San Francisco: places to go and things to do

Getting around San Francisco

Use Muni and buses for cross-city journeys. The Embarcadero links the Ferry Building and Exploratorium; Tunnel Tops and Crissy Field belong to a Presidio outing. Golden Gate Park and the Mission are separate clusters. Check transit access to your chosen entrance, especially on hills.

Plan for the weather

Carry layers for fog and wind even when inland temperatures look warm. Presidio and waterfront conditions can differ from the Mission. Choose an indoor gallery or science stop for persistent rain, and do not assume a bridge viewpoint will provide a clear panorama on the day.

Places covered in these guides

• Presidio Tunnel Tops

  Presidio · Park and viewpoint. A landscaped public space above road tunnels with bay-facing lawns, paths, and picnic areas.

• Ferry Building Marketplace

  Embarcadero · Food marketplace. A waterfront marketplace with food merchants inside the historic ferry terminal building.

• Golden Gate Park

  Western San Francisco · Park. A large urban park containing paths, gardens, lakes, and separately operated cultural attractions.

• SFMOMA

  SoMa · Art museum. A modern and contemporary art museum with multiple levels of galleries near Yerba Buena.

• Alcatraz Island

  San Francisco Bay · Historic island. An island historic site reached by a booked ferry, with former prison buildings and other history displays.

• Mission Dolores Park

  Mission District · Park. A neighborhood park with lawns, recreation areas, and views toward the city skyline.

• Exploratorium

  Embarcadero · Science museum. A museum of hands-on science, perception, and experimentation on the waterfront.

• Crissy Field

  Presidio · Waterfront park. A bay-side recreation area with paths, beach space, and Golden Gate views beside the Presidio.