Choose from 126 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 126 listings.
El Capitan
Yes, it's a big rock, but what makes El Capitan a must-witness sight in Yosemite is the fact that it's the largest exposed-granite monolith in the world. Oh, and people climb it. Rising 3,593 feet (1095 meters)—more than 350 stories—above the Valley, El Capitan was once considered impossible to climb. However, since Warren Harding first conquered the "nose" in 1958, El Capitan has become the standard for big-wall climbing.
Take binoculars to spot the little bits of color that pinpoint adventurous climbers tackling the smooth and nearly vertical cliff.
Take binoculars to spot the little bits of color that pinpoint adventurous climbers tackling the smooth and nearly vertical cliff.
Practical Info
El Capitan is located on the north side of Yosemite Valley, across from Bridalveil Fall; you can get a great view from the pullover at Tunnel View. If you're interested in reaching the top of El Capitan, hike the trail next to Yosemite Falls then head west. If a face-to-face view of El Capitan is more your style, Yosemite Mountaineering School offers climbing lessons to guests of all ages and abilities.
Address: El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA
From $ 74
Half Moon Bay
Between San Francisco and Santa Cruz sits Half Moon Bay, a sleepy beach resort community with a population not quite reaching 12,000 people. The Victorian-era Main Street harkens back to its early days as a tourist destination in the 1800s when it slowly evolved from a fishing village with a Spanish mission to a booming town with a major stagecoach depot.
Many of the town’s historic buildings now house upscale restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, but the coast is the real draw here. While temperatures can fluctuate quickly, the long stretch of beach, parts of it now lined with multimillion dollar estates, draws surfers, students and weekend picnickers throughout the year. If you’re looking to catch big waves, head to Maverick’s at Pillar Point, but be sure to wear a wetsuit.
During the winter months, whale watching excursions depart from Pillar Point to see gray whales and sometimes orcas make their way south and back north again. In the summer, you can still spot some marine wildlife in the colorful tide pools of the James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
Many of the town’s historic buildings now house upscale restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, but the coast is the real draw here. While temperatures can fluctuate quickly, the long stretch of beach, parts of it now lined with multimillion dollar estates, draws surfers, students and weekend picnickers throughout the year. If you’re looking to catch big waves, head to Maverick’s at Pillar Point, but be sure to wear a wetsuit.
During the winter months, whale watching excursions depart from Pillar Point to see gray whales and sometimes orcas make their way south and back north again. In the summer, you can still spot some marine wildlife in the colorful tide pools of the James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
Address: Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA
From $ 94
Grace Cathedral
Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Nob Hill neighborhood, the Gothic-style Grace Cathedral is best known for its stained-glass windows that depict modern figures such as Thurgood Marshall, Robert Frost, and Albert Einstein. The church’s commitment to social issues is showcased in its AIDS Memorial Chapel, which houses a bronze altarpiece by activist Keith Haring.
The Basics
Some San Francisco city tours stop at Grace Cathedral. Wander the Episcopal church on your own—including a walk through the indoor or outdoor labyrinth for inner peace, prayer, and solstice—or download the app for a self-guided tour. On select days, there is a 90-minute paid tour to visit parts of the church that are not accessible to the general public. Services are offered throughout the week, and a yoga class on the indoor labyrinth is offered on Tuesday evenings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cathedral is free to enter.
- While the cathedral itself is not open 24 hours, visitors are welcome to walk the outdoor labyrinth at any time of day.
- This remains a functioning, religious site, so remember to be respectful when visiting.
- Grace Cathedral is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Grace Cathedral is best accessed via public transportation. The California Street Cable Car stops in front of the church, the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines are two blocks away, and MUNI buses 1 and 27 stop in the vicinity. If arriving by car, there’s a paid parking garage at the cathedral or across the street at the Masonic Center. Daytime street parking is metered and limited to two hours.
When to Get There
Grace Cathedral is open from 8am to 6pm most days, and there isn’t a bad time to visit. If you want to see the cathedral in action, plan to attend a service. Various events are offered throughout the year, so check the calendar in advance.
Other Attractions Near Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral presides over the centrally located neighborhood of Nob Hill, also home to the historical Fairmont and Mark Hopkins hotels. San Francisco’s iconic cable cars traverse the neighborhood, making it easily accessible from Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Cable Car Museum, Chinatown, and the Financial District are all within walking distance.
