People think of the Golden Gate Bridge, the sound of cable cars, and stunning views of the waterfront when they think of San Francisco.
However, the city has much more to offer, with attractions such as Fisherman's Wharf and Lombard Street; Alcatraz Island; and Union Square. The surrounding region is also worth visiting, including Yosemite National Park and Napa Valley.
From notable buildings to urban observation decks, from wine country to spectacular wilderness, the Bay Area is a region that offers much to those who explore beyond the surface.
1. Top ten must see places when visiting San Francisco
While it is true that there is much more to San Francisco than the Golden Gate Bridge, it is an iconic location that must be seen.
Golden Gate Bridge — The San Francisco photo you must take
The Golden Gate Bridge is California's most famous landmark. Its bright reddish orange paint is a defining contrast to the blue of the Bay Area waters.
It is also popular in many Hollywood movies, and has appeared in disaster films like San Andreas, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and X-Men where the bridge gets destroyed.
The best way to see the bridge is to walk or ride a bike across it. You can feel the wind coming off the bay. There is a walking path on each side of the bridge and there is a bike lane on the west side.
There are many places to stop along the way, so choose your destination based on your route.
The Golden Gate Bridge Pavilion is on the south side of the bridge. It has a very large parking lot and it is a good place to take pictures in the morning. You can also get some great views of the mountains. It also features an info center and exhibits.
Vista Point, right after you cross to the north side, has a great view down to the bridge and the city. Morning light is best for photos.
Fort Point, located below and to the east of the south side, provides one of the strongest perspectives from under the bridge and best for morning photography.
Marin Headlands, located to the west of the north side, has several roadside parking spots and offers stunning long-range views of the bridge.
Battery Spencer, on the far western end of the approach, is also a great view point.
To drive onto the bridge, take US 101 or SR 1.
For the quintessential view of the Golden Gate nestled in fog, go first thing in the morning, which is when you have a better chance.
Another classic way to view the bridge is by taking a bay cruise. Viewing it from the water gives you a completely different sense of its size, and some routes include the Bay Bridge for a more complete view of the San Francisco Bay.
Golden Gate Bridge
· More than 100,000 tons of steel were used to construct this orange-red bridge that stretches across San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Strait.
· The name comes from the Gold Rush when the strait was regarded as a gateway to the gold fields. Visitors from the North Side can appreciate the wonderful full-bridge views.
· Some major American films featuring the bridge include X-Men and Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
· An experience that is a must for any visitor is walking, or biking, back and forth, across the bridge while enjoying the sea breeze.
The lively and delicious waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf
The Fisherman’s Wharf area runs from Ghirardelli Square to Pier 35 and the district is marked by the round sign with the big crab.
The area is filled with stores, quirky wax museums, and restaurants, as well as street performers.
Be sure to grab some San Francisco sourdough before leaving the area, and stop at Boudin Bakery, which is an established local name, and is famous for their traditionally made sourdough.
If you can get to Pier 47 early enough, you can watch the fishing boats unload their catch, which is a reason to come for seafood.
Pier 39 is the center of the area and has a lot of shops, restaurants, and attractions, also known for the sea lions that make their home there. If you’re close enough, you can hear them before you see them; they lounge on the floating docks near the water.
Estimated time: 1 day
How to get there: Buses 2, 4, 8, 18, 24, 27, 38, 44, 54, 56, 58, 72, 74, and 76 stop at Beach St & Taylor St, and it is a two minute walk from the stop. Another option is to ride the F Market line to Beach St & Stockton St or The Embarcadero & Stockton St.
Price of entry: Free
Hours of operation: Open 24 hours
Address: Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133
San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf
· The district runs from Ghirardelli Square to Pier 35.
· At Pier 39, there are shops, restaurants, and street performers. You can also view Alcatraz and the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges.
· Sea lions are often seen sunbathing on the floating docks.
· The Dungeness crab fishing season runs from November to June.
· There is also a good selection of locally themed gifts and souvenirs.
Lombard Street — The most challenging street in the city for novice drivers
This well-known “crooked street” is actually a section of Lombard Street.
It features an upper and lower section, with a steep block that has eight sharp hairpin turns, where cars can only travel downhill.
Drivers may feel the need to take the plunge, but others are much better off walking. The hedge and flowerbeds are planted with roses and the homes contribute to the planting. In the months of June and July, the slope is blanketed in flowering plants.
