The Golden Gate Bridge is an object of national adulation as one of America’s best-loved landmarks. When seen from either the southern or northern visitor viewpoints or from the deck of an excursion boat, the Golden Gate Bridge is a pleasing sight. Its suspension construction and proportions are graceful. Its orange-vermilion color contrasts nicely against the blue sky and sea and the green hills of Marin County to the north. The ship lane below the Golden Gate Bridge has become its own bridge to the Orient, adding to the mystique of the site.

When you think San Francisco, the first image that likely pops into mind is the iconic, 4,200-foot long Golden Gate Bridge. The $35 million structure, which connects the city to Marin County, opened in May 1937 and at the time was the world’s longest suspension bridge. Today, you can drive across in a car, take a free historical walking tour, or rent bikes to ride along it. Remember to stop by the welcome center to brush up on the history of the bridge before venturing out. When you start itching for .....some greenery, make your way to Golden Gate Park. The public urban oasis offers more than 1,000 acres to jog, cycle, hike, picnic, play a round of frisbee, or just bask in the California sunshine. The grounds are also home to attractions like the San Francisco Botanical Garden, de Young Museum, and Japanese Tea Garden, in case you’re looking to squeeze in some more sight-seeing. Show less

End your first day in the country’s largest Chinatown and the oldest enclave of Chinese immigrants outside of Asia. This is the birthplace of American Chinese food including chop suey and fortune cookies. Notable establishments include Hunan Home’s Restaurant and Good Mong Kok Bakery. Don’t miss a visit to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory where more than 20,000 fortune cookies that are handmade here every day! Taking a photo of these hard working ladies will set you back just 50 cents. This might be the quickest stop on your list of .....Things to do in San Francisco, but your taste buds will thank you. Show less

If you are just arriving on Friday and checking in, you can spend the rest of the evening exploring the area around your hotel. Go to the Union Square to enjoy the nightlife, have dinner at a nice restaurant or grab some drinks at a local bar. Feel the life of the city, people watch and rest before a big day of adventures of the next day. Or, I have another fun activity to start out your trip!

Located on the fisherman wharf, Ghirardelli Square, is home to some of the world’s best chocolate. Ghirardelli Chocolate, the squares namesake, has been manufacturing at the heart of the square for ages. There is a legendary story to be heard on site, about how the Italian founder, back in the 1800’s, made his way to San Francisco by way of Peru. And although Ghirardelli moved their main plant away ages ago, they still produce on the small-scale here and the storefront remains an iconic symbol of the area. Get an chocolate .....sundae or just a simple bar. It doesn’t’ matter, they’re all good. Neighboring alongside the chocolate company is an eccentric mix of shops, and restaurants that will appeal to all palates, even if you don’t have a sweet tooth. Show less

The Crooked Street is, well crooked. It’s a steep decline that zig zags all the way down. Josh jumped out at the top and walked down while I took the car down. Not only did I get lots of attention in my bright green van, but also Josh had plenty of time to keep up and take photos. What a crazy street. I could not imagine living on this street.

For a more artsy night out, visit the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park on your first night in the city. Friday Nights at the de Young open up the museum after-hours for live music, dance and theater performances, film screenings, exhibition tours and more. And, the museum café even offers a full menu of themed cocktails. You can explore the permanent collection galleries, the observation tower, and a variety of programs at the de Young after hours for free! I would say it is the perfect start to a fun-filled weekend!

Finally, Hornblower crosses the Bay on the north side of the Alcatraz prison island (now a National Park entity, welcoming visitors) and heads towards the Bay Bridge. Then it turns back to Pier 3. Full details on Hornblower’s many cruise possibilities, including dinner and holiday cruises, can be seen on their website.

