Things to Do in San Francisco Bay Area, CA - San Francisco Bay Area Must-See Attractions
Things to Do in San Francisco Bay Area
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What travelers are saying
- kava-kauboiBoca Raton, FL759 contributionsWhat a cool and eerie experience to visit this historic site. Everyone in America knows about the legends of Alcatraz. Doesn’t look like it was a fun place to be imprisoned. The views from the ferry on the way over and back are amazing. The gardens on Alcatraz are beautiful. Great way to spend a morning or an afternoon. The audio tour is nice. I parked in Pier 29 1/5. Very convenient.Written May 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kevin WSt. John's, Canada2 contributionsMore too it than I thought. They had a beautiful display setup showing it’s construction. An outside demonstration you could experiment with to show the physics behind its design. We walked across the bridge which took about 35 mins and took loads of photos. We’ll worth the trip!Written May 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- nicoleg232014Robbinsville, NJ14 contributionsUse Muni Mobile App
- Purchase Muni & Cable Car pass unlimited Muni rides (streetcars, buses, etc) and cable car rides for 24 hours- $13.00 on the app ($24 if buy in person) or a single ride costs $8.
- Can see cable cars’ locations on the app map or just look up and down the street!
- To board cable cars at the turnarounds (Powell & Market, Bay & Taylor and Hyde & Beach Streets), you must purchase your fare in advance.
- Activate your ticket in the app b4 you board
- Go Early 8am-10am -long lines in summer, May- line not long
- Runs every 10 minutes
- 65 people per car, can be chilly on board
- prior to trip, see Munimoble App map for stop locations and routes!
- If turnaround lines are long, go up one block. Stand near signs and wave hand in the air to get driver's attention.
The best seats
- Pole hanging on the outside so no one blocks your view! Don’t sit at wooden seats facing out bc people on poles block ur view!!
- IF crowded, when boarding starts, go immediately around the other side of the car. Might have outside poles available on the other side.
- Let people get on if you are at the back of the line and wait for next car.
- Standing or sitting on the inside is ok.
- Boarding- At every block! Most corners have a brown cable car signpost.
- Getting picked up at a stop: wave to tell driver to stop to pick you up!! If car is full, they won’t stop!
- Both Powell lines take off or end at same turnaround at Market & Powell and continue north to the Fisherman’s Wharf area
- Must exit ride at turnarounds (Powell & Market, Bay & Taylor, etc.)
- TO GET OFF: When ½ block before you want to get off, say “NEXT STOP PLEASE” loudly. Takes awhile for car to come to a halt!
- Don’t pull the white cable cord, rings the bell but doesn’t mean to stop!
- If you want that perfect photo of you on a cable car, there are usually many empty cable cars parked at Francisco & Taylor (near Fisherman’s Wharf). You can hop on for free and get the shot from as many angles as you’d like!
P-H Powell- Hyde- most crowded!
Starts near Hyde & Beach or Market & Powell
If crowded at Hyde & Beach, cld do Powell-Mason line – 9:00 min walk away
- 20 min ride
- Lombard St.:
- Drops off at top -great views of Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower
- Nob Hill- At the top of the hill at Lombard and Hyde, you can turn left and enjoy strolling the ritziest section of the city.
- Walk down the steps & take pics at bottom
- Afterwards, can walk back up to get on cable car or walk 5 blocks to wharf OR Uber to Coit Tower – Filbert Steps
Powell-Mason Line- (yellow signs)
- starts at Bay & Taylor and Market & Powell
- less crowded
- The hills aren't as steep & the views not as amazing as the Hyde/Powell line
- some nice views of the Transamerica Pyramid
- Lombard St. drops off a few blocks near the bottom of hill
- Bottom intersects- 2320 Leavenworth st.
- will take you through Chinatown, North Beach (Little Italy ),the Civic Center, Russian Hill
California line- shorted lines
- More locals
- No cool turnaround, but it does turn around. Very steep! Hold on tight!
- starts at California and Market and climbs up to Van Ness Avenue.
