San Francisco Places of Interest
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is the number one tourist attraction in San Francisco, generating more than 5 million dollars of revenue for the city per year. The Wharf allows visitors to delight all five senses with the sights of colorful fishing fleets with masts dancing in the wind, the enchanting sounds of street performers, the taste of mouthwatering chocolate from Ghirardelli Square and the feeling of the warm bay breeze. With a collection of specialty shops, galleries, and the city's most celebrated fresh seafood restaurants, Fisherman's Wharf is a great place to spend an afternoon. The Wharf also serves as home to numerous other popular San Francisco attractions such as Pier 39, The Cannery, The Submarine USS Pampanito, the Aquarium of the Bay and the Wax Museum.
Beaches
The harshness of San Francisco's pacific coast leaves visitors in awe and wonder. Many tourists flock to Ocean Beach to watch surfers brave the fierce currents and waves. While heavy fog scares most visitors away during the winter and summer months, late fall and early spring weather welcomes campers and sunset-seekers. San Francisco's most infamous restaurant, the Cliff House, can be found perched on the rocky cliffs above Northern Ocean Beach. Cliff House diners can enjoy a delectable selection of fresh seafood while observing wildlife including the famous sea lions, California pelicans, whales and dolphins.
Situated between Russian Hill and Telegraph Hill, Historic North Beach is the essence of all that is San Francisco. This neighborhood's bohemian culture creates an inviting scene made up of unique restaurants, bars, cafes, night clubs and little boutiques. Cable Cars, the Coit Tower and the Romanesque Saints Peter and Paul Church also attract hundreds of visitors to North Beach every day. Famous for its live music and arts, North Beach invites visitors to evoke their inner artist and delight in an eclectic culture.
Lombard Street
Running through San Francisco's Russian Hill and Telegraph Hill neighborhoods, Lombard Street is known as "the crookedest street in the United States." In a one block section between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, Lombard Street has eight sharp turns. Set aside a considerable amount of time to explore this ¼ mile stretch of road as the combination of a 5 mile per hour speed limit and continual flow of intrigued tourists make the areas surrounding Lombard Street a constant traffic nightmare.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts/Yerba Buena Gardens
Resting atop the underground Moscone Center
Moscone Center, the Yerba Buena Center has been San Francisco's premier cultural facility for more than ten years. The Yerba Buena Center invites visitors to discover the arts in a variety of forms including original performances of up-and-coming plays, cutting-edge musicals, romantic ballets, and enchanting symphonies. The Center's Gallery also hosts captivating exhibitions showcasing the work of emerging area artists that rotate seasonally.
If the assortment of performances and exhibitions are not enough to allure visitors to this Center for the Arts, Yerba Buena Gardens promises to mesmerize every pair of eyes that catch a glimpse of its manicured lawns. Scattered with the poetic words of Martin Luther King Jr., spectacular sculptural and water elements, and colorful butterflies, the Gardens have been internationally renowned as one of the finest urban developments in the world. Children particularly enjoy exploring the Rooftop at Yerba Buena Gardens, comprised of an interactive museum, an ice skating rink, fountains, bowling lanes and even a carousel.
Both the Yerba Buena Center and Yerba Buena Gardens offer venue rentals for special events. The Esplanade, a five-and-a-half acre expanse of trees, waterfalls and lush green grass, can host as many as 5,000 attendees. The Buena Center's contemporary and stylish Forum, Screening Room, Grand Lobby, Theater and Theater Terrace Lobby are available for rent for groups ranging in size from 10 to 850.
Sausalito
Just a stone's throw away from San Francisco; Sausalito is located north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County. Sausalito means little willow, a name it received from 18th century Spanish explorers due to the plethora of Saucelito or little willow trees found on its river banks. With only 7,500 residents, this quaint bayside community is known for its picturesque waterfront views, beautiful gardens, upscale boutiques, elegant Bed & Breakfasts, exquisite art galleries, fine wines and restaurants.
San Francisco Entertainment
The Exploratorium
The San Francisco Exploratorium opens up a world of possibilities, inviting visitors to examine, experiment, learn and discover through more than 650 exhibits. Founded in 1969 and located in San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, this unique science museum provides an interactive and hands-on experience for more than half a million visitors a year. The Traits of Life exhibit allows visitors to use research microscopes to study a variety of organisms and tissues. The Seeing Gallery challenges the observer to think about the way that information is visually processed through a rotating art exhibit.