This just became one of my new favorite spots in San Francisco. Until the 1930’s (when the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge were constructed), the majority of people arrived in San Francisco by ferry, which docked right here at the Ferry Building. In 2003, this building reopened after a massive renovation, and now it is a public food market. Filled with a mix of gourmet restaurants, wonderful little shops, a wine bar, and pastry shops, this place is a joy to explore. If you are a foodie, the Ferry Building .....Marketplace is worth a visit (or two). If I lived in San Francisco, I would be here all of the time. One of the best times to visit is during the Farmer’s Market on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Visit the Ferry Building Marketplace website for more information. Show less

Coit Tower gives fantastic views of the city and surrounding bay area, which makes it a great way to kick off your San Francisco itinerary. The observatory part of Coit Tower is just a small circular room with several windows. I was super excited to find that a majority of the windows were open, which is rare for an observatory. It meant that I could get a great view of the city without dealing with annoying, obstructive glass. Although, I think I freaked my mom out with just how far .....I was leaning out the windows in attempt to get the picture I wanted. She preferred to stay in the middle of the observatory since she’s not big on heights. Getting to Coit Tower can be a bit of a trip. We had to climb several stairs to get there, and at times I felt like I was practically in someone’s backyard. We also had to wait in line in order to go to the observatory on the top floor, but it wasn’t too long of a wait. It’s definitely worth the effort to get up to the observatory. Show less

This seaside town is famous for Cannery Row, the the waterfront street with now-defunct sardine canning factories, Fisherman’s Wharf, the fantastic Monterey Bay Aquarium and world-renowned PGA Golf Course at Pebble Beach. We also enjoyed spotting sea lions basking on Del Monte Beach. If you have kids in tow, head to Dennis The Menace Playground, which features a maze and rock climbing wall. The scenic 17-Mile Drive to Pebble Beach is a great detour, with dramatic cliffs, the iconic Lone Cyprus and wildlife to see. Get more info on Monterey Bay Aquarium here. Get more info on the 17-Mile Drive .....here. Find and compare hotels in Monterey here. Show less

The majority of my Pacific Coast Highway itinerary assumes you’ll spend at least one night along the epic road, so I thought it would be a good idea to recommend a couple of places to stay. If you’re starting from San Francisco, a good place to spend your first night is the cozy Spindrift Inn in Monterey. If, on the other hand, you plan to begin in Los Angeles or San Luis Obispo, Estero Inn in picturesque Morro Bay is a great place to rest your head. When it comes to Big Sur .....(which, let’s face it, is the star attraction of Highway 1), prices for hotels and other permanent lodging are unrealistic for most travelers. Instead, read this excellent Big Sur Camping Guide to get you started. Show less

This is an outdoor art gallery that is free to visit. The walls, fences, and buildings in the Mission District are covered in bright murals. Some are political statements and some are purely colorful works of art. If you are in the Mission District, you can see street art throughout the area. However, there are two alleys that are filled with colorful murals.

San Francisco MOMA Dazzles! 12 Reasons to Love San Francisco Two iconic bridges glimmer above a city rich in history, ethnic neighborhoods, 24-hour entertainments, and world-famous eateries, while mild marine weather makes for waterfront fun. Here, are are some of my favorite reasons to stay! Catch a game at Oracle Park or Chase Center : Watch home runs fly into the bay while the 3-time World Series-winning Giants play in their state-of-the-art waterfront park. The brand new, high-tech sports and entertainment arena, Chase Center, on the waterfront, is home to the Golden .....State Warriors. Ferry Building Marketplace: On Saturdays, the soaring indoor food hall expands into a lively outdoor farmer’s market on the pier. City after Dark: Ride the Mexican Bus to salsa clubs, laugh it off at The Punchline, pop the question at Top of the Mark, and have an Irish coffee nightcap at the Buena Vista. Sustainable, Modern Museum: The largest living wall in the U.S. creates a fresh, green backdrop to dramatic sculptures in one of many gardens and terraces at SFMOMA. Golden Gate Park: Paddle on Stow Lake, ride the carousel, enjoy opera al fresco; look for the windmills, the bison and the albino alligator; ride a bike, a Segway or a skateboard under the trees Walkaway Crab: The city’s famous Dungeness crab cocktails and clam chowder are dished out of steaming pots on sidewalk stands at Fisherman’s Wharf. North Beach Coffee Houses: People-watch, sip espresso, and nibble on amaretti and cannoli at a sidewalk table at Café Trieste, Roma, Greco or Cavalli on Columbus Avenue. Fisherman’s Festival: Bodega Bay kicks off the salmon season with a blessing of the fleet, live music, local wine and craft beer, boat races, and Coast Guard rescue demos.  Art in the Alleys: Stroll an outdoor gallery of vibrant murals on 100+ walls and fences in the Latino Mission District, then chill down with mango ice cream at Humphy Slocombe. Grace Cathedral: Atop Nob Hill, this twin-towered French Gothic masterpiece glows with 68 stained-glass windows. Walk the labyrinths, take in a concert or an art show, and bring a mat for yoga after dark. Dragons Light the Night: Red lanterns, exploding firecrackers, floats, ferocious lions, and the 288-foot Golden Dragon are aglow at the Chinese New Year Parade. Wine Country Weekends: Float in a balloon over oceans of vineyards, taste the grape at welcoming wineries, sink into a hot-springs spa, and linger in a riverfront café, all within an hour’s drive of the bay. Show less

