San Francisco Things To Do
You will be captivated by the extraordinary charm and character of San Francisco and its many communities
Pacific Heights, Richmond District, South of Market,
Nob Hill, North Beach, The Marina, Mission District,
Haight-Ashbury, the East Bay communities, and mnay
other eclectic neighborhoods. San Francisco offers a
diversity of arts, attractions, nightclubs, museums,
art galleries, restaurants, festivals, entertainment and sightseeing tours.
Experience all the highlights including, the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf and the city's anything goes ambiance. Old World charm and ethnic neighborhoods combine with a picturesque ocean setting to make a very unique American city.
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The bridge, which spans 4,200 ft, had taken only 52 months to design and build when it was opened in 1937. Some quarter of a million people turned up for a sunrise party to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary in 1987; the winds were strong and the bridge buckled, but fortunately did not break. Driving across is a real thrill, racing under the towers, while the half-hour walk across allows you to take in its enormous size and absorb the views. It's also a favorite with the suicidal - in a typical year dozens jump to their deaths. Those jumping are said to hit the water at a speedy 80mph - few have survived the leap.
Golden Gate Park. stands out as not just the largest, but also the most beautiful and safest, of Frisco's green space and parks. Spreading three miles or so west from the Haight as far as the Pacific, it was constructed on what was then an area of wild sand dunes, buffeted by the spray from the ocean. Despite the throngs of joggers, polo players, roller-skaters, cyclists and strollers, it never seems to get overcrowded and you can always find a spot to be alone.Twin Peaks. Twin Peaks provides sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, Yerba Buena Island, Berkeley, Oakland, Downtown San Francisco and much of the San Francisco Bay and beyond. [Top]
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).
Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, the SFMOMA opened in January 1995. It houses an extensive collection of twentieth-century art, representing the areas of painting and sculpture, photography, architecture and design, and the media arts. On the first floor, with its large atrium lobby, are a 299-seat theater, an interactive Education Center, the museum shop, and Cafe Museo.
Art galleries occupy the top four floors. Selections from the permanent collection of art, sculpture, furniture, and photographs are displayed on an on-going basis along with changing special exhibits. Across Third Street from SFMOMA is the Center for the Arts whose mission is to provide performance and exhibition space for contemporary artists and to reflect San Francisco's cultural diversity.
The Asian Art Museum. is one of the largest museums in the world devoted exclusively to Asian art with a collection comprising nearly 15,000 objects spanning 6,000 years of history. The museum reopened in March 2003 at its new, expanded Civic Center facility. The main library at Grove and McAllister Streets is one of the greatest public learning centers in the country and one of the most technologically advanced in the world. Over one million books, 400 electronic work stations, a children's discovery center, and special rooms on African American, Chinese, Filipino American, gay and lesbian works surround a light-filled atrium.
Fillmore. Near Pacific Heights on Fillmore Street south of Broadway are a number of intimate cafes and restaurants, as well as a concentration of upscale clothing, kitchenware and home furnishings stores. Foreign films fascinate at the import film house on Fillmore near Clay. The 2000 to 2200 blocks offer a smorgasbord of shops dealing in vintage clothing, costumes and the "next-to-new." The Juneteenth Celebration is an outdoor event held each June to celebrate African American culture. Jazz and All that Art on Fillmore, a lively street fair held during the July 4 weekend, celebrates the area's deep jazz roots. [Top]
Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, the SFMOMA opened in January 1995. It houses an extensive collection of twentieth-century art, representing the areas of painting and sculpture, photography, architecture and design, and the media arts. On the first floor, with its large atrium lobby, are a 299-seat theater, an interactive Education Center, the museum shop, and Cafe Museo. Art galleries occupy the top four floors. Selections from the permanent collection of art, sculpture, furniture, and photographs are displayed on an on-going basis along with changing special exhibits. Across Third Street from SFMOMA is the Center for the Arts whose mission is to provide performance and exhibition space for contemporary artists and to reflect San Francisco's cultural diversity.
The Asian Art Museum. is one of the largest museums in the world devoted exclusively to Asian art with a collection comprising nearly 15,000 objects spanning 6,000 years of history. The museum reopened in March 2003 at its new, expanded Civic Center facility. The main library at Grove and McAllister Streets is one of the greatest public learning centers in the country and one of the most technologically advanced in the world. Over one million books, 400 electronic work stations, a children's discovery center, and special rooms on African American, Chinese, Filipino American, gay and lesbian works surround a light-filled atrium.
