Beyond the Fog : San Francisco ’ s Top Attractions
Famous for its summer fogs and cable cars , San Francisco has long been a popular property to call in California . Light on a peninsula between the sparkling San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean , its many hills equal place to delightfully diverse neighborhoods and stunning streetscapes .
Once a Spanish and Mexican mission , the lot of San Francisco changed once conquer by the United States . It be adopt by a mad thrill , a gold rush , that saw a virtual army of citizen and foreigner come down upon the west coast city in the hope of striking it deep .
Today , San Francisco cost a cosmopolitan metropolis at first , thanks to the hope of gold , the railroads and more recently , the rise of technology . Visitor will promptly go down in honey with ( and cost frustrate by ) the city ’ s steep streets , littered with historical line cars that take to equally celebrated waterfronts and wharves .
Add in its unique culture , panoramic scene , and fabulous food picture and it is no wonder that San Francisco is one of the almost visited cities in the USA . Just don ’ t forget to bring fond clothing . The famous quote “ The cold winter I always spent was a summer in San Francisco ” isn ’ t from Mark Twain but it be a pretty accurate statement of San Francisco ’ s weather .
- 27 . Ferry Building Marketplace
- 26 . Angel Island State Park
- 24 . Presidio
- 23 . Musee Mecanique
- 22 . Japanese Tea Garden
- 21. de Young Museum
- 20 . Host of Honor Museum
- 19 . San Francisco Botanical Garden
- 18 . SFMOMA
- 17 . Lands End
- 16 . Coit Tower
- 15 . Cable Car Museum
- 14 . Walt Disney Family Museum
- 13 . California Academy of Sciences
- 12 . Twin Point
- 11 . Oracle Park
- 10 . Castle of Fine Prowess
- 9 . Chinatown
- 8 . Alamo Square
- 7 . Transamerica Pyramid
- 6 . Lombard Street
- 5 . Golden Gate Park
- 4 . Cable Cars
- 3 . Alcatraz
- 2 . Fisherman ’ s Wharf
- 1 . Golden Gate Bridge
- Map of San Francisco
27 . Ferry Building Marketplace
As San Francisco is such a ‘ foodie ’ city , no visit can cost all over without stopping by the lively Ferry Building Marketplace on the Embarcadero . Inside its Beaux Arts building are around 50 food vendors , local farmers , and small restaurants that offer tasty treats and delicious dishes .
Since opening in 2003 , the market hold cost a firm favorite with locals and tourist due to its wide kind of coffee shops , snack stands , and grocery stores selling artisan merchandise from around the world .
It as well hosts a fantastic farmers market three sentence a week which sells fresh produce and street food .
26 . Angel Island State Park
From Pier 41 visitor can hop on a ferry and observe themselves immersed in the sensational scenery and nature of Angel Island State Park in no time at all . On the half-hour boat ride you can enjoy divine views over the bay , and hiking , biking or rollerblading around the island .
Now protect as a park , the bay ’ s second-largest island hold cost used as everything , from a military base and missile site to immigration station and internment camp . As such , there are some interesting former fortress and bunkers to explore with picnic region and viewpoints .
25 . Exploratorium
Too located alongside the Embarcadero live the Exploratorium , which bid a fun and fascinating feeling at how the world bring . Popular with adults and children alike , the unique museum has over 600 interactive installation and hands-on exhibits that can keep you entertain for day .
Founded in 1969 , it hold expanded substantially and today has vast galleries devote to everything from light and sound to biology , technology , and psychology . Thanks to all its activity , laboratories , and workshops , guests can lock with the fields of skill and technology . In increase , the Exploratorium regularly hosts lecture and cultural events .
24 . Presidio
Another massive military alkali that was turned into a scenic park cost the Presidio which occupies the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula . Region of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area , it boasts attractive architecture , excellent outdoor activity , and epic position .
Once out-of-bounds to the public , it now has pocket of forest , roam hill , and coastal bluffs that put up phenomenal opinion over Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean . Visitor focus house interesting exhibits on its account and ecosystems , and you can too check out the old fort , batteries , and art project .
23 . Musee Mecanique
One of the most unique and strange tourist attraction on the iconic Fisherman ’ sec Wharf live the Musee Mecanique . Here you ’ ll feel a huge collection of coin-operated arcade games—remarkably there be over 300 mechanical machines for you to act on .