-1. Stroll Baker Beach on the west side of the Golden Gate in the two hours before sunset. If the day is sunny and balmy, you will likely see several hundred naked San Franciscans frolicking at the Bridge end of the stroll. An immense container ship may pass before you as it heads through the Golden Gate.

Kitty corner from James Flood’s mansion on Nob Hill was the abode of Mark Hopkins, which was swept away in the Great Fire. On the site rose an elegant hotel, the Mark Hopkins, a fitting place to consider for this Victorian subject. From the Top of the Mark bar/lounge at the Mark Hopkins you can have a drink and gaze out at the City. The Mark Hopkins is at 999 California; 415-392-3434; http://www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com/.Booking.com(function(d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; ..... s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); Show less

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of San Francisco’s most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1937, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world until 1964 (when the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge was built in New York City). There are two sidewalks for use by pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the bridge. The western sidewalk is usually reserved for bicycles and the eastern sidewalk is reserved for pedestrians. However, this can change depending on the time of day and on weekends and holidays. For the schedule, click here.

The hustle and bustle of San Francisco is one liberally interspersed with manicured parks and areas of quiet seclusion, but for those really wanting to get away from it all – the nearby Muir Woods National Monument is a must. With its slender, towering redwoods and its vibrant greens, Muir Woods is located just a short drive from the city but feels a world away. This drive takes you across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and by some quaint Californian coastal towns as well, so it’s definitely worth the trip.

Continue to hug the coastline on Highway 1 as you motor toward San Francisco. You’ll pass dozens of cute coastal towns during the drive (definitely give yourself permission to pause your trip to explore at will!) but don’t miss stopping at lovely Half Moon Bay, just shy of Frisco’s city limits. Make your way to the sea-creature-rich tide pools of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, or take a romantic horseback ride right onto the beach courtesy of the aptly named Sea Horse Ranch. If you’re hungry, head to Sam’s Chowder House to try .....their lobster roll, which The Today Show once declared one of the five best sandwiches in America. Then, finally, head north to San Francisco proper. While the vibrant city itself is well-worth lingering in, we say, keep driving. End your trip clinking glasses of wine in nearby Napa Valley, about 40 minutes from the city. And once there, how do you choose exactly where to start tasting your way through the area’s 800-odd vineyards? Check out our must-visit Napa and Sonoma Valley winery guide for inspiration. Show less

The Lands End Trail is actually still a part of the Golden Gate Recreational Area and is one of my favorite places to visit in San Francisco. This reminded me so much of Australia with its rugged coastline trail, views of the bay and the bridge, and trees and wildflowers. It was tranquil and pretty and you’ll feel like you’re in a small coastal town. It’s a 3.4 mile return trail. We walked just a short way along it as we were short on time. I recommend going further and walking down to the .....Lands End Labyrinth which looks super cool! Show less

Want to see the entire Bay Area in one shot? Head over to the twin summits in the geographic center of San Francisco. Just under a thousand feet up, they are sure to provide the BEST VIEW of San Francisco. The wind up here can be pretty intense, so remember to take a jacket regardless of when you visit.

