San Francisco Attractions

Golden Gate Bridge
Easily identified by its International Orange color, the Golden Gate Bridge has become the defining symbol of the Bay Area. Built in 1933, the Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco to the North Bay. Take a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge, as pedestrians and bicyclists can go on the sidewalks of the bridge during daylight hours. The views from the bridge is spectacular.

From downtown, take #38 Geary Blvd to Park Presidio and transfer to #28 northbound to get to the Golden Gate Bridge. If you're taking Golden Gate Transit from San Francisco, the #10, #70 or #80 lines will take you to the bridge.

By Bus:From downtown, take #38 Geary Blvd to Park Presidio and transfer to #28 northbound to get to the Golden Gate Bridge. If you're taking Golden Gate Transit from San Francisco, the #10, #70 or #80 lines will take you to the bridge.

Alcatraz
Site of the former federal penitentiary from 1934-1963, Alcatraz is today one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Alcatraz was known for housing famous convicts such as Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Today a visit to Alcatraz includes a self guided, ranger-led tour of the cell house where visitors can see where the prisoners lived.

Getting there: Ferries leave from Pier 33 starting at 9:30 am and are available every half an hour throughout the day.

By Ferry:From the Hornblower Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33
By Bus: The following bus lines stop within three blocks of The Hornblower Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33: #8X Third Street bus
#82X Presidio & Wharves Express bus
F Line streetcar. The most direct route. Use the Bay Street stop
#10 Townsend bus (Weekdays only, ending at 7 p.m.)

Address: 710–720 Steiner Street
The Painted Ladies is one of the famous attractions of San Francisco that attract thousands of curious tourists every year. The Painted Ladies is a row of seven beautiful Victorian houses that line the eastern side of Alamo Square, along Steiner Street. This row of houses got specifically its name "the Painted Ladies".

By Bus: Take Muni line #21 westbound from downtown to the corner of Hayes and Steiner streets.

The historic Fisherman's Wharf is the home of San Francisco's fishing fleet known for its hustling waterfront, delicious seafood, unique shopping, restaurants and spectacular Bay views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. Fisherman's Wharf offers a wide array of attractions and things to do for everyone.

By F-Line streetcar and cable car lines: F-Market & Wharves
Powell/Hyde Cable Car
Powell/Mason Cable Car
By Bus: 19-Polk; 30-Stockton; 39-Coit; 47-Van Ness and 49-Van Ness/Mission

A moving national historic monument, watching the Cable cars go by, is one of the must-see attractions in San Francisco. Riding and probably hanging off the side of one of these historic vehicles will be the icing on the cake.

Powell-Hyde line
Powell-Mason line
California Street line

By Train: Multiple Muni and BART lines intersect with the cable car lines.
By Bus: Multiple bus lines intersect with the cable car lines.

With more than 110 stores, and a variety of restaurants, this 45-acre waterfront complex offers spectacular views of San Francisco Bay and numerous fun-filled attractions including arcades, aquariums and watching sea lions at play. Pier 39 is enjoyable for the whole family.

Pier 39 is within walking distance of Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, The Cannery at DelMonte Square, Anchorage Square, Bay Cruises and ferries to Alcatraz, Angel Island, and Sausalito.

By Streetcar/Cable car: F-Line street car
Powell/Hyde Cable Car
Powell/Mason Cable Car
By Bus: 8X, 39 or 47 bus

Completed in 1933 with the funds left by socialite Lillie Hitchcock Coit for the beautification of the city, the 210-foot-tall art deco Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill has continued to be one of the city's most legendary landmarks. Ride the elevator to the top observation deck for breathtaking views of the city. Feast your eyes on the murals inside that were painted by 25 local artists.

Public transportation is recommended for visitors who want to see Coit Tower. From the downtown area, you can take either the #30 or #45 line to Washington Square, located at the corners of Union & Columbus and transfer to the #39 Coit Tower bus.

By Bus:Muni #39

Considered the third most visited park in the US, Golden Gate Park stretches for three miles and offer lots of activities for the entire family. The park encompasses a grand network of wide paved walking trails and cycling paths, and is filled with gardens, museums, art, flowers, trees, and lakes.

Golden Gate Park is home to California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, Conservatory of Flowers and a Japanese Tea Garden

By Streetcar: N-Judah Muni Metro streetcar, stops at 9th Avenue and Irving Street.
By Bus: #44-O'Shaughnessy bus stops across from the Academy at the Music Concourse. #5-Fulton stops at 8th Avenue and Fulton Street

If you plan to drive in San Franciso, driving down Lombard Street should be a must do. Know as the Crookedest Street in the World, the quarter-mile downhill stretch is lined with beautiful gardens. The high point, atop Russian Hill, offers stupendous views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and the city. The maximum speed limit on Lombard Street is 5 mph.

By Cable Car: Powell-Mason cable car line stops at Lombard and Columbus
By Bus:Muni Bus #30

Known for its crowded streets and bustling markets, San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, as well as the oldest Chinatown in North America. Chinatown is San Francisco's most colorful neighborhood with lots of restaurants, shops, history, and culture.

By Cable Car:Powell-Hyde line (PH) and the Powell-Mason line (PM) from near Fisherman's Wharf
By Train: Take BART to Downtown San Francisco (exit Powell Street Station), then transfer to bus 30 Stockton, 45 Union-Stockton, or cable car to Chinatown.
By Bus:10-Townsend; 12-Folsom/Pacific; 30-Stockton; 41-Union; 91-Owl