The San Francisco events calendar is full of fun and unique activities every day of the year. Attending one or more of these will make your trip an unforgettable experience. Entertainment includes sporting events, festivals, concerts, wine tasting events, and street fairs.
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What are some good things to do in San Francisco?
- California Academy of Sciences – Natural history museum with an aquarium, planetarium and four-story rainforest! Go see over 40,000 live animals.
- De Young Museum – Fine arts museum
- Exploratorium – a hands-on science museum
- Legion of Honor – art museum with over 4,000 years of ancient art. You can also see Rodin’s Thinker sculpture here.
What are the best places to visit in San Francisco?
Things to Do in San Francisco
- Ways to tour San Francisco. Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Francisco. ...
- Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours. From quick jaunts to full-day outings.
- Cultural & Theme Tours
- Sightseeing Tickets & Passes. Alcatraz Inside: The Bay Your Way! ...
- Walking & Biking Tours. ...
What are the most popular attractions in San Francisco?
Best Things To Do in San Francisco
- Tours & Sightseeing. After a day of hasty sightseeing, the Yerba Buena Gardens provide travelers with an opportunity to wind down and enjoy San Francisco's weather and unique culture.
- Food, Wine & Nightlife. ...
- Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours. ...
- Unique Experiences. ...
What to do in one day in San Francisco?
San Francisco in a Day using a Motorized Trolley . Hornblower Classic Cable Cars take you around town in motorized vehicles that look like the San Francisco cable cars. While the body looks like a cable car, it doesn't provide the same fun, exciting ride as a real cable car does.
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What should I not miss in San Francisco?
155721288View of Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach.Visit the Musee Mecanique.Eat at Spark Social Food Trucks.Have Tea at the Japanese Tea Garden.Soak Up the sun at Dolores Park.See the Mission Murals.Visit Haight Ashbury.Eat Italian at North Beach.More items...
What is San Francisco known for today?
San Francisco is famous for its Golden Gate Bridge, steep streets, Alcatraz, and – you got it, dude! – Full House. The thirteenth largest city in the United States also has some pretty interesting historical facts. Check out these 11 interesting facts about San Francisco!
Is it worth visiting San Francisco now?
San Francisco is overall very safe to travel to. Even though it's sometimes dangerous, and the number of homeless people and junkies on the streets may make you feel uneasy, the criminal activities that occur only apply to dangerous parts of the city, which are rarely frequented by tourists.
What is the most visited place in San Francisco?
Golden Gate Bridge The Golden Gate Bridge's vaulting, orange arches amidst the rocky seascape of the San Francisco Bay have made it one of the West Coast's most enduring symbols and the city's most popular tourist attraction.
What food is San Fran famous for?
8 Iconic San Francisco Eats (and Drinks) That Every Visitor Needs to TryAnchor Steam Beer.Irish Coffee from Buena Vista Cafe.Sourdough Bread from Boudin Sourdough.Mission Burrito in the Mission District.Seafood at Fisherman's Wharf.Dim Sum in Chinatown.Martini in North Beach.Chocolate at Ghirardelli Square.
Why is SF so popular?
A popular tourist destination, San Francisco is known for its steep rolling hills and eclectic mix of architecture across varied neighborhoods, as well as its cool summers, fog, and landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Alcatraz, and Chinatown and Mission districts.
Is San Fran expensive?
San Francisco is the most expensive city in the United States in which to buy a home. One cause is limited supply: The city is located on a small peninsula, preventing LA-esque sprawl, and in an earthquake-prone area, preventing Manhattan-like vertical expansion.
Is San Francisco a walkable city?
Known for the Golden Gate Bridge, its iconic hills, Chinatown, and more, San Francisco is also becoming increasingly known as a highly walkable city.
How do I not look like a tourist in San Francisco?
How Not to Look Like a Tourist in San FranciscoAlways layer. ... If you must buy a sweatshirt, get anything related to the 49ers. ... And save those Google or Facebook T-shirts. ... Still, think casual... ... ... ... Leave your umbrellas at home. ... Don't, under any circumstances, call the city San Fran.More items...•
How can I spend 3 days in San Francisco?
Things To Do - 3 Days In San FranciscoGolden Gate Bridge.Baker Beach & Marshall Beach.Ride A Cable Car.Fishermans Wharf.Palace of Fine Arts.Lands End, Sutro Bath, & Ocean Beach.Golden Gate Park.Chinatown.More items...
How many days do you need in San Francisco?
Most visitors find three days in San Francisco is a good amount of time to get a solid introduction to the city. However, if you have a week it's highly recommended you take a few San Francisco day trips. For example, to the Wine Country or vibrant cities like Oakland and Berkeley, which are across the Bay.
What attracts people to San Francisco?
