Located along the Pacific Ocean, this beautiful city has great parks, beaches, neighborhoods, and a variety of great restaurants. We have visited this place many time over the years and still have not been able to visit all the attractions that this city has to offer.
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Island
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Ghirardelli Square
- Giant redwoods in Muir Woods National Monument
- Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley
Golden Gate Bridge – One of the most visited and photographed sites in San Francisco, I never get tired of visiting and taking a picture here. Opened in 1937, the bridge took 4 years to build and at the time of its completion, was the longest suspension bridge in the world measuring approximately 2 miles in length.
If you are planning to walk across the bridge which we have done a few times, be sure to pack in a light jacket or sweater, as it is quite windy most of the year.
Alcatraz Island – This small island on San Francisco Bay, was developed in the mid-19th century with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, and a military prison. In 1934, the island was converted into a federal prison, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary since the strong currents around the island and cold water temperatures made escape nearly impossible The prison became one of the most notorious in American history. The prison closed in 1963, and the island is now a major tourist attraction.
During the 29 years it was in use, the prison held some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including gangsters such as Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the “Birdman of Alcatraz”), George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Bumpy Johnson. You can visit Alcatraz on a guided tour (which includes round-trip ferry transportation from Pier 33). At the prison site, you are provided with an audio recording that offers a glimpse into life in the cellhouse, rather than just a historical list of the facts. The narration is even voiced by former inmates and guards of Alcatraz.
Fisherman’s Wharf – This picturesque waterfront is one of SF most popular tourist spot although locals call it a tourist trap. In the 1860’s, Italian immigrants began to arrive in San Francisco in and brought the waterfront to life with seafood commerce. Pier 39 is the place to be in with many boutiques and restaurants. You can also find authentic local sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery.
Ghirardelli Square – After visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, take a walk to Ghirardelli Square shopping and dining complex that overlooks the bay. This complex was originally a chocolate factory established by Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli. Today, the main tourist attraction of the square is the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop where you can indulge in a decadent hot fudge sundae or shop for Ghirardelli chocolate bars and candies.
Giant redwoods in Muir Woods National Monument – About 17 miles (45 minute drive) north of San Francisco is the magnificent ancient redwood forest at Muir Woods National Monument. At this nature site, you can see some enormous redwood trees, some of which are nearly 265 feet high and estimated to be about 1200 years old. These trees are simply magical to see and walking among these giants is awe inspiring and for many, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Note that to visit the park, you will need to reserve your parking space or shuttle tickets in advance. Plan ahead to secure a spot in this popular tourist attraction.
Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley – About 68 miles north of San Francisco (less than 1.5-hour drive) are two gorgeous destinations: Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. These are the two best-known, largest grape-growing, and worlds’ premier wine destinations with more than 400 wineries and wine tasting rooms. We visited Robert Mondavi winery for a tour and wine tasting.