- Fantastic views- goes up Nob Hill & then slopes down w a view of Bay Bridge
Our favorite stops were Chinatown, and Cable Car Museum !Written May 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - EataroundwoburnLitchfield, NH706 contributionsOh my - unbelievable walking through the redwoods. I was in awe looking at these giants. The walkways/trails are easy to navigate. We had a great time.Written May 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kava-kauboiBoca Raton, FL759 contributionsVery crowded place. Parking is expensive and difficult. Plenty of places to eat and shop. The sea lions are the best part of the pier but you’ll need to be patient and pushy to get close enough to see them and get pictures. Definitely worth a trip one time.Written May 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- EconMomBirmingham, AL9 contributionsVisited Oracle on my quest to visit all 30 MLB stadiums-- this was #27. There are many beautiful stadiums in this country, but watching a game while overlooking the Bay was unforgettable. Best view in baseball. Crab sandwich arguably also the best concession offering, especially if you are a seafood fan. Seats behind home plate are sunny, but the view is worth it.Written May 8, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Steve Stallard10 contributionsOne of my bucket thing's to do was to drive down Lombard street, and I've now done it. I don't know what it is, but this street has fascinated me for year's. I was not disappointed. The one mistake that I made was when I walked to it from our hotel, please use the cable car's to get there, unless you are incredibly fit.Written April 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- nicoleg232014Robbinsville, NJ14 contributionsDo Free activities in the morning(see below) and do DeYoung observation deck.
Segway rentals- 1.5 hrs.-$50, 2 hrs.-$60, 2.5hrs.-$ 70, 3 hrs.-$ 75.,4 hrs.-$ 85
DIDN’T DO, but sounds fun!
Parking: on streets for free or Music Concourse Garage,
7am-7pm- for cars & bikes- $5.25 weekdays, $6.25 weekends/hour
5 minute walk to the Conservatory of Flowers, DeYoung Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, and San Francisco Botanical Garden
Shuttle- The free Golden Gate Park Shuttle operates on the eastern portion of park, primarily along the JFK promenade (no cars)– with stops at museums, gardens, and more in between. The shuttle makes 17 stops.
• Monday-Friday, 12 noon to 6pm
• Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, 9-6
Park Highlights:
-Dutch Windmill/ Murphy Windmill- near Pacific Highway Route 1. See on the way to Santa Cruz!
-Botanical Garden- Free Daily- 7:30am-9am - $13
-Japanese Tea Garden- Free M/W/F- 9am-10am - $14
-DeYoung Museum- art museum- FREE to take elevator to Hamon Observation Tower- 360-degree view of the city – ocean, hills, downtown- Very cool!!
-Free- Sculpture Gardens- short walk
-Califor. Academy of Sciences- indoor activity- very cool
Unimpressive
-Buffalo Paddock- bison- LAME
-Conservatory of Flowers- first Tuesday of month Free- 10:00-4:30 - it’s more plants than flowers!! Like a greenhouse. Not necessary to see.Written May 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ldiva001San Diego, CA85 contributionsThe very best entertainment for any age. Every time I travel to SF I find time to visit the Exploratorium because there is so much to do with my granddaughters and I could never finish exploring the hands-on science exhibits that enthrall all of us. Good for ALL ages. I cannot say enough about the learning that happens while you spend the day. There is even a cafe. Easily take a day or two or .... Great place! Nice people working there.Written December 21, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nico Samneil Sy SaladoNewport, VT1,898 contributionsA really relaxing place. Feels like you are in greece or somewhere European! The redwoods are pretty amazing as well. No entrance fee. Parking has a minimal amount to pay. See images and videos for further information.Written May 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bernadette RMill Valley, CA7 contributionsThe property is Beautiful with views, great location, extremely comfortable and private. It was everything we were looking for.
Can’t wait to returnWritten May 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Heather MToronto, Canada173 contributionsThis was a very comprehensive experience. It started with Walt’s grandparents so you got a flavour of the type of upbringing he received from his parents and grandparents. It gave us all kinds of little tidbits on him as a young man and his early career. We really liked the special exhibit – cats and dogs. Just be prepared to walk a fair amount to get to a separate building for this exhibit. We really enjoyed this and would highly recommend it to any Disney fan.Written May 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
