Here’s a quick list of five great San Francisco attractions. Whether you’re in San Francisco for a couple of weeks or a couple of days, be sure to add these to your itinerary. These great tourist sights can be enjoyed by all ages. Travel insurance is recommended for all international visitors to San Francisco.
Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco is synonymous with Golden Gate Bridge. This spectacular suspension bridge’s main span is 4,200 feet and was the longest suspension bridge for 27 years. It is the most photographed bridge in the world. Though it looks red from a distance the bridge is actually orange in color.
Going to San Francisco without visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, is like going to New York and not visiting the Statue of Liberty. Everyone should visit this city’s trademark sight at least once.
Pier 39
This 45-acre complex is the number one Bay Attraction in San Francisco. With over 110 shops, a number of seafood restaurants, California cooking with the magnificent view of the Golden Gate And Bay Bridges, the famous Alcatraz, the beautiful San Francisco city skyline and the Fabulous Fisherman’s Wharf, which is only two blocks away from Pier 39.
They have telescopes along the perimeter to get a good view of all the places too.
Pier 39 is located at Beach and the Embarcadero. Their hours of operation depend on the season.
Aquarium of the Bay
This unique facility is home to over 23,000 marine animals found in the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters. You’ll walk through a 300-foot crystal-clear water tunnel. It is an educational journey divided in three exhibits, which include Discover the Bay, Under the Bay and Touch the Bay. All three have different things to offer.
It’s fascinating to see these animals and learn about them—from the smallest shrimp to the 8-foot seven-gill sharks to touching the leopard shark and live bat rays. It’s a great experience.
The Aquarium of the Bay is located in Pier 39 on Beach St. and Embarcadero. The admission fees are as follows: $14.95 for adults, $8.00 for seniors (age 65+), $8.00 for children (ages 3-11), and children under 3 are free. They also have a “Family Pack” for $37.95 (2 Adults and 2 Children).
They’re open M-Th 10am – 6pm and F – Sun 10am – 7pm.
Alcatraz
It sits out in the middle of the San Francisco Bay; this historic prison was once home to many notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud. The worst was brought out here so they couldn’t escape.
This is one of the most popular destinations for visitors. It is also known as the “Rock.”
You not only tour the remnants of this infamous prison but learn about the history of the place, including the military fort (first fort in the coast), the lighthouse (oldest in the west coast), the garden, wildlife, and others.
There are also exhibits of some devices used by the prisoners to try their escapes, documents, artwork, and other materials used by the prisoner and guards.
Fisherman’s Wharf
This is a favorite destination for tourists. It’s located two blocks from Pier 39. Fisherman’s Wharf offers a variety of things to do and see such as shopping, dining, famous historic waterfront, good seafood, and amazing views.
Here you’ll find the best clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. I recommend you try it when you’re there.
You can watch the sea lions play in the bay while watching the view of Alcatraz from a distance.
For amusement, there are street performers in the daytime such as jugglers, clowns, musicians, talented magicians, and many others. From the Wax Museum or chocolate at the famous Ghirardelli Square to a bay cruise to the Golden Gate Bridge, the possibilities for fun are endless.