From the top of the slope on Hyde Street, there are views across the bay towards Alcatraz. For an end-to-end view of the street's curves, go to the bottom of Leavenworth Street. Estimated Duration: \~ 1 hour For the trip, take the Powell-Hyde Cable Car Line to Lombard St & Hyde St. Cost: Free Open: \~ 24 hours Location: Lombard Street, San Francisco, California Lombard St Also called Lombard Street, it is one of the most crooked streets in the world. From the top, guests look at the Bay Bridge and Coit Tower. To improve safety, they created flowerbeds and restricted vehicles to 5 mph on the stretch. With eight steep turns in a single block, it is a tough drive. 40 degrees on the slope. When the roses bloom, the scenery is stunning. Palace of Fine Arts - Grand courtyard to slow down The Palace of Fine Art has an outdoor courtyard instead of an indoor museum. There are intricate, detailed sculptures and monumental colonnades around the courtyard, and a fountain-fed lagoon. Swans and ducks are also in the water which creates a theatrical, romantic atmosphere. It’s one of SF’s best spots for a quiet break. Time Needed: 2-3 hours. From the PresidiGO Crissy Field service, get off at The Palace of Fine Arts stop. Cost: Free Open: \~ 24 hours Location: 3301 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123 Palace of Fine Arts Built in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts drew 18 million visitors before the exposition was abandoned. In 1962 Maybeck, an architect from Germany, was given the job of redesigning and restoring him. This was an early step in creating the decorative style that is visible today. The lagoon, swans and ducks, and the adjacent Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, make this a nice holiday spot.
Alcatraz Island — No devils, but a lot of drama.
Alcatraz Island was a federal prison for serious offenders, but is still well preserved and open to the public. The dim and cold cell blocks have guides that describe the layout and history of the prison along with a recording of a former inmate.
There are many stories of ghosts and legends that surround Alcatraz as a prison site. If you are looking for an evening tour, they offer a more intense experience.
Due to the limited number of visitors, it’s highly recommended to book tickets in advance.
Suggested time: 1/2 a day
Transport: ferry from Pier 33.
Opening hours: Day ferries leave Pier 33 every 30 mins from 8:45 to 15:20 and return ferries leave Alcatraz from 9:55 to 18:30 every 30 mins. There are two evening ferries from Pier 33 at 17:55 and 18:30 and they return from Alcatraz at 20:40 and 21:25. Ferry schedule is subject to change- check the official website.
Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA 94133
Alcatraz is a small rocky island of only 22 acres that used to hold some of the most infamous federal criminals in the United States. This includes Al Capone, the gangster from Chicago, Robert “Birdman” Stroud, and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Inmates would suffer the mental agony of seeing San Francisco’s vibrant life while being confined behind prison bars. A majority of the prison’s original structure continues to be used, while the island features a bird sanctuary, a museum, a bookstore, and amenities for visitors. While the history of Alcatraz is grim, it is also a place for wildlife, contemplation and reflection.
Union Square - The Bay Area's shopping epicenter
For a genuine experience of a big city, Union Square is the place to be. It boasts one of the best shopping locations in San Francisco, featuring international designer labels and luxury department stores. All around the shopping area is a beautifully lined plaza with palms.
The atmosphere of the surrounding streets is compact, almost like what you would find in Europe. Visitors won't regret stopping in this area even if they have no plans to shop.
Recommended Duration: 0.5 Days
Transport: Cable Car to Powell St & Post St
Cost: Free Entry
Operating Hours: 24/7
Address: 333 Post Street, San Francisco, CA
Union Square is located in the center of downtown and features a tall monument celebrating the U.S. Navy's victory over the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay. The four streets that border the square feature independent boutiques and designer shops, in addition to I. Magnin, Macy's, and a number of upscale fashion outlets. The theater district of San Francisco is located directly southwest of the square.
City Hall is beautiful art that has a government function
The architecture of City Hall is a working government building, but its design is reason enough to visit. Dominated by a huge dome and classical in design, it is particularly appealing to those interested in architecture.
Its many tiers give it a surprisingly festive spirit, as many weddings and wedding photos are set there.
Estimated Duration: 1-2 hours
How to Get There: Buses 47, 49, or 90 to Van Ness Ave & Grove St.
Cost: Free
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Address: 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102
San Francisco City Hall
At the Civic Center in San Francisco, City Hall is the government building. It is known for the Beaux-Arts style of architecture and one of the five biggest domes in the world. The current structure is a replacement for the former City Hall, which was destroyed in the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake.
Twin Peaks – The best city viewpoint
Twin Peaks is two adjacent hills with a twin-like appearance.
This is the best spot for an expansive view of the whole city. The lookout point is a short distance from downtown. On a clear day, the entire urban sprawl of San Francisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge, is visible from this location. This is a great spot at sunset and nighttime as well.
Estimated Duration: 2 hours
How to Get There: Bus 37 goes to Twin Peaks.
