This insider's city guide has been a long time in the making. We've eaten in countless San Francisco restaurants, dined in the best local eateries and visited the latest hotspots. We've also asked the most discerning locals we know to share their favourite hangouts – whether brand new or classic institutions. We bring you our hand-picked selection of our favourite places in San Francisco right now.

Whether you're looking for the ultimate luxury hotel, a cosy boutique hotel, or an ultra-cool design hotel, here is our pick of the best places to stay in San Francisco.

The epitome of luxury in the heart of San Francisco’s cultural district ...

The epitome of luxury in the heart of San Francisco’s cultural district.
One of the most opulent 5-star hotels in San Francisco, the St. Regis offers a wealth of modern amenities such as personal butlers, a state-of-the-art Remède spa, and an infinity-edge indoor swimming pool. Spa treatments are accompanied by champagne and chocolate truffles, and guests can even reserve the hotel's Bentley to take an unforgettable drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. The St. Regis’ exquisitely furnished rooms and higher floor suites are bound to impress even the most demanding guests. Don’t miss a visit to San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art situated just next door. $$$

125 3rd Street, SoMa, San Francisco
starwoodhotels.com  |  +1 (0) 415 284 4000

A peaceful urban escape in the Golden Gate National Park ...

With a stunning waterfront location, Cavallo Point Lodge is a peaceful urban getaway surrounded by a verdant forest. Located only 15-minutes drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, the hotel is home to generously-sized rooms and suites with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay. Choose between the ‘Historic Lodgings’ for a modernised take on the lodge’s original character and design, or the hillside eco-chic ‘Contemporary Lodgings’. Guests can also enjoy indulgent spa treatments, cooking classes at the hotel’s cooking school, and cycling and hiking in the surrounding forest. $$

Fort Baker, 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, San Francisco
cavallopoint.com   |  +1 (0) 415 339 4700

The elegance of a historic mansion with dramatic Asian flair ...

Perched high above San Francisco in the exclusive Nob Hill district, the Scarlet Huntington is one of city’s most prestigious luxury hotels. Decorated with classic contemporary interiors, the hotel showcases exquisite antiques, sparkling chandeliers and bold art works, while the rooms and suites offer an abundance of space and magnificent views of the city skyline and San Francisco Bay. Make sure to visit the chic in-house spa and indoor swimming pool. $$$

1075 California Street, San Francisco
thescarlethotels.com  |  +1 (0) 415 474-5400

Unwind amidst the natural beauty of San Francisco’s Presidio National Park ...

The first hotel established within the tranquil Presidio National Park, Inn at the Presidio offers a homely setting in one of San Francisco’s most beautiful locations. Once a U.S. Army post, the hotel now occupies the former Officers’ quarters, a grand Georgian-revival lodge nestled within the pines and eucalyptus trees of the serene surrounding parkland. A wall of bugles harks back to the park’s military past, while the cosy rooms feature original fireplaces, king-sized beds and vintage touches. 

42 Moraga Avenue (on Main Post) San Francisco
innatthepresidio.com  |  +1 415 800-7356

A stylish luxury boutique hotel overlooking Union Square ...

The Taj Campton Place is a designer sanctuary in Downtown San Francisco which oozes classic, timeless luxury. The hotel’s chic rooms and suites feature feather sumptuous beds topped with down duvets, romantic window-seats and chaise lounges, and Molton Brown toiletries offer an additional luxe touch. The hotel’s 2-Michelin-started Campton Place Restaurant is a destination in its own right, serving superb Californian-Indian cuisine.  

340 Stockton Street San Francisco CA 94108
tajcamptonplace.com  |  +1 415 781-5555

A designer sanctuary overlooking San Francisco Bay ...

Located on San Francisco’s Embarcadero waterfront, Hotel Vitale is a haven of contemporary elegance with prime views overlooking San Francisco Bay. The historic Ferry Building is located just across the street, where you’ll discover some of the city’s best restaurants, a farmers market and organic cafes. Even closer to home, the hotel's in-house Americano Restaurant and Bar serves soulful Italian cuisine in a chic and inviting dining space. The hotel’s 200 bright and spacious rooms provide comfortable living spaces – upgrade to the Superior Water View rooms for sweeping water views and make sure to relax and rejuvenate at the Spa Vitale. $$$

8 Mission Street, Downtown, San Francisco
hotelvitale.com  |  +1 (0) 415 278 3700

A hip urban hideaway for lovers of design ...

