San Francisco, one of the world’s most popular international destinations, is renowned for its perfect marine weather, beautiful scenery, entertaining attractions, and famous landmarks. There is always something to do or see in San Francisco. With Smart Traveling’s city guide, you can explore the hot spots of San Francisco and the Bay area.
Arriving at the SFO Airport
San Francisco International Airport is one of the world’s 30 busiest airports serving several million domestic and international travelers annually. SFO is a leader in safety, customer service, and quality of facilities. While the airport is a superior facility, SFO airport parking can be difficult. However, Airport Parking Connection makes San Francisco Airport parking simple.
- Taxi - You can take a taxi from your hotel or park in a lot near the airport and take a taxi directly to your terminal. If you choose to park near the SFO airport, Airport Parking Connection offers discount airport parking prices, safe and secure lots, and quick and easy reservations.
- Hotel Shuttle - Many of the nearby hotels offer complimentary shuttles to and from SFO. Be sure to check your hotel to see if they offer a complimentary airport shuttle.
- Car Rental - You can always rent a car at or near the airport. While this can be beneficial if you plan on driving a lot, it can also be time-consuming and frustrating. Be sure to check various car rental companies to compare rates and distances from your terminal.
- Airport Parking - Your best option is SFO airport parking. With Airport Parking Connection, parking at the airport is easy and hassle-free. We offer discount airport parking rates, easy reservation, a hassle-free cancellation policy, and secure parking lots. We also provide complimentary shuttle services to and from your terminal.
Tourist Attractions in San Francisco
There are countless tourist attractions in and around San Francisco. In fact, there are too many too describe here. However, to give you some ideas, a few popular attractions are listed below.
- Golden Gate Bridge - The Golden Gate Bridge has been an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco since the bridge’s completion in 1937. It is a very long suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, which is the opening of the San Francisco Bay onto the Pacific Ocean. The bridge connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County. It is one of the world’s most beautiful bridges with its tremendous towers, sweeping main cables, and unique color. Visiting the world famous Golden Gate Bridge is a unique experience for everyone.
- Alcatraz - Alcatraz Island, also known as The Rock, has been a versatile island since being discovered in 1775. It has served as the site of the first West Coast lighthouse, as a harbor defense fort during the Civil War, as a legendary federal prison, as the setting for several blockbuster hits, and as a tourist attraction. The Island is about a mile and a half off the coast of Fisherman’s Wharf. It is now maintained as part of the National Park Service because along with the former prison, the island is home to rare flowers and plants, marine wildlife, and a variety of birds. You can take a ferry to view its beauty and uniqueness. Additionally, there are many guided tours that take inside the walls of the famous Alcatraz prison grounds.
- Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf - At Pier 39, there is something for everyone. From shops to restaurants, to random street entertainment and festivals, no matter what you will have a wonderful, unique, and unforgettable experience on the Pier. Throughout the year, Pier 39 hosts several free events and has daily entertainment. Additionally, Pier 39 is home to world-renowned sea lions basking in the sun and playfully knocking each other around on the docks of Sea Lion Cafe. With over 110 stores, 12 restaurants offering spectacular views of the Bay, and a variety of fun-filled entertaining attractions, Pier 39 should be on the top of your to-do list.
- Angel Island State Park - Angel Island is the largest island in the San Francisco Bay area. It offers miles of hiking trails and bike paths, guided tours, cozy camping sites, pleasant picnic areas with tables and charcoal barbeques, historical military structures, and beautiful sites of the city of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay.
- Museums - The San Francisco Bay Area is home to an assortment of worldly recognized museums and galleries. Each museum offers an interesting, unique, beautiful look into a variety of cultures, architecture, and art. We've provided some of the best museums below:
San Francisco Nightlife
San Francisco is home to some of the best gourmet restaurants, trendy clubs, lounges, and a variety of bars. From Chinatown to the Industrial District, you will have an enjoyable night out on the town in San Francisco. Several places offer live music and entertainment. Other places offer famous DJs, urban settings, casual atmospheres, and tasty cocktails. You can find a variety of atmospheres, including sport bars, adult clubs, jazz clubs, lounges, comedy clubs, and more. For a list of popular bars, clubs, and lounges visit SanFrancisco.com.
San Francisco Wine Country
The city of San Francisco is in close proximity to some of California’s finest wine country. About an hour’s drive north of San Francisco are two regions of beautiful scenery, fine wines, world-class gourmet restaurants, shopping, recreational activities, and more.
- Napa Valley - Napa Valley offers several attractions, but is most famous for being one of California’s finest wine regions. Napa is home to approximately 325 wineries. Several wineries offer wine tours with affordable wine tasting. Many wineries even offer free wine and cheese samples. In addition to the numerous wineries, there are several other places to visit while in Napa, including a variety of charming restaurants, day spas, breweries, and more.
- Sonoma Valley - Sonoma Valley is another famous wine region near San Francisco. It is actually a little closer to San Francisco than Napa Valley, but is only home to about 145 wineries. In addition to fine wine, Sonoma offers various activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, wine tours, gourmet restaurants, antique shops, and much more.
San Francisco Sports
- The San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park - AT&T Park (formerly Pac Bell Park) is home to the Major League Baseball team the San Francisco Giants. It is a wonderful place to visit because of its unique design, modern features and amenities, and beautiful sights of the Bay and the city. The park opened on April 11, 2000 and has since been recognized as a classic urban ballpark with an old-time feel.
- The San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park - Candlestick Park used to be the home of the San Francisco Giants. In fact, the field was christened on April 12, 1960 when the SF Giants beat the St. Louis Cardinals. During the early 1970s, the park was expanded to house the National Football League team the San Francisco 49ers. The two teams shared the field until Giants moved to AT&T Park and now Candlestick is solely used by the 49ers. The 49ers became the first major league professional sports franchise to be based in San Francisco. The 49ers have made their fans proud, winning five NFL championships.
San Francisco Weather
San Francisco enjoys a lovely, temperate, marine climate year round. While there can be a lot of rain during the winter, summer, spring, and fall are mild and beautiful. Year round, temperatures usually hover between 40° and 70° F. During the winter months, it can get very windy. Additionally, the city is famous for a thick morning and evening fog that dissipates by midday. San Francisco 10-Day Forecast.