-33. Drive ascending Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands, immediately north of the Golden Gate, to get three views of the Bridge and the City. First is Battery Spencer, the massive gun emplacement from WW II. Next is Mid-Hill, the road pullout with the classic views. At the top is the Hawk Hill panorama. -34. Peruse the village with a view, Sausalito, on the north side of the Bay. Walk the shoreline path of Sausalito to enjoy dining and shopping. The view is of the San Francisco skyline. Ferry transport over .....and back is possible. Pop singer Janice Joplin reportedly enjoyed the view from the Trident Restaurant. -35. Relax with shrimp and beer on the outdoor deck of Guaymas Restaurant in Tiburon, a small village on the north side of the Bay, accessible by ferry. For Tiburon, wear your walking shoes and stroll bayside to its former railroad terminus, now a museum, or along Richardson Bay to the Audubon center. -36. On Angel Island, accessible from Tiburon, make a bracing walk around the perimeter, showing views of the Golden Gate, San Francisco, and the Bay. Camp out to wake up to these unsurpassed visions. The Immigration Station museum portrays difficulties Asian immigrants faced entering the U.S. -37. Become mesmerized by towering old-growth redwoods at Muir Woods, north of San Francisco. Coast redwoods are the tallest living things on earth. Muir Woods boasts an exceptional selection in Cathedral Grove. Arrive early morning to beat the traffic. Walk the creek bed to look up at arboreal splendor. -38. Get sand between your toes at Point Reyes’ Limantour Beach, easily one of the most beautiful beaches in California. Walk for a mile along this tawny sand masterpiece. Other Point Reyes attractions are the rare tule elk and the Earthquake Walk, showing earth pulled apart in 1906. -39. Catch the spring wildflower explosion in mid-March at Chimney Rock in Point Reyes. The spectrum of lavish color, from blue Douglas iris to golden poppies, will be abundant. Other choice locations for the wildflower enthusiast are Mt. Diablo State Park in the East Bay and Edgewood Park on the Peninsula. -40. Sample choice Cabernet wine at Sonoma’s Buena Vista Winery, one of the first wineries in California. Pioneer winemaker Agoston Haraszthy started the wine industry here. See also in Sonoma the Spanish Mission, soldier barracks, plaza, and home of the Spanish/Mexican leader, Mariano Vallejo. -41. Realize that Sonoma and Napa are wine worlds unto themselves, competing for your palate. Explore Napa by driving north along Highway 12, perhaps stopping to taste at icons (Mondavi, Inglenook, Beringer). Drive back south on the east-side Silverado Road to savor the full beauty of the vines. Show less

Crissy Field - Everyone visiting San Francisco is looking for those awe-worthy views of the Golden Gate Bridge. On a clear and fog-free day, you get some of the best views of the bridge from Crissy Field. You can even walk the trail to the base of the bridge to a spot known as Fort Point. If you’re a shutterbug and are looking for great photo opportunities, the walk from the Marina to Fort Point will be full of photo-worthy moments. Palace of Fine Arts - One of the most famous .....San Francisco landmarks in located right in the heart of the Marina. The super grand and ornate architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts will evoke feelings old-world nostalgia, and the backdrop makes from great photos. It’s a calming walk through the courtyard and feels very open amidst a hustling and bustling city. Hike Up the Divisadero Hill - San Francisco is known for having some crazy hills and the rewards are the best views at the top. If you begin at the Walgreens located on the corned of Lombard and Divisadero, walk up about 6 blocks on Divisadero towards Lombard St. You’ll hit an intersection on Broadway and Divisadero that has great views in multiple directions. You’ll be leaving the Marina neighborhood and heading into Pacific Heights which has beautiful San Francisco style homes. Be forewarned, the hills are very steep and you’ll be feeling the burn in your calves. The Presidio - Technically the Presidio are is a separate district from the Marina, but they are so close in proximity that I often lump them together in my mind. The Presidio is characterized by spacious neighborhoods with lush green grass lawns and historical homes. It was once a military site and is now filled with protected parks and landmarks. Show less

Pier 14 is the first large public pier east of the Ferry Building, only a short walk. This pier is  a pedestrian walkway. It amounts to your finest and first place at which to enjoy light art in San Francisco. From the end of this pier, you can see up close the wonderful illumination of the Bay Bridge. However, during the holiday period, stand at the end of this pier and also look back at the San Francisco skyline. During the holidays, the Embarcadero Center Buildings are lit up like boxy Christmas gifts.