Cost: Free
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
Address: Christmas Tree Point Rd, San Francisco, CA 94114
Twin Peaks
At around 270 meters high, Twin Peaks is one of the last remaining natural hills of San Francisco and one of its many remaining natural hills. Spanish settlers named the hills in a colorful way, owing to their shape. Be prepared for rough weather and chill at the top by bringing lots of warm layers and possibly even the added expense of a weather-resistant outer layer. After all the climb is a serious workout, but clear days with the right effort reward hikers with a sight of the city and the red span of the Golden Gate and even the city’s skyline at night is rewarding. Chinatown — A Chinese San Francisco Chinatown is one of the few places in North America where a vehicular and pedestrian suspension bridge to the other side of a waterway, hand-drawn and computerized illustrations of the bridge, and the decks and walkways of the bridge can be found along with the above-mentioned features. As a reminder, the suggested time is 3-4 hours. To get here, ride the Powell-Hyde cable car and get off at Powell St & Jackson St. General admission is free. We are open 24 hours. Our address is Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94108 Located at the intersection of Grant Avenue and California Street, San Francisco's Chinatown is home to over 80,000 Chinese residents. It is located adjacent to Union Square and the western financial district. Chinatown's signage, language, cuisine and daily life set a Chinese tone that is always present and dominant. The California Academy of Sciences — A total engagement in the study of natural sciences The California Academy of Sciences is a first-rate destination in the field of natural sciences. It claims to be the only institution in the world that combines an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a four-story rainforest all in one facility. There is the opportunity to engage with working scientists through the glass and to ask questions. \NightLife\ program takes place every Thursday evening. Time Required: 1/2 Day How to Get There: Take bus 44 or N line to 9th Ave & Irving St. Costs: $29.95 per adult / $19.95 per child Open: Mon - Sat 9:30 - 17:00, Sun 11:00 - 17:00 Address: 55 Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118 California Academy of Sciences The Academy, which also functions as a significant natural history museum and research facility, integrates teaching, exhibits, and scientific research. Among its treasures are the Steinhart Aquarium, the Morrison Planetarium, the Kimball Natural History Museum, and a rainforest. The planetarium takes guests on an exciting journey across space. The aquarium has more than 2,000 fish species and, along with other inhabitants, manages a coral reef ecosystem. One of the building's many distinctive features is a large living roof. The Natural Science Center on the second level allows visitors to interact with scientists, and you can even communicate with them. A San Francisco sightseeing pass is also recommended. It can reduce the amount of time spent on planning and waiting in line, and you can save as much as 50% on admission.
Outside of San Francisco: art, coastline, wine, and wilderness.
San Francisco has enough attractions to fill an entire trip, but the area just beyond the city is just as bountiful. Numerous locations that can be reached in under four hours. These are great for day trips. Napa Valley - Enjoy and take your time in California's wine region. Napa Valley is home to more than 400 wineries, about 95% of which are family-owned. The Napa Valley Wine Train and Napa Valley Wine Trolley provide options to experience multiple wineries in a single day, including food pairing, and tasting options.
While the wineries are a big part of the Napa Valley experience, the area has so much more to offer. In addition to the wineries, there are beautiful sunsets, seasonal food, hot air ballooning, art, cycling, and spas. Napa Valley is perfect for an unhurried getaway.
Transportation: Napa can be reached by car after about an hour of driving and then continued via ferry and local VINE buses. Local tour companies and charter services can plan your trips as well. For those who would like to get a private day tour, this is a reasonable option so you can enjoy wine tasting without having to drive.
Monterey – A coastal town with artistic character.
Monterey is a Northern California seaside town also called California’s “first city.” It can be reached from San Francisco in about 1.5 hours via Highway 1.
Famous 17-Mile Drive can be driven, cycled or walked on to see the coastal views from Monterey to Carmel. There are also attractions like Pebble Beach, Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Carmel Beach. The area has small shops, restaurants, inns, and galleries so it is worth making some stops along the way.
Transportation: It takes about two hours to reach Monterey from San Francisco via the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, Highway 1. You can also reach it by bus, train, or ferry Monterey.
