Choose from 126 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco
ShowingFilter 81-100 of 126 listings.
Treasure Island
Man-made Treasure Island was created for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition and then became home to a naval training station and other military sites. In recent years, the small isle has become a trendy destination for its urban wineries, a monthly festival, and unbeatable views of downtown San Francisco and the bay.
The Basics
Located in the middle of the bay between San Francisco and Oakland, Treasure Island is outside the range of most city tours. If you want to visit, opt for a nighttime tour, where you can admire the lights of the Bay Bridge and the twinkling San Francisco skyline. Alternatively, get a view of the island from a helicopter flight, bay cruise, or speedboat ride.
Activities on the island include walking or biking along the shoreline, visiting the Treasure Island Museum, wine tasting at one of the island’s low-key establishments, such as Winery SF, and checking out the monthly TreasureFest, where you’ll find food trucks, clothing and art vendors, kids’ entertainment, and live music.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Treasure Island is ideal for wine lovers and those who want to see a different side of San Francisco, off the tourist path.
- With its location on the water, Treasure Island is exposed to the elements so bring layers and sunscreen to shield yourself from wind, fog, and sun.
- There are a few cafés and restaurants on the island.
- Redevelopment and construction on the island is ongoing; closures of roads, venues, and events are possible.
How to Get There
Most visitors drive to Treasure Island via the Bay Bridge from downtown San Francisco; there is plenty of parking available. Those without access to a car can also take MUNI bus No. 25. You can also take a private boat to the Treasure Island Marina.
When to Get There
TreasureFest takes place the last weekend of each month, except December. Most winery tasting rooms are open weekends only. On weekdays, avoid crossing the Bay Bridge during morning and evening rush hours.
Yerba Buena Island
Treasure Island is attached to a second isle—Yerba Buena Island—which connects to the Bay Bridge. Much of it belongs to the United States Coast Guard, but there are a couple of spots where visitors can enjoy the views, such as Blue Park and the Bay Bridge Trail Lookout.
Address: Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA, USA
From $ 30
SS Jeremiah O'Brien
San Francisco has one of the only remaining historic World War II Liberty ships docked in its bay, and it is open to visitors. Named for American Revolutionary War ship captain, the SS Jeremiah O’Brien is one of only two currently operational World War II Liberty ships afloat of the 2,700 built during the war. The ship survived the storming of Normandy on D-Day in 1944, and is now a National Historic Landmark visitors can tour near Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.
The preserved Liberty ship is completely unaltered, allowing for an authentic and accurate historical experience of exploring the ship just as it was made. Walking through the hallways and on deck, one can truly experience a time and place of being on the ocean in wartime decades ago. Everything from the engine room to the flying bridge is accessible to visitors, allowing a rare glimpse into life at sea and at war at that time.
Practical Info
The ship is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm on Pier 45 at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. On weekends the main steam engine is operated so that visitors can see an engine in action.
Address: 11 Pier 45, San Francisco, California, USA
Hours: Open daily 9 am to 4 pm
Admission: Adults: $12
From $ 30
Tomales Bay Point
Tomales Bay, just north of San Francisco on the California coast, is a narrow inlet of water sheltered by a thin stretch of land. The tip of that land, facing out to sea, is Tomales Bay Point — a peaceful place to experience the natural beauty of Point Reyes Seashore.
Known for its fresh oysters and shellfish, Tomales Bay is a scenic spot separating Point Reyes Peninsula from the mainland of Marin County. Tomales Bay Point is a hiking trail and natural park with direct access to the shoreline. The waters are typically serene and calm, making it a great spot to launch kayaks. Many bring a picnic and lounge at the beach area here, or alternately prepare for the 9.5 mile roundtrip hike through the surrounding nature.
Tule elk and seabirds are common wildlife sightings. The area is a quiet escape from the nearby city of San Francisco.
Practical Info
Tomales Bay Point can be found in the small town of Point Reyes Station. To get there take Highway 1 north from San Francisco. The drive takes about 75 minutes.