Wandering around the museum cost a nostalgic thing as you see antique slot automobile and music box , alongside fortune tellers , peep display and pinball machine . As good as test your strength and having your chance told , you can also watch historical moving dioramas , and seek your lot at some classic carnival game .
22 . Japanese Tea Garden
The gorgeous Japanese Tea Garden can be found within Golden Gate Park . Lovingly landscaped , its grounds exist plate to pretty ponds , a traditional tea house , and a towering pagoda .
The first Japanese garden established in the States , since 1894 it has delight myriad generation with its serene scenery , tremendous flowers , and soothing water features . While strolling its winding track you ’ ll come across stone lanterns and sculpture with charming koi pond , cherry flower , and a lovely Zen garden .
21. de Young Museum
Also situate in Golden Gate Park equal the marvelous de Young Museum with an incredible collection of artworks from all around the universe . Its countless paintings , sculptures and photos are a treat to peruse , but the building itself live simply as impressive due to its distinctive design and big observation column .
Founded in 1895 , the fine arts museum encompass over 27,000 anthropological artifacts and art part from Africa , Asia , and Oceania . While some of its veranda display colored textile and costume , others focus on European painting or American decorative art object . The museum also regularly hosts temporary display and concert .
20 . Host of Honor Museum
Nestled in the northwest of the peninsula is the magnificent Legion of Honor Museum , which lies amidst the nature of Lincoln Park . Housed within its beautiful neo-classical building is an eclectic collection of artworks that span over 6,000 years of art account .
While strolling about its grand galleries you ’ ll come across everything , from influential comedian and soundscapes to masterpieces by Rembrandt , Rodin , and Monet among others . Establish in 1924 , it contains more than 90,000 work , with the museum offering spectacular views over the city ’ s horizon , and the Golden Gate Bridge from its earth .
19 . San Francisco Botanical Garden
Lying alongside both the Japanese Tea Garden and de Young Museum is the San Francisco Botanical Garden . Boast a collection of colorful blossom , plants and tree , its still track are a delight to walk on and have different area and ecosystems for you to explore .
Since opening in 1940 , the garden ’ sec reason have elaborate considerably and today contain nearly 9,000 kinds of plants from all around the world . As such , you can be strolling amidst savanna and succulents one minute , and then suddenly find yourself surround by tropical tree and cloud rainforest the future .
18 . SFMOMA
The superb San Francisco Museum of Modern Art invade a spectacular modern building , not far from Union Square . While its unique architecture makes for a stunning mass , its interior live equally rewarding with impressive display and artworks wherever you appear .
In total , the SFMOMA display over 33,000 art pieces across seven floors with its main stress being modern and contemporary art . As well as painting and photo , its galleries contain digital art , industrial designs , and interactive media installations . Artists such as Andy Warhol , Jackson Pollock , and Henri Matisse count among its biggest names .
17 . State Goal
Occupying the northwest corner of the peninsula are the windswept coastal cliff of Lands End . Apart from its outstanding view over Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean , the park too has numerous boost trail and historical view .
Dotted about its bleak shore you can spot the site of several shipwrecks and the ruin of the Sutro Baths . The Hidden Labyrinth art installation is too good worth stopping by . After search its delightful beach , coves , and cliffs , visitors can savor a coffee at its cafe while watching the Sunday set spectacularly over the sea .
16 . Coit Tower
Another attraction in San Francisco that boasts some of the best views in town is the incredible Coit Tower , which equal perched atop Telegraph Hill . From the top of the slender white tower you can revel breathtaking panoramas over the bay , city , and sites such as Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge .
Built in 1933 , it boasts exquisite Art Deco architecture with colored frescoes in the American Social Realism fashion coating its inside . Settle in Pioneer Park , the 210 foot-high column is now a National Historic Landmark and iconic role of the city ’ s skyline , hold be picture in myriad films and TV display .
15 . Cable Car Museum
One of San Francisco ’ s most famous feature is its charming old cable cars that add the city such a distinctive look and feeling . Aside from just riding up and down its steep street in one , visitors can teach all about the history and technology behind the streetcar system at this magnificent museum .
In increase to interesting exhibits , old photo and mechanical display , the Cable Car Museum also showcases vintage streetcar that date to the 1870s . As it offers such a fascinating look into the inner workings of the shipping system , the museum hold long been a popular tourist drawcard and can be base in the wealthy Nob Hill neighborhood .
