San Francisco tours & vacations

The gate to the ‘City by the Bay’ is open, waiting to welcome you with must-visit attractions and unforgettable experiences

Known as the vibrant and multicultural beating heart of California, San Francisco is a traveler’s dream with sights waiting to be photographed, admired and remembered for many years to come. Different from neighboring Californian destinations such as Los Angeles, this city really does have it all, from the historic and eerie Alcatraz prison to the sweeping landscape of the Napa and Sonoma wine country.

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Aerial view of the Alcatraz island with Golden Gate bridge on the background in San Francisco, USA

Isolate yourself on Alcatraz Island

USA’s most notorious former prisons. Known for its chilling history, Alcatraz federal prison was operational between 1934 and 1963 and housed American gangsters such as Al Capone, Mickey Cohen, and Alvin ‘Creepy’ Karvis. Despite the eeriness of this famous landmark, once you’re inside Alcatraz, it offers a fascinating view into the American incarceration system and will open your mind to what life was like for the prisoners who were unlucky enough to be jailed there.

Colorful sailing boats at Fishermans Wharf marina pier in San Francisco Bay in California, USA

Spend some time down at Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is none other than an explosion of the senses with gentle breezes coming off the bay, the smell of delicious and fresh seafood in the air and unique experiences to be had around every corner. This picturesque community offers both indoor and outdoor dining so you can soak up those Californian rays, shops with local ware, and more excitement than your whole family will know what to do with. With gorgeous views of the San Francisco Bay (you might even be able to spot a seal or two), this fun-filled community hub is a must if you want to say you’ve seen it all.

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Couple admiring Golden Gate Bridge, on the hill during sunset San Francisco, California, USA

Take in the Golden Gate Bridge

How can you plan a trip to San Francisco and not take an iconic photo of yourself in front of the Golden Gate Bridge for the ‘gram? Answer: you can’t. Completed in 1937, this famous landmark connects San Francisco to Marin County and spans two miles over the Golden Gate (the narrow strait where the San Francisco Bay meets the Pacific Ocean). Whether you want to look at the Golden Gate Bridge at night or during the day, there are many ways to experience its breathtaking stature from walking it with your San Francisco tour guide to taking a bay cruise. To put it bluntly, this spot simply can’t be missed.

Hiking trails through giant redwoods in Muir forest near San Francisco, California, USA

Day trip it to the Muir Woods

If you go down in the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise due to the nature of the enormous Redwood trees you’ll find in there. Feeling like you’ve just stepped into a fairytale or hundred-acre wood, this national monument is home to an impressive Redwood Forest with 1,000-year-old trees that stand 280 feet in the air. Dwarfing you in size, this tranquil forest is a nature-lovers dream with lush flora to discover and numerous trails to explore making it one of the best outdoor activities in San Francisco. Feel your worries start to drift away underneath the canopy, relish the fresh air all around you and soak up as much peace and quiet as you can.

View of a lone tree and vineyards in Sonoma County wine country, California, USA, at sunset

Enjoy San Francisco’s wine country

When you think of good wine, you’re surely thinking of wine made straight here in California from one of the many wineries to call this area their home. From Napa Valley to the Sonoma region, it’s easy to spend a day flitting between them all, taking in their beauty, tasting their world-famous wine, and eating at their Michelin-star restaurants. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur excited to be where all the magic happens or you just enjoy a tipple every now and then, visiting San Francisco’s wine country is a must. No ifs or buts about it.

aerial view of the zig zagging red brick road on iconic Lombard Street, San Francisco

Marvel at the zig-zagging Lombard Street

The streets of San Francisco have been featured in many major motion pictures, from the much-beloved family classic ‘The Princess Diaries’ to the more recent action-packed ‘Antman and the Wasp’, but the most famous street of all is Lombard Street. Designed in 1922 more out of necessity than spectacle, this winding scenic street features eight hairpin turns over a one-block span and is sandwiched between beautiful and grand Victorian-style houses. Characterized by its sharp curves and steep hills that are hard to navigate by vehicle, this iconic attraction features superb landscaping, making it not only ‘the most crooked street in the world’ but one of the most beautiful.

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