Address: Point Reyes Station, California, USA, USA
From $ 195
Seward Street Slides
Tucked away from the main areas of the city, San Francisco's Seward Street Slides are a bit of hidden gem. Built in the 1960s by a local teenager for neighborhood kids, the two parallel slides are formed in concrete running down one of San Francisco's famous hills. The community garden and mini-park was up for redevelopment when locals protested the change. A 14-year-old girl designed the slides in a competition, and the space was officially converted into a park in 1973.
Some bring their own cardboard for the ride, but others find discarded pieces next to the slides that make the journey down a bit smoother. From the top of the slides, be sure to pause and enjoy the views of the city and the bay. A sign reads "no adults unless accompanied by children" to mark the park’s original intent.
Practical Info
The Seward Street Slides are located in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood at Seward and Douglas streets. It is recommended that full length pants be worn to protect the legs while sliding on the concrete. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Address: 30 Seward St, San Francisco, California, USA 94114, USA
Hours: Open daily 9am-5pm
From $ 49
The San Francisco Bay
Few waterways carry the prestige and iconographic status of the beautiful San Francisco Bay. A great natural harbor, from the first years of its European discovery the Golden Gate became known as a pivotal access point to the American West. Trade and military strategy aside, The Bay is California’s most important ecological treasure. A natural nursery for crab, halibut, waterfowl, seals and sea lions, as well as endangered species, the San Francisco Bay provides a great ecological treasure to residents and visitors alike. Whale watching, ferrying out to Alcatraz and Marin, or simple sunset tours with the glistening Golden Gate Bridge are favorite pastimes, while residents simply feel assured looking out of their windows and knowing that its calm waters are there.
Address: San Francisco, CA, USA
From $ 10
The Cannery
Located beside San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, The Cannery is a historic building that (as you might have guessed) was once home to the California Fruit Company (later Del Monte) fruit and vegetable canning plant. In fact, while it was open it was the largest peach canning facility in the world.
It was utilized as such until 1937, and upon renovation in 1960 it reopened as collection of shops and restaurants. The beautiful red brick exterior surrounds a courtyard where trains once ran into the cannery. Its courtyard still has the same century-old olive trees which line the outdoor space for sidewalk cafes and, during the summer, street performers and musicians.
Unique shops located at The Cannery include a build-a-bear toy shop, art and sculpture galleries, and an international musical instrument shop. There is also a small wine tasting room, artisan bakery, and the classic Jack’s Cannery Bar. The shopping center overlooks San Francisco Bay.
Practical Info
The Cannery is located at Del Monte Square on Leavenworth Street, just three blocks from Pier 39 in San Francisco. Shops open daily at 10 am, and on Sundays at 11 am. Restaurants begin serving lunch around 11 am.
Address: 2801 Leavenworth Street, San Francisco, California, USA 94133, USA
Hours: Shops are open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm and Sun 11am-6pm
From $ 59
The Castro
The Castro District, known otherwise as simply, "the Castro," is widely considered the United States' gay capital. Not only is it the largest, but also the country's first.
Regardless of a visitor's sexual orientation, the Castro is full of wonderful attractions, including the Castro Theatre, one of San Francisco's more popular movie palaces, complete with a world-class interior chandelier and designed with a colonial Spanish Baroque facade.
Perhaps the area's most culturally significant landmark, the GLBT Historical Society includes a museum and archives documenting the history of the gay and lesbian communities in the U.S. Aside from its core purpose, the building also houses other interesting institutions including the Cartoon Art Museum, which features well over 6,000 different cartoons and comics, and the Catharine Clark Gallery, an exhibition including different forms of media for contemporary, living artists.
Also be sure to check out Harvey Milk Plaza, named after the famous openly gay politician, commonly labeled the "martyr of gay rights."
Practical Info
The most efficient way to commute to the Castro District is via the MUNI Metro system, either by the L, K, or M line. For a more scenic and exciting experience you can also take the famous F Market streetcar line that will tour you through the Castro's lovely downtown area and Fisherman's Wharf.
