City Guide
See
San Francisco is a cultural mecca of food, wine, art, shopping and recreation.
Sightseeing
In the middle of the bay, the "rock" is famous for housing inmates Scarface, Al Capone and "The Birdman" Robert Stroud. Trips to this prison make for an interesting day. Book your tickets ahead of time; they tend to sell out fast.
Chinatown
For a worldly experience, head to the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and peruse the temples and knickknack shops. See how fortune cookies are made at the Golden Gate Cookie Factory (56 Ross Alley, between Washington and Jackson streets (415) 781-3956). Tours end with a treat!
Marina
The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre was built for the 1915 for the rebirth of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and is now one of San Francisco’s most beautiful landmarks. Take a walk around the Renaissance-esque dome and amongst the surrounding prime real estate, then head to Chrissy Field. This area has wonderful views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, Angel Island and Alcatraz, as well as the San Francisco skyline.
Fisherman’s Wharf
One part touristy, one part fun, Fisherman’s Wharf is definitely a spot for tourists to check out, even if it’s just to pick up souvenirs, enjoy a bowl of clam chowder or catch a ferry ride.
Most neighborhoods have a park with great people watching or scenic views. Grab a coffee, an ice cream cone or take a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery. Some of our favorite parks are:
Right in the heart of the shopping area, this is a great park for people watching and taking in the tall buildings that surround the square.
At top of the hill you’ll find this park nestled amongst historic mansions. Views from here overlook over Pacific Heights, the Marina and Alcatraz.
Famous for it’s row of Victorian homes, the "Painted Ladies" (as seen in the opening sequence of "Full House" and in many movies such as Mrs. Doubtfire), the grassy park also has a beautiful view of the downtown skyline.
The views from this park are spectacular and are especially nice to view sunsets from.
A must see is on top of the city’s tallest hill, where you can see amazing panoramic views of San Francisco and the bay area.