Unmissable San Francisco Experiences
California- San Francisco
San Francisco
One of the ultimate must-visit cities
With its cluster of steep hills, mist-shrouded crimson bridge and shimmering bay, the City by the Bay is undeniably one of the world’ s great cities. Full of history, there’ s also intriguing neighbourhoods, elegant Victorian homes, vintage streetcars, magnificent parks and entertainment by the bucket load.
The number one landmark on your must-see list is sure to be the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Crossing the famous crimson suspension bridge by bicycle or on foot is a genuine thrill and gives you superb views over the bay and city skyline.
Another city icon is infamous Alcatraz Island. This former prison, which housed the likes of Al Capone, can only be reached by boat( advance bookings essential in peak season). Once on the island, self-guided audio tours taking in the claustrophobic cells, mess hall, library and more offer a fascinating insight to the inmates lives.
Boasting a seafaring vibe and amazing seafood restaurants, Fisherman’ s Wharf is not to be missed. See the basking sea lions at Pier 39 and the family-friendly Exploratorium on Pier 15 before strolling the three-mile palm-lined Embarcadero.
Clanging cable cars are beloved city icons and are both a unique and convenient way to travel between the waterfront and Union Square. It’ s also great fun, especially if you opt to stand by one of the car’ s open sides taking in the breeze as you trundle up and down the hilly streets.
Be sure to catch a glimpse of scenic Lombard Street, the“ crookedest street in the world”. Lined by landscaped gardens and immaculate homes, the road zig-zags its way down one of the city’ s steep hills.
Adding to the city’ s allure is the oldest Chinatown in North America. Here tea rooms, Taoist temples, dim sum palaces and pagodas make for an atmospheric place to stroll. Bustling Union Square and Ghirardelli Square provide shopping opportunities and great dining options, Golden Gate Park is the city’ s largest and most diverse green space, while Nob Hill is noted for its buzzy restaurants, famed hotels and stunning views. See also the pastel-coloured homes( Painted Ladies) of Alamo Square.
• Alcatraz Island
Sausalito Golden Gate Bridge •
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• Fisherman’ s Wharf Walt Disney Family Museum •
Lombard St •
• Exploratorium
• Presidio Nob Hill • • Chinatown Union Square • City Hall •
• San Francisco Museum
Alamo Square • of Modern Art
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• Golden Gate Park
SAN FRANCISCO
1 Handlery Union Square 2 Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman’ s Wharf
San Francisco Bay
3 Argonaut Hotel
Getting there: Non-stop flights from the UK to San Francisco take about 10! hours.
Best time to go: Spring( April-May) and Autumn( September to November) bring the sunniest days, while in summer( June-August) often sees morning and evening fog roll in( although it rarely persists). Winter( December-March) sees the city’ s highest rainfall.
Golden Gate Bridge
Unmissable San Francisco Experiences
Get more out of your stay. Prices are per person. Tours and attractions may not operate year-round.
San Francisco CityPASS from £ 79
This great value pass allows you to see four of San Francisco’ s most famous attractions for one low price. Valid for nine days from first use, choose four from California Academy of Sciences, Blue & Gold Fleet bay cruise, Exploratorium, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Walt Disney Family Museum and more.
Muirwoods & Sausalito Tour with Bay Cruise from £ 115
Stop first at Muir Woods National Monument to marvel at the towering redwoods. Next, visit the beautiful coastal town of Sausalito with its quaint shops, art galleries and waterfront restaurants. Return to San Francisco’ s beautiful waterfront and embark on an hour long cruise past the Pier 39 sea lions, under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island.
California Wine Country Tour from £ 149
Begin this full day tour with a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and then on through pretty Marin County to Sonoma and Napa Valley. Visit three different wineries for tours and tastings of the local produce. There is also free time for lunch( at extra expense). Includes wine tastings.
Streets of San Francisco‘ Electric’ NEW Bike Tour from £ 99
An invigorating four hour tour begins with an exploration of Little Italy before heading up into Mission, Castro and Haight Ashbury. See also the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square and finish up in Fisherman’ s Wharf. Minimum age 13 years.
80 California
San Francisco City Tour with Alcatraz from £ 149
A half day city coach tour highlights Chinatown, North Beach, the Presidio, Nob Hill, the Golden Gate Bridge and more. Later, cruise across the bay to Alcatraz Island, where an insightful audio guide tells you the turbulent history of this world-famous enclave. Minimum age 5 years.
Yosemite National Park from £ 179
A fabulous full day tour taking you through the Central Valley and into Yosemite National Park. Stop at viewpoints taking in the entire valley, Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan and Half Dome Enjoy free time to explore the hiking trails, take advantage of the free shuttles or simply sit and soak up the views.
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