San Francisco
United States of America · California · 50 m
Description
San Francisco is one of the best-known cities in the United States and a fascinating hub of culture, history, and creative spirit on California’s West Coast. The city is famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, its historic cable cars, Victorian houses, and Alcatraz Island, as well as distinctive neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury. San Francisco combines cultural diversity and a renowned culinary scene with a progressive spirit and a spectacular setting between the bay and the Pacific Ocean. Its misty hills, breathtaking views, and proximity to Northern California’s celebrated wine regions make the city one of the most fascinating destinations on the American West Coast.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 5 days (optimal 4 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: September – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Island
- Cable Cars
- Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39
- Pier 39 Sea Lions
- Golden Gate Park
- Chinatown
- Lombard Street
- Painted Ladies & Alamo Square
- Ferry Building Marketplace
- Palace of Fine Arts
- Muir Woods National Monument(Day trip)
- Mission District & Murals
- California Academy of Sciences
- de Young Museum
- Napa Valley Wine Country(Day trip)
- Coit Tower
- Sausalito(Day trip)
- North Beach
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Crissy Field
- Point Reyes National Seashore(Day trip)
- Golden Gate Overlook
- Baker Beach
- Marshall's Beach
- Lands End & Coastal Trail
- Sutro Baths Ruins
- Mount Tamalpais State Park(Day trip)
- Ocean Beach
- Twin Peaks
- Dolores Park
- Monterey & 17-Mile Drive(Day trip)
- Mission Dolores
- Sonoma Valley Wine Country(Day trip)
- Castro District
- Haight-Ashbury
- Japanese Tea Garden
- Conservatory of Flowers
- San Francisco Botanical Garden
- Exploratorium
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
- Asian Art Museum
- Cable Car Museum
- Grace Cathedral
- Nob Hill
- Union Square
- Transamerica Pyramid
- Salesforce Park
- Embarcadero
- Bay Bridge & Embarcadero Views
- Oracle Park
- Ghirardelli Square
- Aquatic Park Cove
- Hyde Street Pier
- San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
- Angel Island(Day trip)
- Angel Island Immigration Station(Day trip)
- Half Moon Bay(Day trip)
- Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- SFO, OAK, SJC
- Train stations:
- San Francisco 4th & King Street, San Jose Avenue & Randall Street, Van Ness
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry