When people think of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is usually the first thing that comes to mind and for good reason. The iconic suspension bridge famous for its art deco elements, 746-foot tall towers, and distinct International Orange color (which would have been black and yellow stripes had the Navy had its way when it was completed in 1937), is just as stunning when glistening in the sunlight as it is when peeking out of the fog. There’s nothing quite like walking over the bridge, which pedestrians can do between 5am and 6:30pm/9pm depending on the season.But it’s also impressive when viewed from afar; Crissy Field, Fort Point, Baker Beach, and the Marin Headlands all offer excellent vantage points to take pictures and help keep its status as the most photographed bridge in the world.
San Francisco’s really just the tip of a peninsula, which means that its city confines are actually quite small and much of its acreage includes spectacular water views: the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Golden Gate and namesake bridge on the north, and the San Francisco Bay on the east. Seriously, this city is only seven miles wide and seven miles deep, so it’s easy to explore on foot — although you may need fuel to conquer its more than 50 hills – but it's jampacked with attractions.
An international destination, San Francisco has Michelin-starred dining and hole-in-the-wall winners alike, as well as museums, surprising architecture, sports teams, and diverse neighborhoods. You might even feel an earthquake while you’re here; there are hundreds of small ones each year!
Here’s our list of the best attractions in San Francisco to put on your bucket list – whether you're a tourist or a local. Enjoy.
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