San Francisco & Northern California Napa & Sonoma
Two neighbouring valleys an hour north of San Francisco with several hundred wineries between them — one polished and famous, the other broader and more relaxed.
Things to see in San Francisco
Eight sights that define the city, in the order most visitors tackle them.
1. Golden Gate Bridge
The 2.7 km (1.7-mile) suspension bridge, opened in 1937, links the city with Marin County. Walk part of the east pavement from the Welcome Center, or cross to Vista Point. The best photo spots are Battery Spencer on the north side, Fort Point beneath the south tower and Baker Beach.
2. Alcatraz Island
A federal prison from 1934 to 1963 that held Al Capone among others, now run by the National Park Service. The award-winning audio tour of the cell house is narrated by former guards and inmates. Evening tours are quieter and more atmospheric.
3. Cable cars
The world’s last manually operated cable-car system runs three lines. Powell–Hyde has the best views, dropping down Russian Hill towards the bay. Queues at the Powell Street turntable can be long; boarding a few stops up the line, or riding the California Street line, is quicker. The free Cable Car Museum shows the winding machinery.
4. Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
Touristy but fun: sea lions hauled out on the floats at Pier 39 (numbers vary through the year), sourdough bread bowls, historic ships at Hyde Street Pier and the Musée Mécanique’s vintage arcade machines.
5. Muir Woods National Monument
A valley of old-growth coast redwoods about 20 km (12 miles) north of the bridge, with flat boardwalk trails beneath trees up to 75 m (250 ft) tall. Parking and shuttle seats must be reserved in advance, which is why many visitors come on a tour.
6. Chinatown and North Beach
Enter through the Dragon Gate on Grant Avenue into one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America, then continue into North Beach, the Italian quarter of cafés and the City Lights bookshop. Climb to Coit Tower for the view.
7. Alamo Square and the Painted Ladies
The row of pastel Victorian houses with the downtown skyline behind is the city’s postcard view. Best in late afternoon light. Combine it with nearby Haight-Ashbury and Golden Gate Park.
8. Lombard Street and Russian Hill
One block of Lombard Street descends in eight tight hairpin bends between flower beds. Walk down the steps at the side rather than driving it; the Powell–Hyde cable car stops at the top.
Destinations
Combine it with
San Francisco & Northern California 
Central Coast Big Sur & Monterey
The most dramatic stretch of the California coast: Highway 1 clinging to the cliffs of Big Sur, with Monterey’s aquarium and Carmel’s cottages at its northern end.
Sierra Nevada & national parks Yosemite
Granite cliffs a kilometre high, some of the tallest waterfalls in North America and groves of giant sequoias — the Sierra Nevada at its grandest.
Plan your trip
Book tours in San Francisco
Compare real-time prices and availability on GetYourGuide. Most tours can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours ahead.