Outdoor Exploratorium will be opened on the San Francisco waterfront in the spring of 2008, including a collection of artistic installations.
The Exploratorium has received the highest regards from noteworthy sources like Encyclopaedia Britannica and Scientific American. In fact, during a 2005 international meeting of leaders in the museum industry, the Exploratorium was voted "the best museum in the world." The entire museum can be rented for galas, receptions, corporate gatherings or just about any other type of event imaginable. The Exploratorium can accommodate groups ranging from 100 to 2,500 depending upon the nature of the event. For more information: 415-353-0432
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) has been recognized as one of the world's most revolutionary museums of modern and contemporary art. The museum houses more than 26,000 works of art that including pieces from legendary artists such as Jackson Pollock, Henri Matisse, William de Kooning, and many more. This state-of-the-art $65 million dollar haven was one of the primary museums to distinguish photography as a major art form and its extensive collection of photographs includes more than 12,000 photographs from celebrated notables like Ansel Adams, Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston, and Henri Cartier-Bresson. For more information: 415-357-4000
San Francisco Restaurants
Perbacco
Perbacco, an Italian word used to accentuate positive comments, lives up to its name as it is one of the San Francisco's newest dining establishments to be included on Chronicle's 2007 Top 100 restaurants list. Perbacco prides itself in its perfectly prepared house-cured meats and delicious pastas served in richly flavored sauces reflecting the Piemonte and Liguria regions of Italy. With a historic brick wall dating back to 1913, a beautiful white Carrara marble bar and intimate tables, this sleek and modern restaurant creates the ideal setting to sit back and sip a few cocktails while enjoying the company of friends, family or colleagues.
Two private dinning rooms can be reserved at Perbacco, the "Barolo" and the "Barbaresco." The "Barolo" is located on the Mezzanine level of the restaurant and seats up to 20 people. It features a temperature-controlled wine cellar, as well as a window to the kitchen allowing diners to observe Chef Staffan Terje at work. The "Barbaresco" provides space for larger parties, seating up to 40, and is located on the main level of the restaurant. When visiting Perbacco, be sure not to miss specialties like the agnolotti, tajarin and papardelle. For more information: 415-955-0663
Pres a Vi
Pres a Vi comes from the Catalan language and means "captivated by wine." This casual, yet elegant restaurant is abundant in space with seats for more than 150. Here, Chef Kelly Degala has designed a small proportion-style menu to encourage sampling, sharing and exploration of a variety of international flavors that is sure to be a conversation starter at any table. Guests will fall in love with the bold tastes of Pres a Vi's extensive wine list, complimented by tasting notes to aid in every visitor's wine education. An open-air patio covered by a trellis with heaters overlooks the park and creates a romantic ambience for guests to enjoy outdoor year-round dining. Conveniently located in historic Presidio, Pres a Vi not only offers exceptional food and service, but it also offers spectacular views of the Palace of Fine Arts.
Pre a Vi offers two dining rooms that can be reserved for private parties and special events. The largest room can accommodate up 40 guests and is fully equipped with a projection screen and the latest audio-visual technology. While neither of the private rooms is particularly spacious, the two rooms can be combined to accommodate larger groups. For more information: 415-409-3000
The Carnelian Room
The Carnelian Room is defined by its contemporary French character, as well as Asian and South American influences, and accentuated by the inventive culinary style of San Francisco. Located on the 52nd story of the Bank of America building, this fine dining establishment offers a 360-degree view of San Francisco's stunning skyline and is the ideal place to catch a picturesque California sunset. With twelve elegant classic-style private dining rooms available for reservation, the Carnelian Room offers space for every type of gathering. Personalized special event menus are encouraged and range in price from $32 per person for lunch to $55 per person for dinner. The restaurant promises a flawless experience with professional staff, prepared to take care of every aspect of the event planning process from linens and flowers to audio-visual requirements and entertainment. For more information: 415-433-7500
San Francisco Nightlife
Asia SF
