4 Top San Francisco Sights to See in One Day
San Francisco, the city by the bay, is steeped in history and charm. Tony Bennett sang that he left his heart in San Francisco and it’s easy to see why. There are so many things to do, it’s difficult to plan a full day without spending most of your time traveling from one destination to the other.
In order to make the most of a visit to the city, here are four top San Francisco sights that you can see in one day.
The Golden Gate Bridge
Image via Flickr by bstorage
By far, the Golden Gate Bridge, which spans the San Francisco Bay is a must-see landmark for any visitor. You can look at it from a distance, cross it by car, or even walk across it. There are parking areas on both sides of the bridge and walking even halfway across the bridge offers a spectacular view of the bay and the San Francisco skyline. Generally speaking, you should plan to spend 1-2 hours at the Golden Gate Bridge.
Fisherman’s Wharf
From the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s just a short trip to the historic Fisherman’s Wharf. The shopping district offers something for everyone. You can ride the historic F Streetcar and even watch seals sunbathing. Fisherman’s Wharf is home to the Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum and PIER 39 shopping center. Another huge attraction is the sea air and the fresh seafood. Most people recommend planning to spend about half a day at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Alcatraz
Image via Flickr by dhilung
While you’re in Fisherman’s Wharf, you can catch a ferry that will take you across the bay to the infamous Alcatraz prison. Rich with history, this abandoned prison has sparked the imagination of generations. From exciting stories of daring escape attempts to tales of horrific living condition, Alcatraz is a must-see for any tourist. However, it’s important to book your ferry tickets in advance, because they often sell out or have very long wait times. Plan to spend about 3-4 hours including the scenic ferry ride.
Argonaut Hotel, a Kimpton Hotel
After a full day of sightseeing, wind down at the Argonaut Hotel. Being a Kimpton Hotel, it’s decidedly quirky. The Argonaut is nautical themed, and if you didn’t know better, you’d swear that you were spending the night on a yacht in the middle of the bay. Not only are the rooms well decorated, they offer an amazing view of the water. The lobby, the common areas. and even the Blue Mermaid restaurant are decorated with the Kimpton trademark bright colors and unusual furnishings. Like all Kimpton properties, the Argonaut offers free wine receptions each evening and a companion goldfish on request.
When planning a trip to San Francisco, be sure to make your reservations in advance, as it’s a popular tourist destination and the best hotels and attraction fill up early. To be sure that you get the best deal, check Gogobot‘s guide to San Francisco. If you have more than a day to see the sights, be sure to visit areas like the Mission District and Chinatown, and remember to wear flowers in your hair. – Travel Feeder
About The Author
Cecil Lee
The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.
