golden gate yacht club san francisco

Golden Gate Yacht Club

1 Yacht Rd, San Francisco, CA

About This Vendor

Amenities + details, pricing for golden gate yacht club, golden gate yacht club reviews.

• Top reviews
• Newest first
• Oldest first
• Highest rated
• Lowest rated

Contact Info for Golden Gate Yacht Club

• 301 or more

Wedding Vendors in San Francisco

• Wedding Vendors /
• Wedding Venues /
• California Wedding Venues /
• San Francisco Wedding Venues /

Smooth Sailing: The 5 Best Yacht Clubs in San Fran

San Francisco is known for its beautiful coastline and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It's no wonder that the city is home to some of the best yacht clubs in the country.

These clubs offer a variety of amenities and services to their members, from sailing lessons to social events to fine dining.

Yacht clubs in San Francisco range from traditional and exclusive to more laid-back and welcoming. Each club has its own unique atmosphere and caters to different interests and lifestyles.

Some clubs focus more on racing and competition, while others prioritize leisurely cruises and social gatherings.

In addition to the sailing opportunities, yacht clubs in San Francisco offer spectacular views of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Many of these clubs are located in prime waterfront locations, providing members with easy access to the bay and all the exciting activities it has to offer.

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a beginner looking to learn, there's a yacht club in San Francisco that's perfect for you.

Joining a club is a great way to meet new people, enjoy the beauty of the bay, and take part in a timeless tradition that has been a part of San Francisco's culture for centuries.

1. St. Francis Yacht Club

The St. Francis Yacht Club is a stunning venue for yachting events, with amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The club has sailing lessons for kids and hosts many water sports events throughout the year.

The staff and members are open, friendly, and helpful to all visitors.

The restaurant serves excellent food with a great wine list, and the workout facility on-site is fantastic. The club is a San Francisco institution that is well worth a visit.

2. Golden Gate Yacht Club

Golden Gate Yacht Club is a fantastic destination for yacht enthusiasts. The club boasts a stunning view of the San Francisco Bay, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The staff is professional, helpful, and friendly, making the experience enjoyable for all.

The food and drink are of high quality and are served with great service.

The club hosted the America's Cup on the Bay, making it a must-visit location for sailing enthusiasts. The club is also a great venue for private events and parties.

3. Treasure Island Yacht Club

Treasure Island Yacht Club is a top-notch club that offers a great location for yacht enthusiasts to dock and explore.

The club's Port Captain, Bill, is a pleasure to work with and makes planning cruise ins a breeze.

The club's annual New Year's cruise is a must-attend event, complete with delicious clam chowder.

If you're looking for a great yacht club to visit, be sure to stop by Treasure Island Yacht Club.

4. Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club

Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club is a local gem that offers a laid-back atmosphere with reasonable prices. The club has a bar, kitchen, stage, and outdoor patio with a great view of the bay.

They offer sailing classes for kids and host numerous events and parties. It's a members-only club, but guests of members are welcome.

The club is located within walking distance of AT&T Park and the Chase Center. It's a great place for private parties and a good spot to tie up for a few hours.

If you're looking for a fun and friendly yacht club, Mariposa Hunters Point Yacht Club is definitely worth checking out.

5. South Beach Yacht Club

South Beach Yacht Club is a must-visit for boaters in the area. The club boasts well-appointed facilities and a lively atmosphere that is sure to impress guests.

With stunning views of the Bay Bridge from the expansive second-level deck, the club is an ideal spot to spend the day or evening.

While the food may be a bit bland, it is nicely prepared, and the friendly members make up for any shortcomings.

If you're lucky enough to get an invite, a visit to South Beach Yacht Club is definitely worth your time.

About The Author

Navy jackson, related posts.

Souvenir Shopping Spree: 7 Must-Visit Stores in San Fran!

Kicks ‘n’ Flips: The Top 7 Martial Arts Schools in San Francisco

Meat Your Match: 13 Butcher Shops that Slay in San Francisco!

Party All Night: Discover San Francisco’s 14 Hottest Nightclubs!

Paw-some Picks: 13 Top Pet Stores in San Francisco

Score Big at These 8 Sporting Goods Stores in San Francisco!

• Destinations

Golden Gate Yacht Club

• AV capabilities
• Other decor (Preferred vendors)
• Space (private)
• Table linens
• Dance floor

Alcohol and catering

• Alcohol allowed
• Onsite catering
• Onsite kitchen
• Complimentary parking
• Paid parking
• Valet parking

Golden Gate Yacht Club Meeting Space

• Search Event Venues
• Find Venue Promotions
• Explore City Guides
• Event Management Software
• Mobile Event Apps
• Cvent Supplier Network
• Strategic Meetings Management
• Web Survey Software
• Customer Support
• Your Privacy Choices
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Advertise with us

• About Funcheap

SF Model Yacht Club 125th Anniversary Celebration (Golden Gate Park)

Free / learn more.

