San Francisco Points of Interest
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Robert Ferguson Observatory is located in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood, north of Sonoma. The observatory is available for public use. Docents from the Valley of the Moon Observatory Association are on hand to assist with the use of several large telescopes. See the rings around Saturn, the dark spot on Jupiter, a distant colorful nebula and much more.
Robert Ferguson Observatory
2605 Adobe Canyon Road
Kenwood, CA 95452
(707) 833-6979
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Napa River Walk is located in downtown Napa at Main and 5th Streets. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque riverfront trail that's shadowed by multiple shops, restaurants, hotels and entertainment choices. Join a tour to local wineries or rent a bike and head out on your own. Home to the Historic Napa Mill and Napa Valley Opera House.
Napa River Walk
Main and 5th Streets
Napa, CA 94559
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Fisherman's Wharf is located in north San Francisco between Grant Avenue and Polk Street. There's something for everyone and plenty to do in this 10 block stretch of San Francisco harbor. Pier 39 is the focal point of the wharf with two stories of more than 100 stores and attractions. Main attractions include an arcade, a big-screen simulator ride, Wax Museum and Aquarium by the Bay. Blue & Gold Fleet and Red and White Fleet take visitors to many other Bay Area destinations from piers 41 & 43½. Two cablecar turnarounds offer memorable transportation to and from many other areas of the city. Professional street performers provide entertainment as you meandor the length of the wharf. Fish restaurants are abundant offering Italian-style dishes and many types of clam chowder. At the western end of Fisherman's Wharf is the San Francisco Maritime Museum offering a large picnic park, beach, museum and several historic ships including a submarine.
Fisherman's Wharf
Jefferson Street
San Francisco, California 94133
(415) 956-3493
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Alcatraz Prison is located on Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay. Once the home of notorious criminals like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly, Alcatraz is now closed except to tourists. Ferry trips can be caught from Fisherman's Wharf several times per day. The tour is self-guided with headsets. Also known as 'The Rock', there were no successful escape attempts during its 30 years of service between 1934 to 1963. Advance reservation is recommended through Blue & Gold Fleet.
TIP: Consider the night tours for a creepier experience.
Alcatraz Prison via Fisherman's Wharf
Pier 41
San Francisco, California 94133
(415) 705-5555
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Lombard Street starts at the intersections of Hyde and Lombard at the top of the hill. This one block stretch is proclaimed as the crookedest street in San Francisco. It was originally built to help early vehicles make the steep descent. Lombard is one-way only. Traffic can sometimes back up a block or two with tourists waiting to go down. Try entering Lombard a block or two west of Hyde at Polk or even Larkin Streets. It's worth the wait to go down this street and it's guaranteed to bring a smile to all your passengers. Watching from below is also entertaining as you see so many tourists having fun with such a simple attraction.
Lombard Street
corner of Hyde and Lombard Streets
San Francisco, California 94109
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Coit Tower is located in Pioneer Park near Columbus Avenue and Lombard Street. Standing 210 feet high atop Telegraph Hill on San Francisco's east side, Coit Tower offers visitors a chance to view the city in a full 360-degree unobstructed view. The tower was built in 1933 as a tribute to San Francisco firefighters, specifically those that fought the flames after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.. Construction was funded by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy San Francisco resident with an affinity for her city and the S.F. Fire Department. Today it is a major tourist attraction with visitors often backing up traffic in search of parking. Within the tower is a gift shop and murals that were painted on the interior walls during the depression era. An elevator carries visitors to the top for a small fee. Parking is available at the top of the hill but the wait can sometimes hover around an hour. Consider parking at Washington Square Park and taking the #39 bus to the top of Telegraph Hill. Even though there is an elevator, wheelchair access is limited.
Coit Tower
1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard
San Francisco, California 94133
(415) 362-0808
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Transamerica Building is located in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District. Completed in 1972, the pyramid-shaped structure has become a landmark of San Francisco's skyline. Although no longer open to the public, it makes for a terrific focal point in photographs.
Transamerica Building
600 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, California
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Chinatown consists of several blocks south of Fisherman's Wharf off of Columbus Avenue. This is the largest chinese community on the west coast. The Chinese originally settled here after escaping oppression in their own country during the mid-1800's. They became an integral part of the gold rush era where they worked hard and for low wages. Visit Chinatown for souvenirs and authentic chinese food. The picturesque Chinatown Gate (Dragon's Gate) can be found at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush Street.