Fillmore. Near Pacific Heights on Fillmore Street south of Broadway are a number of intimate cafes and restaurants, as well as a concentration of upscale clothing, kitchenware and home furnishings stores. Foreign films fascinate at the import film house on Fillmore near Clay. The 2000 to 2200 blocks offer a smorgasbord of shops dealing in vintage clothing, costumes and the "next-to-new." The Juneteenth Celebration is an outdoor event held each June to celebrate African American culture. Jazz and All that Art on Fillmore, a lively street fair held during the July 4 weekend, celebrates the area's deep jazz roots. [Top]
Haight-Ashbury. The "Summer of Love" lives on mainly in stores throughout this charming Victorian sector. Vintage clothing, books and records are abundant along Haight Street, the neighborhood's busiest stretch. Places of interest include 710 Ashbury Street, once home to the legendary musical group, the Grateful Dead; 112 Lyon Street, where famous singer Janis Joplin lived; Buena Vista Park, with its delightful views of San Francisco; and, for architectural highlights, Masonic, Piedmont and Delmar Streets.
Japantown.
The heart of Japantown is Japan Center, a five-acre complex of hotels, shops, theaters, sushi bars and restaurants at Post and Buchanan Streets. It is crowned by a five-tiered pagoda, a symbol of eternal peace. More than 12,000 residents of Japanese descent call it home. There is much to learn from this small slice of Japanese life. Each April, "J-Town" celebrates its Cherry Blossom Festival. Taiko drumming, martial arts, doll-making and calligraphy demonstrations lead to a colorful parade.
Union Square. The landmark park in the heart of San Francisco, Union Square re-opened on July 25, 2002 after an 18-month renovation. Sporting new granite plazas, a new terraced stage on Post Street, light sculptures designed by artist R.M. Fischer, a new café and four grand entrance corner plazas bordered by the park's signature palms, the remodeled square pays tribute to its distinctive history and captures the unique flavor and beauty of San Francisco. [Top]
Japantown.
The heart of Japantown is Japan Center, a five-acre complex of hotels, shops, theaters, sushi bars and restaurants at Post and Buchanan Streets. It is crowned by a five-tiered pagoda, a symbol of eternal peace. More than 12,000 residents of Japanese descent call it home. There is much to learn from this small slice of Japanese life. Each April, "J-Town" celebrates its Cherry Blossom Festival. Taiko drumming, martial arts, doll-making and calligraphy demonstrations lead to a colorful parade.Union Square. The landmark park in the heart of San Francisco, Union Square re-opened on July 25, 2002 after an 18-month renovation. Sporting new granite plazas, a new terraced stage on Post Street, light sculptures designed by artist R.M. Fischer, a new café and four grand entrance corner plazas bordered by the park's signature palms, the remodeled square pays tribute to its distinctive history and captures the unique flavor and beauty of San Francisco. [Top]
Union Street. The first neighborhood in San Francisco to convert its Victorians into popular boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, Union Street's distinct turn-of-the-century atmosphere makes a walk along its streets a delightful journey back in time, at least from an architectural perspective. Fascinating art stores and galleries are scattered throughout Union Street. The annual Union Street Spring Festival adds to the fun. This is where some of The City's most fashionable and upscale citizens live and play.
Nob Hill.
Of the City's many hills, Nob Hill boasts perhaps the best view of San Francisco Bay, especially when observed from a California Street cable car, running from the foot of Market Street, over the hill and down to Van Ness Avenue. Nob Hill's noble tenants include Grace Cathedral, a replica of Notre Dame in Paris, Huntington Park, site of many arts shows and graced by a replica of a 16th century Roman fountain, the Nob Hill Masonic Center, an architectural dazzler hosting various musical events, the Cable Car Museum, and grand hotels.
Pacific Bell Park. The splashy home of the San Francisco Giants, PacBell Park offers guided tours daily at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. Kids will love sitting in the dugout, experiencing a big league clubhouse, walking on the field, and visiting other places in the park only players and staff get to see. For tour reservations, please call (415) 972-2212 Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm, or order tickets online. [Top]
Nob Hill.