Situated in the heart of the lively South of Market district, Asia SF has been a distinguished San Francisco bistro and club for more than nine years. Asia SF entertains guests as they dine with table service provided by the infamous and glamorous gender illusionists, who perform on the Chinese red runway bar every hour. While food is not the primary focus on this restaurant, Asia SF offers a wide range of Cal-Asian cuisine for the adventurous restaurant-goer. Dishes include the Asia-dilla, a quesadilla stuffed with duck, jack cheese, cilantro and fresh peppers served with a sun-dried cherry crème fraiche; Truffled Soba Noodles served with grilled Portobello mushroom & asparagus slices and tossed with sesame soba noodles in a white truffle oil; and miniature warm banana beignets. Signature cocktails, stylish décor and funky lighting serve as compliments to Asia SF's diverse menu and entertaining atmosphere to create the perfect setting for guests to enjoy the sounds of DJs spinning funk, house, salsa and more. For more information: 415-255-2742
Club Six
Club Six is one of the city's hippest dance clubs. Some may recognize it as the backdrop for the 2005 musical movie sensation "Rent." Vintage style couches, hardwood floors and exposed steel beams define this warehouse-style club. Music enthusiasts rave about the Club Six's hot DJs who spin everything from hip hop and techo to electro and reggae. Grab a drink at the street-level bar and lounge and then head downstairs to the Darkroom to enjoy live performances and dance the night away with some of San Francisco's most beautiful faces. For more information: 415-863-1221
Family Activities in San Francisco
Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Bridge
Golden Gate National Recreation Area spans more than 60 miles along the California coastline, attracting visitors of all ages. Nearly 17 million people visit the park every year to explore the refreshing and beautiful great outdoors of California. Wildlife runs free through the trees and forests of the National Recreation Area, which acts as a habitat for more than 50 species of mammals, 250 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles and 11 species of amphibians. It is a wonderful place to people-watch, run, bike, wind surf, picnic, pick wildflowers and simply play in San Francisco's natural backyard.
Golden Gate National Park is not only the ideal place to spend an afternoon outdoors, but it is also a perfect place to re-engage with American history. The Presidio area, which has served as an army post for three nations for more than 200 years, allows visitors to stroll through a historic airfield. The park also contains the largest and most comprehensive collection of military installations and forts in the United States.
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most widely recognized architectural monuments in the world. The Bridge was completed in 1937, becoming the second-longest single-span suspension bridge in the world and connecting San Francisco to Marin County. The bridge's two towers are awe inspiring, ascending an impressive 746 feet into the sky and making them over 191 feet taller than the Washington Monument. Visitors are free to walk across the remarkable structure between 5am and 9pm. The less than one hour walk provides breathtaking views and numerous photo opportunities.
Aquarium of The Bay at Pier 39
Pier 39's recently enhanced Aquarium of the Bay showcases the distinct marine life of San Francisco Bay's water. A moving walkway takes guests through a clear 300-foot tunnel holding more than 70,000 gallons of water and providing visitors with a unique encounter with more than 23,000 fish and other aquatic animals. Learn about how the museum naturalists keep thousands of fish fed, and even watch divers feed Sevengill sharks. Guests will particularly enjoy the hands-on Touch the Bay exhibit where they can touch live bat rays, leopard sharks, and tide pool animals. Admission fees start at $13.95 and go down to $7.00 for seniors over 65 years of age and children between 3-11 years of age.
San Francisco Cable Cars and Cable Car Museum
The cable car has remained one of the signature symbols of San Francisco since its first run in 1873. Designed to travel the steep verticals and grades of the city, the Cable Cars have mystified many visitors as they appear to effortlessly glide on their tracks with no visible driving force. There are three main cable car lines in the city, the Powell-Hyde line, the Powell-Mason line and the California line. Tickets can be purchased directly from the cable car conductors and range in price from $5 each way to $10 for a one day pass or $15 for a weekly pass.
After taking a ride on the Cable Cars, head to the San Francisco Cable Car Museum on Mason Street to begin to unveil the mystery of how these fascinating cars work. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the cable car barn and powerhouse to get an up-close view of the massive engines and winding wheels that pull the cable cars. The Museum showcases three antique cable cars dating back to the 1870s and displays a large collection of historical photographs documenting the history of the cable car. Operated by a non-profit group called the Friends of the Cable Car Museum, the best part about this educational experience is that admission is completely free.