Address: 1100 California Street, San Francisco 94108, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 25
Haight-Ashbury
The heart of San Francisco’s 1967 Summer of Love, the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood will forever be associated with the hippie movement and American counterculture. Today the district’s mix of boutiques, smoke shops, vintage stores, restaurants, and bars makes it a favorite among locals. It also has a high concentration of the beautifully restored Victorian homes the city is known for.
The Basics
Visiting the Haight, as it’s known, is mostly about people watching and enjoying the laid-back vibe. Walk up and down Haight Street to visit landmark record store Amoeba Music and the popular Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop, located at the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets.
Many San Francisco city tours will take you past the neighborhood, but opt for a VW van tour, Haight-Ashbury walking tour, or themed hippie tour for a more in-depth experience with a guide, who can often point out places of interest such as where Janis Joplin or the Grateful Dead used to spend their time.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Haight-Ashbury is a must-visit for counterculture history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
- Metered and non-metered street parking is available on and around Haight Street; read the street signs to check time allotments and street-cleaning days.
- Haight Street ends at the eastern edge of Golden Gate Park, making it easy to explore both in the same day.
How to Get There
Haight-Ashbury is in central San Francisco, tucked between the green spaces of Golden Gate Park, its Panhandle, and Buena Vista Park. MUNI buses 6 and 7 have stops along Haight Street, or take the N light rail to the Cole Street stop and walk four blocks north.
When to Get There
To get the full effect of the bustle of Haight Street, go in the late morning, when the shops typically open and lots of folks are out and about; the neighborhood is particularly popular for brunch. The evening scene is also lively, with many dinner options and a hopping bar scene.
The Painted Ladies
It’s just 1 mile from the corner of Haight and Ashbury streets to Alamo Square, a popular city park that draws visitors looking for the Painted Ladies. This multicolored row of Victorian houses is known for being featured in the intro to the television show Full House and also appeared in the 1978 remake of the horror classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Before or after you explore the Haight, head to Alamo Square to enjoy a view of Postcard Row with downtown San Francisco in the background.
Address: Haight and Ashbury Streets, San Francisco 94108, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 30
Half Dome
Iconic Half Dome rises 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above the floor of Yosemite Valley. Perhaps one of the most famous hikes in Yosemite National Park, Half Dome was once considered impossible to climb. Now hundreds of park visitors reach this magnificent granite formation’s summit each day, and countless more gaze at its towering face from below.
The Basics
Spend any time at all in Yosemite, and you’re sure to catch a glimpse of postcard-perfect Half Dome. Sightseeing tours through the park—including full-day and multi-day trips from Fresno, San Francisco, and Los Angeles—offer plenty of views and photo ops of the park’s distinctive peak. For adventure travelers, climbing to the top is somewhat of a rite of passage: The intense round-trip hike is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) with a 4,800-foot (1,463-meter) elevation gain. A guided hike to the top is a full-day affair, and the spectacular panoramic views from the summit are well worth the effort.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Half Dome is a must-see for adventure travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and photographers.
- Hiking Half Dome requires a permit, so be sure to apply well in advance.
- If hiking, wear sturdy and comfortable footwear suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, as well as sun protection, and bring gloves to ascend the metal cables that line the final stretch of the route.
- Along the trail, flush toilets are located at the Vernal Fall Footbridge, and composting toilets are available at Emerald Pool (above Vernal Fall), at the top of Nevada Fall, and in Little Yosemite Valley.
How to Get There
The top of Half Dome is accessible only via a strenuous round-trip hike. If you’re not hiking to the top (or don’t have a permit), take the park shuttle to Sentinel Bridge or drive up to Glacier Point for excellent views of the peak.
When to Get There
The cables that allow visitors to summit Half Dome usually go up just before Memorial Day and come down after Columbus Day, depending on the weather. Never attempt to ascend if you see storm clouds. If you’re in the park around sunset, make your way to Sentinel Bridge to see Half Dome illuminated by the setting sun.
The Infamous Half Dome Cables
One of the most notorious parts of the hike to the top of Half Dome is the last 400 feet (122 meters), where hikers are aided by two metal cables to summit the stone face without the need for rock-climbing equipment. The predecessor to today’s modern cables were laid by George Anderson, when he successfully reached the summit in 1875.
Address: Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 74
Exploratorium
San Francisco’s Exploratorium is more than a museum—it’s one giant laboratory. Perched on the downtown waterfront at Pier 15, the Exploratorium brings together science, art, and human perception through interactive, science-based experiences. The Exploratorium is wholly hands-on, with nearly every surface designed to be touched, played on, and engaged with.