Of the City's many hills, Nob Hill boasts perhaps the best view of San Francisco Bay, especially when observed from a California Street cable car, running from the foot of Market Street, over the hill and down to Van Ness Avenue. Nob Hill's noble tenants include Grace Cathedral, a replica of Notre Dame in Paris, Huntington Park, site of many arts shows and graced by a replica of a 16th century Roman fountain, the Nob Hill Masonic Center, an architectural dazzler hosting various musical events, the Cable Car Museum, and grand hotels. Pacific Bell Park. The splashy home of the San Francisco Giants, PacBell Park offers guided tours daily at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. Kids will love sitting in the dugout, experiencing a big league clubhouse, walking on the field, and visiting other places in the park only players and staff get to see. For tour reservations, please call (415) 972-2212 Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm, or order tickets online. [Top]
Bay Area Discovery Museum. Located under the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Discovery Museum was conceived, designed and constructed solely for children. Dozens of entertaining exhibits include crewing on a boat and exploring San Francisco Bay.
Six Flags Marine World.
Just 30 miles northeast of San Francisco, Six Flags Marine World is the only combination wildlife park and oceanarium in the country. Animals of land, sea and air are showcased in spectacular shows and innovative attractions. The Gentle Jungle has plenty of hands-on contact for kids and adults. And lucky youngsters can always hope for a kiss from a killer whale.
Monterey Bay Aquarium. Monterey Bay Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States. Probe the deep wonders of Monterey Bay at this Cannery Row magnet where sharks, sea otters and schooling fish cast their spells. Little ones are particularly intrigued by the bay ray pool where they can actually pet the fish. [Top]
Six Flags Marine World.
Just 30 miles northeast of San Francisco, Six Flags Marine World is the only combination wildlife park and oceanarium in the country. Animals of land, sea and air are showcased in spectacular shows and innovative attractions. The Gentle Jungle has plenty of hands-on contact for kids and adults. And lucky youngsters can always hope for a kiss from a killer whale. Monterey Bay Aquarium. Monterey Bay Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States. Probe the deep wonders of Monterey Bay at this Cannery Row magnet where sharks, sea otters and schooling fish cast their spells. Little ones are particularly intrigued by the bay ray pool where they can actually pet the fish. [Top]
North Beach Festival. San Francisco's oldest street fair unfolds along Grant Avenue and Green Street. Each October, North Beach celebrates its Italian heritage by paying tribute to Christopher Columbus with a series of traditional events that include the blessing of The City's fishing fleet and a fiesta in the wharf area that culminates with a grand parade.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. This $44 million entertainment and art complex, located at 701 Mission Street, features performances and exhibits that showcase San Francisco's cultural diversity.
Moscone Convention Center.
San Francisco's premier convention and exhibition facility adjoins the Yerba Buena Center. Moscone West, which opened in June 2003, is immediately adjacent to the main Moscone facility.
East Bay. The East Bay communities of Oakland, Berkeley and Alameda spring up across the eight-mile San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, offering a fascinating mix of culture and history. Jack London Square is a captivating collection of shops and restaurants on Oakland's western waterfront. Lake Merritt in the downtown corridor is ideal for jogging enthusiasts and midday daydreamers. Berkeley, a well-known liberal stronghold and home to the University of California, offers unique shopping, trendy restaurants and world-renowned cultural and performing arts. [Top]
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. This $44 million entertainment and art complex, located at 701 Mission Street, features performances and exhibits that showcase San Francisco's cultural diversity.
Moscone Convention Center.
San Francisco's premier convention and exhibition facility adjoins the Yerba Buena Center. Moscone West, which opened in June 2003, is immediately adjacent to the main Moscone facility.East Bay. The East Bay communities of Oakland, Berkeley and Alameda spring up across the eight-mile San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, offering a fascinating mix of culture and history. Jack London Square is a captivating collection of shops and restaurants on Oakland's western waterfront. Lake Merritt in the downtown corridor is ideal for jogging enthusiasts and midday daydreamers. Berkeley, a well-known liberal stronghold and home to the University of California, offers unique shopping, trendy restaurants and world-renowned cultural and performing arts. [Top]
Chinatown. San Francisco's Chinatown begins at the dragon-crested gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, a gift from the Republic of China in 1969. Its 24 square blocks in the middle of San Francisco make up the second-largest Chinese community outside Asia with over 1.5 million people of Chinese descent. Almost entirely autonomous, with its own schools, banks and newspapers, it has its roots in the migration of Chinese laborers to the city after the completion of the transcontinental railroad and the arrival of Chinese sailors keen to benefit from the Gold Rush.
