San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco’s Chinatown San Francisco Zoo San Francisco Aquarium San FranciscoPresidio San Francisco John Muir San Francisco Teatro ZinZanni

Things to Do San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the world’s most visited cities for the beauty of San Francisco Bay, unique attractions and neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.

In fact, there are so many attractions to visit in San Francisco, it’s hard to decide which main attractions in San Francisco to visit first.


 

Famous Attractions in San Francisco

Fisherman’s Wharf.

San Francisco’s most visited attraction is right outside our hotel door. From here you can take a whale watching or Alcatraz Island cruise, tour a World War II submarine, dine on clam chowder, see fisherman at work in Fish Alley, visit museums and more. Between Jefferson and Embarcadero, 415-673-3530, http://www.visitfishermanswharf.com/.

Alcatraz Island.

Take the ferry to visit the world’s most famous prison, where the likes of Al Capone were incarcerated. You’ll get a prison tour and one of the most beautiful views in San Francisco during your cruise and tour. Night tours of Alcatraz run between Thursday - Monday (seasonality determines tour times). Alcatraz Cruises, located on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street, 415-981-7625.

Golden Gate Bridge.

How you see one of the world’s most famous bridges is up to you. Pick up a cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf, drive across to the visitor’s center near Sausalito or even bike over the famous San Francisco Bay suspension bridge, 415-921-5858 or 415-561-4700, http://www.goldengatebridge.org/ or http://www.nps.gov/goga/. [Top]

San Francisco’s Chinatown.

At the largest Chinese district outside China, you’ll discover authentic markets, noodle shops and restaurants, art galleries and even a fortune cookie factory, where 20,0000 cookies a day are made by hand. The two main streets of interest are Grant and Stockton. Bordered by Kearny and the Financial District to the East, Powell Street and Nob Hill to the West, Columbus and North Beach the North and Bush and Union Square to the South, http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/.

San Francisco’s Cable Cars.

The world's first cable-powered street railway is one of the most scenic ways to see San Francisco. Three main lines traverse San Francisco’s hills and streets: Mason-Powell, California and the Powell-Hyde lines. Pick up the Mason and Powell line at the turn-around just one block from our hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf. 415-673-6864 or dial 311 in San Francisco, http://www.sfcablecar.com/

Union Square.

In San Francisco's well-known downtown shopping mecca, dining and theater district you’ll find upscale boutiques such as Gucci, Dior, Chanel, Prada and more, plus the Geary Theater, home of the renowned American Conservatory Theatre. Bordered by Geary, Powell, Post and Stockton Street, http://www.unionsquareshop.com/. [Top]

San Francisco Zoo.

Northern California’s oldest and largest zoo is home to more than 250 species of animals, a botanical garden, children’s train ride and vintage carousel. 47th Ave & Sloat Ave., 415-753-7080, www.sfzoo.org.

SF Museum of Modern Art - MOMA.

This innovative modern art museum includes strong new media arts and 20th century photography collections, works by Picasso, Matisse, Warhol, Calder, more than 140 works by Paul Klee, plus works by other masters and hands-on arts activities for children. 151 Third Street (between Mission and Howard Streets), 415-357-4000, http://www.sfmoma.org.

Pier 39.

At Pier 39 on Fisherman’s Wharf, you can view the famous Pier 39 sea lions, try bungee jumping, California wine tasting, explore 110 specialty shops and ride a carousel, which includes famous San Francisco landmarks such as Coit Tower, Lombard Street, Chinatown and the Golden Gate Bridge. Beach Street and The Embarcadero, www.pier39.com. [Top]

Aquarium of the Bay.

This Pier 39 Fisherman’s Wharf attraction includes tunnels with 20,000 aquatic animals such as sharks, bat rays and skates, plus three touch pools. The Embarcadero and Beach Street, 888-SEA-DIVE, www.aquariumofthebay.com.

North Beach.

Explore the vibrant café life in the neighborhood known as San Francisco’s Little Italy. The area is dotted with authentic Italian restaurants, cafes, boutiques, one of the country’s most well-known bookstores and St. Peter’s and Paul Church, often referred to as the Italian Cathedral, and where Marliyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio posed for their wedding photos. From Columbus, Broadway, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Http://sfnorthbeach.org/.

Wyland Gallery.

Look for marine life artwork by this popular artist. The Fisherman’s wharf gallery offers ocean-themed, whale and dolphin paintings, sculptures, life-sized bronze works sculptures and unique coffee tables. Wyland. Pier 39, Suite K106, 866-398-3263, http://www.wylandgalleries.com. [Top]

Presidio of San Francisco.

This former army post turned national park near the Golden Gate Bridge offers breathtaking vistas and includes a historic airfield, forests, beaches, 11 miles of hiking trails, and a golf course. 1299 Storey Avenue, 415-561-4323, http://www.nps.gov/prsf/index.htm.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.

At this amusement and animal park enjoy a variety of roller coasters, rides and a killer whale show, among other fun family attractions.1001 Fairgrounds Dr., Vallejo, 707-643-6722, http://www.sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom/Index.aspx.

California Wine Country.

Take a short day trip to Sonoma and Napa Valley, California’s most well-known wine and food region, located about an hour away. Enjoy tastings of outstanding California cabernets and chardonnays and dine at restaurants run by top chefs such as Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame. Major towns include Sonoma, Napa, Yountville, Oakville, and Healdsburg. www.napavalley.com, www.sonomavalley.com.   [Top]

John Muir Redwoods.

Drive up north to the John Muir Redwoods to enjoy the lush, magestic redwood forest named for John Muir. Indoor and activities available through the National Park Service.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

Take a road trip south on highway 17 and find yourself in the heart of Santa Cruz. Spend a day at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and ride the rollercoaster, carousel, play arcade games, or grab an ice cream cone from the many vendors and snack shops.

Beach Blanket Babylon.

Beach Blanket Babylon is the longest running musical production in theatre history. The show is a zany musical spoof of pop culture with extravagant costumes and huge hats. Currently in its 34th year of sold-out performances, Beach Blanket Babylon is an world-reknown San Francisco institution. http://www.beachblanketbabylon.com/.   [Top]

Teatro ZinZanni.

Located on the San Francisco’s historic waterfront, Teatro ZinZanni is a mystifying evening of European Cabaret and Cirque, Divas and Madmen, Spectacle and Sensuality with Live Music and a Gourmet Five-Course Dinner - set in the nightclub of your dreams!

SF Bay Ferry Service to Sausalito and Tiburon.

Cruise around the bay on a chartered ferry or chartered tour. The Blue & Gold Fleet provides scheduled ferry service to Sausalito, Tiburon, Angel Island, Vallejo, Alameda and Oakland. Visit http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/ for more.

San Francisco Historical F-Line Trolley Cars.

Take a ride on the F-Market & Wharves trolly line, which holds the title of the world’s longest publicly-operated vintage streetcar line in daily service.   [Top]