San Francisco, also known as The Golden City, is a gold mine for diverse activities. From beautiful nature views to high-tech wonders, there is sure to be something for everyone. The city is a terrific destination to visit at least once in a lifetime, and when you plan yours, here are ten things you don’t want to miss.
See the Golden Gate Bridge
As the most iconic landmark of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is a popular tourist spot for good reason. Walking along the 1.7-mile stretch takes approximately 30 minutes but other options are also available to marvel at the famous structure. You can book a cruise that takes you past the bridge and gives a wonderful view of the San Francisco skyline or even sees it from up above via helicopter.
Visit a Virtual Gym
The world’s first virtual gym opened recently on Market Street. Black Box VR uses technological innovation to combine fitness with video games via a club management system. The system offers real workouts that last 30 minutes each and are designed to completely transform your body in the shortest amount of time.
Complete an Escape Room
Not too long ago, the world’s first future tech escape room was launched in San Francisco. With the mission to humanize our relationship with tech and each other, Reason is known for leading the digital transformation of escape rooms. Escape room themes range from rebuilding a station on Mars to fixing a glitch in a microchip factory. They even offer a virtual option for remote groups!
Alcatraz Tour
Alcatraz island used to be the prison that held some of the world’s most notorious criminals. Now, the site is a national recreational area, accruing more than one million visitors each year. You can enter the island by a short ferry ride and listen to an immersive 45-minute audio tour containing its infamous history. Special night tours are also available!
Relax at the Japanese Tea Garden
Located in the Golden Gate Park, The Japanese Tea Garden was the first place in the world to serve fortune cookies as we know them. Feel at peace with the garden’s beautiful koi pond, bonsai trees, and Zen garden among other sites. On the upper level, you’re met with a Japanese temple gate which serves as the entrance to a pagoda and bronze buddha, making the attraction the perfect place for meditation.
Ride a Cable Car
Cable cars are another symbol of the great city of San Francisco. These cars actually don’t have an engine and are pulled along the streets by a system of cables and wheels. They are a fun way to navigate through the steep hills of San Francisco and run 365 days a year including holidays. Whether you want to stop by Union Square, Lombard Street, or even Fisherman’s Wharf, cable cars will provide a unique ride there!
Learn at the California Academy of Sciences
Also located in the Golden Gate Park, The California Academy of Sciences is a research institute and museum featuring many exhibits. Venues include a natural history museum, a planetarium, a rainforest, and an aquarium. The facility houses nearly 40,000 live animals and millions of preserved specimens, giving visitors much to explore.
Stop by the de Young Museum
There is an abundance of museums in San Francisco! Some include the De Young Museum, Asian Art Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art (which is free for everyone 18 and younger!). If you’re in the mood to appreciate art, check out San Francisco’s many offerings.
Explore Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the oldest in the United States. It has the largest Chinese population outside of Asia and hosts many parades and festivals with the most notable being the annual Chinese New Year festival every February. Experience Chinese culture with the various marketplaces, restaurants, and more!
Walk along Fisherman’s Wharf
Best known for being the location of Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square, the destination offers a slew of fun activities. On one end, you have Pier 39 and during late summer to late spring, you can see its docks brimming with sea lions. On the other end, you have Ghirardelli Square where you can enjoy ice cream sundaes and chocolate. Also make sure to pay a visit to the waterfront restaurants for delicious meals with fantastic views!