The Basics
The Exploratorium, comprising six main galleries on a single floor facing the San Francisco Bay, houses a series of interactive exhibits and touch-me activities that invite—as the name suggests—exploration. From the Tactile Dome to the Tinkering Studio, the Exploratorium invites visitors of all ages to engage with the exhibits to explore the natural world and every individual’s perception of it. Featured themes include the living world, human emotions, and the senses of sight and hearing.
You can buy tickets at the Exploratorium or save time with advance-purchase skip-the-line tickets for the specific date of your visit. The museum is a stop on the hop-on hop-off bus, and entry is included with the San Francisco Go Card, Explorer Pass, and CityPass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Exploratorium is a must for families with children. Young kids and adults who are young at heart will delight in the freedom to play.
- Some exhibits, including the popular San Francisco fog and wind and tide exhibits, are outside. Wear layered clothing and shoes that can get wet.
- While the Exploratorium is oriented toward science and exploration for children, the Thursday evening events such as the Tactile Dome and After Dark attract an adult crowd.
- First-time visitors are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to do. Plan an early arrival to experience as much as possible.
- The on-site restaurant, Seaglass, is very popular. Dine after 1pm to avoid the longest lines.
- The Exploratorium is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers; loaner wheelchairs are available for free at the information desk.
How to Get There
The Exploratorium is served by MUNI’s E and F streetcars. Bus lines 10 and 12 stop a few blocks over, and the Embarcadero BART station is about a 15-minute walk away. If you must drive, there is a paid parking lot at Embarcadero and Green Street, and limited street parking along the Embarcadero before 3pm.
When to Get There
The Exploratorium is open daily from 10am to 5pm; in summer (generally July through August) it’s open 6pm to 10pm Thursday for those 18 and older, and 5pm to 9pm Friday for all ages. It’s an incredibly popular place, and on weekdays it’s often bustling with school and camp groups; late afternoons tend to be quieter.
From the Palace of Fine Arts to Pier 15
The brain child of Frank Oppenheimer, the Exploratorium originally opened in 1969 at the Palace of Fine Arts, the former site of California’s Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915. Oppenheimer’s passion for teaching with hands-on activities and experiences helped transform science education. Working closely with artists, educators, and developers, this first-of-its-kind science museum invited visitors to use more than their eyes to learn. The Exploratorium moved to its new location on the Embarcadero’s Pier 15 in 2013.
Address: Pier 15, San Francisco 94111, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Hayes Valley
Sandwiched between San Francisco’s Civic Center and Alamo Square, Hayes Valley has grown into one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. Both residential and commercial, with its main drag Hayes Street, the area is full of custom shops and gourmet restaurants. There are also several Victorian and Queen Anne style townhouses in the surrounds, as well as numerous playgrounds and art-filled parks.
Though the area has been historically neglected, it has emerged as one of the most desirable areas in the city. Recent openings of coffee shops, craft cocktail bars, upscale boutiques, and even a beer garden have made this a hot spot of local activity. It seems that the city’s best new restaurants are opening in Hayes Valley on a regular basis. Its proximity to nearby arts and culture means it is often a pre- or post-show spot for dinner and drinks. It is also home to the new SJ Jazz Center.
Practical Info
Hayes Valley is a section of the Western Addition of San Francisco. Its primary draw is the blocks of Hayes Street between Laguna and Franklin Streets, where the majority of shops and restaurants are located. It is accessible via multiple Muni bus lines.
Address: Hayes Street, between Laguna and Franklin, San Francisco, California, USA, USA
From $ 48
Grgich Hills Estate
Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Grgich Hills Estate is a family-oriented winery committed to natural wine growing and sustainability with a history of excellence.
Founder and winemaker Mike Grgich is nearly as famous as his wines, thanks to his 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris Tasting – thus firmly putting Napa on the map as a wine-making region to contend with (and inspiring the movie Bottle Shock). The legend himself still tours the picturesque landscape daily, so it is possible to run into the kind and spritely gentleman while on a tour of this fabulous estate.
Practical Info
Grgich Hills Estate is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm Tours and tastings are available, as is the signature Grape Stomping event come harvest. Grgich Hills Estate is a stop on the Napa Valley Wine Train tour.
Address: 1829 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, CA 94573, USA
Hours: Daily 9:30am-4:30pm
From $ 0
Grateful Dead House
On a quiet street in the Haight district of San Francisco, this purple painted Victorian house stands as the former dwelling of the band Grateful Dead. Street art depicting guitarist Jerry Garcia can be found on the sidewalks in front of the house. The timing was such that the band lived there from 1965-68, including during the famed “Summer of Love” in 1967. San Francisco was the center of the “flower power” hippie movement, and the Haight became known for its Bohemian lifestyle and the birth of several new musical genres.