Top 20 Attractions in San FranciscoGolden Gate Bridge. Once called "the bridge that couldn't be built," today it is one the seven wonders of the modern world. ... Golden Gate Park. ... The Presidio. ... Lombard Street. ... Alcatraz Island. ... California Academy of Sciences. ... The de Young Museum. ... San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)More items...•
What are 3 interesting facts about San Francisco?
15 San Francisco facts you probably never knewGolden Gate Park is Bigger than Central Park. ... The Famous San Francisco Fog Has a Name. ... The Chinese Fortune Cookie was Invented in San Francisco. ... The Famous Pier 39 Sea Lions Aren't Long-term Residents of the City. ... The Golden Gate Bridge Was Meant to be Black and Gold.More items...•
What is San Francisco culture?
The culture of San Francisco is major and diverse in terms of arts, music, cuisine, festivals, museums, and architecture but also is influenced heavily by Mexican culture due to its large Hispanic population, and its history as part of Spanish America and Mexico.
What is San Francisco known as the city of?
The Golden CitySFC (San Francisco City) The City that Knows How. The Golden City - in reference to the California Gold Rush and golden brown grass on hillsides in the dry season.
Is crime in San Francisco up?
Violent crime remains at historic lows, but homicides are still up. Overall, violent crime in San Francisco declined during the pandemic, and it remains lower than at any point since 1985, according to FBI data.
What are the best day trips to San Francisco?
What are the best day trips from San Francisco? The best day trips from San Francisco according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco.
What is the Ferry Building?
The Ferry building is an old boat terminal that was revitalized into a thriving market and destination.
What is the rock that is the site of a lighthouse, military fort, prison and now a recreation?
This lonely, windswept rock has been the site of a lighthouse, military fort, prison and now a recreation area.
How many days is the Hop On Hop Off tour?
2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Night Tour.
When do whales go to San Francisco?
Why go? From April through November, humpbacks and blue whales—the largest animals to have ever lived—frequent these anchovy-rich waters. San Francisco Whale Tours and the Oceanic Society both offer tours led by expert naturalists.
Why go to the park?
Why go? With over 700 Wi-Fi access points, the park is one of the largest public wireless hotspots in the world. It was the first Major League ballpark to receive LEED Silver Certification. It was ranked the Most Vegetarian-Friendly Ballpark by PETA in 2014, 2011, 2006 and 2005. And it is where Kanye West proposed to Kim Kardashian in 2014.
Why go to the Musée Mécanique?
Why go? A museum in name only, everything at the Musée Mécanique can, and should, be played with. Many of of these amusements were salvaged from San Francisco’s now-defunct seaside amusement park, Playland at the Beach. Gypsy fortune tellers, giant moving dioramas, can-can girl stereoscopes, carnival strength testers, player pianos, and a looming Laughing Sal (the cackling Playland greeter) are just as amusing for adults as they are for kids.
When will the Marin Center open?
This event previously was held at Treasure Island and is set to open at its new location in September 2021.
Why go to Japanese gardens?
Why go? The Japanese gardens burst with color and beauty in the early spring as maples flame and cherry blossoms bud. Walk stone paths through manicured terraces, through pagodas and over the impossibly-arched drum bridge or meditate on the zen garden before heading to the picturesque Tea House for a cuppa.
What to do in San Francisco?
Each of the city’s districts offer its own distinct character and things to do, whether it’s restaurants, museums, art, music, and pretty much everything in between. Best of all, the condensed size of the “City by the Bay” allows visitors to catch many different sights on a single trip, even if it’s just a couple of days. Read on to discover 20 of the best things to do in San Francisco.
What is the best place to visit in San Francisco?
Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf are tourist-favorites for a reason. The area is popular for shopping and souvenir hunting, along with the population of local sea lions who’ve been hanging out on the K dock next to the pier since the 1990s. Take a walk along Pier 39, and you’ll likely find yourself staring at various street performers, a vintage carousel, and a whole host of specialty shops selling unique souvenirs and gag gifts—all surrounded by gorgeous views of the San Francisco Bay.
What are the cable cars in San Francisco?
There are three separate cable car lines running through the city streets: the Powell-Mason Line, the Powell-Hyde Line, and the California Line. Both Powell lines take off from the same hub at Union Square and continue to the Fisherman’s Wharf area, while the California line starts at California and Market and climbs up to Van Ness Avenue.
How to get to Angel Island?
The only way to get to Angel Island is by ferry, either from Pier 39 / 41 in San Francisco or from the town of Tiburon. To find out about transportation options, and discover things you can do on the island, use the Angel Island guide . Continue to 17 of 20 below. 17 of 20.
Where to go shopping in San Francisco?
If you’re in the mood for some more high end shopping, San Francisco’s Union Square is the place to be. As one of the country’s largest outdoor shopping areas, Union Square is full of upscale stores, malls, and hotels, so it can get especially busy on the weekends and around the holidays for serious shoppers. When (and if) you get tired of shopping, explore some of the area’s other attractions like the theaters and the restaurants as well.