With a quirky sense of fun and plenty of personality, the Hotel Zetta invites its guests to not only indulge themselves, but to have a good time while doing it. In the hotel’s Playroom, you’ll find a pool table, giant Jenga, Ping Pong and computer games. Styled like a stylish apartment, the hotel’s homely rooms feature Anglepoise lamps and cosy rugs, and rotating art installations throughout the hotel mean you can discover the hottest local artistic talent. Head to the Hotel Zetta’s funky British brasserie to discover The Cavalier, which riffs on the theme of traditional favourites: think hearty pies and fish and chips. Afterwards, sip a cocktail at Marianne’s, the hotel’s speakeasy-style drinking den.

55 5th Street San Francisco, CA 94103
viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/zetta  |  +1 415 543 8555

For design-savvy travellers looking to stay in San Francisco’s Downtown area ...

Residing in a historic building in Downtown San Francisco, The Clift Hotel was created by legendary designers, Ian Schrager and Philippe Starck. The duo went all-out creating a seductive adults playground with dramatic oversized furnishings, a 35-foot fireplace with a bronze chimney, and electronic Renaissance portraits on the walls that eerily watch you as you pass by. There’s a more pared-back design in the moderately-sized rooms and suites, decorated in a minimalist palette of pastel colours. Settle in for a drink at The Clift’s Redwood Room lounge bar, one of San Francisco's most iconic nightlife spots. $$

495 Geary Street, Downtown, San Francisco
clifthotel.com  |  +1 (0) 415 775 4700

A historic 5-star luxury hotel perched high above the city ...

You’ll be transported to the “Golden Age” at The Fairmont, offering the epitome of classical 5-star grandeur. Perched above the city in the upscale Nob Hill district, The Fairmont is set within an early 20th-century Beaux Arts building with sweeping views of the city. Rooms and suites are an exercise in restrained opulence, with spacious interiors, intricately crafted antiques and deep-soaking marble bathtubs. San Francisco's famous cable cars converge just outside the hotel, offering an original way to explore San Francisco’s major attractions. $$$

950 Mason Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco
fairmont.com/sanfrancisco  |  00 800 0441 1414

A tech-savvy boutique hotel with an eye for design. ...

Situated three blocks from San Francisco’s famous Union Square, Axiom Hotel offers boutique comfort with modern connectivity – think free Fibre Optic WiFi, retro video games and co-working lounge spaces. An early 20th-century heritage building has been given a contemporary update by New York design firm Stonehill & Taylor, where the lobby features soaring high ceilings and leather wing-backed chairs. In the rooms, hardwood floors and marble bathrooms combine with wireless streaming, USB chargers, bluetooth alarm clocks and a WiFi routers. Join the digital nomads in the hotel’s Turn Café for organic Californian cuisine. $$

28 Cyril Magnin Street, San Francisco
axiomhotel.com  |  +1 415-392-9466

Whether you're looking for refined fine dining, San Francisco's best foodie eatery or a casual local gem, here is our pick of the best places to eat in San Francisco right now.

Asian dishes reinterpreted and transcended in a sophisticated dining space ...

Chef Corey Lee is the talent behind one of San Francisco’s most celebrated fine dining restaurants, Benu. Famous for its diverse menu of sophisticated East Asian-inspired flavours, Benu’s multi-course tasting menu will take you on an intriguing culinary which will ignite your senses: savour lobster coral xiao long bao, or frog’s leg velvet with shiga rice. Advance reservations essential. $$$$

22 Hawthorne Street (at Howard St.) , SOMA, San Francisco
benusf.com  |  +1 (0) 415 685 4860

Experience the ground-breaking cuisine which has earned Atelier Crenn two Michelin Stars ...

Don’t be fooled by the modest facade at Atelier Crenn; this is one of San Francisco's top gastronomic destinations. In the kitchen, chef Dominique Crenn crafts elaborate, avant-garde creations throughout her beautifully-crafted tasting menu, where each dish is accompanied by a quote from a poem. Drawing upon childhood memories and the natural world, Crenn’s inventive flavours may include lobster in fermented shiso broth, or banana topped with caviar. Atelier Crenn's sister restaurant, Petit Crenn, showcases the flavours of chef Crenn’s native Brittany and oozes a homely, convivial atmosphere. $$$

3127 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
ateliercrenn.com  |  +1 415-440-0460

Enjoy casual neighbourhood dining and a market-fresh menu by chef Melissa Perello ...