All five members of the rock band lived in the house, which became known after the drug raid in 1967 for the possession of marijuana. It is claimed that it was in this house that the Grateful Dead’s distinctive musical style was born, as well as its naming by Jerry Garcia. Fans of the band, or “Deadheads,” can often be found making a pilgrimage to pay their respects to the musicians.
Practical Info
The house is located at 710 Ashbury Street in the famous Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco. It is a private residence and only the exterior can be viewed.
Address: 710 Ashbury Street, San Francisco, California, USA 94117, USA
From $ 48
Golden Gate Park
The 1,000-plus acres (412 hectares) of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park are home to museums, picnic sites, lakes, golf, hiking and biking paths, concerts, and more. From the attraction-laden east end to the wilder west side where bison roam, the park offers plenty of ways to relax, get a culture fix, exercise, or gather with friends.
The Basics
Sitting between the Richmond and Sunset districts, Golden Gate Park stretches about 50 blocks across San Francisco from Ocean Beach on the western edge to the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. The de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences are the two main cultural institutions (with entrance fees) and sit conveniently near each other at the Music Concourse. The Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco Botanical Garden, Shakespeare Garden, National AIDS Memorial Grove, and Stow Lake are other popular attractions in this tourist-heavy section of the park. Moving west toward the Pacific Ocean, the park spreads out with more trails (both paved and dirt), a 9-hole golf course, disc golf, meadows that host annual music festivals, windmills, and even a bison paddock. Park Segway tours and bike rentals are the top ways to explore.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free street parking is available around the park in some locations, and a parking garage is set near the de Young and California Academy of Sciences.
- John F. Kennedy Drive is closed on Sundays and holidays from Kezar Drive to Transverse Drive. It’s also closed on Saturdays from April through September from 8th Avenue to Transverse Drive.
- Roads inside the park close occasionally for special events; signs will be posted.
- Food and drinks can be found at the de Young Café, the Beach Chalet, the California Academy Café, and the Stow Lake Boathouse, as well as at snack stands.
How to Get There
The No. 5 bus on the city’s Muni network stops at entrances to the park on the northern edge, along Fulton Street. Taxis and ride-sharing vehicles are allowed to pull up in front of the de Young and California Academy of Sciences for drop-off only.
When to Get There
San Francisco offers mild weather most of the year, so the park is enjoyable nearly every day (just be sure to wear layers). Music lovers may want to visit for the annual Outside Lands Music Festival in August or the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in October. Beware the city’s famous fog, affectionately known as Karl, which rolls in from the ocean in July and August, giving San Francisco its chilly summers.
The Golden Gate Park Bison Paddock
The most unusual thing about this city park is its bison paddock, home to a herd of American bison since the 1890s. Stumbling upon the animals is a delightful surprise for many visitors who make it to the western section of the park. To find the meadow, head along John F. Kennedy Drive just west of Spreckels Lake. Hopefully you’ll catch them near the fence, but know that they’re not always in view.
Address: Fell and Stanyan Streets, San Francisco 94118, USA
Hours: Daily. Closed (except for through traffic) 10pm-6am
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Fisherman's Wharf
Once the stomping ground of Italian fishermen, Fisherman’s Wharf is now one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist destinations. The bustling waterfront strip is filled with souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and a wealth of family-friendly attractions—most notably a colony of sea lions that sunbathes and poses for photos on Pier 39.
The Basics
Carnivalesque Fisherman’s Wharf teems with sights, sounds, tastes, and activities to entertain the whole family. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island; walk through underwater tunnels at the Aquarium of the Bay; and board historic ships and a World War II submarine at the Hyde Street Pier. The wax collection at Madame Tussauds and the theatrical San Francisco Dungeon are also popular, while the antique penny arcade Musée Mécanique is a must-see for gamers.
As one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf is featured on most full-day and half-day city tours. Explore the wharf and surrounding neighborhoods on a Segway, bike, or coach tour; enjoy craft brews on a walking tour of North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf bars; or visit on a full-day excursion to such famous Bay Area sights as Alcatraz, Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, and Muir Woods.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-see for first-time visitors to San Francisco.
- Choose a half-day city tour or a full-day excursion that includes top Bay Area sights to get an introduction to the area.
- Public parking is available nearby and public transit is easily accessible.
- The wharf is wheelchair accessible, although the sidewalks are often crowded.