Chinatown
Grant Avenue & Stockton Street
San Francisco, California 94133
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Boudin Sourdough Bakery is the restaurant run by the world-famous Boudin San Francisco Sourdough Bakery. This is the only place in San Francisco where the crab is secondary to the bread. Watch the Bakers as they kneed and roll the dough. Relish the aroma of fresh-baked sourdough as it leaves the oven. Head upstairs for the restaurant & bar and don't leave without a mouthwatering clam chowder in their sourdough bread bowl. Boudin's also has bakery/cafes located at multiple sites throughout the city. Most of the restaurants in the region serve Boudin's sourdough bread with their meals. Situated at the base of Pier 45.
Boudin Sourdough Bakery
160 Jefferson Street
San Francisco, Calfornia 94133
(415) 351-5561
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Anchor Steam Brewery is located between the 80 and 280 Highways on Mariposa Street. The brewery was named for the steam effect that occurs after fermentation caused by their unique brewing method. Call ahead for a tour of this award winning brewery and then stop by the tasting room for some great handcrafted beer.
Anchor Brewing Company
1705 Mariposa Street
San Francisco, California 94107
(415) 863-8350
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Golden Gate Park begins on the western edge of the city and stretches over 1000 acres inland. This historic park is the Central Park of the west coast, but larger. A plethora of sites and activities are available within the park's boundaries including museums, lakes, recreational areas, a historic lodge & carousel, horseback riding, a microbrewery restaurant, gardens and much, much more. Free concerts and events are common. You can find bike rentals and even Segway rentals for touring around the park at a faster pace.
TIP: For great panoramic views, climb to the top of the tower at the deYoung Museum in the east end of the park.
Golden Gate Park
Stanyan Street to Great Highway
San Francisco, California 94121
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Golden Gate Bridge is by far San Francisco's most recognizable landmark. It was built in the 1930's as part of a post depression-era work program. Its golden color only enhances the beauty of its construction and makes for great pictures. There are many tours that wisk visitors across the bridge and back, or you can choose to walk or bike the 1.7-mile long expanse. A visitor center is located at the start of the bridge where souvenirs, restrooms and viewpoints can be found. Follow the bike path under the bridge for access to the west side pedestrian walk or the coastal trail that leads to the very picturesque Baker Beach and China Beach. Immensely picturesque points include Fort Point, Baker Beach and the viewpoint turnout on the north end of the bridge off Conzelman Road.
Golden Gate Bridge
Highway 1 and Lincoln Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 921-5858
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Union Square is located of Interstate 80 from the 4th Street exit. Union Square Park was originally where demonstrators support and commemorate the Union soldiers during the Civil War. Today Union Square is surrounded by upscale shopping and hotels. Street entertainers are often found delighting visitors with their talents. High-end restaurants and local theatres making it a great region a night of dinner and theatre. Top the night off at one of several trendy bars and nightclubs. A cable car turnaround is located at Powell and Market Streets for entertainment or easy connection to other parts of the city including Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf.
Union Square
Corner of Powell & Geary
San Francisco, California 94102
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Palace of Fine Arts is located at the intersection of Highway 101 and Marina Boulevard. The Palace was built 1915 and is the only remaining structure from the Panama-America International Exposition. Photography of the Romanesque portico, colonades and reflecting pool is best in the morning hours. The Palace of Fine Arts features a theatre for sophisticated events and shares the same property with the Exploratorium.
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
3301 Lyon Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 563-6504
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The Cannery is located along Fisherman's Wharf. Previously Del Monte Plant #1, this massive red brick structure is now home to specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, the Argonaut Hotel and live entertainment. Its arch corridors and multi levels and angles make it a popular spot for photographers.
The Cannery at Del Monte Square
2801 Leavenworth Street
San Francisco, California 94133
(415) 771-2424
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Ghirardelli Square has nearly 30 shops and restaurants located in the old Ghirardelli Chocolate factory. Ghirardelli is no longer made here but a chocolate, ice cream and souvenir shop remains. The Ghirardelli Plaza hosts many annual events and live entertainment daily. The clock tower and Ghirardelli sign that spans the entire building are popular with photographers.
Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point Street
San Francisco, California 94109
(415) 775-5500
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Nob Hill is a San Francisco neighborhood surrounding California and Taylor Streets around Huntington Park. It's one of the highest hills in San Francisco and was once the home of the wealthy who mostly made their fortunes from the 1849 Gold Rush. They built huge palaces and mansions that peered down over the rest of San Francisco and today have become luxurious hotels like the Fairmont and Mark Hopkins InterContinental. Other popular attractions are the Grace Cathedral, Fountain of Tortoises and Cable Car Museum.
Nob Hill
California & Taylor Streets
San Francisco, California 94108
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Pacific Heights by tour or on your own. This area of San Francisco offers the most beautiful collection of Victorian homes in the entire city. Turrets, gables and gingerbread adorn these colorful mansions that are owned by San Francisco's elite and offer outstanding views of the San Francisco Bay. They were originally built and owned by bankers, mine owners and others that reaped the rewards of the 1849 Gold Rush.
