San Francisco Things To Do

Every San Francisco city break must include a ride on one of the city’s famous cable cars, first introduced in 1873. This is an entertaining and economical way to view key downtown areas. The steep hills of San Francisco can be tiring to walk. Nor is any holiday in San Francisco complete without experiencing the city’s most iconic sight, the Golden Gate Bridge. Crossing the bridge offers the chance to admire a superb feat of engineering and affords fantastic views of the city skyline and the San Francisco Bay area. The bridge can be particularly evocative on a misty day.

 

All San Francisco holiday visitors tend to naturally gravitate to the waterfront, a hugely enjoyable area popular with tourist and locals alike. A wide range of attractions will appeal to visitors of all ages. Fisherman’s wharf is home to a famous fish market, an aquarium, antique shops, theatres and countless restaurants and bars. There is plenty of free street entertainment and amusements for kids. Fisherman’s Wharf is also an important embarkation point for San Francisco boat trips. 

The legendary prison island is one of the most-visited attractions in San Francisco. The starkly sombre buildings hosted notorious criminals like Al Capone and the famous Birdman of Alcatraz. Tours offer terrific city views and an unforgettable taste of life in a maximum security US prison. Make sure to book a trip at the beginning of your San Francisco holiday as this excursion is frequently fully booked.

 

San Francisco China Town is one of the best in the USA: a thoroughly absorbing bustle of exotic colours and busy street life. China Town is a great place to shop for souvenirs and is home to a wide choice of fantastic restaurants. This is a terrific location for people watching. The legendary Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood was the epicentre of the 1960’s hippy movement and still retains a distinctly arty, bohemian atmosphere to this day - a good place to browse second-hand shops, art galleries and trendy boutiques. An entertaining mix of street artists and performers make this unique district a popular tourist attraction.

 

Museums & Attractions
San Francisco museums are among the finest on the west coast of the USA, reflecting the remarkable cultural diversity of the city. There really is something for everyone, whether your interests are science, technology, art, natural history, music or theatre. The city has a remarkable selection of small-scale museums dedicated to minority interests and cultures. Terrific interactive family attractions are great for children.