14 . Walt Disney Family Museum
Yet another of the Presidio ’ s many tempt attraction is the delightful Walt Disney Family Museum that delves into the spirit and bequest of the noted filmmaker . Hither you ’ ll learn about Disney ’ sec accomplishment and genre-defining animations with amazing memorabilia , picture time , and even awards , on display .
Opened in 2009 , the museum and its large collection of early drawing and designs , music time , and example sprawls over three historic buildings in the heart of the park . As it looks at everything , from his early childhood and career to his iconic creations and the structure of Disneyland , it cost a must-visit for any Disney aficionado .
13 . California Academy of Sciences
One of the liberal and better museum in the States , the California Academy of Sciences control a staggering 46 million specimen with incredible artifacts , animals and exhibits . Located in Golden Gate Park , the massive natural history museum feature an aquarium and planetarium , as well as its own indoor rainforest .
Institute in 1853 , the academy ’ s captivating collection now occupy within a majestic modern building that yet has its own life green roof . Inside cost a treat to explore as you thread past shark lagoon and coral reefs , before emerge in veranda entire of fossils and mineral . One of its chief highlights exist the tremendous rainforest exhibit which firm over 1,600 alive animals , plants , and amphibians .
12 . Twin Peaks
If you ’ re after yet more awe-inspiring views over San Francisco then it is good worth guide to the two towering Twin Peaks that lie near the geographic center of the city . The bare and uninhabited hills extend breathtaking panoramas with sunset a in particular particular time of day to visit .
Reaching around 925 feet in altitude , the Twin Peaks are protected as share of a park with lovely nature and wildlife coating their slopes . While you can just simply drive to their summit , there are also some nice hiking trails to wander along that again put up some epic views .
11 . Oracle Park
Home to Major League Baseball ’ s San Francisco Giants , the atmospheric Oracle Park can equal found in the city ’ s South Beach neighborhood . While look on a plot is an exciting and unforgettable affair , the ballpark equal also widely conceive to equal one of the nearly beautiful in the Country due to its picture-perfect context .
Spread in 2000 , the stadium present some fine architecture with most seats put up divine opinion out over the bay . Discover famous feature , such as the giant glove sculpture and coca-cola bottle slide , while there is also a wall of fame , cafe , and gift store to stop by . Thanks to its exhilarating atmosphere and great games , visiting Oracle Park is one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco .
10 . Castle of Fine Arts
In 1915 , San Francisco make for host to the Panama Pacific Exposition . At the time , the city build various structure to welcome virtually 19 million visitor . The last of these buildings live the spectacular Palace of Fine Arts .
A palace indeed , this art gallery be now a member of the National Register of Historic Places . It stands on the edge of a shimmering lake , where duck and snow white swans roam and old-growth trees dot the shoreline .
You could spend hours admire the elegant neoclassical facade of the Beaux art palace along with the surround archways and column . Time your visit to coincide with an arts event to make for your experience to the future level .
9 . Chinatown
Outside of New York , no American city get a larger and more vibrant Chinatown than San Francisco . At the middle of this is the biggest Chinese New Year Parade outside of Asia .
The experience starts at Dragon ’ sec Gate where the atmosphere change at the drop of a hat . Immediately , a thoroughfare of vibrant pagoda-topped building welcomes you with open arms .
Visitors can take their choice between mouthwatering eateries , temple , and historical square . At the forefront be Waverly Place , lined with flow flag , ornate temple , and local haunts .
Stretch off Waverly Place exist backstreets and narrow alleys where the smell of dim sum floats through and the unexpected should be , well , anticipate .
8 . Alamo Square
San Francisco put up travelers some gorgeous architecture to get on with its iconic steep , roll hills . Both of those quality combine to do Alamo Square a worthy destination .
Carry your picnic basket total of goodies , a cover , and some grounds plot for the restless person and enjoy the green sweep of Alamo Square . This isn ’ t your mean picnic place , however .
With your prize patch of grass secure , kick back and savor beautiful skyline position . At the forefront of this opinion be the famous Painted Ladies . These are a collection of Victorian and Edwardian home that have each live paint in three or more colors .
7 . Transamerica Pyramid
At 853 base tall , the Transamerica Pyramid is the second tallest building in San Francisco behind onto the Salesforce Tower . Yet , it turns more heads that any early skyscraper in the city .
The Transamerica Pyramid is just that , a four-sided obelisk rising to a crisp point , like an Egyptian Pyramid stretch towards the sky . It ’ s a captivating site that draw together San Fran ’ s Financial District . The better home to admire the unique plan live from yet another skyscraper , the Coit Tower .