Address: San Francisco, USA
From $ 24
St Helena
Napa Valley is chock full of charming towns worth a visit during your stay in wine country and St. Helena is one of them. There are countless wine tasting spots to choose from in St. Helena, so know when you visit that you’ll be back for more. Even if you only have a couple of hours in between wine tastings, it’s worth taking a stroll down St. Helena’s Main Street. Along with boutique style shopping you’ll find an assortment of great restaurants that offer both fine and casual dining. If a cooking class is on your wine country wish list, St. Helena is also home to a campus of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).
On weekends it’s worth making the trek a few miles north of town to the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park. Here visitors can see the tallest waterwheel west of the Mississippi in motion, milling corn and wheat into flour, cornmeal and polenta.
Practical Info
St Helena is only a 15-minute drive from Calistoga, famous for its therapeutic mineral hot springs and mud baths. Their proximity makes it easy to see both, even on a busy Napa Valley wine country itinerary.
Address: St Helena, USA
From $ 139
Transamerica Pyramid
The Transamerica Pyramid was the eighth-tallest building in the world when it was finished in 1972. But no matter its ranking, this 853-foot (260-meter) office building continues to be a symbol of the city. With its distinctive shape and white quartz exterior, the Transamerica Pyramid is a special part of the San Francisco Skyline.
The Basics
The Transamerica Pyramid is located on the northern edge of San Francisco’s Financial District. The observation deck was closed after the events of 9/11, so the building is no longer open to the public, but you can check out the 48th-floor view via a live camera feed in the visitor center. You can also get a look at the building on a movie sites tour, helicopter flight, bay cruise, or a Segway adventure.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Pyramid is a commercial building and is open on business days only.
- The visitor’s center is located on the Plaza Level off Clay Street.
- A historical display features videos and information about the Pyramid.
- Driving to the Pyramid is not recommended, as street parking is limited.
How to Get There
Muni buses 1 and 41 stop near the Pyramid, or you can take BART or the light rail to the Montgomery station and walk north six blocks.
When to Get There
Go during the business day to get a feel for the daily bustle of the Financial District, or head there after-hours if you prefer to walk around in a quieter environment.
Transamerica Redwood Park
You don’t have to travel to Muir Woods to see redwood trees—this small green space adjacent to the Pyramid is home to redwoods, a fountain, and benches. It’s a surprising bit of nature in the middle of the city, and a nice place to take a break from walking.
Address: 600 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California, USA 94111, USA
From $ 40
Twin Peaks
Rising more than 900 feet (274 meters) above San Francisco, Twin Peaks provides a panoramic view of the city and beyond. On clear days, from these two hills you can see for miles, taking in the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio, Alcatraz Island, downtown San Francisco, and Berkeley, Oakland, and Sausalito across San Francisco Bay.
The Basics
Most visitors take in sweeping vistas from the scenic overlook, but it’s also possible to follow short trails up the two hills of Twin Peaks—South Peak and North Peak—for unobstructed views. Many San Francisco city tours include a stop at Twin Peaks for photo ops, while some half-day tours combine a visit here with other Bay Area landmarks, such as Muir Woods and Sausalito, or a bay cruise. For an insider’s view, consider an urban-hiking tour that also takes in some of the city’s lesser-known stairways and hills.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Restrooms and a parking lot are available.
- The scenic overlook in the North Peak parking lot is wheelchair accessible.
- Bring layers, as you may feel strong winds standing at the second-highest point in San Francisco.
- Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore any of the hiking trails in the 64-acre park.
How to Get There
Twin Peaks is located in a residential area of central San Francisco, about a 30-minute drive southwest of downtown. Unless you’re on a city tour, it takes a special trip to get here; you won’t just pass by on your way to other attractions. Drive up Twin Peaks Boulevard from either Clarendon Avenue or Portola Drive, or take a cab or ride-share vehicle.
When to Get There
The park is open daily from early morning to midnight. For extra-special views, go at sunrise or sunset. During summer it can be difficult to avoid the city’s fog; aim for late afternoon for your best chance of clear photos if you’re visiting during this time.
Nearby Neighborhoods
The two closest neighborhoods to Twin Peaks that are popular with San Francisco visitors are Haight-Ashbury and the Castro. Plan your sightseeing adventures so you can also explore these two districts, both known for their seminal roles in San Francisco’s countercultural history.
Address: San Francisco, CA, USA
From $ 48
Silverado Trail
Set in California’s Napa Valley, the Silverado Trail is a historic country road that runs parallel to Highway 29. Between Napa in the south and Calistoga in the north, travelers will find roughly 40 vineyards dotting this 30-mile (48-kilometer) trek, with wineries famous for their big-bodied red wines and cabernet sauvignons.
The Basics
The Silverado Trail is a highlight of Napa and Sonoma Wine Country, with prestigious wineries such as Joseph Phelps, ZD Wines, Stag’s Leap, and the Miner Family. Many guided tours of the Silverado Trail include round-trip transportation from San Francisco, allowing you to enjoy multiple tastings without the necessity of driving. Bicycle tours are also available for travelers looking for exercise, fresh air, and views of Napa Valley’s rolling hills. Some tours include a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train, while private tours allow you to choose your own itinerary.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are a multitude of dining options along the trail, from snack stops to gourmet restaurants. Shopping, lodging, and a variety of other services are also available.
- Pick up a map in Napa, as many fine wineries lie just off the Silverado Trail and are worth a visit.
- Wheelchair and stroller access varies between wineries.
How to Get There
The Silverado Trail runs along the eastern edge of Napa Valley and passes through Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, and ends in Calistoga. The winding country road can be a challenging drive, especially for out of town visitors, so a guided tour is the best bet for travelers who want to enjoy multiple tastings.
When to Get There
Hours for winery tours and tastings vary by winery; most boutique, small-production wineries are by appointment only, so it’s best to call ahead. Fall is harvest time and the entire Napa region runs special events during this busy time, with crowds and lines to match, so planning ahead is key. Grape picking starts in August and runs through late September; visiting right after the “crush” (harvest) is over is a great option.
Harvest Time in Napa Valley
Napa Valley starts the “crush” period by picking grapes for sparkling and white wines in August, while red wine grapes are picked and processed in September and later into the fall. By mid-October, the pace has slowed down a bit and the valley smells like fermenting wine.
Address: Napa 94558, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 0
Tunnel View
As you drive north on Highway 41 towards Yosemite Valley, you'll pass through a tunnel and, on other side, you'll be treated to an epic view: Bridalveil Fall spills over granite cliffs into a verdant valley while El Capitan and Half Dome stand sentry. Originally constructed in 1933, Tunnel View is the most famous—and visited—scenic overlook in Yosemite.
A 2008 renovation included a more accessible viewing area, improved traffic flow and educational exhibits. Every vista from Tunnel View is picture-worthy, but for frame-worthy light, try to time your stop at Tunnel View to coincide with sunset, when the light turns to shadow and sweeps across the valley.
A 2008 renovation included a more accessible viewing area, improved traffic flow and educational exhibits. Every vista from Tunnel View is picture-worthy, but for frame-worthy light, try to time your stop at Tunnel View to coincide with sunset, when the light turns to shadow and sweeps across the valley.
Practical Info
From the junction of Highway 41 and Highway 140 in Yosemite Valley, head south on Highway 41 toward Wawona. Drive for about 1.6 miles and pull into the parking area on the side of the road just before the tunnel. From the south entrance of the park, near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, drive 24.5 miles north on Highway 41. When you pass through the road’s only tunnel, you've arrived.
Address: Highway 41, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA
From $ 80
The Presidio
Since it was founded in 1776, the Presidio of San Francisco has had many lives, from a Spanish military site to an American Army post to a National Park Service location. Today, it draws visitors for its cultural sites, hiking trails, public art, restaurants, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.
The Basics
The Presidio is part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is managed mostly by the Presidio Trust. Perched on the city’s northwest corner, it’s unique among national park sites: In addition to a variety of recreational activities, it’s also home to residential houses, businesses, and a school. Visit on a bike tour, GoCar tour, or a small-group tour by VW van or vintage fire truck, or see it from above on a helicopter ride.