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Displays of model power boats and sail boats – talk with club members and learn about their boats. San Francisco Sailing Science Center Exhibits. Ragtop/Stinkpot Relay Regatta .Have-A-Go for Public – try running a model with some individual instruction. SFMYC Club Building Open House. Live Music: Parlor Tricks “Industrial Ragtime” Band Come learn about the history of the oldest continuously operating model yacht club in the U.S. The club was founded in 1898. Spreckels Lake, specifically designed for model yachting, was completed in 1904. The historic club building was completed in 1937. The club hosts numerous regional, national, and international events at the lake.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.

Most Popular Upcoming Events

• SF’s Easter In the Park & Hunky Jesus Contest 2024 (Dolores Park)
• SF’s “Bring Your Own Big Wheel” Race on Easter Sunday 2024 (Potrero Hill)
• SF’s Rooftop “Spring Fling” Free Fest at Salesforce Park (2024)
• 2024 Non Stop Bhangra’s Holi Festival Of Colors (Oakland)
• Belmont’s 2024 Egg Adventure Hunt w/ 16,000 Eggs
• San Mateo’s 47th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza 2024
• “TreasureFest” on Treasure Island 2024 (Mar. 30-31)
• SF’s Free Spring 2024 Outdoor Movie Night Kickoff w/ “Barbie” (Mar. 29 – Apr. 26)
• Easter Fair feat. 2 Egg Hunts, Petting Zoo & More (SF)
• SF’s Free Outdoor Screen-Printing Pop-ups “Heart Your Parks” (2024)

Sign Up For Funcheap Emails

Most popular city guides.

• Free Monthly Museum Days
• SF’s “Bhangra” Night Market & Block Party is Back Four Times in 2024
• San Francisco’s Spring Festivals & Street Fairs (2024)
• SF’s “Chinatown Night Market” Returns for 2024
• SF Getting a Huge New Monthly Block Party: “Downtown First Thursdays”
• How to Get the NY Times for Free (Updated for 2024)
• San Francisco March Festivals & Street Fairs
• San Francisco April Festivals & Street Fairs
• SF Parks’ Free Screenprint Giveaway Returns March 30th
• The Bay Area Has A New Drive-in Wildlife Safari

• Jobs & Internships
• Terms of Service
• DMCA Requests
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Privacy Policy

Lisa Alpine

Dancing through the world of words, hidden treasure under the shadow of the golden gate bridge.

The Travis Marina Bar is hidden on the edge of the harbor in Horseshoe Cove in Travis Marina at Fort Baker. Most people are unaware of the club right under their noses when they drive north from San Francisco to Marin County over the bridge.

Up a flight of rickety wooden stairs there is no sign, but Christmas lights invitingly wink and twinkle as jovial banter floats out the open door. Seagulls wheel overhead, while sea lions pop up from the sea bream and bark.

The long, polished bar across the scuffed wooden dance floor is populated by various local characters—it’s a hangout. Nary a tourist in sight.

A collection of overstuffed leather chairs and couches angle around the windows facing the bay. Get here before dark so you can witness the beauty of water turning from sharp copper to jet-blue caressed by the setting sunlight. Or it might be a foggy dusk when the soft, pale blanket of mist hovering over jade-grey waters dims and fades into the foghorned night.

On nights when there is a band—usually Friday-Sunday—join couples and singles swinging about to blues, country, or rock-and-roll standards. The folks at the bar chat you up when you mosey over for a pint, and the dancers beckon the couch potatoes to get up and shake a leg. It is a very friendly crowd.

Fort Baker, where this wonderful tavern is located, is a 335-acre former U.S. Army post that has been incorporated into the vast, open park space of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The cannon gun placements and Nike missile launch sites still poke their rusty, rumbled heads above the lacy fields of fennel and waving rattlesnake grass that surround the dilapidated piers and buildings.

Originally inhabited by coastal Miwok tribes, Horseshoe Cove became home to Fort Baker long before there was a Golden Gate Bridge. In 1866, the U.S. Army acquired the site for a military base to fortify the north side of the Golden Gate. The Army post remained active through World War II.

A myriad of honeycombed trails leading into the Marin Headlands are an excellent place to explore by foot or bike. A public fishing pier just past the Coast Guard station is situated almost underneath the Bridge. Panoramic views captivate, with San Francisco rising like Oz across the spangled waters. As you crane your neck to look up at the bridge, it seems immense and is gloriously lit. At night the pier is bustling with fishermen bundled up from the ice-chill winds, patiently waiting to hook jacksmelt, sanddab, rockfish, king salmon, sturgeon, and crabs.

Nestled against the Scotch-broom-swathed hillside is the juxtaposition of the funky and friendly yacht club. Surrounding the ten-acre Fort Baker parade grounds are classic officer buildings that have been renovated and now house Cavallo Point Resort. Valets park sleek Jaguars, Rolls-Royces, and Teslas that zoom up to the entrance of the hotel and restaurant.

