Five Attractions You Can’t Miss When Visiting San Francisco
Blog Type: Expert Opinion Piece
San Francisco, California has been a top tourist destination for decades. With attractions like the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park, the city is easily a bucket list destination. Narrowing down your list of must see attractions might tough, but here are five spots you can’t miss when visiting San Francisco.
Golden Gate Bridge & Park
Photo by Elza Hayden on Trover.com
A trip to San Francisco requires a stop to admire the Golden Gate Bridge and to spend some time in Golden Gate Park. The Golden Gate Bridge receives over 4 million visitors annually, and the busiest times are during summer months. Keep in mind that crossing the bridge in the southbound direction requires a toll starting at $7.25 for cars. After you’ve visited the bridge, stop by Golden Gate Park for a fun-filled day. Admission to the park is free, but popular attractions within the park may charge admission fees.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Photo by Jill Loeffler via Trover.com
Since 1946 Fisherman’s Wharf has been the home to San Francisco’s fishing fleet. It’s world-famous for its wide variety of seafood, most notably Dungeness crab. Locals and visitors alike celebrate the opening of crab season in November, but there’s no shortage of things to do any time of year. Enjoy the catch of the day at one of the Fisherman’s Wharf restaurants, learn about the history of the wharf, and shop at one of the area stores.
Walt Disney Family Museum
Photo by Angel and Michelle on Trover.com
The Walt Disney Family Museum offers visitors a taste of the Disney story, including how Walt Disney started his iconic company. Exhibits cover the Disney family’s move from Missouri, Disney’s early years in Hollywood, and his contributions to the world of animation. Be sure to check out the special exhibits or attend a free film screening in the theater room. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except for Tuesdays, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Adult tickets costs $20, while children six and under are free. Active and retired military, their spouses, and their dependents enjoy free admission.
Ghirardelli Square
Photo by Meet You In the Morning via Trover.com
If you’re looking for chocolate in the San Francisco area, look no further than Ghirardelli Square. The Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Pub, which made a Thrillist best-of list, is open until 1:30 a.m. for late night eats. Visit the Ghirardelli Square website for a listing of all of the chocolate-themed events.
Walking Tours & Excursions
To get to know San Francisco even better, sign up for a walking tour or excursion. Tours offer insight into the city, and you can ask the experienced guides for tips and suggestions for exploring on your own. Try a Golden Gate Bay Cruise for $30 per person, which gives visitors a different view of the bridge.
These are just a few of options for travelers visiting San Francisco. If you’re planning a trip to the area be sure to check for cheap hotels in San Francisco and ask the locals about their favorite places to visit and explore.