To explore on your own, start at the Presidio Officers’ Club or the visitor center to get oriented and ask any questions you have. Attractions and experiences on offer include hiking, golfing, bowling, sailing, beaches, military buildings, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and four pieces of art around the park by artist Andy Goldsworthy.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Unlike most national parks, the Presidio is free to visit.
- Most of its parking lots and street parking require a fee, but there are some free spaces.
- The Main Post is the heart of the park, where you’ll find the Presidio Visitor Center, Officers’ Club, the Inn at the Presidio, and the Presidio Trust offices.
- The Presidio is large, so you may end up walking more than you planned; wear comfortable shoes and keep water with you.
How to Get There
The PresidiGo shuttle operates a route inside the park, a route to Crissy Field, and a route from downtown. Biking from Fisherman’s Wharf or the Marina District is a pleasant way to get to the park, or take Muni bus 41 or 45.
When to Get There
Arrive in the late morning to plan your day from the visitor, while still leaving enough time to see everything you want. Events take place throughout the year, including outdoor family movies, live music, and cultural programs at the Officers’ Club. The Presidio Picnic runs on Sundays from March through October with a rotating selection of food trucks.
Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is not part of the Presidio but sits adjacent to the park’s northeastern edge, so it’s easy to visit at the same time. This European-looking monument was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition; today, it’s a great spot for photos and relaxing by the duck pond.
Address: San Francisco, California, USA
From $ 25
SoMa (South of Market Street)
One of San Francisco’s biggest districts, SoMa (South of Market) encompasses several communities, including South Beach, Mission Bay, Rincon Park, AT&T Park, and Yerba Buena Gardens. A mix of commercial, residential, and entertainment neighborhoods, SoMa is a vibrant cultural hub of San Francisco that continues to evolve.
The Basics
SoMa stretches from the Embarcadero to 11th Street on the south side of Market Street. This district is home to warehouses, startup offices, high-end dining, nightclubs, museums, loft buildings, and sky-high apartment towers. Hop-on hop-off tours often include a stop on Market Street near the Ferry Building. For a guided visit, opt for a bike tour or walking tour of the craft beer scene to visit microbreweries and craft beer bars.
Cultural attractions include the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the Museum of the African Diaspora, the California Historical Society, and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. There’s also upscale mall shopping in Westfield Centre, as well as designer shops and boutiques in this area.
Things to Know Before You Go
- SoMa is ideal for art and culture lovers, baseball enthusiasts, and night-clubbers.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as SoMa is a vast area.
- There is a lot of metered street parking, but pay attention to posted and temporary signs about prohibited parking during street cleaning, construction, and certain times of day.
How to Get There
Almost all of San Francisco’s modes of transport can get you to SoMa or close to it, including BART, the light rail, Caltrain, the Powell-Hyde Cable Car, and several MUNI bus lines, including 5 and 38. If you’re on foot, walk south a few blocks from Union Square.
When to Get There
For shopping and museums, go in the late morning, avoiding the start-of-the-business-day rush. Some museums offer special weekly or monthly evening hours, including SFMOMA and the Contemporary Jewish Museum, both of which are open late Thursday. Experience some of San Francisco’s alternative culture at the Folsom Street Fair in September, or the How Weird Street Faire in May.
AT&T Park
Baseball fans don’t want to miss this waterfront home of the San Francisco Giants—winners of the 2010, 2012, and 2014 World Series Championships. AT&T Park is also known for its views of San Francisco Bay and better-than-average stadium food, such as Hawaiian poke and Dungeness crab. Catch a game, take a behind-the-scenes tour, or go for a concert.
Address: San Francisco, California, USA
From $ 74
Sutro Baths
San Francisco’s Sutro Baths was once a public bathhouse with seven indoor swimming pools. Perched atop granite bluffs at the city’s western tip, it symbolized the great wealth brought by the Gold Rush.
The Basics
Sutro Baths, north of the Cliff House, are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Dazzling visitors when it opened in 1896, Sutro Baths was an impressive engineering feat: swimming pools filled with water from the Pacific Ocean and a series of concrete walls at high tide. Its aquariums, restaurants, art galleries, and exhibits made it a must-visit for San Franciscans.