Monterey has a well-developed arts community and includes museums and performance spaces featuring both local and international artists. Steinbeck's Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium (one of North America's largest aquariums) are both examples of the area's fascinating marine life. \*\Yosemite\\* \- The grandeur of a national park Only 4 hours by car from San Francisco, Yosemite offers spectacular views. If you're on a time crunch, it's best to prioritize visiting the main attractions. Yosemite Valley provides views of the iconic waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls. The base of El Capitan provides views of Half Dome. The glacier-carved cliffs of the valley are a welcome respite from the routine pressures of life. Yosemite offers an abundance of year-round activities, including hiking, climbing, cycling, skiing, rafting, and wildlife viewing. An open-air tram tour can be a wonderful way to see more of the park in good weather. \*\Transit\\* Highway 140 is considered the more scenic of the two routes. From San Francisco, you'll head east for 3-4 hours. Private tours and Amtrak provide additional options. A day trip to Yosemite includes transport, and often a guide, as well as a visit to a giant sequoia grove. \*\Yosemite National Park\\* One of California's most sought attractions is Yosemite National Park known for its magnificent waterfalls, impressive granite features, and picturesque valleys. Towering trees, crystal clear mountain streams, glacier-carved cliffs, and shimmering lakes create a landscape that feels unreal. Both liquid and frozen water form an essential feature of the park's exquisite beauty. Silicon Valley - Visit the birthplace of world technology. After about 40 minutes of driving south from San Francisco, you will arrive at Silicon Valley, one of the most important technology hubs in the world. Many of the modern world defining services started in this region and have their headquarters in Silicon Valley, Google, Apple, Facebook, and numerous startups. While it's not possible for guests to visit the inner workings of these companies, it is worth it to walk the grounds of the different campuses. It shows the actual world behind the tech world that is so often seen in the television series about Silicon Valley. Driving instructions state that there is an option to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County. Visitors can also bike or take a bus, shuttle, or ferry. It is possible to do an outlet shopping tour in Silicon Valley combined with tech company sightseeing in a single day.
Sample itineraries for San Francisco
City itinerary Classic two day itinerary Day 1 Fisherman’s Wharf → ferry to Alcatraz Island → walk 10 minutes → Lombard Street → 20 minutes by bus → Palace of Fine Arts → 10 minutes by bus → Golden Gate Bridge When focusing on northern San Francisco, start at Fisherman's Wharf for the waterfront atmosphere and a seafood lunch, and then continue to the Palace of Fine Arts, and Lombard Street, before taking a ferry to Alcatraz. Enjoy the evening breeze and views at the Golden Gate Bridge - the perfect way to end the day.
Day 2
Chinatown → 10 min PH/30 → Union Square → 10 min KT/L/M/Red Line → SF City Hall → M/L/J Line + 36/37 bus 40 min → Twin Peaks → 40 min N Line → Cal Academy of Sciences
Start with Chinatown for a taste of Chinese culture and a hearty meal, then shop at Union Square and visit City Hall. Next, head to Twin Peaks for a panoramic view of the city before finishing at the California Academy of Sciences.
One-day highlights itinerary
For those that are short on time, there is the option of a very full day that includes the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, Alcatraz Island, Union Square, and City Hall.
Exploring outside the city
Attractions outside of San Francisco are not clustered together and are difficult to combine in a single outing. The best approach is to drive yourself or take a tour. Consider each stop as a separate excursion.
4. Recommendations for transportation
Getting to San Francisco
Three airports serve San Francisco. The main one is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is located south of the city. Directly across the bay is Oakland International Airport (OAK) and about an hour south of the city is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC). You can book private transfer services from the airport as you land in San Francisco.
Getting around the city
While much of the U.S. is road trip country, San Francisco is not an easy city to drive in. Many visitors see a car as more trouble than its worth. It's steep streets and expensive parking mean driving in the city can be more trouble than it's worth.
Public transport, however, is extensive. Travelers can utilize buses, the metro, historic cable cars, and streetcars to reach the majority of the city's corners.
San Francisco's cable cars are known as the oldest cable cars in the world. They operate in the downtown area of the city, There are three routes: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street. When riding one, you will hear the signature clanging of the cars. It's a direct link to the city's past.
Another option for public transport is the F-line streetcar. It travels between Market Street and Fisherman's Wharf. You can pay for your ticket on the streetcar from the conductor or at one of the many ticket booths.
While public transport has it's limitations, car rental remains an option. Though, because they are so hilly, San Francisco is not a good city for novice drivers to be renting cars. For trips outside of the city, though, it is better to rent a car.
5. Where to stay
San Francisco's lodgings and style remains highly unique, many people refer to it as the birthplace of boutique hotels. Prices at the Source average between US$100 - US$300 for a hotel stay, with overnight parking costing an additional US$35 - US$50.
For easy access to important attractions and efficient transport, many visitors prefer staying at Union Square. Higher hospitality options are available in Fisherman’s Wharf, with a variety of dining options available nearby. Food recommendations Fisherman’s Wharf Crab House: One of the finest dining options in the area, as stated by Zagat. Boudin Sourdough Factory: Famous chain bakery where the San Francisco classic sourdough is sold. Bubba Gump: Restaurant themed on the movie Forest Gump. Union Square and Chinatown area R&G Lounge: One of the foremost Chinese dining establishments in Chinatown and has appeared in the Michelin Guide for several years. The Cheesecake Factory: Popular American restaurant chain known for their variety of cheesecakes. Final thoughts San Francisco has a reputation of being one of the most livable cities in America. It is a city that is not overly loud or fast-paced, it can feel quite old in some areas. This is what gives the city its charm. The unique combination of the city’s grand structures and well-used streets, lively waterfront, diverse cultural districts, and beautiful escapes across the bay.