How to Get There
Fisherman’s Wharf lies on the city’s northern shore, next to Ghirardelli Square, Fort Mason, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. The area is easy to access via public transportation. Both the Powell–Hyde and Powell–Mason cable car lines end near the wharf (opt for the more scenic Powell–Hyde line). Alternatively, take MUNI’s historic F-line streetcar to Taylor Street or the 30-Stockton bus to North Point and Hyde streets.
When to Get There
The wharf is a year-round destination. Summer is the most popular time to visit, when street performers are out in force and attractions are at capacity. To avoid crowds, visit on a weekday and arrive early, but remember that most shops and attractions don’t open until about 10am. Sunny days are best for a visit, but the wharf has enough indoor attractions for dreary days.
Exploring Nearby Attractions
Fisherman’s Wharf is an ideal jumping-off point for visiting other San Francisco attractions. To pick up the city’s most famous treat, head west to Ghirardelli Square, a former chocolate factory that now houses boutiques, sweet shops, and wine tasting rooms. Continue west on Bay Street to visit Marina boutiques and enjoy the natural wonders of the Presidio, or head south down the Embarcadero for the Ferry Building gourmet marketplace and the hands-on Exploratorium science museum.
Address: Taylor Street at The Embarcadero, San Francisco 94133, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: Free
From $ 20
Huntington Park
Beautifully landscaped and cared for, Huntington Park is one of San Francisco’s most beloved neighborhood parks. It was formerly the site of a mansion destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. After the land was donated to the city by the widow of rail tycoon Collis P. Huntington, the park has become a favorite area of the Nob Hill area.
With beautiful landscaping surrounding the historic Flood Fountain, there is also a playground area for children. The park sits in front of the landmark Grace Cathedral, and with its wide lawn and many benches is great for picnicking and relaxing outdoors. The Roman “Fountain of Tortoises” at the park’s center is its most famous structure, often beautifully lit at night. The bronze sculpture is a copy of a 400 year old original in Rome.
Practical Info
Huntington Park can be found between California Street and Sacramento Street at Taylor Street in Nob Hill. The cable car stops at the intersection, and the MUNI bus route 1 stops at Sacramento and Sproule.
Address: California Street & Taylor Street, San Francisco, California, USA
Hours: Park is open 5am to Midnight
From $ 25
Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle, perched along California’s Central Coast, is the ostentatious creation of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan. This 90,000-square-foot (8,361-square-meter) estate comprises 165 rooms and 127 acres (51.4 hectares) of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways—all now open to the gawking public.
The Basics
Construction of Hearst’s Moorish-style castle began in 1919, and it was his private residence until his death in 1951. La Cuesta Encantada, which means “enchanted hill,” opened to visitors in 1958. Today Hearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark. The home is furnished with items collected on Mr. Hearst’s travels, such as monastery ceilings, Byzantine tapestries, Spanish and Italian artworks, and gaping fireplaces from Gothic castles. In its heyday, Hearst Castle also boasted the world’s largest private zoo.
To see any of the castle or grounds, you must purchase one of the tours offered. The Grand Rooms Tour, which includes the Assembly Room, refectory, gardens, theater, Neptune Pool, and Roman Pool, is the most popular. Highlights on other tours include the Casa Grande, the guest houses, and Casa del Sol, in addition to the main house. Evening tours are also available—a great way to beat the Central Coast’s summer heat.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Reserve tickets or a tour ahead of time for this popular attraction; admission is available up to 56 days in advance on the site.
- There is a handicap- and wheelchair-accessible tour available in the evening during spring and fall that skips much of the walking and stair climbing.
- The only dining option with food for purchase is at the Visitor Center.
- Temperatures in San Simeon can be high in the summer, and there is a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing involved.
How to Get There
Reach Hearst Castle from the north via Highway 101 to Paso Robles. The castle’s entrance is about five miles (eight kilometers) inland, atop the Santa Lucia Range, about five miles (eight kilometers) north of Hearst San Simeon State Park. Alternatively, book a tour from Paso Robles or Los Angeles that includes transportation.
When to Get There
Hearst Castle is open from 9am every day, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Summer temperatures can be quite high; a spring or fall visit is lovely. Holiday time at the castle brings the Holiday Twilight Tour, with twinkling lights and decorations galore.
Star Power
During Hearst’s heyday in the 1920s and ’30s, he often entertained stars from Hollywood and members of the political elite. Famous guests included politicos Winston Churchill, Calvin Coolidge, and Franklin Roosevelt; and entertainers Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Joan Crawford, the Marx Brothers, and Greta Garbo.
Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, USA
Hours: Varies by season
Admission: Adult: $25; Child $12
From $ 845
Golden Gate Bridge
No traveler to San Francisco leaves without checking out the stunning views along the Golden Gate Bridge. The iconic, red-orange suspension bridge rises high above the San Francisco Bay and spans 1.7 miles (2.7 km) across, connecting the city’s northernmost point to Marin County. While it’s a major route for Bay Area commuters, the famous landmark attracts visitors from around the world with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Marin headlands, Alcatraz, and San Francisco.
The Basics
The Golden Gate Bridge is free to walk and bike across, with a protected, shared walkway for pedestrians and cyclists. Travelers can walk, bike, or bus across the bridge; sail or cruise the waters below it; or fly high above the attraction aboard a seaplane. Visitors can take advantage of photo opportunities on either end of the bridge, enjoy a scenic stroll over the bay, or explore the Welcome Center at the San Francisco terminus to learn about the bridge’s history and shop for souvenirs. It’s possible to combine your visit with sightseeing in the city; admission to Alcatraz; a half-day tour in Sonoma and Napa Valley; or hikes in Marin or on Angel Island. Popular sights in Marin County include seaside Sausalito, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Muir Woods National Monument, home to Northern California redwood trees.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tour options are available from San Francisco and Sausalito, and range from leisurely outings to athletic excursions.
- Most tours depart from Fisherman’s Wharf in the city and last three to four hours.
- Choose a bike tour or a hop on, hop off bus around the city for a scenic ride to the bridge. You’ll catch many of the city's famous attractions, including Union Square, North Beach, Coit Tower, Golden Gate Park, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Russian Hill.
- While it’s possible to rent a bike on your own, a guide can help you navigate the hilly streets and commuter traffic.
- Many travelers opt for a guided bike ride across the bridge to Sausalito, then explore the town on your own with a 24-hour bike rental or hop on a 45-minute ferry back to the city.
How to Get There
The San Francisco end of the bridge is located in the Presidio and can be reached from all parts of the city by car or public transportation. The bridge forms part of US Route 101 and California State Route 1—take any bridge-bound Golden Gate Transit bus to the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza. By car, take the last San Francisco exit, right before the toll plaza, and park in the southeast parking lot.
Where to Find the Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge
With scenic lookout points on both ends of the Golden Gate, you can pick your backdrop. Capture the bridge in its entirety on a coastal walking tour through San Francisco’s Presidio, where you’ll spot beautiful bridge views from vantage points at Crissy Field, Fort Point, and Baker Beach. To snap a photo from the north end of the bridge, choose a tour that crosses the bridge to the Marin Headlands. While Vista Point is the most popular bridge viewing spot in Marin, it can get crowded with cars, so take a short hike toward Battery Point and Slacker Hill for sweeping views of the city.
Address: Fort Point Lookout Marine Drive, San Francisco, California 94129, USA
Hours: Daily
Admission: Free to walk, bridge tolls apply when driving.
From $ 10
Fillmore District
The Fillmore District can be considered a microhood of the Western Addition, covering the blocks around Fillmore Street from Geary to Grove streets. At the corner of Fillmore and Geary, you’ll find the neighborhood’s most famous resident, the Fillmore, the legendary music venue that hosted performances by bands like Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane in the 1960s.
The Basics
The district is rich in jazz history, dating back to the 1940s and ‘50s when Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Charlie Parker played at venues in the “Harlem of the West.” Other than catching a show at the Fillmore, the best way to explore the neighborhood is by foot.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is a lot of metered and free street parking available, but pay attention to posted signs about prohibited parking during street cleaning or other times.
- Do not leave valuables in your car, even during the daytime.
- The Fillmore is an all-ages venue; tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster or in person at the box office.
How to Get There
You can get to the Fillmore via public transportation, on city buses 22, 38, 5, or 31.
When to Get There
Most shows at the Fillmore take place in the evening. The Fillmore Jazz Festival takes over the neighborhood every summer, and is one of the largest jazz festivals on the west coast. Every April, the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in adjacent Japantown is one of the city’s favorite events.
Upper Fillmore Street
North of Geary Boulevard, Fillmore Street runs through Pacific Heights north to the Marina District. The blocks between Post and Jackson are home to stylish boutiques and upscale eateries, where locals flock on evenings and weekends for shopping, date nights, and movies at the AMC Kabuki 8.
Address: Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA, USA
From $ 200
Fort Point National Historic Site
Sitting just below the massive Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point is a National Historic Site that once served to defend the entrance to San Francisco Bay. The brick fort can still be explored on foot today, with the opportunity to learn about the area’s history and the fort’s former military use.