The Presidio Yacht Club was organized at the Presidio of San Francisco in 1959, and maintains a yacht harbor on Horseshoe Cove with 70 berths, guest docks, maintenance facilities, and a clubhouse open to the public managed by Travis Air Force Base (go figure!). The club and its members are active in Bay Area yacht racing, power and sail cruising, and the local, regional, and international boating community.

The bar hovers above a seaweed-strewn beach dotted with racing canoes. Watching the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club teams launch their boats into the turbulent bay to paddle energetically out to the choppy waters is also invigorating, in a passive sort of way.

Sunset is the perfect time to arrive, when you get to see the Golden Gate Bridge glowing in the daylight and then transitioning to her glittering, swooping necklace at night. On foggy days, maybe not—but then you get the call of the foghorns and the International Orange eerie glow of her fabulous towers and spans.

Discover this hidden gem in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge—savor the music, the drinks, and the best views ever. The characters dancing on the old wooden floor are a fine and copacetic mix of young rangers and researchers from the park service; employees from the nearby museum and Coast Guard station; and old salts with barnacled fishing boats and yachts tied up at the dock.

Details, details…

Travis Marina Bar is currently open for indoor seating, Live Music & Private Events on Fridays 4pm-8pm; Saturday 12pm-8pm; Sunday 12pm-6pm.

It is located in Horseshoe Cove, Fort Baker, Sausalito, on the second floor of the Travis Sailing Center. Look for the wooden stairs on the far side of the building. Guest docks are available if you sail there.

Check the events calendar page to see if the bar is open (sometimes they close for private events), and if there is live music.

For more information, visit  Travis Marina   or call 415.332.2319

How To Drive There:

Take Alexander Avenue off of Highway 101. It is the last exit before driving onto the Golden Gate Bridge going south, and the first exit after the vista point going north. Take Alexander Drive down the hill till you see Danes Drive and then, just before the tunnel, turn right onto Bunker Road and follow it down to the pier and Horseshoe Cove.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Show past events

December 2023

January 2024, february 2024, august 2024, september 2024, october 2024, november 2024, december 2024, january 2025, february 2025.

San Francisco Model Yacht Club

Welcome to the San Francisco Model Yacht Club

• Copy link to this article

More than 5,000 miles separate the Bay Area from Dublin and Belfast, but the ghosts of Ireland’s past never feel very far away here.

San Francisco has a long Irish history, dating back to the Gold Rush. City records estimate a third of San Francisco’s workforce was of Irish descent by the 1880s. An Irishman, Jasper O’Farrell, of O’Farrell Street fame, also designed the city grid, meaning that the very fabric of San Francisco is, in effect, Irish.

But history lessons can be a tad dry. They always go down better at the bar of the Dovre Club, washed down by multiple pints of the black stuff served up by bartender Brendon “Elvis” McElhatton, who’s been pulling them there since 1999. I wanted to know if some local shenanigans I’d heard about were authentic Irish history or blarney, so I made my way down there and claimed a stool.

The Dovre Club is steeped in San Francisco Irish folklore. The walls are adorned with newspaper clippings about the bar and its former owner, Patrick “Paddy” Nolan. Hunter S. Thompson is said to have drunk there with journalist Warren Hinckle, a friend of Nolan’s. Photos of Nolan hang alongside Irish memorabilia and a banner reading “Free the H-Block 4.” (More on that later.)  The Guinness is creamy, delicious and served the proper way. One raucous tale I sought to verify had to do with piglets and a posh hotel. As the legend goes, Nolan, a staunch advocate of Irish Northern Aid, a major faction in the movement to unite Ireland into a single nation, was behind a prank that involved backing a truck full of live piglets up to the entrance to the Westin St. Francis and releasing them into the lobby. 

The stunt, it’s said, was in protest of the presence at the hotel of Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth’s sister. The pigs referenced a remark allegedly made by the princess during a dinner with Chicago’s mayor in the late 1970s. The rumor that she had denounced the Irish as pigs caused international uproar during a bloody time in Northern Ireland. 

Sadly, I could find no newspaper archive clippings to verify this squealing act of resistance against the British monarchy. Still, Irish protesters did gather outside the Fairmont Hotel on Oct. 22, 1979, where the princess was attending a dinner-dance at the Venetian Room alongside guests such as Bob Hope and Tony Bennett. At least one of the 200 angry Irish protesters brought a live piglet—named Jigs, San Francisco Examiner archives show.

Nolan never had children and died of throat cancer in 1996, leaving his storied Mission District bar to Brian McElhatton, who died of brain cancer in 2008. Elvis is Brian’s younger brother, and probably one of the only men alive who might know the truth about the piglets. But when I asked about them, he simply laughed and said, “That’s classic gossip!”

Potato bombs from the Golden Gate?

Another tale claims that when the late Queen Elizabeth visited San Francisco in the 1980s, Irish protesters stood on the Golden Gate Bridge with a sack of potatoes, hurling them at the royal yacht Britannia from above. 