By day, Chinatown seethes with activity; by night it's a blaze of neon. Chinatown boasts culturally unique stores, open markets and facades, making it similar to shopping in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, Chinese tourists are often disappointed in the neighborhood's disorder, and the new, some say true, Chinese neighborhood is in the Richmond district along Clement Street.
Fisherman's Wharf.
Fisherman's Wharf and the nearby waterfront district is the most-visited tourist attraction in the entire country. Waterfront marketplaces include The Anchorage, The Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and PIER 39. The Wharf's working hub, "Fish Alley," sells thousands of tons of sole, shrimp, salmon, sea bass, squid and other deep sea delicacies. During the crab season (mid-November through June), devotees line up for the best of the catch. A fleet of historic ships berths at Hyde Street Pier, a component of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, which also includes the Maritime Museum.
The USS Pampanito, a WWII fleet submarine, may be boarded at Pier 45. If you wish to get out on the water, 60-minute bay cruises depart several times a day from piers 39 and 41. Head to the museums of Fort Mason and on to the expanse of green parkland along the Marina district, which afford excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Pier 39. Just 2 blocks from Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 has two levels of restaurants and specialty shops in addition to a 350 berth marina. Pier 39 is a great place to watch the sail boats, cruise ships and cargo ships pass by on San Francisco Bay. Pier 39 is also about as close as you can get to Alcatraz Island without getting on a boat. [Top]
By day, Chinatown seethes with activity; by night it's a blaze of neon. Chinatown boasts culturally unique stores, open markets and facades, making it similar to shopping in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, Chinese tourists are often disappointed in the neighborhood's disorder, and the new, some say true, Chinese neighborhood is in the Richmond district along Clement Street.
Fisherman's Wharf.
Fisherman's Wharf and the nearby waterfront district is the most-visited tourist attraction in the entire country. Waterfront marketplaces include The Anchorage, The Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and PIER 39. The Wharf's working hub, "Fish Alley," sells thousands of tons of sole, shrimp, salmon, sea bass, squid and other deep sea delicacies. During the crab season (mid-November through June), devotees line up for the best of the catch. A fleet of historic ships berths at Hyde Street Pier, a component of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, which also includes the Maritime Museum. The USS Pampanito, a WWII fleet submarine, may be boarded at Pier 45. If you wish to get out on the water, 60-minute bay cruises depart several times a day from piers 39 and 41. Head to the museums of Fort Mason and on to the expanse of green parkland along the Marina district, which afford excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Pier 39. Just 2 blocks from Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 has two levels of restaurants and specialty shops in addition to a 350 berth marina. Pier 39 is a great place to watch the sail boats, cruise ships and cargo ships pass by on San Francisco Bay. Pier 39 is also about as close as you can get to Alcatraz Island without getting on a boat. [Top]
Coit Tower. Atop telegraph Hill in North Beach, Coit Tower offers incredible views. Murals on its ground floor walls were painted in 1933 by some 30 local artists, each piece depicting a different aspect of the Great Depression.
Alcatraz.
The rocky islet of Alcatraz became America's most dreaded high-security prison in 1934. Surrounded by the freezing, impassable waters of San Francisco Bay, it made an ideal place to hold the nation's most wanted criminals - men such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. The conditions were inhumane and escape really was impossible. Nine men managed to get off the rock, but there is no evidence that any of them made it to the mainland. Due to its massive running costs, the jail closed in 1963.
The island remained abandoned until 1969, when a group of Native Americans staged an occupation as part of a peaceful attempt to claim the island for their people. The government ousted them in 1971, claiming the operative lighthouse qualified as active land in use. At least 750,000 tourists each year take the excellent hour-long, self-guided audio tours of the abandoned prison, which include sharp anecdotal commentary and the chance to spend a minute (it feels like forever) locked in a darkened cell. Boats to Alcatraz leave from pier 41. Advance reservations are strongly recommended (415-705-5555).
