KEY2 Pick
Historic Site • $$
Alcatraz Island
The former federal penitentiary in the bay, reachable only by the official ferry and best booked weeks ahead.
Best for: History / Sightseeing
Experiences in San Francisco
Shows, flights, drives and private access — the reasons to leave the hotel.
KEY2 Pick
Landmark • $
Golden Gate Bridge
The Art Deco span everyone comes to see, best walked or biked from the vista point at sunrise.
Best for: Sightseeing / Photography
Museum • $$
California Academy of Sciences
A living roof, planetarium, aquarium and rainforest dome under one Golden Gate Park building.
Best for: Families / Rainy Day
Market • $$
Ferry Building Marketplace
A restored 1898 terminal turned artisan food hall, with a Saturday farmers' market that spills onto the Embarcadero.
Best for: Food / Shopping
Landmark • $
Lombard Street
Eight switchback turns down Russian Hill, best experienced on foot to skip the crawling car queue.
Best for: Sightseeing / Photography
More San Francisco guides