This one, too, merits a fact-check. For one thing, “it was pig’s blood,” Elvis said. “We’ve got to keep our potatoes. We don’t waste that shit.” 

It also never made it past the plotting stage. Police caught wind of the scheme, but many of the cops, being Irish themselves, refused to intervene, according to Elvis.

The plan never came to fruition, as the Golden Gate Bridge walkways were closed, he said. FBI documents allege there was a plot to kill the queen that involved dropping something off the bridge toward the royal yacht during her 1983 visit. The files name the Dovre Club as a gathering place for Irish Republican Army sympathizers.

A related legend claims Nolan and friends loaded boats with rotting fish and tailed the royal yacht so that seagulls would flock over the Queen’s fancy floater and play havoc with its sophisticated radar systems—or perhaps just cover it in poop. Alas, no newspaper clippings could be found to corroborate this tale either. But news clips do show a tight cordon was enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard to keep private vessels away from the royal yacht. 

I asked Elvis about this tale, too. “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story,” the bartender said after serving me another Guinness.

Rumors of a secret IRA safe house

Dovre Club’s former home, at the corner of what is now the Women’s Building, is rumored to have harbored Irish political prisoners in a secret basement before the club moved to the corner of Valencia and 26th streets in 1998.

The basement exists. I went to see it for myself, guided by the building’s facilities manager, Julio Artiga, who had no idea his storage room may once have been a refuge for IRA members and the like. The bar above is now a day care center, but old metal doors that lead to the street can still be seen from below, as can an ancient-looking washbasin and urinal—what more does a wayward Irish son need below a bar?

I was dying to know whether it really did stash prisoners. But when I asked Elvis about it; the color drained from his otherwise rosy complexion, and he shook his head.

“I’ve already got enough enemies, and I’m not trying to make any more,” he said. 

The legend of the H-Block 4

San Francisco Irish history is forever entwined with the story of the H-Block 4, four prisoners who escaped from Long Kesh, the infamous British prison in Northern Ireland—known as the Maze—in 1983. No tale of Irish San Francisco is complete without mentioning the escapees.

The men found sanctuary in the San Francisco Bay Area; one was extradited, one was deported and two stayed behind. One, Terry Kirby, lives in the East Bay. A phone call to Kirby’s home was answered by a woman with a faint Irish accent who said they weren’t interested in talking about Irish resistance in San Francisco before the phone slammed down.

The youngest of the four, Kevin Arrt, lives in San Francisco. I found an address for him and visited the street, but the door number didn’t exist. One door number up, a man stood outside a house. 

“I’m looking for a man named Kevin,” I asked him. He froze and then spoke back in a Northern Irish accent. “What do you want him for?”

I explained my quest. “I know Kevin, but he doesn’t live on this street. Give me your number, and I’ll have him give you a call.” A phone call from a blocked number came a day later, and Kevin—who was the man I'd met on the street—apologized for his deception. He said my British accent had scared the life out of him, thinking I was an assassin. (Do assassins wear corduroy trousers, too?)

Kevin did not want to comment for this story, stating he’d prefer to stay under the radar after clearing his name in Northern Ireland in 2020. He now wishes to retire in peace and said all the men with direct knowledge of any resistance acts in San Francisco, humorous or otherwise, were likely all dead.

Still, if you want to drink among some real San Francisco Irish history this St. Patrick’s Day, Dovre Club is open from noon until 2 a.m., with corned beef hash served around 3 p.m.

Writer's note: I grew up in Manchester, England, but feel it’s important to say my dad grew up in Roscommon, Ireland, in this very farmhouse , which is about as Irish as you can get. I’m an Irish citizen (thanks, Brexit). And if Ancestry’s DNA test is to be believed, my mother is about 20% Irish, too. Erin go bragh.

Joe Burn can be reached at [email protected]

Filed Under

• United States
• San Francisco Bay Area

Best Waterfront Restaurants in Sea Cliff

Cuisine (20 of 26), 31 restaurants available nearby, 1. the waterfront restaurant and cafe, 3. the spinnaker - sausalito, 4. greens restaurant, 6. the trident, 7. bistro boudin, 8. scoma's sausalito, 10. cioppino's.

Explore OpenTable

• North Beach
• Corte Madera
• Russian Hill
• San Anselmo
• Presidio Heights
• Sunset District
• Mission Bay / South Beach
• South San Francisco
• Redwood City
• Dining Rewards
• Private Dining
• Reserve for Others
• Restaurants Near Me
• Delivery Near Me
• Restaurants Open Now
• OpenTable for iOS
• OpenTable for Android
• Affiliate Program
• OpenTable.jp
• OpenTable.de
• OpenTable.es
• OpenTable.ca
• OpenTable.hk
• OpenTable.ie
• OpenTable.sg
• OpenTable.nl
• OpenTable.com.mx
• OpenTable.co.uk
• OpenTable.com.au
• OpenTable.ae
• OpenTable.co.th
• OpenTable.it
• OpenTable.com.tw
• OpenTable.fr
• Restaurant reservation software
• Industry insights
• Hospitality resources
• Marketing resources
• Operation resources
• How to open a restaurant
• For restaurants
• For restaurant groups
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Cookie Preferences

To the Golden Gate Bridge and Beyond: What To Do on Your San Francisco Vacation

N estled on a peninsula between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco is a northern California port city with beauty, entertainment, culture, and history. The city is known for its iconic bridge, steep streets, a prison that housed the most dangerous villains, cable cars, a dynamic waterfront, stick houses with unique architecture, and fog. We will explore all this and more as we outline fun things to do in San Francisco.

Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge

The mere mention of San Francisco conjures images of the Golden Gate Bridge. You cannot separate the city from the bridge. They are synonymous with one another.

When the Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937, it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world. One of the world's most recognized and photographed bridges, the red monster, totals 1.7 miles in length. Well, it is actually orange vermillion, or "International Orange." The Golden Gate Bridge is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, a distinction bestowed by the American Society of Civil Engineers. 

With its size, color, history, and engineering significance, it is no surprise that San Francisco visitors get excited to see the massive structure. You may be surprised you can walk or ride a bicycle across the bridge. Although viewing the bridge throughout the city is a joy, crossing it is the best way to appreciate its size and beauty fully. 

Julie and I walked the bridge in the rain and still had a blast. The bridge's sheer size and the rewarding views as you cross the bay will leave you mesmerized. Remember to allow plenty of time as the total walk is 3.4 miles.

Pedestrian and bike hours vary seasonally. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge site to verify hours during your visit.

Visit Alcatraz

"The Rock" has lots of history, serving as a fort, military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary. Alcatraz is a small island where you can explore its complex history and natural beauty. The National Park Service (NPS) manages the island's facilities as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. 

Alcatraz City Cruises, a private company, partners with the NPS, offering ferry rides to and from the island. During the ferry ride, you gain excellent views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline. The island itself delivers a surreal experience as you tour the prison facility. You can even step into a jail cell. 

The NPS offers an audio tour with great insight into what the prison was like. Stories about prisoners, wardens, and security guards bring the place to life as you walk the dark, eerie halls.

To our surprise, the island abounds with natural beauty. You will discover beautiful gardens overflowing with blooming flowers and greenery. Many birds, including cormorants, gulls, herons, pigeon guillemots, and snowy egrets, inhabit the island. Alcatraz Island yields outstanding views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.

The NPS strongly recommends you reserve tickets in advance for your Alcatraz tour. Your ticket includes the following:

• Ferry transportation service provided by Alcatraz City Cruises
• Cellhouse audio tour provided by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
• Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act fee

Visit the Alcatraz City Cruises site for tour details and availability.

Visit Crissy Field

A public recreation area with restored tidal marshes and sandy beaches, Crissy Field is an excellent place to walk, run, or relax. You can trek along paths or on the beach as gentle waves roll ashore. Both options deliver fantastic views of the area's natural beauty and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Many of our feathered friends hang out in the area if you enjoy birdwatching. The peaceful park is an excellent combination of natural and manufactured beauty. Walking or running through Crissy Field is the perfect way to start or end your day.

For those with dogs, Crissy Field is paradise. To our surprise, dogs did not have leashes. Yet, all the canines were so well-behaved. Seeing so many humans and dogs savoring the fresh air while playing on the beach was a delight.

Go to Fort Point

One of the best things about San Francisco is the ability to discover many unique views of the star attraction. Did you know there is a park under the Golden Gate Bridge? A trip to the city is only complete with a picture of the bridge from below. Viewing the bridge from this perspective gives you a new appreciation for the engineering marvel. You will feel small.

Fort Point National Historic Site , the park beneath the bridge, is a Civil War-era brick fort worth exploring for the unique perspective of the bridge and its rich history. It is the only brick fort on America's West Coast. In the 1930s, engineers used the fortress as their headquarters while building the Golden Gate Bridge. The Fort Point Lighthouse, built in 1864, still stands. Its light was extinguished in 1934 because the bridge began to tower over the fort.

Exploring the fort and peering out into the bay is a fun experience. Touring the fort, you will encounter placards about its history and layout, along with some interesting facts. If you have a rainy day as we did, you can at least stay dry while exploring the fort's lower levels.

Fisherman's Wharf

A hub of activity and touristy attractions, Fisherman's Wharf is nearly as iconic as the Golden Gate Bridge. Originally where fishermen sold the day's fresh catch, the pier has become a popular tourist destination. You can still find plenty of fresh, tasty seafood.

From the pier, you can embark on tours by land and sea to take in the local sights. Fisherman's Wharf also houses many shops and eateries. You have come to the right place if you need a souvenir to commemorate your trip.

Grab a sourdough bread bowl filled with steaming clam chowder, savor the bay view, and bask in the moment. Everything about the scene says San Francisco.

