Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular tourist attraction and the most visited neighborhood in San Francisco, offering the gorgeous views of the Bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate bridge. There is something for everyone in this beloved neighborhood. It is packed with things to fill the entire day, including world-class restaurants, rich maritime history, historic piers, exciting tours, attractions, street performances, museums, the aquarium, and shopping.
Located on the Embarcadero waterfront at Pier 15, The Exploratorium is a public learning laboratory and museum exploring the world through science, art, and human perception. There are hundreds of explore-for-yourself exhibits, film screenings, evening art and science events for adults, plus much more. The museum uses playful fun experimentation to introduce visitors to scientific principles. They also create professional development programs for educators and are at the forefront of changing how science is taught.
Chinatown in San Francisco is one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America and the largest outside of Asia. Established in 1848, Chinatown was rebuilt entirely in the Chinese style after the 1906 earthquake, and it became even more attractive than before the disaster. Chinatown is a bustling “city within a city.” and the most densely populated area of San Francisco, with a lot to see and do.
There is a lot to see in this famous institution. Visitors who can spend only 1-2 hours are recommended to visit Steinhart Aquarium (the newest exhibit featuring over a dozen animals that bite, sting and stun), Osher Rainforest (the four-story living rainforest), Living Roof, African Penguins, and the Swamp (see albino Aligator!). Visitors who can spend more time should also visit Giants of Land and Sea, Gems and Minerals, Reef Lagoon, and Color of Life. For kids: There is a “kid-sized” door at the Children’s Eel Garden, located next to the Philippine Coral Reef exhibit. East Garden has plenty of room to run around and structures to play on. Science Today station offers engaging short videos on Academy science. Avoid the neighborhood-free-weekends days ( https://www.calacademy.org/neighborhood-free-weekends ) as there would be a lot of crowds. Check out the daily events calendar: https://www.calacademy.org/daily-calendar On Thursday nights, adults 21+ can enjoy live music, cocktails, special activities, and entertainment while exploring the entire Academy after dark. Visitors can purchase “Panguins + Pajamas Sleepovers” ( https://www.calacademy.org/penguinspajamas-sleepovers ), VIP Tours, and Birthday Parties (https://www.calacademy.org/tours-specialty-programs ) tickets for more fun.
The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, a hidden gem, is a sea-to-stars-themed mosaic flowing up a 163-step stairway in San Francisco's Golden Gate Heights Neighborhood. The Neighbors sponsored the handmade named tiles in the shapes of animals, fish, and shells within the mosaic for the beautiful stairs.
Opened in 1895, the de Young is home to American art from the 17th century through today, textile arts and costumes, African art, Oceanic art, arts of the Americas, and international contemporary art. The museum showcases many permanent collections of art and rotating special exhibits.
Union Square is a 2.4-acre popular public square for locals and tourists in downtown San Francisco. Union square is surrounded by high-end shops, art galleries, department stores, gift shops, upscale boutiques, theatres, restaurants, and hotels. The famous Macy’s store is right at Union Square and so is the flagship Tiffany & Co store. The area got its name because it was once used for Thomas Starr King rallies.
Yerba Buena Gardens is the perfect place to relax, explore, play, dine or shop in the heart of San Francisco’s downtown. The park will enlighten every mood, celebrate diversity, and find green relief while discovering unique features, renowned museums, cafes, memorials, and theaters—all cradled by landscaped lawns, public art, and award-winning architecture.
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. They have a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, architecture, design, and media arts on seven gallery floors. SFMOMA also offers 45,000 square feet of free, art-filled public space open to all.
Opened on April 11, 2000, Oracle Park is a Major League Baseball stadium in the South of Market neighborhood in San Francisco and Home of the San Francisco Giants. The stadium is named based on corporate sponsorships; the previous names were Pacific Bell Park, SBC Park, and AT&T Park. It has received rave reviews from the public for its breathtaking views and classic design.
Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition, this urban temple has become a San Francisco treasure, beloved by residents and visitors alike. The iconic Palace of Fine Arts, with its Greco-Roman style Rotunda and colonnades, is one of the most photographed sites in the City and has been featured in numerous film and TV productions. It’s also a popular wedding location and a spectacular performance venue.
The Walt Disney Family Museum showcases the remarkable life story of Walt Disney, the man who raised animation into art, tirelessly pursued innovation, and created a distinctly American legacy that transformed the entertainment world. The museum features contemporary, interactive galleries with state-of-the-art exhibits narrated in Walt’s own voice alongside early drawings, cartoons, films, music, a spectacular model of Disneyland, and more. Visitors will leave with inspiration, admiration, and great appreciation of Walt Disney's achievements via animation and written and displayed artifacts.
The museum opened in 1924 to honor the 3,600 Californians who perished in World War I. Located in Lincoln Park in San Francisco, the Legion of Honor has provided access to priceless art to its guests. Today, it houses European painting, sculpture, and decorative arts; ancient art; graphic arts; contemporary art; and one of the largest collections of prints and drawings in the country.
Vibrant Mission Dolores park is a nearly 16-acre city park in the heart of its equally vibrant, culturally diverse mission district neighborhood. Lush green lawns shaded by tall palm trees, a soccer field, six tennis courts, one basketball field court, a multi-use court, a play ground, and two off-lease dog play areas adorn this beautiful park. Many festivals, performances, and other cultural events occur in the park. People flock to the park to play, picnic, lounge, walk their dogs, and enjoy spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline on sunny days.
The Asian Art Museum is home to one of the world’s finest collections of Asian art, boasting more than 19,000 awe-inspiring artworks ranging from ancient jades and ceramics to contemporary video installations. Dynamic special exhibitions, cultural celebrations, and public programs for all ages provide rich art experiences that unlock the past and spark questions about the future. A vibrant hub for discovering the magnificent artistic achievements and intriguing history of the world’s most populous continent, the Asian Art Museum continues to bridge cultures, engage the imagination, and inspire new ways of thinking.
The famous mission murals are street art spread all over the mission district neighborhood showcasing immigrant experience, gentrification, and political landscape. Mission District murals tell a story that is very specific to San Francisco. Murals are in great shape; a few from the 1970s are fading or peeling away due to age.
Enter your email and we'll send you a link to change your password.
Would you like to save your changes to your itinerary before heading elsewhere?
Deleting this trip will permanently remove it.
Login with email or social media or create an account
Please create an account with email or social media.
We could only create a partial itinerary based on your selection. You can clear or modify your selection for a complete itinerary