Do you prefer a hands-off approach? Groupon has great deals on activities, spa visits, restaurants, hotels, day trips, and organized tours. Viator, Get my Guide, and Tours4Fun offer day trips. Browse Intrepid Travel and G Adventures for multi-day guided tours.

In addition to Monterey and Carmel, there’s also Pacific Grove plus a number of unincorporated communities on the Monterey Peninsula. The things to do on the Monterey and Carmel lists are almost all walkable or accessible with a quick Uber/Lyft ride, but this next section generally requires a car. They’re absolutely worth it though, and if you haven’t explored California’s central coast before, don’t miss out.

Established in 1849, the Boudin Bakery is the home of the famous sourdough bread bowls.Before you have lunch, you can watch the bakers craft batches of bread by hand through the window or even take a tour! There is a huge variety of soups in bread bowls, sandwiches and even sourdough pizzas, but I recommend the clam chowder. While you are enjoying your meal, you will see that the fresh bread is delivered right over the heads of the customers in little baskets!

If you are travelling with family, I recommend visiting the Exploratorium or the California Academy of Sciences. You can easily spend the rest of the day there! California Academy of Sciences features an aquarium and a four-story rain forest, home to flying tropical butterflies! If you are thinking between the two, I would recommend the Academy, plus it is located in a beautiful spot of the Golden Gate Park!

The Cartoon Art Museum’s mission is to ignite imaginations and foster the next generation of visual storytellers by celebrating the history of cartoon art, its role in society, and its universal appeal. Founded in 1984, the Cartoon Art Museum has something for everyone—from comic strips, comic books, and anime to political cartoons, graphic novels, and underground comix. People of all ages can view original cartoon art at exhibitions and screenings, produce their own comics and animation at classes and workshops, research deeply into our collection and library, and mix and mingle .....with professional and aspiring cartoonists.  Through exhibitions, artist appearances, and community outreach programs, the museum demonstrates how cartoon art entertains, communicates diversity, and champions self-expression. In 1984, a group of cartoon art enthusiasts began organizing exhibitions by using artwork from their own collections. For several years, the Cartoon Art Museum was a “museum without walls,” setting up shows in local museums and corporate spaces and recently moved from it’s home in Yerba Buena Gardens to its vibrant new space on Fisherman’s Wharf. It is a must-see for young and old alike with a little something for everyone. San Francisco Dungeon Now you can experience San Francisco’s horrible, hysterical past by planning a visit to The San Francisco Dungeon. This interactive experience brings together an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages, and scenes in a truly unique and exciting walkthrough experience that you see, hear, touch, smell and feel. It’s hilarious, fun and it’s sometimes a bit scary. The 60-minute journey through San Francisco’s past from the Gold Rush to Alcatraz. The shows are based on real San Francisco history and legends (minus the boring parts). You’ll get up close and personal with sinister characters including Sam Roberts, the leader of the Gangs of San Francisco, and the infamous bar owner and crimper Miss Piggott and her partner-in-crime (literally), Shanghai Kelly. It’s a fully themed experience. That means 360° sets, special effects, and theatrical storytelling. On your journey you’ll pass through the narrow streets of San Francisco’s Chinatown, Sutter’s Mill, scene of the start of the 1849 Gold Rush, the fearsome torture chamber… and see (and feel!) what your life would have been like if you had been sent to Alcatraz. It’s better than any sightseeing tour around. Show less

