- Summary
- Official Resources
- Gallery
- Events
- Places to Eat & Drink
- Videos
- Podcasts
It may measure less than 50 square miles and have a population that doesn’t even crack a million, but San Francisco justly ranks as one of the greatest cities in the world. Famous for grand-dame Victorians, cable cars, a dynamic waterfront, and a soaring golden bridge, this city truly has it all. With trend-defining cuisine ranging from Michelin-starred dining to outrageous food trucks; world-renowned symphony, ballet, theater, and opera; plus almost boundless outdoor adventures, San Francisco justifiably stands out as one of the ultimate must-visit cities on any traveler’s wish list.
The hardest part may be deciding where to go first. (Well, that and packing for the city’s famously unpredictable weather.) The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks; you can walk or bike across the span to the Marin Headlands. Or stay on the San Francisco side and stroll over to the San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts, the Presidio, or Lands End, a rugged, windswept playground where you can watch for whales and check out the ruins of the Sutro Baths.
Fisherman’s Wharf beckons with its seafaring vibe and amazing seafood restaurants; look out across the water and you’ll see another fascinating destination not to be missed, Alcatraz Island. The bustling plazas of Union Square and Ghirardelli Square offer shopping and more great dining options. The city’s patchwork of distinct neighborhoods—the Mission District, Chinatown, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, Nob Hill, and so many more—offer endless diversions both day and night.
Despite its famously steep hills, San Francisco is remarkably easy to get around. Clanging cable cars are beloved icons and a convenient way to travel between the waterfront and Union Square. Historic streetcars run along the Embarcadero with stops for Fisherman’s Wharf, the Ferry Building Marketplace, and Oracle Park, home of the Major League’s Giants baseball team. For an easy, affordable ride, look for one of hundreds of bikeshare stations and hop on a Bay Wheels bike (or ebike) and go.
The underground BART metro system travels within and beyond San Francisco, with routes south to San Francisco International Airport and east to Berkeley, Oakland, Pleasanton, and other communities. And San Francisco’s local MUNI buses travel citywide.
Insider tips: If you plan to visit several of the attractions it can cover, consider getting a CityPASS; it includes prepaid admission to the California Academy of Sciences; a Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure; a choice between the Aquarium of the Bay or the Walt Disney Family Museum, and a choice between The Exploratorium or the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens.
Another economical option is the San Francisco C3 ticket, which is good for admission into three attractions. Choose from the CityPASS options above, plus SFMOMA, Bay City Bike and Parkwide Bike Rentals, and the de Young Museum + Legion of Honor.
CityPASS and the San Francisco C3 ticket are both valid for 30 days.
- Why a Visit To San Francisco’s Japantown Is Worth the Stop
- Ways to Play in San Francisco
- LGBTQ+ Travel in San Francisco
- So You Think You Know San Francisco?
- 9 San Francisco Luxury Hotels Worth the Splurge
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Top 10 San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hotels
- A Guide to San Francisco’s Mission District
- 11 of the Best Museums in San Francisco
- Best Boutique Hotels in San Francisco
- San Francisco History: 10 Ways to Experience It
- 15 Places to Find Amazing Ramen in San Francisco
- The Presidio
- 15 Best Spots for Ice Cream in San Francisco
- Dining in San Francisco
- Twin Peaks Boasts an Incredible View of San Francisco
- The Best San Francisco Hotels for Every Type of Traveler
- Union Square
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Where to Find the Best Coffee in San Francisco
Find More Things To Do
Events In:
5 Amazing Things to Do in San Francisco
The City by the Bay packs an impressive amount of eclectic cultural charm into just 46 square milesHere’s How to Eat, Sleep and Explore Sustainably in California
Travellers who think it’s not easy being green haven’t been to the Golden StateJune 2024 Events in California
Embrace summer with beer festivals, classic fairs, and live musicKid-Foodie Guide to California
These family-friendly eateries will make the whole clan happySee Major League Baseball in California
With five big-league teams, California is the ideal place to experience America’s pastimeCalifornia Questionnaire: Chris Cosentino
The “Top Chef Masters” champion and offal-loving San Francisco resident shares his Golden State favoritesWhat’s New in California in 2024
From new hotels to hotly anticipated restaurants to colorful theme park attractions, here’s a look at the top debuts in CaliforniaSpring 2024 Deals in California
Get free nights at luxury resorts, easy access to big parks, and discounts on spring skiingMay 2024 Events in California
Kick off your summer with wine tasting, music, and quirky festivalsTop Food, Beer, and Wine Festivals
Every month offers delicious events for local crops, talented chefs, and great beer and wine
Gameday California: San Francisco Giants
California Dream Eater
3 Must-Try Breakfasts in California
California Dreamers
David Garibaldi's Rhythm & Hue
California 101
Golden Gate Bridge: 5 Amazing Things
Heli-Cool: Henry's Sky-High View of California
Michael Tusk Redefines Farm-to-Table In Northern California
California Dreamers
Richie Trimble's Stoopid Tall Bike
California 101
San Francisco: 5 Amazing Things
California Dream Eater
San Francisco’s Classic Chinese Cuisine
California Dream Eater
San Francisco’s Craze-Worthy Cruffins
Ways to Play in California
52min
Margaret Cho’s Iconic California
39min
Local’s Guide to Marin County
50min
Craig Kilborn
33min
Essential Tips for California Road Trips
52min
3 California Podcasts You Should Know
42min
Michelin Guide, L.A. to Paso Robles, LGBTQ+ Travel
46min
California's Epic Natural Wonders
41min
Bucket Lists, Craft Beer, San Andreas Fault
25min
California’s Fascinating History
43min
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get weekly travel inspiration, offers, contests, and more!
Thank you for signing up
Get ready to explore The Ultimate Playground!