If you still need entertainment, check out the historical ships or watch the colony of sea lions. There is always something going on at Fisherman's Wharf.

Stroll Through the Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is a remarkable monumental structure that induces serenity. It was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition to display artworks and show the world that San Francisco had fully recovered from the famous 1906 earthquake. San Francisco rebuilt the structure from 1964 to 1974.

The towering structure with exquisite details resembles ancient Roman ruins and has become a well-known San Francisco landmark. Walking under the dome, through the open rotunda, and around the beautiful colonnades along the tranquil lagoon draws a smile. It is breathtaking. 

The area harbors beautiful trees and attracts various birds and ducks. It is another way the city delivers a combination of natural and manufactured beauty.

Lombard Street

To say San Francisco is known for its steep streets is an understatement. No wonder Julie and I saw many locals with lean, fit physiques. Walking through the city is a challenge but has its rewards. When you crest the hills, not only do you get in shape, you gain excellent bay or city views.

If you explore only one street in San Francisco, make it Lombard Street. Locals claim it is the world's most crooked street. With eight sharp turns in a one-block section, they may be right.

If you desire a challenge, drive down the zigzag avenue. Walk up if you prefer to be in agony. Julie and I regrettably chose the latter. We are glad to say we did it, but we huffed and puffed the entire way. Whether you tackle the challenge on foot or in a car, visiting Lombard Street is one of the most fun things to do in San Francisco.

San Francisco Cable Cars

Riding a cable car may sound touristy, but it is a unique experience that every San Francisco visitor should try. The city proudly boasts being the first to utilize cars pulled by cables beneath the street. Accordingly, the San Francisco cable cars achieved National Historic Landmark status in 1964.

The city offers three cable car lines. Two lines start at Powell and Market Streets and go to the Fisherman's Wharf area. The other line starts at California and Market Streets and takes you to Van Ness Avenue.

Watching workers spin the cable car 180 degrees on the turntables is odd. It is all part of the charm. We also found it peculiar that cable cars will stop in the middle of intersections. Just as you become comfortable with these oddities, your ride is over.

The ride itself is fun. As you descend the hills, be prepared to slide next to your fellow passenger. You will become well acquainted. The cable car groans when first climbing the steep grades, leaving passengers with little confidence it can ascend the hill. Do not fret. The trusty cable car will complete its journey. 

Once again, the hilltops reward you with fantastic views. Do not blink or look down as you reach the pinnacle, or you may miss those special but brief glimpses. Savor the sights and enjoy the ride. This National Historic Landmark is a blast.

Golden Gate Park

At 1,017 acres, Golden Gate Park is an expansive urban park with a unique assortment of attractions. Visitors often compare the park to New York's Central Park. Golden Gate Park is more extensive and offers a broader mix of things to see and do. The park has something for everyone.

You will find tranquil lakes, sprawling meadows, lovely gardens, and lush groves where you can relax or explore. Golden Gate Park holds many places to grab a bite or enjoy a beverage. Recreational activities include everything from archery and frisbee golf to roller skating, basketball, and tennis.

Points of interest include a meadow of bison, the California Academy of Sciences, the Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, and two iconic windmills built in the early 1900s. 

These attractions merely expose the tip of the iceberg. You can spend a day alone at the California Academy of Sciences. It comprises a planetarium, aquarium, and natural history museum. Golden Gate Park holds many more treasures for you to discover.

Located north of the city, Muir Woods National Monument is renowned for its towering old-growth redwood trees. It is a tribute to John Muir, a visitor refuge and a laboratory for park rangers and scientists.

Due to the coastal climate, sun, and fog, redwoods thrive here. Similar to Redwood National and State Parks , you can relish peaceful walks along trails through groves of giant redwoods. The beauty and stillness of the redwood forest are soul-soothing. I cannot adequately describe its beauty or how it makes you feel. However, visiting Muir Woods is a rewarding experience worth your time.

Note that Muir Woods has limited parking space, and reservations are required. Visit the Muir Woods parking and shuttle reservations site for information and availability.

The oldest and largest Chinatown in North America, San Francisco's Chinatown is a must-see on your vacation. As soon as you enter the famous Dragon Gate on the corner of Grant Avenue and Bush Street, you recognize you are in for a treat.

The streets buzz with welcoming energy as you go into tea shops, galleries, dim sum restaurants, colorful alleys, eclectic stores, and open markets full of treasures. Enjoy an afternoon of shopping, exploring, and learning about Chinese history and culture.

Check out the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where they have been hand-making custom fortune cookies since 1962. The small operation cranks out as many as 10,000 cookies a day. You can see the factory and sample unique cookie flavors like strawberry, chocolate, and green tea.

Visit The Wok Shop for kitchen supplies, including woks, steamers, and teapots. The store holds cooking classes on Wok Wednesdays if you want to learn how to cook with a wok or further develop your stir fry skills.

