6 San Francisco Attractions You Should Visit At Least Once

Not every city has as many niche museums, scenic views or lush parks as San Francisco, so taking in the city’s unique sights is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers. Whether you have just a quick pit stop or a week-long vacation planned to San Francisco, here are six attractions you must visit at least once.

1. Alcatraz

Park

Perched on a slab of rock in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz was once known as one of America’s most notorious maximum-security prisons. Today, tours operate both during the day and at night, with a ferry that shuttles visitors to and from the island. Ideal for a glimpse into San Francisco’s history and for photo-worthy views of the city, Alcatraz is a must-do experience.

2. Golden Gate Bridge

Bridge

Though the Golden Gate Bridge’s splash of color against the San Francisco skyline is beautiful, venturing out onto the landmark on bike or foot is an experience unlike any other. The key to traversing the bridge is to be aware of your surroundings and stay in your designated lane whether you’re a pedestrian or on a bike. Both the dizzying heights of the suspension bridge and the views of San Francisco and the Marin Headlands make this a truly exhilarating experience.

3. Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Bridge, Architectural Landmark

Since San Francisco is a peninsula, one of the best ways to tour the city is by boat. Tours led by Golden Gate Bay Cruise take visitors through San Francisco Bay, underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and past Alcatraz Island, hitting all major landmarks while an audio tour narrates the city’s rich history. Try to book early in the day or later in the evening to avoid the heaviest crowds. Another option is to take the California Sunset Cruise tour in the evening, complete with live music and drinks.

5. The Walt Disney Family Museum

Museum

Located in The Presidio, the Walt Disney Family Museum chronicles the life of Walt Disney, his accomplishments and how his legacy lives on today. The exhibitions explore pivotal moments in Disney’s history such as the inception of Mickey Mouse and the beginning of the animations of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. The museum, founded by Disney’s daughter, explores the filmmaker’s early works and his shift into the legendary entrepreneur he became. Smaller than some of San Francisco’s other museums, the Walt Disney Family Museum is manageable in a couple of hours, and a worthwhile stopover while exploring The Presidio or making your way to the Golden Gate Bridge.

6. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey

Aquarium

Though located about two and a half hours south of San Francisco via the famed California Highway 1, Monterey Bay Aquarium has been heralded as one of the world’s best aquariums. Known for showcasing ecosystems of Northern California and for its extensive research and conservation efforts, the oceanfront aquarium is home to thousands of species of marine life, including sea otters, penguins, octopuses and a kelp forest. Given the drive, plan to spend an entire day exploring the aquarium; the charming small towns south of San Francisco, such as Santa Cruz and Carmel; and the scenic photo opportunities along the way.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.