What to see in San Francisco
San Francisco Attractions
San Francisco sightseeing is a hugely rewarding experience and, if you enjoy walking between the sights, a physically demanding one, too. Few cities have hills as steep as this, but mercifully the cable cars are a practical and fun way to travel up and down the rises.
There are a number of world class sights: take a stroll around Golden Gate Park, while enjoying glimpses of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge; then catch a cable car up the steep hills to Chinatown, and the stunning Aquarium, before taking a long lunch at Fisherman's Wharf, the city's most popular attraction.
Perhaps the best of sightseeing in San Francisco is simply being in the city and experiencing its welcoming atmosphere while enjoying the charming architecture and splendid natural scenery.
If you're planning a very full day of sightseeing, consider the Go San Francisco card which provides a range of discounts and preferential access to attractions. Prices start from $20 per day: www.gosanfranciscocard.com.
Alamo Square
Anyone who has ever seen an episode of the 90s sitcom 'Full House' will know what Alamo Square looks like. It is a residential…
Alcatraz
Out in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, or 'The Rock', is one of Golden Gate National Recreation Area's…
Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
San Francisco has close ties with Asia, a legacy reflected in its sizeable Chinese and Japanese communities. The Asian…
Cable Cars
One of San Francisco's most endearing attractions is its network of 130-year-old cable cars, the only mobile National…
Chinatown
A dragon-draped archway at the intersection of Bush and Grant streets marks the entrance to Chinatown in San Francisco,…
Coit Tower
This 210 foot tall (64m) tower in North Beach is the best vantage point in the city, and a great way for new arrivals…
Fisherman's Wharf
Some people love the bustle of Fisherman's Wharf, while others make a conscious effort to steer well clear of it. But…
Ghirardelli Square
Just as you'll find gold at the end of the rainbow, there is surely chocolate at the end of the cable car line in San…
Golden Gate Bridge
The rust-coloured towers, graceful suspension and supportive cables of the Golden Gate Bridge make this famous symbol…
Golden Gate Park
Of the many open green spaces in San Francisco, Golden Gate Park is the biggest and the loveliest stretching from The…
Haight Ashbury
Legend has it that the 1960s hippy movement and resulting American counter-culture kicked off in the Haight Ashbury area.…
Lombard Street
Known as the 'Crookedest Street in the world', Lombard Street features eight sharp hairpin turns. The road was designed…
North Beach
Between Russian and Telegraph Hills, North Beach is San Francisco's 'Little Italy', that has long been the central hub…
Redwood National and State Park
Redwood National and State Park is home to the world-famous redwood trees that tower up to 379 feet (115m) in the air.…
San Francisco MOMA
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is one of the country's premier modern art centres, featuring important…
Sausalito
Located at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito is a half hour ferry ride from Fisherman's Wharf. The panoramic…
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Located in Vallejo, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is an animal theme park that offers wildlife experiences with a range…
Union Square
This central plaza is the modern face of San Francisco, surrounded by Macy's, Saks, Bloomingdale's, and the Levis flagship…
Winchester Mystery House
One of the most bizarre attractions in northern California, the Winchester Mystery House was the residence of Sarah Winchester,…
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