Experience all The Things to do in San Francisco
Easily one of the most beautiful and magical cities in the world, San Francisco has it all - museums, art galleries, shopping, nightlife, theatre, scenic views, historical landmarks and world class restaurants. Whether you're here for business or pleasure, the wonders of San Francisco attractions and events are just minutes from your hotel, many within walking distance. And if you decide you need a break from the big city, the breathtaking countryside of Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties are just a short jaunt over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Soak up the culture: Museums and art galleries abound in San Francisco. Lose yourself among the extensive collection of 20th century paintings, sculptures, photography, and more at the innovative San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Meander through the newly renovated and gorgeously designed Asian Art Museum, home to over 15,000 artifacts spanning 6,000 years of Asian history. Check out the exciting Yerba Buena Center for the Arts featuring the works of San Francisco Bay Area and international artists in the Center's exhibition galleries, performing arts theater, and screening room.
Enjoy a night on the town: Catch a hit play at the American Conservatory Theater, Curran Theatre, Golden Gate Theatre, or Orpheum Theatre. Attend a memorable opera, symphony, or concert at Herbst Theatre, Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, or War Memorial Opera House. Afterwards, enjoy an unforgettable dinner and famous California wine at one of San Francisco's many outstanding restaurants.
Shop till you drop: No visit to San Francisco would be complete without a shopping jaunt to the newly renovated Union Square. Enjoy some of the world's best shopping: Saxs Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and Tiffany just to name a few. Pop into the exclusive boutiques and shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the surrounding streets. Afterwards, walk on over to the San Francisco Centre, the city's largest indoor shopping mall and home to Nordstrom, Abercrombie & Fitch, Kenneth Cole, and more. Hop a famous San Francisco cable car on Powell Street and make it a day! And don't forget the nearby Embarcadero Center featuring over 100 independent and internationally recognized shops and restaurants and a theatre playing hit independent and foreign films.
Explore the charm of San Francisco: Stroll through the beautiful and unique neighborhoods of San Francisco and enjoy some incredible shopping while you take in the sights. Check out the unique shops and quaint restaurants on Union & Chestnut Streets in the upscale Pacific Heights and Marina neighborhoods. For a totally different experience, wander among the street vendors and local shops and dine on dim sun and other Chinese delicacies in bustling Chinatown. Transport yourself back to the 60's and the "Summer of Love" amid the colorful shops, cafes, and Victorian architecture of the Haight-Ashbury, or visit North Beach, former home of the Beat Generation filled with cozy bookstores and cafes and Italian restaurants, delicatessens, and bakeries.
Get a taste of history: Take a short boat ride to Alcatraz Island and learn about the notorious criminals and daring escape attempts from this former federal prison in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. Tour the Fort Point National Historic Site, the only Civil War-era fort west of the Mississippi, complete with a museum and large collection of military memorabilia and artifacts. Have lunch above the rocky Pacific coastline and beautiful vistas at the Cliff House, first built in 1863 and visited by U.S. Presidents and prominent San Francisco families. Climb to the top of the historic, 180-foot Coit Tower and drink in the panoramic views of San Francisco and the Bay.
Take in the scenery: Travel the twist and turns of Lombard Street, the "crookedest street in the world," and get some of the best views around of downtown and the San Francisco Bay. Hike, bike, or drive through the spectacular Golden Gate National Recreation Area, one of the world's largest urban national parks with over 75,000 acres of land and 28 miles of coastline, including Ocean Beach and the Presidio of San Francisco. Relax in the Japanese Tea Garden, canoe on Stow Lake, or stroll among the natural beauty abundant in Golden Gate Park. Run or walk the 1.7 mile trip across the Golden Gate Bridge as you look out at Alcatraz and Angel Islands, the Marin Headlands, San Francisco, and the rocky coastline or watch the sun set over the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
Spark their curiosity: Test the laws of gravity, find out what makes our bodies tick, or crawl and slide your way through the amazing Tactile Dome in complete darkness. Located in the Palace of Fine Arts near the Golden Gate Bridge, the Exploratorium is a unique, hands-on museum filled with hundreds of science exhibits and endless discoveries. Explore nature and get up close to wild lions and monkeys at the San Francisco Zoo, Northern California's largest zoological park and conservation center. View over 250 different kinds of animals in naturalistic settings, including the new Lipman Family Lemur Forest.
Have some fun: Treat the kids to a great time along the San Francisco waterfront. Start at Pier 39, a former cargo pier now brimming with specialty shops, restaurants, and fun-filled attractions like the Venetian Carousel, Turbo Ride, and Aquarium of the Bay, not to mention the famous barking sea lions. Walk west to Fisherman's Wharf and visit Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, the Wax Museum, and scores of seaside shops and restaurants. Enjoy Dungeness crab, sourdough bread, or clam chowder along the way. Finish your journey at Ghirardelli Square with waterfront dining, unique shops, street performers, and the delicious Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Factory.
For more information, including tours and upcoming events, contact the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Public Transportation | |
San Francisco | |
East Bay/San Francisco/Daly City | |
Sonoma/Marin Counties | |
San Mateo County & parts of | |
San Francisco & Palo Alto | |
Airports
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
1-800-444-5819 |