California Academy of Sciences The California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park is a fun spot to visit with your family any time of the year. They have a large dome that houses a rainforest and has butterflies that flutter around you as you walk. During Christmas though, they have an ice skating rink, exhibits dedicated to arctic animals, a snowman theater for children, and bands that play Christmas music. Plus, you can often see it snow in the main exhibit as well. Walt Disney Family Museum In the Presidio, the Walk .....Disney Family Museum is a fun, quick stop. They put up a “Home for the Holiday’s” exhibit, which features a reproduction of Walt Disney’s home and a railroad track that goes around it. This exhibit is free, but the rest of the museums does cost. I wouldn’t go here just to see the holiday exhibit, but if you are into Walt Disney at all this is a great museum to visit. Show less

Would a Things to Do in San Francisco list be complete without having take a cable car ride on it? The cable car is a San Francisco icon, carrying countless tourists up and down the steep hills. Though it is one of the cities most popular attractions, it is also a handy form of transportation taking folks to many sites around town. You can even follow up your ride with with a visit to the Cable Car Museum.

If you have two days on the PCH from LA, you’ll be able not only to visit Big Sur and the aforementioned purple sand beach, but some other attractions as well. One in particular I’d recommend is the Hearst Castle in San Simeon. It’s not right on the coast, but is nonetheless one of my favorite places to stop on Highway 1.

Compared to Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea is the older, more sophisticated sibling. The number of art galleries in this tiny, walkable town is astonishing. I would recommend staying in Carmel if you want a quieter retreat or if you want to be closer to the many hiking options nearby. Like elsewhere on the peninsula, Carmel is also incredibly dog-friendly. Almost every store in town either welcomed puppers or had water bowls outside for them.

These colorfully painted houses in the style of Victorian architecture are iconic of San Francisco. Providing a postcard background (is that why they call it "Postcard Row?") to your travel photos, they are a fun feature of this town to check out. Driving around the city, you'll encounter lots of Victorian houses with bay windows, but something about these houses all in a row makes them pretty special.

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, or just Alcatraz, was originally a maximum security prison, and a quite famous one. Over the years, it held some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and others. It was also the location of one of the greatest, most intricate prison escapes ever in 1962. Alcatraz has since been decommissioned as a federal penitentiary and now serves as a museum. When we had originally been planning our trip and looked at top things to do in San Francisco, visiting Alcatraz had been one of the things .....we had wanted to do. However, we did our planning a little last minute, something I almost never do, so tickets to Alcatraz ended up being sold out. However, as we made our way to Fisherman’s Wharf (the next touristy destination on our two day San Francisco itinerary), we managed to get a good view of Alcatraz Island from one of the piers. Even if you don’t manage to get tickets, it’s worth at least stopping for a quick look. Show less

Talk about obscure locations, Alamo Square Deli isn’t even on Alamo Square, and isn’t even on a corner. Set in the garage level of a house on Scott Street, Alamo Deli is the quintessential, Cheers-style neighborhood bar substitution: the guys who work there know everyone who comes in, what their sandwich is, and how they like it. All the sandwiches are good, but the real artistry of the place resides in Alamo’s signature rock star tribute sandwiches. Two deserving of honorable mentions: the Green Monster (pesto, feta, roasted pepper) and Zibbity .....Bop (turkey, avocado, pepper Jack). 353 Scott. (415) 861-7120 Show less

From the SF MOMA, head to Union Square. No, not to go back to the hotel. But to take a cable car ride from Union Square to Lombard Street. You must have seen images of a steep, crooked street in San Francisco – that’s the Lombard Street. The Lombard Street stretches from the Presidio east to the Embarcadero. The crooked part of Lombard Street is located in the Russian Hill neighborhood (eastern side).

Related: Hyatt, Hyatt Regency San Francisco, Grand Hyatt San Francisco Which is the best Hyatt hotel in San Francisco and at the airport (SFO) for cash or earning or spending your World Of Hyatt points? Andaz Vs Grand Vs Regency Vs Centric? We have already investigated the best hotel club lounges in San Francisco, now we specifically choose the best Hyatt, Grand Vs Andaz, Regency Vs Centric.