Since first opening to rave reviews in 2009, Frances has become a much-loved staple of San Francisco’s dining scene. Opened by talented French chef and owner Melissa Perello, Frances boasts an enviable corner location, warm interiors and a daily-changing menu of modern American dishes such as honey-brined pork chops, American gulf snapper and roasted kuri squash soup. At Frances’ sister restaurant, Octavia, make sure to try the signature devilled eggs. $$

3870 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
frances-sf.com  |  +1 415-621-3870

Discover Michelin Star cuisine fresh from the garden ...

Bringing an adventurous tasting menu to San Francisco’s foodies, Sons & Daughters' seasonal cuisine is prepared with homegrown ingredients sourced from chefs Teague Moriarty and Matt McNamara's out-of-town garden. Inventive dishes such as Marin Miyagi oysters with trout roe and buttermilk, or pork belly with green farro and coyote mint, are sure to delight, and the restaurant's wine list pairs perfectly with its delicate cuisine. Sons & Daughters' fireplace and central open kitchen add a sense of warmth and vibrance to this fantastic dining experience. $$$

708 Bush St. (bet. Mason & Powell Sts.) San Francisco
sonsanddaughterssf.com  |  +1 (0) 415 391 8311

Modern Vietnamese cuisine in a funky waterfront setting in the Ferry Building ...

Chef Charles Phan's legendary, family-owned The Slanted Door restaurant is renowned for its innovative take on Asian cuisine. Located in the iconic Ferry Building on the Embarcadero waterfront, The Slanted Door is wildly popular with locals and international foodies from lunchtime through to late evening. Chef Phan was influenced by his mother's French-Vietnamese style, the traditions of local northwest American ingredients, and both parents' ethnic Chinese background. The result? Sublimely crispy, melt-in-your-mouth imperial rolls with shrimp, pork, glass noodles and peanuts; and seared fresh scallops with spicy, tangy red curry and pink lady apples. Bookings advised. $$

1 Ferry Building #3, Downtown, San Francisco
slanteddoor.com  |  +1 (0) 415 861 8032

A legendary cafe-bakery with a French touch in the Mission District ...

If you happen to see a lengthy queue of people winding down the street on a random street corner in San Francisco’s trendy Mission district, then you've more than likely stumbled upon the local institution, Tartine Bakery. Hidden away from the tourist crowds, this cosy bakery-café is one of the most popular breakfast and lunch spots in San Francisco. Indulge in a rich and flaky buttery croissant, a double pain au chocolat with Valrhona chocolate, or the legendary baked sourdough breads and decadent sweet pastries. Visit at 7am or 5pm when the ovens open for the freshest picks (and the longest lines) and savour the aroma of freshly baked bread. $

600 Guerrero Street, The Mission, San Francisco
tartinebakery.com  |  +1 (0) 415 487 2600

Authentic, organic Mexican flavours served in a chic, casual dining space ...

Unlike the ubiquitous Tex Mex cuisine that tends to pervade California's west coast, Nopalito is renowned for its organic Mexican cuisine. Following the success of their first restaurant venture, Nopa, which delivers earthy, organic Californian cuisine, Nopalito was opened as a tribute to the exquisite Mexican cooking of Nopa’s Mexican kitchen staff. Otherwise known as “Little Nopa”, Nopalito offers the kind of homestyle Mexican cuisine that you’ll find in the best cantinas in Mexico. The quesadillas, tamal empipianado and tortilla chips are made from crumbly, house-ground masa sourced locally. Quintessential Mexican dishes such as tostadas, ceviche, and a rich, complex mole are other highlights of the menu. No bookings. $$

306 Broderick Street, The Mission, San Francisco
nopalitosf.com  |  +1 (0) 415 437 0303

The flavours of Italy transported to San Francisco’s Mission District ...

