Of all the pleasant spots to visit along the West Coast, San Francisco lands near the top of any respectable list. The compact size of the city (about 6 square-miles), the mild weather and the friendliness that pervades the city’s inhabitants all combine to make San Francisco a tourist-friendly town. While you’re there, consider taking in some of these sites.
Worthwhile San Francisco Attractions
Cable Car Tours: While the traffic isn’t as thick as comparable cities, like New York or LA, a leisurely cable-car ride will take you through several city districts. Stop off in Chinatown for a bite to eat, take a walk at Fisherman’s Wharf, or ride the trolley to the end of the line and get dinner at the Castro. There’s really no better way to meander your way around the city, which is perfect if you want to spend part of a day letting things happen rather than packing your itinerary.
Views from Coit Tower: Up on Telegraph Hill sits the bright, white column of Coit Tower. The 360-degree views of the city are an attractive photo-op, but the murals are the real breath-takers. Completed in 1933, the social realism in the paintings transports you back to another era. On your way down, consider taking the famous Telegraph Hill stairs, which will march you downhill (blessedly), past gorgeous homes and gardens. You might even catch a glimpse of the wild parrots that inhabit the area.
Golden Gate Park Excursions: Of all San Francisco attractions, Golden Gate Park has to be one of the most impressive, especially when the weather is just right. The scale of the Park is amazing, being several miles long and almost half a mile wide. The stunning Victorian greenhouse, known as the Conservatory of Flowers, is the jewel of the park. Don’t miss it any time of year. You can spend a whole day marching through this green belt in the middle of the city. If you have kids in tow, why not stop by the Bison Paddock on the park’s west side, or ride the carousel on the other side of the park?
Film Night in the Park: Each summer, from June to September, you can spread out a blanket or set up a chair for open-air movies in several parks around the city. Held on select Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer, Film Night in the Park screens new and classic films, including (in 2011) Toy Story 3, Jaws, Dirty Dancing, Mary Poppins and more. If you’re looking for fun things to do in San Francisco on a weekend, an outdoor movie isn’t a bad idea.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: One of the largest art museums in the country has more than its fair share of exhibits to explore. Admission is half-price between 6:00 and 8:45 on Thursday nights. The design of the building alone is a work of art, and the exhibits of artists on canvas, celluloid and in sculpture are perfect for a contemplative afternoon or evening excursion.
About the author
Dan Patterson works for CityPASS and loves to travel whenever he gets the chance. If you’re heading to San Francisco, be sure to pick up a San Francisco CityPASS. You’ll be able to see San Francisco’s top attractions for 48% less than buying tickets individually.
By Olivia GrilHey Folks! I'm Olivia from California, United States. I'm a blogger, travel lover, I can travel anywhere, whether it's a new place or already visited. I love meeting new people, clicking photos of every movement, and documenting my adventure. I also, write about travel, travel movies, the best places to visit, etc. Read my stories.