Many city tours stop at Sutro Baths to explore the ruins and snap a few pictures. Walking tours of Lands End generally include time at Sutro Baths and finish with a drink at the Cliff House.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With weather changing quickly from warm and sunny to foggy and chilly, layers are recommended.
- Sturdy walking shoes are needed to safely explore Sutro Baths and Lands End.
- Bring your camera to capture views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Cliff House, and San Francisco skyline.
- Sutro Baths is not wheelchair accessible but nearby Lands End Visitor Center and Cliff House are.
- Beware of wave break and slippery stairs and paths on the cliffs.
- There is a small café and restroom facilities at Lands End Lookout.
How to Get There
Ride San Francisco Muni’s 38 Geary bus line, exit at 48th Avenue and Point Lobos Avenue, and walk 0.33 mile (0.53 kilometer) to the Sutro Bath ruins, at the intersection of Point Lobos Avenue and Merrie Way. Or, hike from the Golden Gate Bridge to Lands Ends. A parking lot behind Lands End Lookout is impossibly busy on sunny days and summer weekends.
When to Get There
Sutro Baths can be accessed from sunrise to sunset, but Lands End Lookout is open daily from 9am to 5pm and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Most visitors come in the summer, which makes the baths, lookout, Cliff House, and trails crowded. Visit early in the morning or on a rainy day to have the place to yourself.
Adolph Sutro
Adolph Sutro, San Francisco's 24th mayor (1895–1897), made his fortune removing gas and water from the Comstock Lode, a major silver mine in Nevada. Using his wealth to benefit others, he also built Sutro Heights Park, a 20-acre (8-hectare) formal public garden; revitalized the Cliff House as a family-friendly venue; and opened his family estate to the public.
Address: Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
From $ 48
The Embarcadero
Acting as both the waterfront and major road along the eastern edge of San Francisco, the Embarcadero stretches from Fisherman’s Wharf to South Beach, passing through some of the city’s most popular destinations. It attracts visitors and locals with its restaurants, bars, hotels, tourist attractions, event spaces, bay cruises and ferries, and a wide pathway for walkers and joggers.
The Basics
You’ll likely find yourself on the Embarcadero at some point during your stay in San Francisco, whether you’re watching the sea lions at Pier 39, hopping on an Alcatraz ferry at Pier 33, visiting the Exploratorium at Pier 15, catching a ferry to Sausalito at the Ferry Building, or taking in a Giants baseball game at AT&T Park. See it from above on a helicopter flight, or explore on two wheels with a bike or Segway tour.
The Central Embarcadero Piers Historic District, which consists of piers 1, 1 1/2, 3, and 5, is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Embarcadero is 3 miles (4.6 kilometers) long, so wear comfortable shoes if you’re planning to walk it.
- It’s a busy road, with both vehicle traffic and streetcars, so only cross at designated crosswalks.
- Starting at the Ferry Building, odd-numbered piers run north to Fisherman’s Wharf and even-numbered piers run south to South Beach.
How to Get There
The MUNI light rail system runs along Market Street to the Embarcadero, as well as along the southern portion of the Embarcadero itself. If you’re taking the BART, get off at the Embarcadero station. Paid parking lots and metered street parking are available all along the Embarcadero.
When to Get There
Enthusiastic photographers will want to go at sunrise for shots of the sun rising over the bay, while those who want to eat and shop should wait until late morning. Waterfront bars and restaurants near downtown get lively during happy hour—a fun time to mingle with locals. Fourth of July fireworks take place near Fisherman’s Wharf, and an ice skating rink operates at the Embarcadero Center during the holidays.
Ferry Building
In the center of the Embarcadero, across from where Market Street ends at the Embarcadero Plaza, the Ferry Building Marketplace is a haven of gourmet goodies and views of San Francisco Bay. Taste your way through the historical building, from cheese and bread to oysters, wine, coffee, and ice cream, or try your luck at getting a table at the Slanted Door, a popular Vietnamese restaurant.