Family-owned Delfina is a lively neighbourhood trattoria located in San Francisco's residential area, the Mission District. Chef-owner Craig Stoll—who graduated from the CIA and trained in Torino, Italy, and in Tuscany’s one Michelin-starred Da Delfina—offers a daily-changing menu which draws upon premium seasonal ingredients and rustic Italian recipes. Delfina’s ingredients are primarily homemade: from the cured meats and sausages, to the gelato that accompanies the generously-proportioned profiteroles. Delfina also offers a funky, more relaxed pizzeria next door which serves superb, authentic wood-fired pizzas. $$

3621 18th Street, The Mission, San Francisco
delfinasf.com  |  +1 (0) 415 552 4055

An ode to delicious homemade Italian pasta ...

Flour + Water restaurant in the Mission District offers a soul-satisfying menu of handmade pasta dishes which come in all manner of shapes, sizes, and regional specialties. The trio of chefs in the kitchen utilise a nose-to-tail philosophy, where the menu changes with the seasons and according to the chef’s daily whims. Opt for the hearty 5-course Pasta Tasting Menu which showcases seasonal flavours such as lamb and fennel tortelli with radicchio. Flour + Water’s funky decor is bright and rustic, dominated by reclaimed wood and a prominent pizza oven for superb wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas to compliment the menu. $$

2401 Harrison Street, Mission District, San Francisco
flourandwater.com  |  +1 (0) 415 826 7000

A mecca of organic food stalls, cafes and alfresco restaurants ...

Located on the Embarcadero waterfront in Downtown San Francisco, the Ferry Building Marketplace is a haven of fresh and delicious organic food stalls, cafes and alfresco restaurants. This is where you’ll find locals and visitors shopping, eating and enjoying drinks on the building’s outdoor waterfront pier. The Slanted Door offers fresh, flavoursome modern Vietnamese cuisine and well-crafted, Asian-inspired cocktails, Blue Bottle Coffee delivers award-winning coffee, and Cowgirl Creamery offers a tantalising selection of artisan cheese. For some of the freshest oysters in the city, visit Hog Island Oyster Company. The Ferry building also hosts the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

1 Ferry Building, Embarcadero, San Francisco
ferrybuildingmarketplace.com  |  +1 415-983-8030

This forward-thinking restaurant is raising the bar for Mexican cuisine in San Francisco ...

Celebrated Mexico City chef Gabriela Cámara blazes a trail across San Francisco’s Mexican dining scene with Cala, where a vegetable- and seafood- focused menu has earned it rave reviews. Order a feast of trout tostadas with chipotle, avocado and leeks, sea bass ceviche, sweet potato with bone marrow salsa, and mussels over toast with carnitas and shaved egg. Cala's luminous, open plan interiors feature whitewashed brick, lofty beamed ceilings and lush vertical gardens, creating a relaxed atmosphere that buzzes with energy as delicious plates emerge from the kitchen. $$

149 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
calarestaurant.com  |  +1 415-660-7701

Behind a bright blue facade, dive into the creative culinary world of chef Aaron London ...

Named America’s Best New Restaurant in 2015 by Bon Appetit, chef Aaron London's smash-hit restaurant, Al’s Place, has seduced foodies with its eclectic menu and sense of culinary fun, and earned its first Michelin Star in 2017. The charismatic chef London can be seen hard at work in the restaurant's diminutive kitchen, kicking things off with an ingenious range of ‘Snackles’ to get things started – Al's Place's famous brine-pickled french fries with smoked apple sauce. Fresh, seasonal vegetables take centre stage throughout the chef's menu, where meats are categorised as ‘Sides’ in deference to dishes such as roasted beets, burrata, lavender and apricot. $$

1499 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
alsplacesf.com  |  +1 415-416-6136

Whether you're looking for the perfect cocktail, the city's best alfresco bar, or a late-night club, here is our pick of the best places to drink and party in San Francisco right now.

A trendy cocktail bar in the trendy Mission District ...

A sophisticated drinking den with a clientele to match, Wildhawk is a low-lit haven of classic cocktails and intimate conversation. Plush armchairs in green velvet ooze a boudoir-like decadence, while zebra-print bar stools line the long wooden bar with its studded leather panelling. Perch with a vermouth-based cocktail in hand – Wildhawk’s specialty – and soak up the buzz of conversation as the cocktail shakers work their magic. With its boldly patterned-tin ceilings and glow of pendant lamps, Wildhawk is fast becoming a modern classic in . $$

3464 19th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
wildhawksf.com  |  +1 415-829-7860

A haven of gin in San Francisco's Tenderloin district ...

