City by the Bay: 7 Iconic Attractions to Visit in San Francisco
San Fran Loving
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, San Francisco has been a hub for culture since the early 20th century — the New York City of the West Coast. However the smaller scale of the city makes it much more accessible, packing tons of things to do into less than 50 square miles.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler to the Bay Area or are looking to visit for the first time, San Francisco has plenty to offer. From iconic and historical landmarks to natural wonders and cultural attractions, these are some of the best things to do in San Francisco.
Golden Gate Bridge
An iconic symbol of the city itself, no trip to San Francisco would be complete without a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge. There are many spots to view the bridge, but one of the best ways to enjoy it is by starting at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center.
Grab a bite or a beverage at one of the onsite cafes before taking pictures and posing for selfies. While it’s an amazing site from afar, you can’t truly appreciate its wonder until you walk across all 1.7 miles of it.
Muir Woods
On the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge lies a beautiful scenic forest and national monument. In Muir Woods, you can see some of the tallest trees in the world, redwoods, which tower at around 300 feet tall. Most of the trees there are also older than the United States, averaging around 600 to 800 years old.
Most people come to hike the trails that run through the forest, which is the best way to experience the redwoods’ majesty. Take the Bohemian Grove Trail — with bridges and footpaths among the trees — where you can view the redwoods in three separate impressive groves.
Both Muir Woods and the Golden Gate Bridge are stops on many San Francisco wine tours, by the way. It’s just a suggestion.
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Fisherman’s Wharf
Probably the most famous tourist attraction in San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf should definitely make it onto your itinerary. There are a number of fun things to do there that can keep you occupied for an entire day. At Pier 39, you can watch the sea lions sunning themselves on the docks while surrounded by a busy shopping complex with restaurants and even an aquarium.
This is also the ideal place to be if you happen to be in San Fran for the Fourth of July — you’ll be able to view an exciting fireworks display over the bay from Pier 39.
If you like arcade games or just enjoy the novelty of old timey things, make sure to stop by the Musee Mechanique, where you can play coin-operated games and attractions from the early 20th century. Grab some clam chowder in a bread bowl nearby before ending your day at Ghirardelli Square, home to the original chocolate and ice cream shop for the brand.
Palace of Fine Arts
A beautiful example of Beaux Arts architecture, the Palace of Fine Arts has attracted tourists and locals alike since the early 20th century. Originally constructed as a temporary showpiece for artists during the Panama Pacific International Exposition of 1915, it has remained a meeting place for the arts ever since.
Aside from admiring the building itself, you can also watch dance and theatrical performances at the onsite theater along with stand-up comedy and rock concerts.
Cable Car Lines
Another iconic symbol of San Francisco, the cable car lines are a fun thing to do even if you only have a few hours in the city. Riding one feels like you’re taking a trip back in time, when the city was at its humble beginnings. You can hop on and off if you buy one of the day passes, or buy your ticket on board from the conductor.
Three of the original cable car lines are still in operation, bringing you to attractions like Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square. Although they can get crowded, especially during the summertime, riding the cable cars is a top pick for families visiting San Francisco.
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Walt Disney Family Museum
Disney fans have to check out the Walt Disney Family Museum located in the Presidio near Chrissy Field. Spanning Walt Disney’s entire life and career, the museum has 10 different galleries that showcase his unique vision. Sketches, drawings, film cells, posters, models and miniatures are all on display from his impressive body of work.
Rotating, multi-month exhibitions keep the museum fresh since many Disney fans make yearly pilgrimages there. Aside from the galleries, you can also enjoy community events and a colorful gift shop featuring some of the art in the exhibits.
Alcatraz Island
Once home to some of the most notorious criminals in modern U.S. history, Alcatraz Island offers tours of the famous prison that operated there until 1963. Shorter day tours are offered if you want to explore by yourself, but for the full experience, it’s best to book a behind-the-scenes tour.
From one of the piers in San Francisco, you’ll take a ferry — with on board narration — across to the island. A guided tour of the facilities is included in your ticket as well as special lectures, exhibits and events. You can even explore Alcatraz during a night tour, which really ups the creepiness factor of the abandoned prison and its violent history.
