San Francisco is a city with plenty of exciting places to check out. Whether you’re into museums, parks, or restaurants, there is something for everyone. If you’re looking for something fun to do, here are some great ideas for places to visit in San Francisco. So get out and explore the city!
Places to visit in San Francisco: Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is the #1 location to visit in San Francisco. Located within the city’s bay, this former maximum-security prison was home to America’s most notorious criminals. Today you can take an audio tour of the facility or go on a Behind the Scenes Tour to see places usually reserved for officers and guards only. There are also some fantastic trails around the island if you’re up for some hiking! Be sure not to miss the lighthouse on your trip out here because it offers spectacular views of the entire bay area.
And don’t forget about their daily tours that start at 9 am & 11:30 am every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day. Kids under 5 enter for free, and everyone else needs a $5 admission fee.
Places to visit in San Francisco: Lombard Street, Russian Hill
Lombard Street is one of San Francisco’s most famous places to visit because this crooked road has been featured in several popular TV shows and movies over the years. This street consists of eight sharp turns that run off Russian Hill. It has become an icon for San Francisco because nothing compares to its uniqueness from all other places around the city. During your visit, make sure to take a picture walking down the “crooked part” and drive down it if you have a car! Also, don’t forget about taking a picture of the waterfall at the intersection of Hyde str. and Leavenworth street.
The best time to visit Lombard Street is during the summertime when there are more tourists because it can get very crowded during the fall and winter months.
Places to visit in San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of those places you have to visit at least once in your lifetime. This famous bridge stretches across the San Francisco Bay from Richardson Bay to Muir Beach. You can walk or hike across the bridge, but if you decide to drive over it, be sure not to stop because that will cause massive traffic problems! The best view of this iconic structure is located just north of Fort Point, where the southern approach begins its descent toward the toll plaza. Some great places around Marin Headlands offer spectacular views as well!
Places to visit in San Francisco: Alamo Square Park
Alamo Square Park is most famous for the Painted Ladies, a row of former Victorian homes. Alamo Square got its name from these houses because it was initially the “light” house that assisted ships into the bay. After being destroyed in an earthquake in 1906, these gorgeous homes were rebuilt. They have since become some of the most photographed places!
The best time to take pictures here is sunset or before it gets dark during the winter months because beautiful lights illuminate each one. 6th street is the main artery through this neighbourhood, so don’t be surprised if you see many tourists running around taking pictures all day long!
Places to visit in San Francisco: Coit Tower, Financial District
The Coit Tower is one of the best places to visit in San Francisco for a fantastic panoramic view. This 210-foot tower was built in 1933 as a tribute to Californian firefighters. It offers spectacular views of the entire Financial District, Telegraph Hill, North Beach and Pier 39. Plus, you can see all the way back to Alcatraz Island if you have a pair of binoculars with you! Admission costs $8 for everyone ages 13 years old and up, but anyone under the age of 12 can get inside for free. And don’t forget about its daily tours that start at 11 am every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day.
Places to visit in San Francisco: Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
The Fisherman’s Wharf, a popular tourist area, is filled with restaurants, shops, museums and more. The whole wharf has more than 100 restaurants, so if you’re someone who enjoys eating out, this is the perfect place for you! The best part about it, though, is that all these are within walking distance to each other; there’s no need to hire a taxi or anything like that. It’ll take about 15 minutes just to walk from one end of the wharf to the other end, so it’s definitely a place where you can spend your entire day without getting bored.
Pier 39 is an expansive waterfront complex that consists of shops, restaurants and aquariums. The complex has a wide array of shops ranging from souvenir places, clothing stores and places that sell boat rides. In Pier 39, you can buy some fresh seafood too! Moreover, there’s an IMAX theatre located inside the mall, called Aquarium Cinemas, where you can watch 3D movies for just $11! However, it takes about 40 minutes to walk from one end of the pier to the other, so if you’re someone who doesn’t like walking too much, this might not be a good place for you.
Places to visit in San Francisco: Ghirardelli Square
The Ghirardelli Square is located near the Fisherman’s Wharf. It was once a chocolate factory opened by Domenico Ghirardelli. It features places to eat, shop and entertainment, including areas where you can learn how to make chocolate. Ghirardelli Square is the perfect place for you if you’re someone who loves hanging out in places where there are lots of places for food because this mall has restaurants and places to eat on every floor!
Whether you’re looking for something to do on your next vacation or want to explore an American city with rich culture, there is no shortage of things to see and experience in this city!
