5 Things to Do in San Francisco, California, USA

World-famous for its outstanding architecture, steep hills, cultural districts, and incredible landmarks, San Francisco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.

Golden Gate Bridge

1. Golden Gate Bridge Area

Naturally, one of the top attractions in San Francisco is the internationally-recognized Golden Gate Bridge, a much-photographed marvel of modern engineering which has been designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the Wonders of the Modern World. The nearby historic Presidio offers views of the famous vermilion orange suspension bridge, and Golden Gate Park additionally features the California Academy of Sciences, Conservatory of Flowers, San Francisco Botanical Garden, Japanese Tea Garden, and de Young Museum, as well as a golf course, polo field, archery range, lake, aquarium, carousel, and bison paddock, and more.

Fisherman's Wharf

2. Fisherman's Wharf

World-famous sea lions sunbathe and entertain visitors at their usual self-appointed hangout on the end of Pier 39. Guests to this walkable destination can also experience a wide variety of popular activities like shopping at Ghirardelli Chocolate Marketplace, touring Alcatraz Island, or visiting the relatively-close by Exploratorium hands-on learning environment which has been referred to as a mad scientist's penny arcade, an art studio and an experimental laboratory all rolled into one.

Cable Cars and Streetcars

3. Cable Cars and Streetcars

Riding on the world's last manually-operated cable car system is a fun way to spend an afternoon while sightseeing in iconic Chinatown, the Financial District, Fisherman's Wharf, Nob Hill, Russian Hill, and the Union Square public plaza which anchors one of the world's premier shopping destinations. The city's continuously-operating vintage streetcars also offer convenient access along Market Street and the bustling Embarcadero where the Ferry Building's chiming clock tower rises 245 feet toward the sky.

Palace of Fine Arts

4. Marina District

Known primarily for the monumental landmark structures of the Beaux-Arts styled Palace of Fine Arts, this progressive waterfront neighborhood is also comprised of a series of upscale art galleries, restaurants, unique shops, and trendy nightspots. The area is bordered on the south by Lombard Street, a one-block stretch of which (eastward between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets) is widely known for the eight steep hairpin turns which base its claim as the most crooked street in the world.

Coit Tower

5. Bay Views

For picturesque 360-degree panoramic views of the San Francisco area, take an elevator to the top of Coit Tower, positioned at the top of Telegraph Hill in Pioneer Park, or make your way to Christmas Tree Point on the north hill of the Twin Peaks. Alternatively, for a longer and more in-depth look at the city's major highlights, take the self-guided 49-Mile Scenic Drive around San Francisco or cross over the Golden Gate Bridge toward Sausalito for beautiful views back at the city from the other side of the bay.

For additional information about San Francisco, visit:

San Francisco Travel