Top 5 Things To Do in San Francisco, CA
Are you looking for a trip to the West Coast? California is a great state to explore. Last year, we traveled to Los Angeles, Anaheim, and San Diego. We visited San Francisco Napa Valley on this trip, which was terrific. There are plenty of great activities for families and couples. Here are the top 5 things to do in San Francisco, CA.
1. The Golden Gate Bridge
A must-see for all travelers. The breathtaking views offer plenty of photo opportunities day or night. The easiest way to see the Golden Gate Bridge is to head to the welcome center. You can park, shop, and learn a bit of history there. There is also a cute cafe to grab a coffee and chat with the bridge in full view. Other fun ideas are touring the bridge by boat or even at night.
2. Cable Car Rides
Since 1873, these cars have been carrying passengers all across the city. Check out the Cable Car Museum, where you can visit antique models and learn the science behind how the trains and cables work. Fares cost $7 per ride, and passes are available. Hop aboard at the museum for this authentic San Francisco experience!
3. Alcatraz & Pier 39
Multiple tours leave daily to see the grand but scary Alcatraz prison. There are day and night tours but reserve your tickets early. Pier 39 is also a great scenic place to enjoy restaurants, shops, and famous seals! Get cool selfies with the silly seals of Pier 39!
4. Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour
For my hikers and nature lovers, Muir Woods is a must-see. The beautiful Redwoods are stunning. Please reserve a tour, enroll in the Junior Ranger Program, or participate in Ranger-led programs. Sausalito is a small town known for its luxury and unique farm-to-table experiences. Drive over the Golden Gate Bridge for just a few hours. Visitors will not be disappointed.
5. De Young Museum & Golden Gate Park
This museum and Legion of Honor comprise the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Opening in 1895, the museum is home to American art, Oceanic art, African art, textile art, and costumes. We caught the Kehinde Wiley: An Archaeology of Silence exhibition during our visit. It is a captivating collection of paintings and sculptures where viewers confront the silence around systemic violence against Black people through the visual storytelling of fallen figures. Many of the images depicted inspired my events in nearby Oakland, CA. The exhibit is open until October 15, 2023. The Golden Gate Park campus includes the Japanese Tea Garden, the California Academy of Sciences, and the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. You can take time to explore this fantastic campus.