San Francisco Holidays

Holidays in San Francisco

There is so much to discover on your San Francisco holiday. While not many still wear flower crowns, it’s still the hippest city on earth. From the City Lights Bookshop to The Filmore, where Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Jefferson Airplane and The Grateful Dead first played, San Francisco has it all. San Francisco is a city known for its fog and cool winds, steep hills and trams, Chinatown, Victorian houses, and the famous Dungeness crab found in restaurants on Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.

Things to do in San Francisco

Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39

One of San Francisco’s most popular tourist attractions, Fisherman’s Wharf is home to the famous Pier 39, one of the best-known fishing spots in all of America. However, it is much more than a fishing spot as Pier 39 is essentially a town unto itself. There are all sorts of attractions including an eye-catching two-story carousel, a video game arcade, an aquarium and a fully stocked shopping mall. With so much to see and do at Fisherman’s Wharf, there’s literally a full week’s worth of activities to enjoy, including a welcome greeting from a sea lion or two. So much so that we highly recommend the 7-day pass which includes access to all of the main attractions. For further Fisherman’s Wharf fun, visit the nearby Pier 45 which is home to many unique attractions, such as the magnificent Muée Méchanique, the world’s largest collection of vintage mechanical machinations, and the USS Pampanito submarine which is restored as a boardable maritime museum.

Historic Attractions

Both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Alcatraz prison island (AKA ‘the Rock’) can be seen from Fisherman Wharf’s Pier 39 and cruises operate from the pier to them both on a daily basis. The Golden Gate Bridge is an absolute must while on holiday in San Francisco, after all, it is one of the most recognisable structures in the world. Alcatraz on the other hand, will have history lovers enthralled with the legendary tales of escapes and famous inmates.

Explore the Parks

While the very human cultural and historical attractions of San Francisco speak for themselves, visitors shouldn’t overlook the region’s natural beauty, which should be considered an essential element of a San Francisco holiday.

The Muir Woods National Park is home to the iconic Redwood trees, which are some of the tallest and oldest trees found on Earth. The tallest in Muir Wood currently stands at over 250 feet tall. These natural wonders are an awe-inspiring sight and standing near them is a one-of-a-kind experience.

For further San Fran outdoor adventures, a day trip to Yosemite National Park is a must. Here you will experience America’s natural splendour in all its glory. Traverse through the Great Central Valley and into the Sierra foothills, where you will see the beauty of the Merced River, the outstanding Sierra Nevada Mountains and the fantastic Yosemite Falls. Guided tours run daily, while visitors can explore the park at their own pace on foot or by bike.