With all there is to see and do in San Francisco, planning a sightseeing trip can be a bit overwhelming. At 5 Star Hotels San Francisco we want you to maximise the enjoyment of your stay so we have a list of attractions that we reccommend you see to experience San Francisco at its best. We include a brief overview of popular destinations in the Golden Gate City, including Alcatraz Island, North Beach, Union Square, Coit Tower, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Pier 39. Of course there is tonnes more to offer!
Alcatraz Island: To get oriented, a park ranger gives a quick rundown on the different points of interest. In addition, at the main dock you'll come across a movie theater featuring a Discovery Channel profile of Alcatraz that provides a nice introduction to the Island's folklore and a timeline to keep in mind while exploring.
North beach: Meander through the narrow streets off Broadway and see why this is San Francisco's "Little Italy." Like is Italian heritage, North Beach still holds onto its 1950s Beatnick legacy with the bohemian City Lights Bookstore at the corner of Columbus Ave and Jack Kerouac Alley. Don't miss Tai Chi in the nearby Washington Square on weekdays or the North Beach Jazz Festival every August.
Union Square: Peaceful forest settings and beaches, historic buildings and an eclectic range of attractions, from an idyllic, white-stoned cemetery to a bowling alley to a native plant nursery, make up a charming world.
Coit tower: The wild local heiress Lillie Hitchcock donated the money for her posthumous tribute the San Francisco fire department, the 180-foot tall Coit Tower which overlooks an impressive 360 degree panorama view of the Embarcadero, Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge, Mt. Sutro, and the Financial District all in one dizzying sweep.
Fisherman's Wharf: Popular with tourists and sea lions, Fisherman's Wharf is full of shops, silly museums and family fun. Still a working wharf, its vendors sell thousands of tons of fish and shellfish. Take an early morning walk down "Fish Alley" to see fisherman at work.
Chinatown: San Francisco's bustling Chinatown is a tightly-packed warren of Chinese restaurants, shops, temples and street vendors. Great for gifts, and fireworks on Chinese New Year.
Golden Gate Park: Larger than Central Park, the 1,000-acre Golden Gate Park;s treasure trove of attractions includes Stybing Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, a biodiversity hub where 6,000 plant species, including a towering display of California redwoods, thrive; the ethereal Japanese Tea Garden; a children's playground; the Asian Art Museum; MH de Young Memorial Museum; and the California Academy of Sciences, with its aquarium, Morrison Planetarium and laserium.
PIER 39: is a festival marketplace with more than 110 stores, 11 full-service restaurants with bay views and numerous fun-filled attractions. PIER 39's two-level design complements one of San Francisco's most unique shopping districts, featuring everything from NFL merchandise to jewelry and imported chocolates. The activities and fun are endless.