“San Francisco is poetry. Even the hills rhyme.”
Pat Montandon
Ahh San Francisco, city by the bay. It’s teeming with world-renowned attractions that should not be missed on any trip to the USA! Like iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge to curvy Lombard Street.
If you pound the city’s pavements, you’ll certainly have no trouble achieving your step count! Be sure to add these 8 attractions to your itinerary:
1. Golden Gate Bridge 🌁
No visit to San Francisco would be complete without going across the Golden Gate Bridge. This world-famous suspension bridge spans nearly two miles across the Golden Gate Strait, connecting the city of San Francisco to Marin County.
With its impressively high orangey-red pylons, gaps to look down at the water below, and views over the city. It’s not a sight to be missed.
You can fly over, drive over, bike over, cruise under etc, but I personally loved just walking along it and back again. As it had been on my bucket list for so long, I was grateful to have that extra time to really absorb the bridge’s details.
The noise of the traffic going over, the time to take photos of the humpback whales below which I may have otherwise missed, and take in the sights of the city.
2. Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a historic waterfront district in San Francisco known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and street performers. The area is also home to Pier 39, where you’ll find sea lions basking in the sun. And you can enjoy some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Ok, so yes they’re smelly and noisey. But once you get over that, these ‘sea-librities’ are awesome entertainment. It is so much fun to see them jumping in and out of the water, and battle for room on already crowded floating platforms, and then go to sleep from all that effort!
3. Cable Cars
The cable car system in San Francisco is the last manually operated cable car system in the world and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. These historic street cars grip onto moving cables buried beneath the street, and they offer a unique way to experience the city. While gripmen operate the cables, passengers can sit back and enjoy the ride.
Cable cars run on three main lines in San Francisco: California Street, Powell-Mason, and Powell-Hyde. Although they are primarily used as a tourist attraction today, cable cars were once the primary mode of transportation in San Francisco.
4. Alcatraz ISLAND
I didn’t know much about Alcatraz Island, but was pleasantly surprised to get so much out of visiting it.
Alcatraz prison stands tall on the island, and ran as a high security federal prison from the years 1934 to 1963. It was once home to a notorious federal prison that housed some of America’s most famous criminals, including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly.
The prison building is open for tours, which is how I visited and recommend. You get to see the actual cells and learn about the people who lived in them, as well as the people who helped run the prison.
5. Alamo Square
Alamo Square is best known for its ‘Painted Ladies’. A row of colourful Victorian houses that have been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, such as Full House opening credits.
My friend and I recreated our own while we were there. You can watch it here.
But Alamo Square is more than just a pretty face. The park also offers stunning views of the city skyline, including the Transamerica Pyramid and the Golden Gate Bridge.
6. The Palace of Fine Arts
A beautiful architectural landmark that was built in 1915, the Palace of Fine Arts was originally designed to house an art museum. However, the museum closed down in 1995 and the building now serves as a venue for performances and events.
The Palace is situated in a picturesque park, and its grounds are dotted with sculptures and fountains. Visitors can explore the Palace’s extensive gardens or rent paddleboats to explore the nearby lagoon.
7. Crissy Field
Crissy Field was once an airstrip for the Presidio Army base. In 1994, the airstrip was decommissioned and the area was transformed into a public park.
Today, Crissy Field is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The park provides stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy, including hiking, biking, and picnicking.
8. Lombard Street
Lombard Street is one of the iconic and popular tourist destinations in San Francisco, known for its curves.
It’s quite steep and busy, so be prepared to share the sidewalk with other pedestrians and tourists alike. Lombard Street also offers some of the best views of San Francisco. Take your time strolling along and soaking in the sights.
Interestingly, the steep grade and sharp turns make it difficult for vehicles to maintain control, so there have been numerous accidents over the years.
A few bonus spots:
- Coit Tower – Head to Telegraph Hill for panoramic views of the city and the bay from the top of the tower.
- Chinatown – One of the oldest and most vibrant Chinatowns in North America, filled with markets, shops, and delicious cuisine.
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. Iโm Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. Iโve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
