San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf
This waterfront neighborhood features a laundry list of things to do, as well as a few popular San Francisco sites. One of these is Pier 39. The Pier features plenty of shopping and restaurant options and is also famous for offering sweeping views of the bay, as well as the can't-miss attractions that call it home, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. While you're here, don't miss an opportunity to snap a photo of the sea lions who have a habit of sunbathing on buoys near the docks.
The Golden Gate Bridge & National Recreation Area
The Golden Gate Bridge's vaulting, orange arches amidst the rocky seascape of the San Francisco Bay have made it one of the West Coast's most enduring symbols and the city's most popular tourist attraction. There are plenty of great spots to capture a snap of the majestic bridge. However, if you want a truly postcard-worthy shot, head to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, situated high on a hill overlooking San Francisco within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Alcatraz
Sitting on a small, rocky island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz is most known as being a former federal prison that housed some of society's biggest offenders, the most famous of which was Prohibition-era mob boss Al Capone. Entrance to Alcatraz is free but you must purchase a ferry ticket to get to the island. Due to its popularity, we recommend you pre-purchase a ferry ticket as far in advance as possible.
Cable Cars
To fully experience San Francisco's charm, you should hop onboard a cable car. San Francisco's cable car system is the last of its kind in the United States, given the title of a National Historic Landmark in 1964. You can catch the cable cars from a few spots around town, including the famous Powell-Hyde Line at Powell and Market streets, which passes the twisty Lombard Street and the equally popular Russian Hill neighborhood.
The Castro District
Visitors to the Castro District will find a laid-back, fun and above all colorful, full of friendly residents, plentiful amenities and striking aesthetics as its best assets. The neighborhood is lined with picturesque Victorian homes, previously built by immigrants who moved to the Castro in the 19th century seeking cheap land (the area was once a dairy farm). A stop at Harvey Milk's old camera shop is a must, even if there is only a plaque commemorating his presence there now. Those wanting to delve further into the neighborhood's history should head on over to the GLBT Museum on 18th street.
Ferry Building Marketplace
The Ferry Building Marketplace is a public food market that features a variety of food stalls that act as small restaurants, snack stops and grocery stores. Here you can find everything from staples, such as seafood, burgers, Mexican food and plenty of coffee, to a Japanese delicatessen, empanada stand, nut shop and a cheese and dairy bar. Many travelers who stopped by the Ferry Building Marketplace visited multiple times during their San Francisco trip. You will be impressed with the amount, variety and overall quality of eats available on-site. Though there are formal restaurants available, some say the best strategy is to pick up a to-go meal and enjoy it along the scenic waterfront.
Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown hosts one of the largest Asian communities outside of Asia, and is considered one the oldest in North America. Chinese immigrants first started coming to California in search of fortune during the Gold Rush. The best way to experience Chinatown is to simply wander around the neighborhood. Grant Avenue is the main thoroughfare, and the most tourist-heavy. The Chinatown Gate is here, as well as plenty of souvenirs shops. Though make sure to venture beyond Grant Avenue. Waverly Place houses the oldest Chinese temple in the USA, the Tin How Temple. Ross Alley is home to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where visitors can see how fortune cookies are made. Great China Herb Co. on Washington St. is filled to the brim with fresh, Chinese herbs and an on-site doctor to recommend remedies. You can also find spices at Ming Lee Trading Inc. on Jackson Street, along with Chinese candies.
Muir Woods National Monument
The beautiful and expansive national monument, just 16 miles north of San Francisco, is a must-see for anyone looking to get up close and personal with some of California's most famous topography, not to mention a nice break from the bustle of the big city. The largest redwood tree in Muir Woods measures about 258 feet tall. To give you a better visual, imagine 45 six-foot-tall individuals stacked on top of each other. And if that wasn't enough to impress, the average age of redwoods in Muir Woods is 600 to 800 years, and that's not even some of the oldest in the park at the moment. There are 6 miles of trails visitors are able to explore at Muir Woods. The hikes at the national monument are generally short (between 30 minutes and an hour-and-a-half).
Local Eats and Drinks
Sample Cioppino, first made in San Francisco at the Tadich Grill, considered California’s oldest restaurant. Here you’ll find a generous offering of shelled prawns, crab, mussels, clams and local seafood served with a side of garlic bread that is perfect for sopping up the hot broth.
Clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, made fresh at Boudin’s flagship bakery, the circular sourdough loaf-turned-bowl soaks up the chowder while you eat, leaving a few bites of doughy goodness as the vessel becomes part of the meal.
Dungeness crab from Swan Oyster Depot, a local favorite hot spot.
Imbibe on an Irish Coffee at the historic Buena Vista Café, perfecting the recipe since 1952.
The original Martini, which dates back to the Gold Rush. East of San Francisco is the city of Martinez. It was there that a bartender fell in short supply and had few ingredients on the shelf: vermouth, gin, maraschino liqueur, bitters, and a lemon. The Martinez Special debuted and made its way to San Francisco. By the 1880s the recipe had been perfected and the name shorted to the Martini, and thus the San Francisco martini was born.