Best things to do in San Francisco
We have visited San Francisco a few times in the summer months and enjoyed our stays there. The weather can vary greatly in the Bay Area, so be sure to pack warmer clothes, especially for mornings and nights. My uncle lives in San Francisco and has commented that the weather can be different over each hill in the city. I think that’s pretty accurate!
Golden Gate Bridge
If you are visiting San Francisco, you will be sure to want to see the Golden Gate Bridge. We got adventurous and joined the Bay City Bike Tour to bike over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. It was a great experience with only one steep section as we approached the bridge. The total biking distance was around eight miles.
Sausalito
Once we arrived in Sausalito, we were free to enjoy our time there before taking a ferry of our choosing back to Fisherman’s Wharf to return our bikes. Sausalito is a beautiful city and we enjoyed lunch there at Napa Valley Burger Company and dessert at Lappert’s Ice Cream.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Back at Fisherman’s Wharf, you can check out the sea lions at Pier 39 or feast or a sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder.
Cable cars
A fun way to get around San Francisco is by taking a ride on a cable car. They go up and down the hills of the city and can save you some walking. Also check out the Cable Car Museum to learn all about their history.
Alcatraz
Another unique thing to do in the Bay Area is to visit Alcatraz. It’s highly recommended to reserve your tickets well in advance of when you plan to visit. It was a little creepy to be there during the daytime, so I can only imagine what the night tours are like!
Baseball
We love to watch our Texas Rangers play in road ballparks and we were able to time one of our visits to the Bay Area to be able to see them play against both the Oakland A’s at the Oakland Coliseum and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. We had lots of fun at both games.
Haight-Ashbury
Take a walk around the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to see one of the main areas of hippie and counterculture from the 1960s. There are lots of interesting stores to explore. We took a Summer of Love tour to learn about the history.
Lombard Street
Lombard Street is famous for its hairpin turns. Take a drive down and enjoy the scenic views of the city and the bay.
Twin Peaks
For more views of the city, head up to Twin Peaks. The fog doesn’t always cooperate, but you might get lucky and be able to take better advantage of the 360-degree views of the Bay Area.
Chinatown
Some other fun places in San Francisco to explore are Chinatown, the oldest one in North America, and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Coit Tower
Also check out Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill and the views of the Bay from there.
Muir Woods
If you want to head outside the city, drive north to Muir Woods and walk among the towering redwood trees. Muir Woods is a treasure and has been protected as a National Monument since 1908.
Sonoma County
We also had the opportunity to visit Ledson Winery in Sonoma County, which is in a beautiful setting. Definitely get outside the city and explore the lovely California countryside if you have a chance.
The Sonoma Plaza is also charming to walk around and has the Sonoma Mission, which is part of Sonoma State Historic Park.
Bodega Head Trail
I was able to get away one day and go on a hike on the Bodega Head Trail on the Sonoma Coast. It was amazing scenery and suitable for anyone. The total loop is 1.7 miles long with 187 feet of elevation gain. On my way back to our hotel, I stopped for a delicious lunch at Spud Point Crab Company. What is your favorite thing to do in the Bay Area?
Wherever your travels take you, travel insurance can provide you with peace of mind and reduce the stress of unforeseen costs. Check out some of the best travel insurance companies.
Check out more to do nearby in Napa Valley and Yosemite National Park.