Recreation and Outdoors in San Francisco
San Francisco Bay Whale Watching
Jump on a California Coast Guard Boat and navigate 27 miles through the treacherous waters off San Francisco's coastline to the Farallon Islands for an experience of a lifetime. A National Wildlife Refuge, the Farallon Islands serve as a haven for a portion of the world's only remaining blue whale population. Visitors will not only enjoy watching Gray Whales, Humpbacks and Orcas, but they will also enjoy observing seabirds, Northern Fur Seals, and Pacific White-sided Dolphins. While every excursion is unique, guests are promised an unforgettable and educational experience. Make sure to set aside plenty of time for this full day adventure as boats leave at 8am and do not return until between 3pm and 4pm.
Muir Woods
This spectacular 560 acre redwood forest is located in Marin County, only a few miles North of San Francisco. With 1,000-year-old redwoods soaring as high as 260 feet tall, this magical natural sanctuary captivates every visitor that sets foot on its soil. While camping, picnicking and bicycling are not allowed, the Woods do offer 6 miles of trails, as well as numerous additional lengthier hiking opportunities to satisfy the adventurous soul. Annual passes are available for $15 or an individual adult day pass can be purchased for $3. Children and youth under the age of 15 are admitted for free.
Rollerblading
Rollerblading is a great way to explore the sights and sounds of San Francisco, allowing visitors to see much more than if only on foot. In fact, hundreds of rollerbladers gather at Justin Herman Plaza every Friday for Midnight Rollers. Midnight Rollers leads a 12 mile group rollerblading adventure through downtown San Francisco and the northern waterfront. Rollerblades can be rented on Haight Street near Golden Gate Park.
Cycling
Cycling has become an extremely popular sport in the San Francisco area with the completion of a new bike path that runs through Presidio National Park, across the Bay Bridge and down to the quaint waterside village of Sausalito. Visitors can choose from several guided or self-guided bicycle tours along San Francisco's coastline. The majority of the bike rental and tour companies can be found at Fisherman's Wharf.
San Francisco Tours
Alcatraz Tours
Alcatraz Island, one of San Francisco's greatest landmarks, functions as the grounds for the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, as well as the infamous off-limits US federal penitentiary. The island has much to offer with audio tours of its prison remnants; displays of historic photographs, escape plans, and correctional tools; a habitat for bird colonies; gardens; tide pools; and incomparable views. The only way to access Alcatraz Island is by ferry; tours depart daily from Fisherman's Wharf. Since Alcatraz is one of the most popular San Francisco tourist attractions, purchasing tickets in advance is strongly encouraged.
Victorian Home Walk
Take a step back in time as you walk through over 200 restored Victorian Homes while learning about the architecture, history and culture of the Victorian Era. Explore famous homes from films like "Mrs. Doubtfire" and the house from television's "Party of Five." Lasting about 2 ½ hours, the Victorian Home walk is an intimate experience with groups typically made up of no more than 20 participants. The tours are designed to be low-impact so no need to worry if those gym days are long gone.
Napa Valley Wine Tour
Napa Valley, a region of California legendary for fine wine and food, is located about an hour north of the San Francisco Bay Area. Stretching across 30 miles of land and ranging from one to five miles wide, the Napa Valley countryside is a beautiful lush area that remains untouched by the industrialization and urbanization of the city. Over five million visitors retreat to Napa Valley's hotels, spas, golf courses, restaurants and vineyards to escape the hustle and bustle of the city each year. Catch a bird's eye view of the Valley from a hot air balloon, tour the wineries by limousine with a personal chauffer, participate in a cooking class and learn about wine pairings, take a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train, and much more. With almost 400 unique wineries and rich in history, Napa Valley has something to offer every wine lover.
Ferry Building Line
The 90-minute Ferry Building Line cruise features a choice of three topics including Architecture, Natural History or the Native American Experience. The Architectural Tour focuses on how architects, politics, and natural disasters have influenced and crafted the skyline of San Francisco as it is known today. The Natural History Tour tells the story of the Bay's unusual geology and ecosystem, presenting gripping stories of conservation pioneers. The Native American Experience seeks to revive the past of the area's Native American roots, telling stories of the Ohlone and Miwok people.
Individual headsets allow visitors who have trouble deciding between the three intriguing topics to switch between audio tours, as well as choose from multiple language options. The hour-and-a-half-long voyage departs from the San Francisco Ferry Building, Gate E, and cruises along the shoreline past the San Francisco Giants' ballpark, under the Bay Bridge and around the surrounding islands providing indescribable views of the metropolitan city's skyline.
