaurant options for tourists and is
+ also famous for offering sweeping views of the bay, as well as the
+ can't-miss attractions that call it home, including Alcatraz and the
+ Golden Gate Bridge. Though while you're there, don't miss an
+ opportunity to snap a photo of the sea lions who have a habit of
+ sunbathing on buoys near the docks. The Wharf also houses plenty of
+ family-friendly attractions and activities, including a Madame
+ Tussauds wax museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, the San Francisco
+ Dungeon and the Aquarium of the Bay, the last three of which can be
+ found on Pier 39. Those with an interest in history will want to
+ explore the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park and its
+ Maritime Museum. When you start to feel peckish, head over to
+ Ghirardelli Square, which is home to the original Ghirardelli Ice
+ Cream & Chocolate shop. There's also Boudin's, another San Francisco
+ institution. Boudin's is the original creator of sourdough French
+ bread as well as the oldest bakery in the city of San Francisco.
+
+
+
The Walt Disney Family Museum
+
+ True Disney aficionados would be remiss to skip The Walt Disney Family
+ Museum, which delves into the history around the iconic creator. The
+ museum's galleries begin with Walt Disney's childhood and trace his
+ life through the construction of Disneyland, highlighting his legacy
+ and various achievements along the way. Rotating exhibitions widen the
+ museum's berth and offer a closer look at the artists and animators
+ who helped inspire classic characters such as Pinocchio and Mickey
+ Mouse. Past visitors were impressed by how thoroughly the museum
+ explains Walt Disney's early life. They also praised the museum's
+ interactive displays, saying that there is a good mix of reading and
+ video to keep museum patrons entertained. The Walt Disney Family
+ Museum sits in the Presidio, in the northern part of San Francisco.
+ Metered parking is available throughout the neighborhood, while
+ travelers can also take the free PresidiGo Shuttle, plus the No. 45,
+ 43 and 28 buses stop near the attraction. The museum is open from 10
+ a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, excluding major holidays, and
+ the last entry is at 4:45 p.m. General admission tickets cost $25 for
+ adults, $20 for students and seniors ages 65 and older, and $15 for
+ youths ages 6 to 17; children 5 and younger and military personnel are
+ granted free entry. Film screenings and special exhibition venues cost
+ extra. For more information, visit The Walt Disney Family Museum's
+ website.
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