The 5 Best San Francisco Tourist Attractions

Plan your dream vacation to San Francisco, the jewel of Northern California, is situated along the ocean, surrounded by rolling hills and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. In addition to a host of entertainment options and things to do, the city offers great neighborhoods, parks, beaches, and museums.

Some of the most famous attractions are Alcatraz Island and Fisherman's Wharf, but the sightseeing possibilities here are extensive. Besides Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz Island, San Francisco offers many other attractions.

The nearby waterfront town of Sausalito is popular with locals who enjoy riding bikes across the bridge. The East Sidewalk is pedestrian-accessible; the West Sidewalk is bicycle-accessible. Bicyclists and pedestrians are only permitted to cross the bridge during daylight hours.

There are several ideal vantage points for viewing the bridge or taking pictures of it. There are some beautiful views of the bridge from Nob Hill, known for its posh old mansions on the San Francisco side.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area is another great place to visit on the other side of the bridge, in Marin County. You can also see the entire island and boat from the boat if you plan on taking a tour to Alcatraz.

• Alcatraz Island

In San Francisco Bay,  plan your dream vacation to Alcatraz Island, home to the historic and infamous Alcatraz penitentiary. A tourist attraction, it closed its doors in 1963 and reopened in 1973. The Birdman of Alcatraz, which inspired the fictional movie, is based on a fictional character who was imprisoned here, including Al Capone.

Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tours combine Alcatraz with other highlights in San Francisco, such as Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, and the Golden Gate Bridge, so you can see them all easily, conveniently, and with less time spent.

Alcatraz is on every traveler's must-see list, so if you only have one day to explore the city, this is the perfect tour. Reservations are strongly recommended for Alcatraz, which regularly sells out.

• Fisherman's Wharf

Among San Francisco's top tourist attractions is Fisherman's Wharf. Fisherman's Wharf is one of the best places to visit if you're visiting the city for the first time and only have a day or two to see everything. There are many shops, restaurants, and beautiful settings along the waterfront in this old section of San Francisco, once known as Little Italy. There are exceptional views of the city from Pier 39.

Strolling around here is a great way to get a feel for the city. There are also sightseeing cruises and fishing charters available from here for spectacular views of the city. Sea lions can be spotted in abundance on the docks by Pier 39.

It is home to several major attractions, including Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Musée Mécanique, Ripley's Believe it or Not!. Hyde Street Pier, now a national historic park, is lined with restored 19th- and 20th-century ships.

• Ride the Cable Cars

As a result of the city's many hills, cable cars were introduced in 1873 as a means of getting around. Currently, tourists can explore the city in a historic manner with the few remaining cable cars. These tram-like vehicles have been designated as a historic monument since 1964.

There are two scenic routes: Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde. In addition to Ghirardelli Square, the Ferry Building, Fisherman's Wharf, Nob Hill, and Lombard Street, cable cars can get you to major tourist attractions. A cable car pass is recommended if you plan on taking more than a few rides or to stay for several days.

 

• Chinatown

 

San Francisco's Chinatown is unlike any Chinatown you have ever seen in another city. North America's largest and oldest Chinatown outside of Asia. The 1906 earthquake destroyed almost everything in Chinatown, but it was rebuilt entirely in Chinese styles and became more attractive than before.

 

A visit to Chinatown has become one of the top things to do in San Francisco because of the temples, theaters, workshops, small businesses, stores, antique shops, teahouses, and traditional pharmacies it has to offer.

 

In San Francisco, Chinese holidays and events are usually celebrated elaborately. North America often has the best Chinese New Year celebrations. Plan your dream vacation to Grant Avenue is a prominent street for tourists, with the Chinatown Gateway located at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush Street.