San Francisco occupies a compact peninsula where steep hills meet the Bay, sea lions bark at Pier 39, and the city delivers remarkable variety from the famous Tonga Room tiki bar to the extraordinary Alcatraz Island prison experience. This is where you can take the ferry to Sausalito, explore the Walt Disney Family Museum, discover the California Academy of Sciences‘ living roof, and embrace unashamedly touristy experiences at Fisherman’s Wharf. San Francisco combines natural beauty, cultural attractions, and enough character to feel genuinely distinct from other American cities.
These San Francisco travel guides cover both classic attractions and practical visitor information. You’ll find reviews of the Tonga Room tiki bar experience, comprehensive details about the San Francisco to Sausalito ferry including times and costs, and an exploration of why the Alcatraz audioguide makes the prison island visit special. The articles also provide planning guidance for the Walt Disney Family Museum and California Academy of Sciences, plus strategies for enjoying Fisherman’s Wharf without cynicism, and a complete guide to day tours to Monterey and Carmel from San Francisco.
Visiting San Francisco works brilliantly for 3-5 day city breaks, with enough attractions and neighbourhoods to fill longer stays. The compact size means you can walk or use public transport for most trips, though those famous hills will test your fitness. Layer your clothing — San Francisco’s microclimates mean conditions can shift dramatically across just a few blocks, and that famous fog rolls in unpredictably.
- Review of the Tonga Room tiki bar in San Francisco.
- How much does the San Francisco to Sausalito ferry cost?
- Why the audioguide makes a visit to Alcatraz Island special.
- Embracing touristy San Francisco at Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Planning a visit to the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.
- What to know before visiting the California Academy of Sciences.
- Complete guide to day tours to Monterey and Carmel from San Francisco.
- What’s the point of the Wave Organ in San Francisco?
- Visitor guide to Fort Point by the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Get interactive at the Exploratorium in San Francisco.
5 San Francisco experiences worth booking
- 🌉 Combine the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz on a packed day tour.
- 🌲 Take a day trip to the Giant Sequoias and the highlights of Yosemite National Park.
- 🌃 See the city lights at night on a San Francisco Bay cruise.
- 🍷 Go wine-tasting in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys on a full day wine tour.
- ✌️ Hit the hippie hotspots in a colourful VW bus on the San Francisco Love Tour.
