• Famous Lombard Street, San Francisco, California, USA
    Provided by: Jack Nagz / unsplash.com
  • Famous Lombard Street, San Francisco, California, USA
    Provided by: Maks Ershov/Shutterstock.com

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

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Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

A marvel of modern engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937 to become the world's most photographed bridge. Its red-orange towers and sweeping main cables glow in the sunshine, when they are not embraced by thick fog. Drive, walk or cycle across this man-made marvel — the views are just spectacular. The name Golden Gate was given to the strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean in 1846 by Captain John C. Frémont. He compared it to the Golden Horn of the Bosporus when he visualized precious cargo flowing to and from San Francisco. Here's where to take photos of Golden Gate Bridge: Battery Spencer (north side) It is probably the most classic angle from high above the road. Best reached by car. Golden Gate Overlook and Visitors Center Plenty of parking here. The best spot if you plan to cross the bridge on foot or by bike. Presidio, Marshall Beach The entire coastal side of the Presidio offers excellent views, but Marshall Beach wins. Marshall Beach is also a famous nudist beach so mind where you point the camera!
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Alcatraz

Alcatraz

Once a federal prison housing dangerous and notorious criminals, Alcatraz (The Rock) now welcomes tourists into the cell blocks once occupied by the likes of Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelley, and the Birdman of Alcatraz. Self-guided audio tours have dramatic narratives of Alcatraz’s grim history, including realistic sound effects one would hear in prison. Apart from the prison complex itself, Alcatraz Island essentially operates as a national park. You can spend a full day hiking, taking in the view from multiple observation points and appreciating the natural beauty.
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Chinatown

Chinatown

A walk through the dragon-adorned Pagoda Gates leads visitors into the colorful and exciting area of San Francisco known as Chinatown. It is tightly packed with exotic shops, ethnic food markets, and excellent restaurants. In February each year, the Chinese New Year is celebrated here with parades and dancing dragons. Chinatown in San Francisco is the biggest chinatown outside Asia. Always a good choice for a quick and budget-friendly meal, especially of you're craving dim sum.
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Lands End Lookout

Lands End Lookout

Lands End is one of the most beautiful places in San Francisco. History combines with nature to create an absolutely gorgeous view of the ocean, the Golden Gate bridge, and the Ocean Beach. Come here towards the end of the day and take a look at the ruins of the ancient Turkish baths, and afterwards that take a scenic stroll along the path overlooking the Golden Gate bridge and the coast with the fog rolling in. Find a handy trail map on the website of the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center (link below).
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Palace of Fine Arts

Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is a monumental structure originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Completely rebuilt in the 1970s, it is the only structure from the Exposition that survives on site. The focal point of the complex is the 162-feet (49-meter) high rotunda, enclosed by a lagoon on one side. Right next to it, you will find a large exhibition center. The architecture of the rotunda is meant to evoke the aesthetic of a decaying ancient Roman ruin. The Palace of Fine Arts has been seen in films such as Vertigo (1958), Bicentennial Man (1999) and The Room (2003). Lucasfilm headquarters were constructed close to the Palace of Fine Arts and probably inspired the domed structures that appeared in the city of Theed on Naboo (Star Wars: Episode I). The structure was also incorporated into the Sept of Baelor in the first season of Game of Thrones. Every day, people come to the grounds around the Palace of Fine Arts for picnicking. Families take portraits, and many San Franciscans come here for open air dates. You can sit on a bench or lay on the grass. It's worth coming at night — the monument turns into a whole different place at night.
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Walt Disney Family Museum

Walt Disney Family Museum

If you are a Walt Disney fan, then this is the place to visit. Here, you will learn more about the fascinating and inspiring story of Walt Disney — the man behind your favourite animation studio and an entertainment empire. The museum features historic materials and artifacts, including early drawings and animation, movies, music and much more. The centrepiece of this 'unofficial' museum is described as 'The Disneyland of Walt's Imagination' — million-dollar hand-crafted scale model representing many things built or conceptualised in Walt Disney's lifetime.
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Maritime National Historical Park

Maritime National Historical Park

The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is steps away from Fisherman's Wharf. The park has a fleet of historic vessels, a visitor center, a maritime museum, and a library. The Maritime Museum shows off approximately 35,000 items related to local maritime history. Hyde Street Pier gives you access to very maintained historic ships. Locals love swimming in the serene aquatic cove, and tourists appreciate a bit of quietness from the busy SF. If you are already visiting the famous Ghirardelli Square, you should swing by and get some nice views of the city and sea breeze. If you walk out on the Aquatic Park Cove's Municipal Pier, you can get some of the best views of the San Francisco skyline.
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Legion of Honor

Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor building is a replica of the Palais de la Legion d'Honneur in Paris and it was completed in 1924. The building serves as part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, displaying world classics mixed in with some modern pieces, representing important contemporary artists. There's something for everyone here! There's also an on-site cafe with curated food and beverage offerings to recharge your batteries. If you're into chamber music, check out the seasonal program for the Legion of Honor’s Spreckels Organ.
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