Pacific Heights
Steiner Street between Broadway and California
San Francisco, California 94121
(415) 252-9485
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Painted Ladies refers to a row of six, similar and brightly colored Victorian mansions, stacked side-by-side. Situated across from Alamo Square, These are the most photographed Victorians in San Francisco with downtown serving as a backdrop. The Painted Ladies are also sometimes referred to as, "Postcard Row". Many of the original Victorian homes in San Francisco were destroyed by fire following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Most of the originals were saved west of Hyde Street.
Painted Ladies
Steiner Street between Hayes and Grove
San Francisco, California 94121
(415) 252-9485
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Haas-Lilienthal House is located off Highway 101 (Van Ness Avenue) between Jackson and Washington. Haas-Lilienthal is an exquisite example of a Queen Anne-style Victorian that is open to the public for exploration. The home is furnished with period furniture and artifacts. Open daily with tours every 30 minutes. Admission is minimal.
Haas-Lilienthal House
2007 Franklin Street
San Francisco, California 94109
(415) 441-3000
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San Francisco City Hall is an exquisite example of American Renaissance architecture with its columns and dome lavishly adorned with gold leaf and intricate carvings and grand staircase on the interior. It's worth visiting and very picturesque. Weddings and receptions are commonly held at City Hall. The current City Hall was completed in 1915 and replaced the old structure after it was destoyed in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake that leveled much of the city. It has been featured in many blockbuster films including The Enforcer starring Clint Eastwood and Milk starring Sean Penn. Tour on your own or make a reservation for a docent-led tour.
San Francisco City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-6139
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Twin Peaks is an area of higher elevation on the south side of San Francisco that offers panoramic views of the entire Bay Area. A short windy road leads to the top where you'll find parking, quarter telescopes and plenty of ocean breezes. This is considered a 'must see' by many Bay Area tour operators.
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks Boulevard
San Francisco, California 94114
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Tiled Steps is a long, 163-step staircase that is covered in a colorful display of mosaic tiles. Completed in 2004, this is one of the newest points-of-interest in San Francisco and was conceived when locals sought to beautify an unsightly stretch of concrete stairs in their neighborhood. Local artists designed the pattern and from there, over 300 residents and businesses worked for over two years to create this work of art for public use. The staircase leads from the community below to Grand View Park where spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean can be found.
Tiled Steps
Moraga Street & 16th Avenue
San Francisco, California 94114
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Mission Dolores also known as "San Francisco de Asís" is located off Highway 101 in the heart of San Francisco. Founded on June 26, 1776 by Padre Francisco Palóu, it is the sixth California mission. This is one of 21 Missions that the Spanish built along Highway 101 (The King's Highway) during their conquest to convert indigenous people to Christianity. The mission barely survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and stands today as the oldest building in San Francisco. Refer to our Missions page for details on other missions in the region.
Mission Dolores
3321 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
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Haight-Ashbury is located near the east side of Golden Gate Park at the intersections of Haight and Ashbury Streets. Referred to locally as 'The Haight', this was the heart of the 1960's hippy movement. Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and many more famous people and musicians all spent time here during the 60's. Now it is an eclectic assortment of head shops, drag boutiques, aroma therapy salons and free spirited people. This would be the place to get an authentic tie-dye shirt. Don't forget to put a flower in your hair.
WARNING: This can be a seedy area after dark due to the still prevalent drug influence. We don't recommend being here after dark.
The Haight
Haight & Ashbury Streets
San Francisco, California 94117
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Nike Missile Sites are decommissioned antiaircraft missile command centers from the Cold War Era that are located throughout the Bay Area. For two decades following WWII, the Nike missiles protected our nation's borders from enemy aircraft until finally taken out of service in 1979. Site SF-88L at Fort Barry has been restored and offers tours to the public of a museum, launch pads and command center. Some disabled Nike missiles remain and can be viewed on the tour.
SF-88L Nike Missile Site
Fort Barry
Sausalito, California 94965
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Winchester Mystery House is a Victorian home constructed by the heiress of the notorious Winchester Rifle founder. Sarah Winchester believed she was haunted by the people that Winchester rifles had killed over the years and she needed to continue building on the home in order to avoid being harmed by these ghosts. Thirty-eight years later, the result is a 160 room Victorian mansion displaying Tiffany windows, gold and silver chandeliers and exquisite carpentry. The carpentry also borders on bizarre with doors in the floor, staircases that lead to dead ends, and unfinished room additions throughout the property. Guided tours are held daily and events include Friday the 13th flashlight tours.
Winchester Mystery House
525 South Winchester Boulevard
San Jose, California 95128
(408) 247-2101
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