Next I wanted to see the highly recommended 16th Avenue Tiled Steps project. The easiest route (from Ocean Beach) is Lincoln Way (right), highway 1 (right), Moraga Street (left), to 16th street entrance. I chose to drive smaller neighborhood streets until I found the Tiled Steps. Here is one picture. For more pictures and information, please see my previously published article: 16th Avenue Tiled Steps.

Did you know that you can go hiking in San Francisco? Located on the coast in northwestern San Francisco is a web of hiking trails. Short, easy walks take you to the Sutro Baths and the Labyrinth. If it’s not too cloudy or foggy, you will have an unbelievable view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. We parked at the large car park near the Legion of Honor and followed the trail out to the Labyrinth. Cost: free

Housed in an elaborate Victorian greenhouse, this historical landmark was established in 1879, Conservatory of Flowers is home to a wonderful collection (50,000 individual plants to be exact) of rare tropical flowers and plants from around the world including numerous Magnolia species, cloud forest species, and high elevation palms.

Most of San Francisco’s hip neighborhoods are contained to the main peninsula. The tourist district is mainly around Fisherman’s Wharf, but once you’re outside of it, you’ll find the beloved local places. For example, Haight-Ashbury is frequented by tourists for its counterculture history, as the former home of musicians like Janis Joplin. It’s divided into Upper and Lower Haight, much like New York’s Greenwich Village. Here you’ll find vintage stores, record stores and “herb shops.” San Francisco Chinatown is one of the country’s oldest, settled during the gold rush. Here you’ll find paper lanterns .....hung across buildings, Chinese bakeries and banks with their signs in Chinese letters. There’s also some cheap souvenir shopping in the area. The Castro was where the city’s gay community thrived. Activist Harvey Milk owned a camera store here and later ran for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The Castro Theatre is an icon in the community and one of the city’s premiere movie theaters. There are also some great restaurants and coffee shops. Show less

Let’s just talk about those oyster farms for a sec: the route you’re driving is known as the Point Reyes Oyster Trail. And if you’re anything like I was when I first moved to California and associate oysters with “ick,” you could not be more wrong. Eating fresh oysters on the side of the Pacific Coast Highway is like, the most Northern California thing you can do next to wine tasting and hiking through the redwoods – both of which you already did this weekend, so you might as well .....go for the trifecta. Oysters are cheapest here, where they’re farmed fresh in Tomales Bay. They’re delicious with a little bit of champagne vinegar or cocktail sauce. If you’re lucky, there just might be some fresh Dungeness crab on the menu, too! The first oyster place you’ll pass if you head inland just a bit is Bodega Bay Oyster Company. It’s a bit off the beaten path which makes it nice and empty – no reservation needed. If you stay on the 1, you’ll pass by The Marshall Store where you can get delicious oysters Rockefeller, as well as Hog Island Oyster Co. – but you’ll want to snag a reservation in advance, as it’s very popular! Show less

Grand afternoon and sunset views of the Golden Gate Bridge are possible from the Marin County side. Drive across the Bridge and take the first turnoff, which is Sausalito. Then turn west at a T onto Conzelman Road, which snakes along the Marin Headlands bluffs. Three turnoffs here are recommended stops. The first turnoff, immediately above the North Tower of the Bridge, amounts to a walk out to Battery Spencer and a close-up view of the Bridge. A vertical photo of the North Tower is possible. Another visual concept is the military fortification and .....the Bridge together. The Marin Headlands played a critical part in defending the United States following the hysteria of Pearl Harbor. There was substantial fear that Japan would mount a mainland invasion, with San Francisco as the target. U.S. military fortified the Marin Headlands hillsides with gun emplacements. Gone today are the guns themselves, but their concrete bunker support systems are a sobering reminder of the World War II era. The second turnoff, a quarter mile to the west, is the classic view of the Golden Gate Bridge North Tower with The City in the background. This is a vertical image seen in many postcard collections about San Francisco. Possibly your photo visit will have extraordinary good light in the hour before sunset. If the sky is clear, the Bridge will have some golden glow on it. If the sky is foggy or cloudy, you may just happen upon a dramatic dance of fog and bridge. Show less

The Presidio park is huge, but also a must-visit destination even if you are in San Francisco only for a couple of days! A really cool spot to see is the Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line right in the middle of the park. It’s a 1,200-ft. winding line of eucalyptus trunks put together in a path, a very fun place for a stroll and a unique sight! You also shouldn’t miss the Lyon Street Steps, a famous staircase with a great view of the Palace of Fine Arts.

