SAN FRANCISCO HOLIDAYS

Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39

One of San Francisco’s most popular tourist attractions, Fisherman’s Wharf is home to the famous Pier 39, one of the best-known fishing spots in all of America. However, it is much more than a fishing spot as Pier 39 is essentially a town unto itself. There are all sorts of attractions including an eye-catching two-story carousel, a video game arcade, an aquarium and a fully stocked shopping mall. With so much to see and do at Fisherman’s Wharf, there’s literally a full week’s worth of activities to enjoy, including a welcome greeting from a sea lion or two. So much so that we highly recommend the 7-day pass which includes access to all of the main attractions. For further Fisherman’s Wharf fun, visit the nearby Pier 45 which is home to many unique attractions, such as the magnificent Muée Méchanique, the world’s largest collection of vintage mechanical machinations, and the USS Pampanito submarine which is restored as a boardable maritime museum.

Visit Historic Chinatown

Located just northeast of Union Square is San Francisco’s Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in North America, dating back to 1848, and the single largest Chinese community outside of Asia. A hugely popular tourist attraction, the San Fran Chinatown draws in more visitors per year than the Golden Gate Bridge. The town contains a great many traditionally styled Chinese stores and restaurants, as well as numerous beautiful parks and fascinating places of worship to visit. Make the most of your time by booking a Chinatown Walking Tour.

San Francisco also has a very large Japanese contingent, as well as ties to several other parts of Asia. This rich cultural diversity is celebrated in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. Housed within a grand library building, the museum welcomes numerous travelling exhibitions every year and typically contains upward of 17,000 pieces of Asian art, dating back through 6,000 years of history, at any one time. Be sure to try the Japantown Food Tour for a true adventure of the senses.

Shopping in Union Square

For those interested in a shopping holiday, San Francisco’s Union Square fits the bill perfectly. This 2.6-acre plaza is a real shoppers’ paradise, containing no less than six full department stores including the famous Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Barney’s of New York. Union Square is also home to many luxury retailers, such as Gucci, Tiffany’s Jewellers and Louis Vuitton. While some of the world’s biggest brands have chosen to locate their flagship stores here, including Nike, Apple and Victoria’s Secret.

In addition to its lavish shopping opportunities, the Union Square area has numerous other attractions. The nearby blocks are known as designated dining and theatre districts, with many upmarket restaurants and world class shows to choose from. Heavily discounted theatre tickets can be purchased on performance days. The nearby French Quarter is well worth visiting too, with its vast menagerie of chic open-air restaurants and stylish cafes.

Explore the Parks

While the very human cultural and historical attractions of San Francisco speak for themselves, visitors shouldn’t overlook the region’s natural beauty, which should be considered an essential element of a San Francisco holiday.

The Muir Woods National Park is home to the iconic Redwood trees, which are some of the tallest and oldest trees found on Earth. The tallest in Muir Wood currently stands at over 250 feet tall. These natural wonders are an awe-inspiring sight and standing near them is a one-of-a-kind experience.

For further San Fran outdoor adventures, a day trip to Yosemite National Park is a must. Here you will experience America’s natural splendour in all its glory. Traverse through the Great Central Valley and into the Sierra foothills, where you will see the beauty of the Merced River, the outstanding Sierra Nevada Mountains and the fantastic Yosemite Falls. Guided tours run daily, while visitors can explore the park at their own pace on foot or by bike.

How easy is it to get around San Francisco without a car, and what public transport options are available?

San Francisco is one of the easiest US cities to explore without a car. The historic cable cars connect Union Square with Fisherman’s Wharf, offering not only a scenic ride but a practical way to tackle the city’s steep hills. Heritage streetcars run along the Embarcadero past the Ferry Building, while the Muni bus and light rail system reach most neighbourhoods. For further afield, BART trains connect to the airport and nearby cities. Walking is pleasant in many areas, though the terrain can be steep.

How hilly is San Francisco for walking, and what should I know about the terrain?

The city is famously hilly, with some streets so steep they feature steps instead of pavements. Expect a mix of flat strolls along the waterfront and challenging climbs in neighbourhoods like Nob Hill. Comfortable shoes are essential, and many visitors combine walking with public transport to avoid tiring climbs.

Are cable cars useful for getting around or mainly a tourist experience?

They are both practical and a must-visit in San Francisco. While they can be busy and more expensive than other forms of public transport, cable cars are excellent for travelling between Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, especially if you wish to avoid steep hills. The views of the bay and historic neighbourhoods make the ride part of the attraction. 

It’s worth noting that cable cars only run on three lines and cover a limited area. For getting to other parts of the city, the historic streetcars that run along Market Street and the Embarcadero are a great option, connecting neighbourhoods like the Castro, Civic Center and the Ferry Building. To help get your bearings, we also offer a 48-hour hop-on hop-off city bus pass, which includes stops at major landmarks as well as entry to Alcatraz.

What are some must-visit neighbourhoods for history, culture and local character?

Haight-Ashbury is famous for its role in the 1960s counterculture movement and still has a laid-back, bohemian vibe with vintage shops, quirky cafés and colourful Victorian houses. The Castro is one of the world’s most prominent LGBTQ+ neighbourhoods, rich in activism history and full of vibrant bars, theatres and rainbow crosswalks. 

Is Golden Gate Park worth visiting, and what can you do there?

Yes, Golden Gate Park is one of San Francisco’s most beloved green spaces, stretching over three miles from the Haight to the Pacific Ocean. It’s home to gardens, lakes, walking and cycling paths, and top cultural attractions like the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences. You can rent a pedal boat on Stow Lake, visit the Japanese Tea Garden, or simply relax in one of its many open meadows.

How close is San Francisco to wine regions like Napa and Sonoma, and can you visit in a day?

San Francisco is perfectly placed for a day trip to California’s famous wine country. Napa and Sonoma are around 1.5 to 2 hours away by car, depending on traffic. Both regions offer vineyard tours, wine tastings, and picturesque towns. One of the most memorable ways to experience Napa is aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, which offers scenic journeys through the vineyards with gourmet dining and optional winery stops.

What museums should I visit in San Francisco?

San Francisco has a wide range of museums to suit all interests. In Golden Gate Park, you’ll find the de Young Museum, known for American art and rotating exhibitions, and the California Academy of Sciences, which includes a planetarium and natural history museum. Downtown, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) houses an impressive collection of contemporary works. Other highlights include the Asian Art Museum, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the Exploratorium on the waterfront, and the Cable Car Museum for a look at the city’s iconic transport history.