Continue reading for our top ten suggestions on what to do when visiting San Francisco's hip and happening Haight-Ashbury district.

San Francisco

10 Things To Do In San Francisco’s Haight District

Read our guide to some of the best hotels in San Francisco according to your budget.

The 25 Best Hotels in San Francisco

If quirky is your thing, get set to head off on some of these tours, where you can experience a different side of San Francisco.

California

8 Quirky Experiences in San Francisco

For those looking to travel the length of California on the US-101, here are 10 stops that can make your all-American road trip an unforgettable experience. 

10 Stops To Make While Driving on California's Highway 101

For more of a budget-friendly stay in Los Angeles, check out Culture Trip's guide to seven of the best cheap hotels in the area.

Los Angeles

The 7 Best Cheap Hotels in Los Angeles

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Foggy and progressive, San Francisco is the crown jewel of Northern California. This compact, hilly city at the center of the wider San Francisco Bay Area has witnessed many of America’s most influential cultural moments, from hippie counterculture in the ’60s to the dot-com revolution at the turn of the last century and today’s tech boom.  

Though characterized by its history of resistance, San Francisco is struggling against the pull of a tech-driven future. The impact of gentrification can be seen in the city’s soaring house prices and the rapid transformation of neighborhoods like SoMa and the Mission, where the friction between old-school San Franciscans and the influx of young professionals is palpable.

Introducing San Francisco

Even with all its hills, San Francisco’s small size makes it a walkable city. Those with calves of steel are rewarded with a showcase of its architectural splendor; the view from Alamo Square – brightly colored Victorian houses against a backdrop of Downtown skyscrapers – is particularly iconic. Of course, taking in the Art Deco masterpiece that is the Golden Gate Bridge is a must on any San Francisco trip, as is a visit to the former prison on Alcatraz Island. 

Every neighborhood has a story to tell. The heart of the ’60s hippie revolution, Haight-Ashbury, is the place to go to relive the Summer of Love all year round, while the nearby Castro district is one of America’s first gay neighborhoods and a magnet for LGBTQ+ travellers to this day. North Beach, the birthplace of the Beatnik movement and home of the City Lights bookstore, is equally historic. SF also boasts the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America, which explains the city’s reputation for great dim sum.

San Francisco attractions and sightseeing

San Francisco neighborhoods

From the Hollywood hills to the Venice Beach boardwalk, Los Angeles is a cinematic city of dreams, where every sunset feels like a scene from a movie. The center of the entertainment world, La La Land may be home to countless celebrities, television studios and film sets, but it’s not all about star-spotting and brunching in Beverly Hills. 

LA is a sprawling county with myriad different cultures and communities: the coastal enclaves of Long Beach and Santa Monica; the built-up, bustling Downtown and Arts District; Compton, birthplace of some of rap’s biggest names; bohemian Venice; and the trendy neighborhoods of Silver Lake and Echo Park. Attracting the world’s most ambitious and extravagant characters, every neighborhood in this eclectic, showy city is prime for people watching.

Introducing Los Angeles

A must-visit on any LA trip is Hollywood Boulevard, home to the legendary Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre. Movie fans will also enjoy the rides at Universal Studios and the resting place of the stars, Hollywood Forever Cemetery; art lovers should make a beeline for the Getty Center, a hilltop gallery that houses an impressive permanent collection of European and American works. LA’s urban sprawl is flanked by golden beaches and spectacular hills and canyons, making surfing and hiking popular pastimes among Angelenos. Try Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park for relatively easy trails that take in views of the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory. There are plenty of great beaches to catch a wave, but first-time visitors should hit the sands in Malibu, where LA’s surf culture began.

Best of LA tourism

Los Angeles neighborhoods

Things to do

Food & Drink

Places to stay

A shoppable motorcycle garage, unusual bookshops and more. Here’s a guide to London’s best independents stores and businesses.

Europe

United Kingdom

England

London

A Guide to London’s Best Independent Shops and Businesses

Who says fairytales aren’t real? From scenic mountains and famous lochs, to historic castles, discover the most beautiful places in Scotland.

Scotland

24 Incredible Fairytale Destinations in Scotland

Dining out in Edinburgh? Dive into the city’s expansive food scene with our round-up of the best restaurants in the hippest areas.

10 Unmissable Restaurants in Edinburgh’s Coolest Neighbourhoods

Here is Culture Trip’s pick of the best Airbnbs in Edinburgh where you can base yourself for the perfect city break.

Edinburgh

The 11 Best Airbnbs in Edinburgh

We check out ten of the most historic towns in the UK, including university cOxford and Portsmouth.

10 Incredible Historical Towns and Cities in the United Kingdom

The definitive guide to the best spots to have brunch in Chelsea London. Take a look and explore Chelsea

Top 9 Brunches in Chelsea, London

Enjoy sea views, bask in a hot tub, and explore Scotland at one of these beautiful rental cottages.

The Most Beautiful Cottage Rentals In Scotland

Explore the best places to get regional Italian food in Covent Garden, the heart of London's West End.

Covent Garden

The Best Italian Restaurants in Covent Garden

Read our guide to the most beautiful natural wonders in England, from dramatic clifftops to rugged mountains

11 Breathtaking Natural Wonders in England

London is a vibrant hub full of things to do for any kind of traveller. Whether you’re historically curious or wish to bask in relaxation, check out the city’s best experiences.

The 18 Best Experiences in London

Whether you're craving smoked salmon and eggs or a light porridge with fresh fruit, these great brunch spots in Knightsbridge have you covered.

The Best Cafés for Breakfast and Brunch in Knightsbridge

Edinburgh is renowned for having a myriad of historic pubs. From traditional to famous, discover the top cosy pubs to stay warm this winter.

Edinburgh’s Cosiest Pubs To Visit This Winter

Take a trip outside London and experience the UK's best museums and cultural spaces beyond the capital.

The UK’s Top 10 Museums and Art Galleries Outside of London

Forget dinner dates. Switch off 'First Dates' and get your dating 'A' game back on track with these awesome date ideas for London.

15 Unusual and Fun Date Ideas To Try in London

In this feature fuel up pre-theatre and choose from our top 8 Restaurants in The West End, London

The Top 8 Restaurants in The West End, London

Catch an expertly crafted cocktail in the City of Angels with our dedicated guide to ten of the best cultural bars in Los Angeles.

The 10 Coolest Cocktail Bars In Los Angeles

There’s no city quite like Los Angeles, and if you look beyond the typical tourist traps, you’ll find a bevy of amazing experiences right at your fingertips.

The 15 Best Experiences in Los Angeles

The Best Travel, Food and Culture Guides for California, USA - Local News & Top Things to Do