One of my favorite views of the Golden Gate Bridge was at the Golden Gate Overlook. I love how the bridge fits in perfectly between two trees. You can also get a good look at the old batteries here that once defended the Gate. A little further south west is the Batteries to Bluffs Trail which is a short 0.7 mile trail that traces the wild bluffs of the Presidio’s Western shores. You get coastal panoramas, views of the Golden Gate Bridge and a path down to Marshall’s Beach.

Getting around San Francisco is fairly seamless, especially if you’re within the tourist areas, but be prepared to walk up steep hills. Driving isn’t recommended unless you require a car because parking can be scarce in parts of the city. Not to mention parallel parking on an incline is nearly impossible. From the airport, take BART, the train system that runs through the city and across into Oakland. Fares vary by where you’re going, but should cost around $5-10 for a ride. When it comes to getting around town, opt for .....MUNI, which runs the trams and buses that cost around $2.50 per ride. The historic cable cars that are so iconic are more for photo ops than transportation in many parts of the city, but you can also opt for the historic streetcars that have been refurbished from areas like New Orleans. Remember that the cable cars cost more than double per ride and often have a wait to get on where they turn around. And, of course, rideshare apps like Lyft and Uber are king here, bridging the gap between neighborhoods and transportation. I took them to bars, breweries and to the airport with ease. Get a free ride on Lyft by entering the code “CAROLINE868074”.  Show less

Taking a day trip to California’s wine country (home to the best wine in the world) is totally feasible from San Francisco. If you have a car, the one-way journey takes an hour. If you don’t have a car, then you can book this Small-Group Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour with Lunch. It has amazing reviews and includes tastings at a variety of the best wineries in the region. And if you’d prefer a private tour of the wineries (I don’t blame you!), then book this Private Sonoma and Napa Wine Tour from San Francisco.

Held twice a year, the Half Moon Bay Antiques & Collectibles Show, is a fun event to go to with the family.  The winter one took place right before the holidays (December 16 and 17) and the summer one is held in June.  They had booths inside and outside the I.D.E.S. Hall, which is located at 735 Main Street in downtown Half Moon Bay. This is one of the only antique shows that you’ll find on the coast, produced locally in Half Moon Bay by Lyonessa Collectibles. If you are a .....treasure hunter, decorator, collector or simply enjoy finding something special from your past, then this is a fun show. We think it’s a fun family friendly choice, because of the fact that it’s a great way to introduce kids to a bit of history through collectibles. Dealers sell an assortment of decorative items, vintage clothing, estate jewelry, primitives, furniture, glassware, memorabilia, kitchenware, textiles, artwork, toys, costume jewelry and  more. You will also find that most items are reasonably priced. For kids, you can also walk down memory lane with them, showing them some of the toys you once played with, your grandmother’s cookie jar, board games you enjoyed with family or friends, and keepsakes that always made you smile. Admission is $5 for the event and a portion of proceeds from admission fees are donated to The Sweet Farm Foundation, an animal rescue organization set on a 12 acre farm in Half Moon Bay!  They also offer wine and cheese tasting on site as well for an additional fee, and certainly for the December show, it was a great way to take in the festive holiday season. For more information, head on over to their website. What do you think of our family friendly travel suggestions for the San Francisco Bay Area? Let us know in the comments below and what you think we may have missed. And, be sure to check out our San Francisco page as well as our Family Travel Section and our California section. Show less

This famous scenic drive weaves throughout the unincorporated golf-courses-and-resorts community of Pebble Beach. At one point, I think it was free, but now the community charges $10.50 per car for entrance. So once you’re in there, take your time and stop often to enjoy the gorgeous views, including the iconic Lone Cypress.