golden gate bridge
Upon completion in 1937 it took the title as the longest suspension bridge in the world. Since then, it has been replaced by eight other bridges, but remains an iconic symbol of California and the US. The Golden Gate is the defining feature of the San Francisco Bay Area and thousands each year walk or bike to the bridge to walk across or for great views of downtown and Alcatraz. If you walk from the city to the bridge, it will take over an hour each way, but you can definitely spend an afternoon in the summer. Cycling is safe and popular, as there are bike paths along the bay front, away from traffic and relatively cheap.
ride the cable car
Cable cars have operated in San Francisco since the late 19th century and have survived as a popular method of transportation to this day. Most of the people I saw on the cable cars were tourists as it’s something you do when you visit and it’s a lot of fun. If all the seats are taken, you are allowed to hang on the sides, but be sure to keep up when another approaches from the opposite direction. You can take the cable cars from Union Square (main shopping district), Fisherman’s Wharf and California Street. An adult can get a one-way ride for $3 or a day pass for $9.
Alcatraz tour
The main and best attraction in my mind is the Alcatraz tour. You are taken by boat to the bay and moored at “The Rock”. The tour lasts 2 hours from the time you leave the land until you return. This includes a 45-minute audio tour of the prison that includes stops at the cells, kitchen, hospital, officers’ quarters, and solitary confinement. If you opt for the night tour (which is a bit more expensive), you’ll also get several performances to watch. It provides a very good insight into the breakouts, riots, and daily life of the infamous prison. Be sure to book early in high season as it can get very busy and many people are disappointed each year. Adult prices start as low as $34.50 at the time of writing.
fishermen wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular place to find family entertainment and good food. There is always something going on at the pier as it seems to be a hub for seasonal events and festivities. Many tours of the city and the Bay Area leave from the docks, including the popular visit to Alcatraz. There are plenty of places to shop for all the tacky souvenirs from here to here, but if you really want to go shopping, head to Union Square.
muir forest
Across the bay and over the hills is Muir Woods National Park, home to giant sequoias. If you don’t have a car, you can arrange a tour from the city. There will be brochures available at the reception of any hotel or tourist information. Once there, you can see these huge trees and take some of the various length walks through the forest. The time needed will depend on how much walking you want to do, but it takes 45 minutes to get there from downtown San Francisco.