Although a bustling area, it is a walkable neighborhood. Whether you want to become fully immersed in a different culture or shop and eat, there is plenty to explore.

Ferry Building Marketplace

The Ferry Building opened in 1898 as a San Francisco Bay Area transportation focal point. For years it welcomed people by train and boat until the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge provided automobile passage, rendering the building obsolete.

Today, the building with the dramatic clock tower is a San Francisco tourist attraction that houses a vibrant farmers market, shops, and restaurants where local merchants and artisans proudly display and sell their goods.

If you want to shop or savor delicious cuisine with outdoor seating, the Ferry Building is one of the best places in San Francisco. You can find everything from hot coffee, wine, and craft beer to fresh bread, honey, chocolate, pudding, donuts, empanadas, burgers, and fine dining. The offerings cover the full spectrum of foods and beverages. Accordingly, it has become one of the city's top attractions.

Lands End Lookout

You would think peering at a bridge from different vantage points would grow old. The vistas of the bridge and the bay are so magnificent that every perspective is beautiful and unique, bordering on alluring. 

Lands End is a winding trail, culminating in a splendid view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a perspective you want to take advantage of.

You will trek through lush groves of cypress and eucalyptus trees above rocky cliffs and crashing waves. The trail feels remote and wild at times. As you emerge from the shady forest, the wind makes its presence known. With strong winds, rough surf, and fog, it is no surprise many ships wrecked along the rocky shores years ago. 

If you love nature and hiking, it will be a delight. The lookout makes the journey worthwhile, even for those who loathe hiking. Perspective changes everything.

Ghirardelli Square

Originally a chocolate factory, Ghirardelli Square is a specialty retail and dining complex. The square comprises an entire city block of 19th-century brick buildings that previously housed factories. In the 1960s, the city converted the buildings into a vibrant market with unique retail shops and tasty cuisine. To this day, it is one of the city's top attractions. For history buffs, Ghirardelli Square earned its place of recognition on the National Historic Register in 1982.

If you love chocolate, do not panic. You have four options to taste the famous Ghiradelli chocolates:

• The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop
• Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience
• Ghirardelli On-The-Go
• Ghirardelli Pop-Up

All of these reside within the historic square.

Walt Disney Family Museum

Nestled in the Presidio, the Walt Disney Family Museum honors the life and legacy of Walt Disney. The spotlight shines on the man behind Disneyland , Disney World, and everything affiliated with the Disney brand. You can explore galleries, exhibits, and artifacts from Walt's life and his work with Disney parks, television shows, and movies. 

Many of the exhibits are interactive and narrated by Walt. Check out the early drawings and the incredible model of Disneyland. There is plenty of history and entertainment for kids and adults.

Mission District Murals

You may be surprised to discover San Francisco is one of the top cities in the United States for murals. Its Mission District features vibrant murals and feels like an outdoor art gallery. 

Hundreds of walls and fences in the neighborhood boldly display colorful works of art. Some are playful, while others honor a cultural heritage or make social-political statements. If you enjoy art or desire a unique activity, check out the beautiful murals in the Mission District.

Admire the Painted Ladies

Head to Steiner Street, where you will find seven consecutive Victorian homes flaunting their elegant pastel colors against the backdrop of the city skyline. The often photographed area is also known as the "postcard row." Note these are private residences, and tours inside the houses are unavailable.

This particular vista is spectacular. However, the city is chock full of stick houses with unique architectural styles, including Victorian, Edwardian, and Queen Anne. Seeing so many narrow homes wedged into small spaces along the sloped streets is fascinating. You will notice many of the tall houses feature balconies and porches while others showcase bay or bow windows. 

The charming houses burst with character. Even if you do not have a passion for architecture, admiring the San Francisco houses as you tour the city streets is an enjoyable experience.

North Beach

Where's the beach? Yes, the name is misleading since the lively neighborhood does not have a beach. However, it does have heaps of Italian heritage as steep as the city's hills. Many affectionately refer to the area as San Francisco's "Little Italy."

North Beach houses excellent restaurants and cafes with delicious Italian cuisine, fine wine, and rich coffee. Vintage stores, gelato shops, and charming trattorias await you. Lively bars and clubs pulse with energy at night. A stop in Little Italy will give you a zest for life.

Beyond the Italian heritage and food scene, North Beach offers many other attractions, including one that is difficult to ignore. Coit Tower is a 210-foot slender white column standing tall from the top of Telegraph Hill. The tower, built in the early 1930s, delivers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view over the bay and the city.

North Beach exudes a rock 'n' roll influence from the beat generation. You can feel it in the clubs and some of the shops. Check out the City Lights Bookstore, where you will discover three floors of artwork, poetry, and books featuring mainstream and lesser-known independent artists.

With so many things to do in this iconic neighborhood, you can make it a North Beach day.

Have a Picnic in Mission Dolores Park

The nearly 16-acre Mission Dolores Park comprises sprawling green lawns and towering palm trees with a stunning view of the city's skyline. It is the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic.

