Visiting San Francisco is a golden opportunity. It is, after all, known as The Golden City thanks to its golden-brown grass, stunning Golden Gate Bridge and connection to the California Gold Rush era.
While staying at IHG® Army Hotels on Parks RFTA, you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of San Francisco in under an hour. The city itself is only 49-square miles, but each unique neighborhood offers its own sights, flavors and charm.
From the popular Fisherman’s Wharf to unmatched views at Golden Gate Park to reliving the hippie days in Haight-Ashbury, there are endless things to see and do. We’ve gathered the top attractions in a few of our favorite San Francisco neighborhoods to get your trip started!
Fisherman’s Wharf
Picture San Francisco in your mind, and this neighborhood is likely the image that pops up—Fisherman’s Wharf is repeatedly named the city’s top tourist destination. Here, you’ll see historic boats and cable cars, smell succulent seafood, get happily distracted by street performers as you stroll along the famous Pier 39, and enjoy some of the best tours, restaurants and shopping. Keep an eye out for the neighborhood’s most beloved residents—a playful group of sea lions that have made the pier their home since 1990!
The Maritime Museum and Aquarium of the Bay are always crowd pleasers, but the most popular tour is a boat ride to the infamous Alcatraz. Now a National Park Service site, “The Rock” is best known as a former maximum-security federal prison that housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.” However, there’s more to its complicated history than convicts and attempted prison breaks: California’s first lighthouse was on Alcatraz, it previously served as a fort and military prison, and the Indians of All Tribes occupied the space for nearly two years in recognition of Native American civil rights.
Before you head to your next destination, grab some Ghirardelli chocolates for the ride. Fun fact: the chocolatier’s historic factory is in San Francisco and is now a key landmark of the city where it functions as an urban mall called Ghirardelli Square.
Golden Gate Park
Larger than New York’s Central Park, Golden Gate Park, once known as the “Outside Lands,” now attracts 24 million visitors annually. A visit to Golden Gate Park couldn’t be more beautiful, boasting art exhibits, museums, lush gardens, abundant animals and an unmatched view from the SkyStar Wheel.
Between the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden and San Francisco Botanical Garden, you can enjoy thousands of stunning and rare plants and flowers— all located within Golden Gate Park. The conservatory, the area’s oldest building, boasts galleries featuring five distinct ecosystems of unique tropical plants and flowers. Visit the Botanical Gardens for 55-acres of plant collections from around the world, and find your Zen at the Japanese Tea Garden, featuring rock sculptures, Japanese structures, waterfalls and a 1.5-ton Buddha.
You might catch a glimpse of the park’s local Bison herd, but you also can see more than 2,000 animals in the 100-acre San Francisco Zoo. Open year-round, the zoo offers an up-close look at exotic and endangered species in a serene garden setting.
And be sure to plan some time for a simple bike, stroll or skate through the park. There are plenty of treasures to find along the way, and popular annual events like Flower Piano and Outside Lands.
Nob Hill
Nob Hill sits at the center of several popular San Francisco neighborhoods offering breathtaking views, hundreds of feet above the city. Nob Hill is also one of six neighborhoods accessible by cable car on three different lines. The cable car system first appeared in San Francisco more than 150 years ago and the cars themselves are named as the only moveable National Historic Landmark. Many of these meticulously restored cable cars offer visitors the same experience as locals had in the 1870s.
We suggest taking the Powell-Hyde line starting at Powell and Market streets. In addition to Nob Hill, you’ll pass Union Square, the Cable Car Museum, Lombard Street—known as the “crookedest street in the world”— and Alcatraz Island. The line ends at the famous, and previously mentioned, Fisherman’s Wharf. Check out the Muni app for more on using San Francisco’s public transportation system.
Haight-Ashbury
Whether your heart never left the ‘60s or you are looking for a vibrant and free neighborhood to sightsee, Haight-Ashbury is your place. This neighborhood packs a lot of personality and nostalgia.
View colorful Victorian houses, shop groovy clothing stores and unique boutiques, check out hip restaurants and, of course, revel in the music of the decade. Shop vintage records and pay homage to both the former Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane houses. You’ll sense plenty of musical influences that include Jimi Hendrix and Janice Joplin, too.
Richmond/Presidio
Situated at the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge is the Richmond/Presidio neighborhood.
Previously a military base, Presidio was reimagined as an artistic and lively part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Here, you’ll get postcard-like views of the Golden Gate Bridge and learn more about its history and construction. You can tour the bridge area by foot, or for those seeking a bit of adventure, the option to hike or bike is also available.
Presidio’s former military buildings now house restaurants, hotels and other attractions. Part of the old barracks has been transformed into The Walt Disney Family Museum, showcasing permanent and rotating exhibits and holding classes, field trips and workshops centered on the famed illustrator and creator.
Plenty to pack in
That’s it for our San Francisco neighborhood roundup, but there’s so much more to see and do in The Golden City. If your schedule permits, we also suggest Chinatown’s architecture and amazing eateries, the Civic Center’s entertainment and museums, and Treasure Island’s winery scene and flea markets.
At the end of a very busy day, you can count on IHG Army Hotels on Parks RFTA to provide the service and amenities you need to wind down— including complimentary hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, fitness center, free guest laundry facility and so much more. Enjoy your trip!
