Popular Tourist Hot Spots in San Francisco
Are you planning a visit to the Bay Area and you’re searching for the best places to visit in San Francisco? Look no further; we’re in love with this magical city, and we can’t wait to lead you to the favorite tourist hot spots in San Francisco. Here are our top five recommendations for experiencing the best introduction to San Francisco.
#1: Exploratorium: The Museum of Science, Art, and Human Perception
The Exploratorium is one of those rare gems that keep both kids and adults fascinated and engaged through a variety of interactive experiences. The museum has enchanted visitors for fifty years and recently relocated to an impressive new space at Pier 15. Be sure and make a reservation to experience the Tactile Dome for a journey through a complex area in complete darkness.
#2: The Golden Gate Bridge
There isn’t a more iconic landmark for San Francisco than the Golden Gate Bridge. The gloriously beautiful suspension bridge opened in 1937 and connected San Francisco to Marin County. While you can get fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge from many spots in the city, we suggest that you consider walking across the bridge from San Francisco to the charming bayside town of Sausalito and the Golden Gate Natiional Recreational Area. Residents know that the views of land and water are sure to make you fall under the spell of this enchanting place. Keep in mind that walkers can only access the pedestrian walkway during the daytime.
#3: Alcatraz Island
Take a trip to the most famous former prison in American history. Alcatraz Island is a smooth ferry ride away from Pier 33, and the historic prison welcomes people for tours every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s. Although the National Park Service manages Alcatraz Island, you’ll need to book your ferry ride and purchase tickets to tour the island through Alcatraz Cruises. Since the site is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the San Francisco Bay Area, you must get a reservation well in advance of the date when you’d like to visit. You can book your ticket as much as three months in advance.
#4: Pier 39
If you’re seeking the quintessential tourist spot in San Francisco, you can’t do better than a trip to Pier 39. Residents and tourists alike flock to Pier 39 to take advantage of fun (1) shopping, (2) dining choices, (3) live entertainment, (4) Aquarium of the Bay and (5) access to a host of adventures. Make sure that you say hello to the sea lions that bask in the sun along the pier.
#5: San Francisco Giants
There might not be a more authentically San Francisco way to spend a summer day surrounded by the locals than by taking in a ball game at Oracle Park, home to the San Francisco Giants. The Giants are hugely popular in the Bay Area after winning the World Series in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Read here for information on how you can make Giant greats like Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner part of your San Francisco vacation.
Lastly, our five suggestions are just the beginning of the terrific things to do in our city. The truth is that we overflow with fun places to visit in San Francisco for one vacation. Instead, we invite you to return to hit up some more of the tourist hot spots in San Francisco.
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