The fort was in operation from the Gold Rush era through World War II, a fascinating time in San Francisco’s history. A visit to the site offers extraordinary, close-up views of San Francisco’s most famous landmark — the Golden Gate Bridge. It is one of only three third-system brick forts on the west coast of the United States. Due to its location and protection of the coastline, it is also known as the “Gibraltar of the West.”
Visitors have the chance to explore Civil War era uniforms, weaponry, and historic photographs on display. With its many floors and wide brick arches, it stands as an excellent example of American military architecture.
Practical Info
Fort Point is open Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and is closed Monday to Thursday. It is located at the end of Marine Drive on the Presidio of San Francisco. To get there by public transportation, take Muni bus 28 or the PresidiGo bus and get off at the bridge toll plaza stop. Limited parking is available. Tours and cannon drills are offered when open. Admission is free.
Address: Long Avenue & Marine Drive, San Francisco, California, USA, USA
Hours: Fri-Sun 10am-5pm
From $ 28
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Spanning more than 60 miles (95 kilometers) in and around San Francisco, Golden Gate National Recreation Area is home to beaches, former military posts, hiking trails, and historic landmarks—including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and architecture lovers will all find something to delight them at the various sites.
The Basics
Part of the National Park Service, GGNRA encompasses most of the Pacific coastline and the San Francisco Bay waterfront in San Francisco and neighboring Marin County. The park is rich with major attractions, including Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods National Monument, the Presidio of San Francisco and Fort Point (at the southern base of the Golden Gate Bridge), Ocean Beach, and Fort Mason. The Presidio, Crissy Field, and Fort Mason offer grassy areas where you can enjoy a scenic picnic. Outdoor activities abound as well: in San Francisco, the best way to experience a swath of the GGNRA is an outdoorsy tour such as biking across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, or taking an urban hike through the Presidio or along the coast to the Cliff House.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Golden Gate NRA is a must for all first-time visitors to the area, especially outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and architecture lovers.
- The park headquarters are at Fort Mason, with visitor centers at the Presidio, Marin Headlands, Lands End Lookout, and Golden Gate Bridge.
- Admission fees are required for Alcatraz and Muir Woods only. Book well in advance to ensure admission.
- You can buy food and beverages at several restaurants in the Presidio, as well as at cafés or kiosks at Crissy Field, Lands End, and Fort Mason.
- Bring layers and sun protection, as the wind, fog, and sun are unpredictable on the coast.
- Many sights in the park are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
In San Francisco, the MUNI bus system and light rail lines service most of the GGNRA’s top sights. To check out locations in Marin, you’ll want your own car to travel along Highways 1 and 101. Most key sights have free or paid parking lots, which are typically open from sunrise to sunset.
When to Get There
The Golden Gate NRA is open and lovely year-round; sights’ hours vary. For many attractions, especially Alcatraz and Muir Woods—two of the area’s most popular—go in the early morning to beat the crowds. Perhaps surprisingly, in San Francisco July and August can bring fog and cooler temperatures to the coast. The best chance of sunshine and warm, dry weather is in September and October. Winter often offers a mix of rainy and clear days.
Golden Gate Park
Despite its name, San Francisco’s biggest urban park is not part of the Golden Gate NRA, but it’s adjacent to Ocean Beach and just a few blocks from the Cliff House and Sutro Baths. Stretching nearly half the width of the city, Golden Gate Park features world-class museums, a Japanese tea garden, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, a golf course, lakes, bike and walking trails, lush lawns for lounging, two windmills, and even a bison paddock.
Address: Building 201, 1st Floor, Fort Mason, San Francisco 94123, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 55
Fort Mason
Fort Mason’s use as a military site dates to 1864, but it’s now part of Golden Gate National Recreation Center. The 13-acre (5-hectare) site houses art spaces, a bar, restaurant, and coffee shop and is also known as the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture. Its Great Meadow is a favorite for a warm-weather picnic.
The Basics
Similar to the Presidio, Fort Mason morphed from a military base into an urban national park, with events, festivals, a farmers market, art spaces, and concessions all on the grounds. Its prime location on the San Francisco Bay waterfront, between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Marina District, makes it easy to visit on foot. You can bike through on a tour to the Golden Gate Bridge, or admire it from the water on a bay cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fort Mason is divided into an upper section and lower section, with the Great Meadow sloping between.
- There is a paid parking lot on site.
- A visitor center is open on weekdays only.
