San Francisco Travel Guide
Wrapped in fog and stacked on 43 hills, San Francisco pairs Gold Rush grit with tech-boom ambition across a peninsula of pastel Victorians and cable-car bells. From the burnt-orange span of the Golden Gate to the neon of Chinatown, it is a compact, walkable city where every crest of a hill delivers a new bay view.
San Francisco — Highlights in photos
Top things to do
Golden Gate Bridge
The city's defining icon stretches 1.7 miles across the strait, glowing in its signature International Orange. Walk or bike across from the Presidio side, and check the fog forecast since summer mornings often hide the towers entirely.
Alcatraz Island
The infamous former federal prison sits on a windswept island with a superb audio tour narrated by former guards and inmates. Book the ferry (about 47 USD) weeks ahead as it routinely sells out; the night tour is especially atmospheric.
Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39
A lively waterfront of seafood stands, street performers and a barking colony of sea lions lounging on the docks. It is touristy but fun; grab a sourdough bread bowl of clam chowder and watch the boats.
Cable Cars
The world's last manually operated cable-car system clatters up impossibly steep hills, a moving national landmark since 1873. A single ride is 8 USD; hop on at the Powell-Hyde turnaround for the classic descent toward the bay.
Lombard Street
Billed as the crookedest street in the world, this one-block zigzag of eight tight switchbacks is framed by flowerbeds. Walk down the pedestrian stairs alongside it for photos rather than driving, which involves a long queue.
Golden Gate Park
Larger than New York's Central Park, this green expanse holds gardens, lakes, bison and top museums. Rent a bike or stroll to the Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers.
Museums & entry info
de Young Museum
A striking copper-clad building in Golden Gate Park showcasing American art, textiles and global cultures, with a free observation tower. General admission is about 20 USD; the ninth-floor viewing deck is free to all.
SFMOMA
One of the largest modern and contemporary art museums in the country, spanning seven gallery floors and a living wall. Tickets run about 30 USD; visitors under 18 enter free.
California Academy of Sciences
An all-in-one aquarium, planetarium, rainforest dome and natural history museum under a living roof. Admission is around 40 USD; check official hours as it closes for private events.
Exploratorium
A hands-on science playground on Pier 15 with hundreds of interactive exhibits for all ages. Tickets are about 40 USD; the adults-only Thursday evening sessions are a local favorite.
Asian Art Museum
Home to one of the world's finest collections of Asian art, from ancient bronzes to contemporary works. Admission is roughly 20 USD and free on the first Sunday of the month.
Signature experiences
Bay Cruise Under the Bridge
A one-hour boat cruise loops beneath the Golden Gate and around Alcatraz for unbeatable skyline views. Tickets run about 40 USD; bring a windproof layer as the bay is chilly even in summer.
Ferry to Sausalito
Sail across the bay to the artsy waterfront town of Sausalito, then browse galleries and eat lunch with a view back toward the city. The round-trip ferry costs roughly 30 USD and is a scenic alternative to driving.
Muir Woods Redwoods
Just north of the city, walk among towering old-growth coast redwoods over 250 feet tall. Reserve a parking or shuttle slot in advance (required), with entry around 15 USD.
Chinatown Food Walk
The oldest Chinatown in North America is a maze of dim sum parlors, herbal shops and a working fortune-cookie factory. Guided food tours run about 70-90 USD, or self-guide with dumplings and roast duck.
What to eat
San Francisco helped invent modern American dining, from sourdough bread to the farm-to-table movement, and its immigrant neighborhoods keep the flavors global. Come hungry and expect exceptional coffee and produce alongside the seafood.
September and October bring the warmest, clearest weather as the summer fog lifts, while spring is mild and green; the famous fog blankets the city on many summer mornings.
A walkable core is served by Muni buses, historic streetcars, cable cars and the regional BART trains, so a rechargeable Clipper card is the easiest way to pay across all of them. Driving is best avoided given steep hills, scarce parking and heavy one-way streets.
Traveler tips
- Dress in layers; temperatures swing sharply between sunny hills and foggy, windy waterfronts even in the same afternoon
- Book Alcatraz tickets several weeks in advance, as same-week availability is rare
- Be mindful of belongings and avoid leaving anything visible in parked cars, as break-ins are common
- Sales tax and a mandatory tip or service charge are often added at restaurants, so budget above the menu price
- Use the free observation deck at the de Young for a skyline view without paying museum admission
Getting from the airport?
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