1.Alcatraz
This first structure takes you out of the city and to Alcatraz Island, a protected area 1.5 miles away from the city. Here stands one of the most notorious prisons in the country, from which no inmate is known to have managed to escape. It's out of use now, and has been since Bobby Kennedy closed its doors in 1963, but once you tour it, you'll feel like it's a creepy atmosphere. Make sure you book correctly as you fill in the blanks quickly.
2. Twin Peaks
Taking in the views is a big part of visiting San Francisco, and there's perhaps no better place to do it than Twin Peaks. These two peaks are 900 feet above the ground, providing the perfect vantage point from which to survey the city, its skyline, its bay and, of course, its bridges. Most visitors recommend standing at Twin Peaks to truly enjoy the view and overall view.
3.Castro
Castro is the heart of San Francisco's gay community, one of the proudest and most vocal in the history of the United States. All you have to do is spend an afternoon exploring this area to clear up the question marks. There's also the LGBT history of Stargate. You can catch a glimpse of Harvey Milk's former home, which is now the center of activity for the Human Rights Campaign, and if you're around June, don't miss the month-long celebration of honor that rocks the Castro every year. As you do this, keep in mind that Castro has been wearing the same color for over 50 years. This is pretty incredible, isn't it?
4. Golden Gate Park
A writer for Time Magazine deemed Golden Gate Park the greatest park in the United States, and rightly wrote: you could spend a whole day within its sprawling, lush borders, and there's not enough to do. Most guests start from the dazzling Flower Greenhouses, the Victorian conservatory that is home to more than 2,000 plant species. If you have kids, they will love the carousel and Steinhart Aquarium. Otherwise, everyone will settle for a hike or a picnic just anywhere in this picturesque park.
5. Golden Gate Bridge
You can see the Golden Gate Bridge in two ways: either by land or by sea. We recommend the latter to enjoy and see up close an incredible piece of engineering that remains a symbol of the city as well as the state of California. Most boat tour companies will take you under the bridge to see its inner workings, as well as into the bay for an overview. For more than just a full boat tour, try driving, cycling or walking.
6. Tram
After the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco's second most iconic sight has to be its streetcars. Maybe that's why their traditional aesthetic and hand-operated brakes prove that they haven't changed much since 1873. You can hop on it to ascend Nob Hill, a 300-plus-foot ridge that will give you a crash course in how to balance on public transport.
7. Muir Woods
A quick drive around San Francisco will bring you the incredible and towering Muir Woods. Here, you'll be able to see the state's iconic redwoods, which stand a staggering 380 feet tall and can block out the sky. It's a 30-minute drive to Muir Woods, but if you don't have a kick-ass 4-wheeler, you can also hop on a bus from town.
8. Palace of Fine Arts
At the back of the city, you'll find another place to hide and rest from the hustle and bustle: the Palace of Fine Arts. It is almost ruined, but there have been some sensible people who thought of not only preserving it but also restoring it since the 1950s. Nowadays it is a quiet park where tourists draw pictures and locals want to spend a few minutes or hours to relax and visit the Roman Palace with its creative architecture.
9. Fisherman's Wharf
This is definitely the touristy one, but it's worth the crowds. You can look out the window at the bay and admire the city's ships, both new and old. You can also watch like seals lazing around under the sun all day long. The authentic fish smell wafting through the air? This is all fresh seafood coming from ships and through city shops and restaurants. Mmm.
10. Union Square
If Fisherman's Wharf feels too touristy for your taste buds, try Union Square instead. It's about everything you want outside of just the main big city neighborhoods: tremendous (and luxurious) shopping, theaters, restaurants, an art gallery, a park, and lots of atmosphere. End your day here and it'll be easy to hop on a BART subway, bus, or streetcar back to your hotel.
Clearly, there's a lot to do in San Francisco, and these venues aren't the only things you should check out. With these ideas in mind (and maybe a map in your pocket), hit the road and explore all of the city and its attractions of your choice. You'll be surprised how many there are.