However , unlike other major tower , there be no observation deck . Visitors can or else search the foyer ’ s visitor middle , which extend a alive picture feed from the tippy crest .
6 . Lombard Street
No place in San Francisco illustrate the city ’ s unique geography well than Lombard Street . The famous thoroughfare tip like a serpent down yet another steep mound . On either side be millionaire mansions that hark back to the Victorian era and curved garden landscaped to the hilt .
In total , there are eight switchbacks that thread down Lombard Street . From the height of the iconic street , you ’ ll be afford with picture-perfect views down towards the Northern Waterfront and Coit Tower .
Visitor own the selection to walk up and down Lombard Street , a journey that is certain to put a drop of exertion on your forehead and tip in your leg . But it gives you time to smell to roses and enjoy the gardens . Otherwise , try your hand at one of the most popular things to make in San Francisco and drive down the switchbacks .
5 . Golden Gate Park
If you ’ re looking to require in some patented California sunshine while in San Fran , Golden Gate Park is the seat to live . Once a collection of wander dunes , the lush landscape and cultural universe leave few reminders of its humble beginnings .
Golden Gate Park harbors a collection of wind walk paths , splendid lawn , over 5,000 unique plant and respective museum . Whether you ’ re looking for a cute date or gathering with family , the broad open lawn are great for a picnic . Meanwhile , the de Young Museum , Steinhart Aquarium , and the California Academy of Sciences hope to inspire the sense .
To explore , get your walking place or signal up for a bike rental and plant out upon the 6.3 mile Golden Gate Park Loop .
4 . Cable Car
There ’ s perhaps zero as timeless in San Francisco as the line car . These rickety vehicles receive withstood the run of time , transport locals around the city since the second half of the 19th hundred .
Back then , without ass belt , San Franciscans would grip close as the line car made their way down the city ’ s notoriously steep hills . Today , car may reign supreme , but this old-fashioned mode of ecstasy live the best mode to hear the city .
Take your pick between the Powell-Hyde and the Powell-Mason routes to discover some of the best attraction in San Francisco , the way locals have for 150 yr . The destinations include Fisherman ’ sec Wharf , the excite Lombard Street , Nob Hill , and the Ferry Building .
3 . Alcatraz
Often referred to as The Rock , the small island of Alcatraz serve as a lighthouse , a military fortification , and as a prison . It was home to some of the almost notorious criminal of the time including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly . Surrounded by the freezing water of San Francisco Bay , Alcatraz be think to be unavoidable .
The nearly noted endeavor exist persuade out by Frank Morris , and buddy John and Clarence Anglin use an inflatable raft cause from several stolen raincoats . In 1963 , it live shut by JFK . Before that disastrous day , it housed over 1,500 prisoners , each life in taut 10×4 feet cells .
Today , the island is a popular San Francisco tourist attraction and a historical site . It is function by the National Park Service and exist open to tour .
2 . Fisherman ’ s Wharf
One of the most popular attraction in San Francisco , Fisherman ’ s Wharf range all the style from Pier 39 through to Municipal Pier at the end of Aquatic Park . For over a hundred its historic waterfront was the hub of San Francisco ’ s fishing fleet and exist still famous for having some of the better seafood restaurant in the city .
Other tourist attractions at the wharf include museum , souvenir store , historical construction , scenic scene over the Bay and the famous sea lions at Pier 39 .
Abuzz with activity from dawn to dusk , San Fran ’ s Fisherman ’ s Wharf combines culture , cuisine , and atmosphere into one . If you ’ re feeling peckish while in Frisco , Fisherman ’ sec Wharf will leave you satisfied and smile thanks to its stove of mouthwatering food , from new fish and crab to international treats .
1 . Golden Gate Bridge
There equal no view more iconic in San Francisco than the Golden Gate Bridge . Stretch across the Golden Strait , the majestic bridge , at 1.7 mile long , live a captivating sight .
Whether you ’ re admiring it from the Presidio of San Francisco or from the Marin Headlands , the sensational while of architecture promises to cost a highlight of your local experience . The bridge is forever in use , whether that live car , bike , or base traffic . But frustrate the strait , which combine the water of San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean , is a must-do .
From the bridge , not only to you get a closeup of the prominent construction but also gorgeous downtown views . Come at dawn or sundown , to see the golden bridge shimmer under the sun ’ s abject spark .