Address: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, USA
From $ 20
Sutter Home Winery
Set in the legendary Napa Valley, Sutter Home Winery has grown from a small business founded in 1948 to the second-largest independent, family-run winery in the United States. Now producing more than 20 varietals, they were the first winery ever to make white zinfandel. Due to its popularity in the 1970s and 80s, Sutter Home is credited with bringing wine into many American homes for the first time. The winery went on to bring a number of new varietals into wider availability across the country.
One of the oldest wineries in Napa, Sutter Home wines are known for their high quality and affordable price point. Most are available to taste at the winery tasting room. Wines are lighter, sweeter, and more accessible than the others in the surrounding area. Be sure to try some of their reserve wines and to check out the gardens, Victorian home, and small shop.
Practical Info
Located located on Highway 29 in Napa Valley, Sutter Home Winery is about an hour’s drive from San Francisco. The vineyard is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and or take a self-guided tour through the gardens.
Address: 277 St. Helena Hwy (Hwy. 29), South St. Helena, California, USA 94574, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm
From $ 105
Tiburon
Named for the small leopard sharks that swim along its shoreline, Tiburon sits scenically in Marin County across the bay from San Francisco. It is a small, charming town known for its affluent residents and relaxed attitude. The quaint architecture and style are reminiscent of a New England seaport village. The town developed as a terminal connecting the railways of San Rafael to San Francisco.
Of course being directly across from the city, much of Tiburon’s waterfront has an excellent view of the San Francisco skyline. Boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants with said views can be found on the town’s Main Street and Ark Row. Many outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and boating are popular here, especially on sunny days.
Practical Info
Two ferries depart San Francisco for Tiburon, or take Highway 101 to Tiburon Boulevard to arrive by car.
Address: Tiburon, California, USA
From $ 12
Tuolumne Meadows
Located in the eastern section of Yosemite National Park, Toulumne Meadows provides an alternate view from the popular Yosemite Valley section of the park. A gently rolling, sub-alpine area near the Tuolumne River, the Meadows is home to a wide variety of wildlife, several alpine lakes, hiking trails and plenty of rock climbing.
Try the easy hike to Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge or trek up to Gaylor Lake for spectacular high-country views. Less crowded than the Valley, Toulumne is worth the approximately two-hour drive from the Yosemite Valley to experience this idyllic setting.
Try the easy hike to Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge or trek up to Gaylor Lake for spectacular high-country views. Less crowded than the Valley, Toulumne is worth the approximately two-hour drive from the Yosemite Valley to experience this idyllic setting.
Practical Info
You can access Toulumne Meadows by the Tioga Road, which usually opens around late May or early June, depending on conditions. Once the road opens, trails can remain wet and/or snowy for a few to several weeks. The Tioga Road usually closes sometime in November. Free shuttle service is available in the Tuolumne Meadows from approximately mid June through mid September and camping sites are available during this time as well.
Address: Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA
From $ 110
Tuolumne Grove
Home to towering Sequoia trees, Tuolumne Grove is one of the most popular day hikes in Yosemite National Park. The hike to the grove is relatively short—only 2.5 miles (4km) round trip—and generally takes around two hours including the stops to crane your neck skyward and admire the ancient trees. One of the park’s three Sequoia groves, Tuolumne Grove is home to 25 of the massive trees, and also includes a “drive through tree,” which although it is no longer open to vehicles, makes for one of the more interesting photos you’ll take when visiting the park.
To learn more about the history of the grove, as well as the trees themselves, you can join in a guided hike to the grove when the trail is open in summer, or experience having the grove to yourself on a snowshoeing trip in winter.
Practical Info
Tuolumne Grove is only accessible by car when Tioga Pass Road is open. The season is usually from June-October, when the road is clear of snow, although check ahead with park conditions to inquire about any closures. When open, Tuolumne Grove has ample parking and basic pit toilets at the trailhead. The trail is paved the entire way, although considering the trail drops 400 feet in elevation from the parking lot, visitors should be in moderately good shape and prepared for a two-hour walk.
Did You Know? Giant Sequoias like those found in Tuolumne Grove can live for over 3,000 years and are the largest living organisms on Earth.
Address: Tuolumne Grove, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Hours: Daylight hours
From $ 80