Top Attractions in San Francisco

Pier 39

This San Francisco landmark features some of Fisherman's Wharf's best shopping and attractions. Ride the carousel or watch the sea lions. There are more than 25 one-of-a-kind gift stores that carry automobile, Hollywood, and rock 'n' roll memorabilia, as well as flags of the world, Russian dolls, collectible knives, hammocks, kites, and more. But that's not all. You will find more than 30 more stores, including the famous Na Hoku to shop for clothing, jewelry and toys. It is a great place to pick up high-end San Francisco souvenirs. Credit card acceptance varies by store. Pier 39 is a magnet for locals and tourists for many reasons, including their nearly year-round calendar of special attractions for the whole family like the Tulipmania tulip festival held in late February on both levels of pier 39 or the Holiday Tree Lighting in November.

Coit Tower

Conventional wisdom holds that this monument is shaped like a fire-hose nozzle. It is not, at least not by design. The tower is the gift of Lilly Hitchcock Coit, an eccentric heiress who managed to stand out in a city full of them. Lilly's particular passion was for the San Francisco Fire Department. So when the money she left in her will for the city's beautification was used to construct the art deco tower on Telegraph Hill in 1932, people made assumptions. The view from here is one of the most impressive in San Francisco, taking in the Bay, two bridges, and the Marin Headlands. Inside, the first floor is decorated with excellent murals, commissioned in 1933, depicting San Francisco's history.

Golden Gate Bridge

An engineering masterpiece, this bridge, built in 1937, towers with sturdy grace over the Golden Gate. Stretching over 4,200 feet, it is every bit as awesome an accomplishment in suspension-bridge engineering today as it was over half a century ago. Pedestrians and bike riders can access the east entrance for a jaunt on one of the world's most famous corridors. For photos, or to view the bridge in its entirety, try the spectacular lookout points located at the southeast and northeast ends. Don't miss the historic Roundhouse, a gift shop/visitors center, which boasts a fine selection of souvenirs, and an informative exhibit about the bridge's construction and history.

Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay is a unique nature center and the only Aquarium dedicated to animals of the San Francisco Bay and neighboring waters. The Aquarium gives visitors the opportunity to feel like a skin diver without getting wet as they walk through the Aquarium's crystal clear tunnels, while more than 20,000 sharks, bat rays, skates, octopi and other aquatic animals. With daily and special activities including behind the scenes tours, shark feeding presentations, a water discovery Lab for underwater detectives and much more; there is truly something for everyone to see, touch, discover and learn at Aquarium of the Bay.

De Young Museum

Acting as a major cultural destination since 1895, the de Young Museum re-opened in October 2005, newly housed in a facility designed by Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron and Fong & Chan Architects in San Francisco. The Building is magnificent and from the observation tower you can get a great view of the park. It is open, airy and massive. It als o has a perforated and embossed copper facade which goes very well with the greenery around the museum. The museum has world-renowned collections of American Painting and Sculpture dating from the 17th to the 20th century. Also is Primitive Art highly represented with extraordinary pieces from Native American Art (from the ancient Teotihuacan City), African Art (statues and potteries) and Oceanic Art (shields, dance dress and masks).

Fort Point National Historic Site

The idea behind building this fort to in 1861 was to fend off attacks by the Confederacy. It proved to be a non-issue, though. This place went on to achieve cinema immortality as the spot from which Kim Novak took her plunge into the San Francisco Bay in the Hitchcock classic 'Vertigo'. There are spectacular views of the Marin Headlands from just beneath the soaring south anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge. Tours are offered and the museum houses a collection of military memorabilia. Take note, it is usually very windy at Fort Point, so dress accordingly.

The City Guides

These tours are sponsored by the San Francisco Public Library. Over 25 tours focus on different aspects of San Francisco culture, including the city's history and architecture. Recent tours have included a walking tour of the Mission District's murals and an Art Deco tour of the Marina. All tours are free, though donations to benefit the library are requested. Departure locations and times vary. Call or write the main library branch for information.

Strybing Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

This is a living museum in Golden Gate Park that is home to a wide array of rare and exotic plant life from around the world. Visit the 70-acre garden and explore seemingly endless trails past duck ponds, an arbor, herbs, flowers, blooming trees and redwoods, and smaller, specialized gardens with names like the Garden of Fragrance. Also on hand is an education center that provides different gardening, horticulture, botany, and environmental classes for adults and children, plus a horticulture library and bookstore. The public is allowed to stroll through the garden anytime, although they are asked to keep on the paths.

Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

This state park, located on the shoreline next to the San Francisco 49ers' 3Com Park, offers a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. In addition to great views of the San Francisco Bay, it features picnic and barbecue facilities, an exercise trail and a bike trail lined with California poppies. It also has two piers available with fishing and fish-cleaning facilities. Windharp Hill, which consists of permanent metal wind chimes and harps is what visitors usually remember about Candlestick Point. The park is popular with windsurfers (big winds, small waves) but is not recommended for beginners.

Haight-Ashbury

Haight-Ashbury is a district in San Francisco named after the intersections of the Haight and the Ashbury street. Its neighborhood generally covers the Golden Gate Park , Oak street, Baker street and the Buena Vista Park. This district is famous for its role in the 1960s hippies movement. Many who could not find space to live in San Francisco's northside found it cheaper here.