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There are numerous places to visit in San Francisco that are a perfect mix of different architectural styles and have a thrilling backstory. You can explore the Golden Gate Bridge, which provides a breathtaking sight to behold or explore the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf. Golden Gate Park offers serene landscapes, including the Japanese Tea Garden and scenic walking trails. Other than these, there are many more spectacular attractions to explore in San Francisco that will make your trip to this golden city unforgettable.
Top 10 Places To Visit In San Francisco
Among several spectacular places to visit in San Francisco, here are a few destinations you can explore on your next visit to this city.
1. Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge is one of the best-known tourist attractions in San Francisco. It is known for being built on the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. When it was constructed in 1937, it used to be known as the longest suspension bridge ever made, spanning more than two kilometres. It is painted orange and is surrounded by scenic views, making it the most photographed bridge of today’s time. You can walk or drive across this bridge and don’t forget to capture those memorable moments while enjoying the panoramic view of the surrounding nature.
Location: Golden Gate Brg, San Francisco, CA, United States
Distance From San Francisco International Airport: 27 kilometres
2. Fisherman’s Wharf
The neighbourhood got its name from the fishermen who berthed their boats on the San Francisco wharf. It is said that they provided food for hordes of Gold Rush fortune seekers in the 1800s. This neighbourhood is known to be one of the busiest tourist places in San Francisco. It is known for having an array of restaurants, shops, and many other attractions. This historic place has been a hub for visitors since the 1970s, and while you are here, visiting Pier 39 is a must.
Location: Near North Beach, San Francisco, California
Distance From San Francisco International Airport: 27 kilometres
3. Palace Of Fine Arts Theatre
Photo: Rhododendrites / Wikimedia Commons
The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre was constructed around 1915 for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. It happened to show the world that San Francisco could be rebuilt as an international city after the destructive earthquake and fire of 1906. It is an architectural masterpiece that exhibits numerous artworks and is also one of the historic San Francisco tourist places. It was inspired by the Roman ruins and has a lagoon along with the walkways, which makes it an incredible venue for art exhibitions and weddings.
Location: 3601 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States
Distance From San Francisco International Airport: 27 kilometres
4. Golden Gate Park
Photo: Enric Cruz López / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Golden Gate Park offers a nice break from the busy city life and is among the top places to visit in San Francisco for a relaxing retreat. This place is an ideal venue for walks, picnics, and reading. Here, you will find gardens, meadows, hills, lakes, playgrounds, and buildings, which stretch over four kilometres. Within the Golden Gate Park, there are many spectacular attractions, such as the San Francisco Botanical Garden, de Young Museum, and Stow Lake. The park has small waterfalls and offers activities such as boating, etc.
Location: San Francisco, CA, United States
Distance From San Francisco International Airport: 24 kilometres
5. Sutro Baths
Photo: Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons
The Sutro Baths were built around the 1900s and were formerly known for being the world’s largest indoor swimming complex. It was known to have six saltwater pools and one freshwater pool. However, due to high maintenance costs, it was closed and converted into an ice skating rink in the 1960s. Unfortunately, the facility burnt down, leaving the once glamorous site converted into ruins. Tourists usually visit this place to enjoy the mesmerising sunset views and capture the moments, as well as visit the nearby attractions.
Location: 1004 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
Distance From San Francisco International Airport: 28 kilometres
6. Chinatown
In the city of San Francisco, there are four Chinatowns. The one on Grant Avenue is among the top of the San Francisco tourist places list. This Chinatown is known to be the largest outside Asia and the oldest in North America. It was founded in the mid-19th century and has played a crucial role in the Chinese immigrant community of North America. The neighbourhood has kept its language, customs, and identity. Here, you can find numerous traditional Chinese shops and eateries. Some of the famous landmarks here are Dragon’s Gate, the Sing Chong Building, Tin How Temple, and Portsmouth Square.
Location: Stockton St Tunnel, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
Distance From San Francisco International Airport: 24 kilometres
7. Coit Tower
The Coit Tower is a slender tower that is located on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco. The Tower was built in 1933 and is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city. It was built to pay tribute to the city’s firefighters and funded by a bequest from Lily Hitchcock Coit. The tower stands tall at 210 meters and has an Art Deco design. Inside the tower, there are a series of murals that were painted around the 1930s, depicting scenes from the history of San Francisco and California.
Location: 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Distance From San Francisco International Airport: 26 kilometres
8. Exploratorium
Photo: Sidvics / Wikimedia Commons
The Exploratorium was built around 1969 and was originally housed in the Palace of Fine Art theatre but then relocated to a different destination in 2013. It is said that the place receives around one million visitors from all across the globe. The Exploratorium is at the top of the list among places for San Francisco trip. From the moment you step in here, you will be surrounded by the wonders of science. The Exploratorium is filled with over one thousand exhibits, divided into numerous galleries related to the field of science.
Location: Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States
Distance From San Francisco International Airport: 24 kilometres
9. San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art
Photo: Beyond My Ken / Wikimedia Commons
The original building of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art was designed around 1995 by an architect known as Mario Botta. The museum reopened with a ten-story addition designed by the Snohetta, an architectural company in Norway, around 2016. It houses more than 33 thousand artworks. The museum has a cafe known as Cafe 5, which is located near the sculpture garden. Some of the famous artworks housed in this museum are paintings of Frida and Diego Rivera, Woman with a Hat, and Migrant Mother.
Location: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Distance From San Francisco International Airport: 22 kilometres
10. Union Square
Photo: Lordsamp / Wikimedia Commons
Union Square is a popular plaza and a shopping centre, located in the middle of San Francisco. It hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as concerts, art shows, and holiday celebrations. Union Square is surrounded by historic landmarks such as the Western Street Francis Hotel and the Dewey Monument. The surrounding area of this historic intersection is home to many high-end retail stores, such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s. This area is also renowned for its luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants, making it a popular choice for tourists.
Location: Downtown, San Francisco
Distance From San Francisco International Airport: 23 kilometres
There are many places to visit in San Francisco that offer a blend of scenic beauty, culture, and history. You can choose to stroll across the stunning Golden Gate Bridge and explore its fascinating history. Wander through Fisherman’s Wharf or visit Chinatown. To experience these and much more, book your trip with TripXL and pack your suitcases for an unforgettable San Francisco adventure.
Cover Photo: KEHN HERMANO / Pexels