Palace of Fine Arts. The Palace of Fine Arts, the magnificent home of the Exploratorium, was created as part of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The Palace was designed as a "valentine for San Francisco" by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck, and was made to last one year. The people of San Francisco decided to keep the imposing structure which, over time, held art exhibitions, telephone books, and army jeeps. [Top]
Alcatraz.
The rocky islet of Alcatraz became America's most dreaded high-security prison in 1934. Surrounded by the freezing, impassable waters of San Francisco Bay, it made an ideal place to hold the nation's most wanted criminals - men such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. The conditions were inhumane and escape really was impossible. Nine men managed to get off the rock, but there is no evidence that any of them made it to the mainland. Due to its massive running costs, the jail closed in 1963. The island remained abandoned until 1969, when a group of Native Americans staged an occupation as part of a peaceful attempt to claim the island for their people. The government ousted them in 1971, claiming the operative lighthouse qualified as active land in use. At least 750,000 tourists each year take the excellent hour-long, self-guided audio tours of the abandoned prison, which include sharp anecdotal commentary and the chance to spend a minute (it feels like forever) locked in a darkened cell. Boats to Alcatraz leave from pier 41. Advance reservations are strongly recommended (415-705-5555).
Palace of Fine Arts. The Palace of Fine Arts, the magnificent home of the Exploratorium, was created as part of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The Palace was designed as a "valentine for San Francisco" by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck, and was made to last one year. The people of San Francisco decided to keep the imposing structure which, over time, held art exhibitions, telephone books, and army jeeps. [Top]
San Francisco Zoo.
The San Francisco Zoo is Northern California's largest zoological park and conservation center. This urban oasis, nestled against the Pacific Ocean, provides a comfortable climate for 250 different animal species in naturalistic surroundings, and many Zoo activities and events. The historic San Francisco Zoo is being transformed into the New Zoo, a conservation zoo that is dedicated to the preservation of wild places and wildlife. The new conservation zoo seeks to foster respect and appreciation of wildlife and to provide enlightening and awe-inspiring experiences for all ages. This summer, you'll find a whole new entrance, a host of new visitor amenities, plus a restored carousel, beautiful artwork, and a new exhibit featuring some of the most incredible animals on earth at the Lipman Family Lemur Forest.
Monster Park. Monster Park is located in the southeast corner San Francisco at Candlestick Point. Richard Nixon threw out the first ball at the first game ever on April 12, 1960, proclaiming the 'Stick' the "finest ballpark in America. Although built for the Giants, and host to six World Series games, the San Francisco 49ers have won so many Super Bowls since their move there in 1971 that the sign in the parking lot reads "Home of the Super Bowl Champions." The coldest, windiest and foggiest ball park in the U.S, fewer homeruns occur at Candelstick. Willy Mays broke the all-time National League home run record at Candlestick Park in 1966, and he got his 3,000th hit there in1971. San Francisco sold the naming rights to 3Com Corporation in 1995 and 1996. Ticket Office: (415) 656-4900. [Top]
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The San Francisco Zoo is Northern California's largest zoological park and conservation center. This urban oasis, nestled against the Pacific Ocean, provides a comfortable climate for 250 different animal species in naturalistic surroundings, and many Zoo activities and events. The historic San Francisco Zoo is being transformed into the New Zoo, a conservation zoo that is dedicated to the preservation of wild places and wildlife. The new conservation zoo seeks to foster respect and appreciation of wildlife and to provide enlightening and awe-inspiring experiences for all ages. This summer, you'll find a whole new entrance, a host of new visitor amenities, plus a restored carousel, beautiful artwork, and a new exhibit featuring some of the most incredible animals on earth at the Lipman Family Lemur Forest.Monster Park. Monster Park is located in the southeast corner San Francisco at Candlestick Point. Richard Nixon threw out the first ball at the first game ever on April 12, 1960, proclaiming the 'Stick' the "finest ballpark in America. Although built for the Giants, and host to six World Series games, the San Francisco 49ers have won so many Super Bowls since their move there in 1971 that the sign in the parking lot reads "Home of the Super Bowl Champions." The coldest, windiest and foggiest ball park in the U.S, fewer homeruns occur at Candelstick. Willy Mays broke the all-time National League home run record at Candlestick Park in 1966, and he got his 3,000th hit there in1971. San Francisco sold the naming rights to 3Com Corporation in 1995 and 1996. Ticket Office: (415) 656-4900. [Top]
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