The legendary Golden Gate Bridge, the famous Alcatraz prison, the Pacific Ocean coast, the Transamerica Pyramid, historic cable cars, the contrast of the modern, wealthy world with the poor one, and a bunch of seagulls – all of this and more you can experience in San Francisco. We stopped here for 3 days during our trip to French Polynesia and Bora Bora, so we’ll try to summarize all our tips and top attractions for you.
Detailed Google map with attractions
Detailed map of our points of interest[/caption>
Practical tips
- Where to stay – We used to stay near Union Square, but good neighborhoods also include Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf. We recommend always reading reviews about the accommodation, where you can find out immediately whether the location has safety issues or not
- Dangerous neighborhoods – The closest neighborhoods to the center that we avoided based on reviews were Castro and Mission District (also marked on Google Maps)
- Airport transportation – You can buy a metro ticket from the airport to the center most conveniently through a Clipper card – In Google Wallet, go to Add / Transportation Card / Clipper, and load it with the needed amount through card payment
- Transportation around the city – We recommend buying public transportation tickets in the city center (buses, trams, metro) through the mobile app MuniMobile. The ticket costs 2.50 USD per ride and can be paid by card
- Historical streetcars – Operating since 1873, these are the oldest manually operated cable cars in the world. You can also buy a ticket through the MuniMobile app or in cash at the same price of 8 USD per ride
- Additional taxes on goods – If you plan to eat out or buy clothing, you need to add an approximate 9% sales tax to the purchase price – it is not listed on price tags. On the other hand, purchases such as food or medicine are exempt from this tax
1. Golden Gate Bridge
The legendary Golden Gate Bridge was built in 4 years from 1933 to 1937. Until 1964, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Its twin, the Ponte 25 de Abril, can be seen in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. Interestingly, the steel was initially coated with orange paint, intended as a primer, but the architect decided to keep this color. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge costs cars starting from 9 USD and is payable only in one direction (south towards San Francisco). Cyclists and pedestrians have free passage. The best way to reach the bridge is by bus number 28, which stops at the Visitor’s Center. If you want to walk across the bridge from one side to the other, be prepared for it to take about an hour (it’s 2.7 km). We were satisfied with the views from this side of the bridge and even took a walk down to the pier. From there, you’ll see the Golden Gate Beach and can observe the swimming sea lions along the pier.
2. Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island became a federal prison on January 1, 1934. Over the course of its 29-year existence, it housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Robert Franklin Stroud, also known as the Birdman. The prison was closed on March 21, 1963, as it was much more expensive to operate compared to other prisons at that time. The prison did not record any official successful escape attempts. All attempts either failed or ended tragically, with escapees being shot or drowning in the icy waters of San Francisco Bay. The island is now a tourist attraction, drawing visitors every year to explore the depths of the prison. Ticket prices start at $41 USD.
3. Seals at Pier 39
Sea lions or seals moved to Pier 39 after the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. Within a few short months, the number of sea lions increased to over 300, reaching a historic record of 1701 in November 2009. At the end of the pier, there is a wooden platform where you can enjoy observing these lovely animals.
4. Lands End Trail
Lands End is one of the best hikes in San Francisco. It is an easy trail along the Pacific Ocean coast with beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding beaches. The whole loop took us about an hour and a half. If you have the time, definitely don’t miss it.
GPS route: https://www.strava.com/activities/7181612977
5. Lombard Street
Lombard Street is the crookedest street in the world. It has eight hairpin turns, and the recommended speed to drive through them is 5 miles per hour. You will be alerted to this by a traffic sign at the top of the serpentine. The road is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and a straight sidewalk leads downhill. This tourist attraction is visited by up to 2 million visitors annually, and up to 17,000 daily during busy summer weekends (residents of nearby apartments may not be so thrilled by this attraction…)
6. Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach
If California were to have its own Central Park like New York, it would undoubtedly be Golden Gate Park. Golden Gate Park is visited by 13 million visitors each year. This picturesque space spans 1,017 acres and has many places to explore and relax. You can discover lakes, picnic areas, landmarks, playgrounds, and gardens. Plan your way through the park towards the coast, where you will find the endless Ocean Beach with beautiful white sand waiting for you. Do not be discouraged by signs warning you that you may encounter a coyote there. You are more likely to meet a Homo sapiens strolling, relaxing, or engaging in sports activities.
7. Salesforce Park
Salesforce Park is a public park with a living roof under the tallest skyscraper in San Francisco (326 meters) and also the headquarters of Salesforce. The unique curved walkway is surrounded by benches, grassy areas, dancing fountains, a children’s playground, and an amphitheater. The park is home to delicate plants and habitats of up to 13 unique ecosystems. Right next to it is the curious sinking skyscraper Millennium Tower. Over $100 million has been spent on remediation, including compensating owners, but the positive effect has not yet materialized.
8. Union Square
Union Square can be considered the figurative center of the city. The city’s commercial and financial center is formed by the Financial District lying to the east of Union Square. Over the past years, the square has become a destination for all those in pursuit of good shopping. Directly on Geary Street, which borders Union Square, is the popular 5-story Macy’s store. So, you are covered for the evening’s program 🙂
9. Transamerica Pyramid
The Transamerica Pyramid has been a dominant feature of San Francisco for 50 years. Standing at 260 meters tall with 48 floors of retail and office space, it was the tallest building in San Francisco until the completion of the Salesforce Tower in 2018. The building takes the shape of a pointed pyramid with two attached wing-like components designed to stabilize the structure against earthquakes. The ‘East Wing’ houses the elevator shaft, while the ‘West Wing’ contains the staircase. The building is not accessible to the public except for the ground floor lobby.
10. Ghirardelli Square
The history of Ghirardelli Square is one of the things that make it interesting. Originally a chocolate factory owned and founded by Domenico Ghirardelli, a portion of the area was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 as the Pioneer Woolen Mills and D. Ghirardelli Company. The square once housed over 40 specialty shops and restaurants. Some of the original shops and eateries still occupy the square. It’s worth a wander around.
