San Francisco CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near San Francisco, California.
1. Alcatraz Island
HISTORIC FEDERAL PRISON SITE
Alcatraz Island was once the most secure federal prison in the U.S. and held notorious inmates like Al Capone before being decommissioned in 1963. The prison is now a museum welcoming millions of visitors who can explore the cells and grounds while learning about its fascinating history. Visitors must purchase timed tickets in advance for the ferry ride to this iconic San Francisco Bay landmark.
2. Golden Gate Bridge
ICONIC ENGINEERING MARVEL
The Golden Gate Bridge, perhaps San Francisco's most famous landmark, opened in 1937 after a four-year struggle against relentless winds, fog, rocks, and treacherous tides. Spanning 1.7 miles from San Francisco to the Marin Headlands, this magnificent bridge is considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world. The bridge's sidewalks are open during the day to pedestrians and bicyclists, offering unparalleled views of the bay and city skyline.
3. PIER 39
BUSTLING WATERFRONT MARKETPLACE
PIER 39 is the most visited destination in San Francisco, offering two levels of dining, entertainment, shopping, and attractions including Aquarium of the Bay. This lively waterfront destination features diverse dining, unique shops, and a colony of California sea lions that have made their home on the adjacent docks. Located along the historic San Francisco waterfront, PIER 39 provides picture-perfect backdrops for postcard views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the city skyline.
4. Lombard Street
WORLD'S CROOKEDEST STREET
Lombard Street is an iconic, zigzagging one-way street with manicured gardens and picturesque bay views. Visitors can enjoy the scenic switchbacks and charming local homes that line this famous thoroughfare. The street's unique design makes it perfect for a quirky drive or leisurely stroll while taking in one of San Francisco's most photographed locations.
5. Golden Gate Park
URBAN OASIS OF BEAUTY
Golden Gate Park spans over 1,000 acres and offers more than just green space and walking trails, featuring attractions like the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, and San Francisco Botanical Garden. The park is home to the California Academy of Sciences Museum, the De Young Museum with its free observation deck, and even a Bison Paddock where a small herd roams. Visitors can rent bikes to cover more ground or use the free Golden Gate Shuttle to explore this massive urban park that stretches from the city center all the way to Ocean Beach.
6. Cable Cars
HISTORIC MOVING LANDMARKS
San Francisco's Cable Cars offer a historical tram ride through the heart of Union Square to Fisherman's Wharf, providing scenic city views and a taste of local charm. These iconic moving landmarks have been climbing the city's steep hills since 1873, making them the world's last manually operated cable car system. Riding these National Historic Landmarks gives visitors both a practical transportation option and an authentic San Francisco experience as they grip the poles and hang off the sides while traversing the city's famous hills.
7. Exploratorium
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE MUSEUM
The Exploratorium is an interactive science museum featuring hundreds of hands-on exhibits that explore perception, art, and science. Visitors of all ages can engage with exhibits that stimulate curiosity and encourage experimentation in a fun, educational environment. Located at Pier 15 on the Embarcadero, the museum offers stunning waterfront views and both indoor and outdoor exhibits that make science accessible and entertaining for everyone.
8. Walt Disney Family Museum
DISNEY LEGACY SHOWCASE
The Walt Disney Family Museum, located in the scenic Presidio of San Francisco, is one of the Bay Area's most inspirational venues celebrating the life and legacy of Walt Disney. The museum features interactive galleries, original artwork, and memorabilia that chronicle Disney's early life, career innovations, and remarkable influence on entertainment. Pre-purchased, timed tickets are required for entry to this unique institution that offers insight into the creative genius behind the Disney empire.
9. Fisherman's Wharf
SEAFOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district renowned for its sourdough bakeries showcasing live bread-making and famous for its clam chowder served in bread bowls. The area features a diverse dining scene, surrounded by eclectic shops and waterfront views with local sea lion sightings nearby at PIER 39. This historic fishing neighborhood maintains its maritime charm while offering visitors a lively mix of seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and street performers.
10. Ghirardelli Square
CHOCOLATE LOVER'S PARADISE
Ghirardelli Square is a historic chocolate factory turned premium shopping and dining complex located near Fisherman's Wharf. Visitors can indulge in the famous Ghirardelli chocolate sundaes and hot cocoa while browsing boutique shops in this beautifully preserved brick landmark. The open-air marketplace offers spectacular views of San Francisco Bay and maintains its connection to the city's chocolate-making heritage while housing upscale restaurants and specialty retailers.
11. The Presidio
HISTORIC MILITARY PARK
The Presidio is a 1,500-acre park on a former military post that now offers hiking trails, museums, restaurants, and spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge. This National Historic Landmark features forested areas, beaches, and historic buildings that have been repurposed for modern use while preserving their architectural significance. Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation, cultural institutions like the Walt Disney Family Museum, and dining options while experiencing both natural beauty and military history within city limits.
12. The Ferry Building
GOURMET MARKETPLACE HAVEN
The Ferry Building is a historic transportation hub transformed into an artisanal food marketplace featuring local producers, gourmet shops, and acclaimed restaurants. The elegant 1898 structure with its iconic clock tower houses vendors selling everything from artisan cheese and freshly baked bread to local seafood and wine. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the building hosts a renowned farmers market that brings regional farmers and food producers directly to urban shoppers along the Embarcadero waterfront.
13. Oracle Park
WATERFRONT BASEBALL STADIUM
Oracle Park is a baseball stadium with a vibrant atmosphere and scenic bay views, home to the San Francisco Giants. The waterfront ballpark features unique amenities including the possibility of watching home runs splash into McCovey Cove and enjoying a diverse selection of local food choices beyond traditional stadium fare. Visitors can take VIP tours of the facilities even on non-game days or experience the electric atmosphere during baseball season in this architecturally distinctive venue.
14. Chinatown
CULTURAL HERITAGE DISTRICT
San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest Chinese enclaves outside of Asia, featuring colorful shops, authentic restaurants, and ornate architecture including the iconic Dragon Gate entrance. Visitors can explore narrow alleys filled with herb shops, bakeries, temples, and stores selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. The neighborhood's rich cultural heritage comes alive through its bustling markets, annual festivals, and distinct atmosphere that transports visitors to another world within the city limits.
15. California Academy of Sciences
NATURAL HISTORY WONDERLAND
The California Academy of Sciences is an innovative natural history museum located in Golden Gate Park that combines an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum under one living roof. Visitors can explore the four-story rainforest dome, observe marine life in the Steinhart Aquarium, and experience immersive shows in the Morrison Planetarium. The academy's distinctive green architecture includes a 2.5-acre living roof covered with native California plants, making it both an educational attraction and an example of sustainable design.