Is Chinatown in San Francisco?
San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the largest Chinese communities outside the country of China. It's also one of San Francisco's unique sights. Most Chinatown visitors stroll along Grant Avenue, buy a few souvenirs, eat, gawk, and take photos.
Does San Francisco have hills?
You know that San Francisco has a lot of hills, but you might not realize that they are covered with fascinating steps, and stair streets can take you to places where vehicles can't go. These are a few of the best:
What is San Francisco known for?
The city is famous for it’s restaurants and some of the best chef’s in the country are lucky enough to call this home.With so much to do in this amazing city let us take a look at the best things to do in San Francisco.
What is the most visited neighborhood in San Francisco?
Union Square is the most visited neighborhood in San Francisco. Here you will find a large collection of high end retail outlets, fancy hotels, cafes, art galleries and a very active nightlife. The area has many live events to attend and there is always something happening to keep you entertained.
How many cable cars are there in San Francisco?
San Francisco is very proud of their cable car system. It is the last manually operated system in the world today. At its peak you would find 23 cable car lines in the city, but today we have just three left. Nearly all of the people that ride the cars today are tourists looking to try that something different when in town.
Where is the most famous waterfront in San Francisco?
San Francisco’s most famous waterfront community is at Fisherman’s Wharf. Here you can experience some fantastic food and enjoy some of the best dining the world has to offer.
Is the Presidio of San Francisco a military base?
The Presidio of San Francisco is a former military base that is now a park. The park is situated on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsular and falls under the Golden Gate Recreation Area. The ownership of the area initially was held by the Spanish, it then moved to the Mexicans before the United States took ownership in 1948.
Is San Francisco a city?
San Francisco is a hub of excitement, and the cultural, commercial and financial heart of Northern California. The city is the 13th most populated in the U.S. but has the second highest population density in the county, with only New York being busier. The city shot to fame in 1849 as the home of the Californian Gold Rush which at the time made it the largest city on the West Coast.
What are the major events in San Francisco?
Some of the biggest events include SF Giants baseball, 49ers football and the Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival. Other top events include the Sausalito Art Festival just over the Bay and the Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival.
What is the biggest event in San Francisco in October?
October. Our "summer" continues through the month of October. The biggest events in San Francisco this month include Fleet Week, which is a week-long celebration to support our military. It's along the waterfront in Fisherman's Wharf and offers three days of airshows featuring the Blue Angles.
What is the ZAP wine festival?
The calendar of events for January includes the ZAP Wine Festival and SF Sketchfest. The ZAP Wine Festival features Zinfandel wines from regions all around California and beyond. SF Sketchfest is one of the largest comedy festivals around.
What is the wine festival in San Francisco?
San Francisco events in February include one of the largest and most popular wine festivals around. The SF Chronicle Wine Tasting Event compares American wines and selects winners from hundreds of entries. You can taste their wines during their public tasting day.
What is the San Francisco festival in March?
March. The San Francisco events in March calendar includes a large Saint Patrick's Day Festival and Parade. It usually the Saturday before the holiday. If St. Paddy's Day falls on a Saturday, they often have the parade and festival that day. In addition, there are two notable film festivals.
What is the biggest event in June?
June. In June, you will find a street festival or two or three every weekend. The biggest event each June is the annual Gay Pride Parade & Festival. It's the last weekend in June every year and offers a colorful weekend of live music, dancing in the streets and a wonderful weekend of love and acceptance.
Where does Cirque du Soleil perform?
Cirque du Soleil also comes to town every other year (even years) to perform their latest show. They perform under the Big Top just south of Oracle Park.
What are some free things to do in San Francisco?
Some of the best free things to do in San Francisco today include visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square, and Lombard Street. Other ideas include taking a free walking tour, heading to a festival (many are free), or visiting one of our free museums.
What to do in San Francisco with kids?
Some of my top picks include visiting the California Academy of Sciences, the Exploratorium or the Randall Museum. You can also head to a sporting event, explore the Musee Mecanique, or play around on Pier 39.
How to get insiders view of San Francisco?
The best way to get an insider's view of San Francisco is by taking a guided tour. The best option is to head out on foot. On our popular walking tours, you can spend a few hours learning about San Francisco's history, sampling our tasty treats, or hearing popular ghost stories.
How long is a cruise in San Francisco?
Three sides of San Francisco are bordered by water, so you will find several different cruises each day. The most popular is the 60-minute bay cruise. The same cruise is operated by two companies and both leave from Fisherman's Wharf.
What are some activities that can be done at the Golden Gate Bridge?
You will also find a variety of activities including cruises, walking tours, bike rides over the Golden Gate Bridge, and so much more.
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