The park houses a soccer field, basketball court, playground, tennis courts, and dog play areas. On a sunny day, the gorgeous park practically begs you to lounge in its oasis. You will not regret taking the offer.

Oracle Park

The home stadium of the San Francisco Giants, Oracle Park, is considered by many sports enthusiasts as one of the best baseball stadiums in the United States. Its classic design and beautiful views make for a unique experience.

Watching a game in Oracle Park is a thrill, even for those not passionate about baseball. The park offers tours year-round for those who want a peek behind the curtain. A behind-the-scenes tour lets you see the field, dugout, luxury suite, and press box.

Shop in Union Square

Union Square, the heart of downtown, is the central shopping, hotel, and theater district. It is a gathering place for recreation, commerce, and entertainment. You can shop to your heart's content in mainstream department stores and boutique shops. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing meal at one of the area's many restaurants. You can find everything from a cup of coffee to sushi.

Marshall's Beach

If you prefer a beach with fewer people that still provides excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge, head to Marshall's Beach. It is one of the best spots for photographs of the bridge. The vantage point is outstanding.

Surrounded by nature's glory, it is hard to believe you are minutes from the city. Many birds inhabit the area. In warm weather, colorful wildflowers highlight the landscape. There are also unique serpentine rock formations to explore. Marshall's Beach is a hidden gem.

Mosaic Stairs San Francisco

You will discover something unique on Moraga Street between the 15th and 16th Avenues. Many refer to it as the "16th Avenue Tiled Steps" or the "Mosaic Stairs."

The steps project was a neighborhood collaboration where residents partnered with artists to design a sea-to-stars mosaic flowing up a 163-step stairway. Gazing up at the lengthy stairway of art brings feelings of warmth. It is beautiful and something you must see for yourself to fully appreciate.

Yoda Fountain

If you are a Star Wars fan, visit the Yoda Fountain for a few minutes. It sits outside the Lucasfilm offices in the Letterman Digital Arts Center in the gorgeous Presidio. A short walk from the Palace of Fine Arts, it is an excellent photo opportunity. 

The Presidio is a lovely area well worth a stroll. Between the Presidio and the Palace of Fine Arts, you will discover perfectly manicured grounds and some of the most beautiful palm trees you will ever see. Julie and I loved this part of San Francisco and could easily spend more time there.

Coffee with a View

Please do yourself a favor and stop at Round House at the Golden Gate Bridge, where they serve Equator Coffees. The coffee is delicious, and you have an unbelievable view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Equator Coffees proudly focuses on quality, sustainability, and social responsibility.

The coffee shop serves some unique flavored espresso drinks you will likely not find elsewhere. During our visit, seasonal offerings included lavender vanilla, maple walnut, and a concoction of orange blossom, cardamom, clove, and vanilla. Our drinks were perfectly blended, smooth, and delicious. They also serve baked goods, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups, and salads.

It is nestled near the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center and Fort Point, making it a great place to stop before or after (maybe even both) you walk across the bridge.

Wrap-Up: Fun Things To Do in San Francisco

Note that San Francisco is known for fog, especially during summer. Accordingly, you may hear people jokingly refer to “June Gloom” or “Fogust.” Personally, I enjoy a mysterious fog as I walk along a sandy beach or through a lush forest. However, fog can obstruct your views of the Golden Gate Bridge and other attractions. Normally, the fog burns off by early afternoon.

Between nature and iconic man made structures, San Francisco abounds with beauty. The vibrant West Coast port city offers a lot to explore, including something for all interests. Rice-A-Roni may be “the San Francisco Treat,” but visiting San Francisco is a treat!

Featured image credit: Ben Harritt

More Articles from Miles with McConkey

• 9 Breathtaking Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls  
• Fabulous Oregon Lighthouses to Visit on Your West Coast Trip  

SAN FRANCISCO

Vacationing  in the golden gate city, san francisco, ca is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the us. the city is known for its steep hills, victorian architecture, and diverse population. you can explore world-famous landmarks like the golden gate bridge and alcatraz island or enjoy the food scene..

Cedric Letsch

VACATIONING IN SAN FRANCISCO

Alcatraz island, step inside the most infamous prison in the country. it housed prisoners who were too notorious or dangerous to be held elsewhere, like al capone. it was closed in 1963., pier 39 sea lions, one of the classic icons of the san francisco culture is the feisty sea lions who live at pier 39 this massive group of sea lions moved in shortly after the loma prieta earthquake rocked the city in 1989., japanese tea garden, one of the most peaceful places to visit in san francisco is the little-known japanese tea garden located in golden gate park. , the row of seven candy-colored victorian homes is among the city’s most photographed sights and has been featured in numerous films and tv shows., painted ladies, swipe up to learn more, more stories, rose city: 25 things to do in portland, oregon while on vacation.

14 POPULAR THINGS TO DO IN SAN DIEGO, CA ON VACATION