- Fort Mason is mostly wheelchair accessible, including paved pathways surrounding the Great Meadow.
How to Get There
From Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s easy to bike or walk to Fort Mason. MUNI buses 28, 30, 47, and 49 stop outside the fort. If you drive, there’s an on-site parking lot. The main entrance is located at Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, but you can also enter from Bay Street.
When to Get There
Big events such as beer and wine festivals and craft fairs take place in the festival pavilions and draw big crowds—the Renegade Craft Fair every November is popular. The weekly farmers market and the Off the Grid food truck gathering are local favorites.
Ghirardelli Square
Walk a block down North Point Street from Fort Mason’s eastern edge to reach Ghirardelli Square, a red-bricked multilevel retail center that is recognizable by the large “Ghirardelli” sign. Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, the square is home to shops, restaurants, and a wine-tasting room, but its staple is the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop.
Address: 2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, California, USA, USA
From $ 31
Glacier Point
Yosemite National Park’s Glacier Point affords an incomparable bird’s-eye view over Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, all with very little physical effort involved. The small Geology Hut, to the side of the paved trail leading to the main overlook, shows how the valley has changed over the course of the last 10 million years.
The Basics
As one of the most spectacular (and easily accessible) scenic overlooks in Yosemite, Glacier Point almost always features on guided tours of the park. Single- and multi-day tours depart from California cities including San Francisco and Los Angeles. Many tours offer visitors the option to hike down 4-Mile Trail from the overlook to Southside Drive—a much easier alternative than the ambitious hike up.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Glacier Point is a must-see for photographers and first-time visitors to Yosemite.
- Don’t forget your camera—views from the top are stunning.
- Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, especially if you plan to hike up or down 4-Mile Trail.
- Glacier Point is accessible to wheelchair users via a paved path from the nearby parking area.
How to Get There
While it’s possible to hike to Glacier Point from the Yosemite Valley floor, it involves a strenuous 3,200-foot (975-meter) ascent. It’s much easier to drive or take a bus from the Yosemite Valley Lodge (formerly the Yosemite Lodge). During winter, a 10.5-mile (17-kilometer) cross-country skiing trail leads to the overlook.
When to Get There
Glacier Point is open throughout the year, though it’s accessible by road or trail only from late May through October or November. During the rest of the year, you have to ski to get there.
Stargazing at Glacier Point
With no city lights within miles, Yosemite National Park enjoys dark skies perfect for astronomical observation. During the summer months (June to August), amateur astronomers gather at the Glacier Point Amphitheater on Saturday nights for star parties. Bring along a star chart and join in the stargazing fun.
Address: Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA
From $ 80
Ghirardelli Square
What began as the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory in the 1890s is now a multilevel retail square across the street from San Francisco’s Aquatic Park. The red brick structure is recognizable by its clock tower and large “Ghirardelli” sign, which make excellent photo backdrops for visitors who come to shop, dine, and eat ice cream.
The Basics
Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, Ghirardelli Square is home to a selection of upscale stores, restaurants, and even a brewery and a wine-tasting room. The staple of the square, however, is the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop.
On sunny days, the plaza bustles with people sprawled around the fountain and on benches, taking in the scene. Most hop-on hop-off San Francisco tours include a stop at or near Ghirardelli Square; a Segway tour is another popular way to see it.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The line at the ice cream and chocolate shop can be out the door, so be prepared to wait if you go on a busy day.
- If you’re driving, metered street parking is available in the neighborhood, or you can enter the parking garage from Larkin Street.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s a good chance you’ll be walking several blocks or more to your car, public transportation, Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Mason, or the many other attractions in this part of the city.
How to Get There
Ghirardelli Square is located between Polk, North Point, Beach, and Larkin streets, just a few blocks west of Fisherman’s Wharf. City buses 19, 30, and 47 stop next to the square, while the Powell–Hyde cable car turnaround at Hyde and Beach streets is one block away.
When to Get There
The square itself is open every day from late morning to late evening, though the hours of restaurants and shops vary. Festivals and outdoor movie screenings are held throughout the year; particularly popular is the annual Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival, which typically takes place the second weekend of September. If you’re visiting during the holidays, go at night to enjoy the lights of the Christmas tree.
Aquatic Park
Once you have your chocolate fix, don’t leave the area without popping across the street to explore Aquatic Park on the waterfront of San Francisco Bay. You can admire views of Alcatraz Island, watch bold locals swimming in the water, or visit the art-deco Maritime Museum.
Address: 900 North Point Street, San Francisco 94109, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 15