Top 10 San Francisco Traveler
Top 10 Attractions in San Francisco
10. Coit Tower
Finished in 1933, a gift from Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy eccentric and patron of the city’s firefighters, this gorgeous structure stands tall above Telegraph Hill. Offering exemplary views of the bay and surrounding environs, the Coit Tower also contains beautiful murals commissioned by the federal Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression. Entrance to this Top 10 San Francisco attraction is free, but the elevator to the top will cost you a pittance: $7 adults, $5 seniors, $2 kids 5 to 12. Summer open daily 10 AM to 6 PM, Winter open daily 10 AM to 5 PM.
9. Cable Cars
What San Francisco trip would be complete without a ride on a cable car? The Cable Car Museum invites you to explore their history. The Mason & Powell line takes you between North Beach and Chinatown, two of our other Top 10 San Francisco attractions. The cars run 7 days a week with a $5 one-way adult admission.
8. Lombard St
Known as the "crooked-est" road in the world, Lombard's eight switchback hairpin turns connect Hyde and Leavenworth in the city’s Russian Hill district. This Top 10 San Francisco attraction has been used in many film and TV productions, from The Simpsons to Vertigo. If you're not in a hurry, make time to drive the block!
7. De Young Museum
The De Young maintains an ongoing collection of both modern and classical art. Friday nights at the museum offer a mix of live music, dance and theater performances, as well as exhibition tours by local artists. Open Tues thru Sun 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM, Friday nights until 8:45. Admission $10 or less, depending on age. Top 10 San Francisco Tip: Free admission first Tuesday of every month!
6. Exploratorium
A favorite of curious minds young and old, The Exploratorium at its new location at Pier 15 offers an all-day exploratory immersion in living systems, design, art, and human perception. Truly an amazing Top 10 San Francisco attraction as well as a fantastic journey! Open for all ages 10 AM to 5 PM Tues thru Sun. Open for ages 18 and up Thurs 6 PM to 10 PM.
5. North Beach
San Francisco’s own Little Italy boasts some of the finest Italian restaurants and festivals outside of Rome. Garlic lovers won’t want to miss the Stinking Rose, deli enthusiasts can’t pass up Mulinari’s Delicatessen, while more upscale fare is offered at Restaurante Mona Lisa. Don’t miss your chance to go Italiano! Buon Appetito!
4. Chinatown
The largest Chinatown outside of Asia, the area located between Broadway, Bush, Powell, and Kearney Streets is home to fine oriental architecture, restaurants, hotels and herbal shops, Lunar New Year celebrations, and much more. Why not catch a cable car to take you down to Chinatown, another Top 10 San Francisco attraction.
3. Fisherman's Wharf
If you love seafood, you’ll find heaven here. Make sure you allot enough time for a hour’s stroll down the wharf. The sights, the sounds, the smells! Fisherman’s Wharf is home to not only a gorgeous open seafood market but some of the San Francisco's finest seafood restaurants: Alioto’s, Scoma’s, and The Franciscan to name a few.
2. Alcatraz Island
Our penultimate Top 10 San Francisco attraction was once home to some of the most infamous criminal personalities of the early 20th century, The Rock as it was known to its unfortunate inhabitants maintains a foreboding presence. The island is accessible only via Alcatraz Cruises, LLC located at Pier 33. While there is no public parking at Pier 33, there are 15 commercial lots within a five-block radius. Shop around: parking fees vary from $8 all day to $6 an hour. Daily tours begin at 9 AM, but tickets are often sold out weeks in advance, so plan accordingly.
1. Golden Gate Bridge
There’s nothing quite like the experience of walking the length of this Art Deco icon, connecting Marin County and all points north to The City proper. Pedestrians may access the span via the East sidewalk 5 AM to 9 PM (PDT Summer) and 5 AM to 6:30 (PST Winter). Bicyclists may access both the East and West sidewalks. Remember, while you may ride your bike, motorized scooters or bicycles are not allowed. The only animals allowed on the span are guide, signal, and service dogs. Give yourself two hours to park and stroll out to the center and back of this Top 10 San Francisco attraction!