Gin lovers will be in their element at White Chapel, home to the largest gin selection in North America. Channeling the ambiance of a Victorian-era drinking den, White Chapel’s vaulted ceilings, lantern-lighting, subway tiling and exposed ironwork bring to mind the feeling of an abandoned London railway station. Make sure to try the Lamplighter’s Story with hibiscus-infused Plymouth gin, grapefruit marmalade, Serrano pepper and bitter orange soda. $$

600 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
whitechapelsf.com  |  +1 415-292-5800

A legendary local lounge designed by master designer, Philippe Starck ...

The Clift Hotel's sultry, low-lit lounge bar, The Redwood Room, exudes the glamour of an old private library or smoking room. With walls panelled in 2,000-year-old redwood and carved from a single tree, this intimate space oozes sophistication, while inimitable Philippe Starck furniture and lifelike digital artworks adds a fun, contemporary twist. Order a signature Redwood Room Martini with Bombay Sapphire Gin and dry vermouth then settle into one of the high-backed plush sofas at this iconic San Francisco lounge bar. $$$

495 Geary Street, Downtown, San Francisco
clifthotel.com/redwood-room  |  +1 (0) 415 775 4700

Unwind for the evening at this multi-talented bar and restaurant ...

Located in San Francisco’s SOMA district, Bar Agricole is an all-in-one wine bar, restaurant and cocktail bar with a rustic, eco-chic atmosphere. Chef Seth Stowaway serves a heart-warming organic menu of Northern California cuisine, accompanied by superb natural wines and an expertly-crafted cocktail menu which showcases the rich tradition of farmhouse distilling. Settle into a cosy banquette, order some dishes to share and slowly work your way through Bar Agricole’s expertly-curated menu. $$

355 11th Street, The Mission, San Francisco
baragricole.com  |  +1 (0) 415 355 9400

A sophisticated cocktail list in an old-world setting ...

One of San Francisco’s best cocktail bars, The Alembic boasts a world-class, lovingly-crafted cocktail menu in an intimate setting. Try the superb "Bloody Mary" made with fresh horseradish and served with a celery-salted rim, adjusted to meet your spice threshold. Feeling hungry? The menu here is as accomplished as the mixology – we love the sprouted lentil croquettes with cilantro yoghurt. Make sure to discover the extensive menu of bourbons, whiskeys and top-shelf spirits on offer. $$

1725 Haight Street, Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco
alembicbar.com  |  +1 (0) 415 666 0822

Expect a secretive evening and finely-crafted cocktails at this Prohibition-style speakeasy ...

A throwback to Prohibition-era San Francisco, this speakeasy asks visitors to stick to a series of house rules--no cell phones, no standing at the bar, no photography--as a condition to enjoying their highly-regarded cocktail creations. The liquor selection includes rare delights such as Glenmorangie Margaux Finish Scotch, import-only Tapatio XA tequila, and Crown XR Canadian whiskey. Buzz without a reservation at the innocuous unmarked door, supply the password “books” and you’ll be shuffled into a beautiful 1920s library where expert mixologists will concoct something delicious based on just a few hints on your part. $$

501 Jones Street, Downtown, San Francisco
bourbonandbranch.com  |  +1 (0) 415 931 7292

A haven of Bourbon in San Francisco's financial district  ...

Paying homage to Bourbon, Rickhouse is the exposed brick and wood-ceilinged creation of the founders of San Francisco nightlife institution, Bourbon & Branch. The stylish space features low-lit interiors with backlit shelves stocked with liquors. The bar's exhaustive menu is broken down into chapters based upon cocktail style and highlights of forgotten classics – try a “Rye Maple Fizz” with Plymouth, fresh lemon and grapefruit juice basil and bitters, or a gingery “Pimm’s Punch” served in pure white bowls with large ice cubes shot through with berries. Head for the smaller bar at the back to avoid the crowds. $$

246 Kearny Street, Downtown, San Francisco
rickhousebar.com  |  +1 (0) 415 398 2827

A journey through time to an ancient sailors’ bar from the 1900s ...

Named after the famous Comstock Lode ship which transported mining fortunes to San Francisco Bay, Comstock Saloon has served as a historic local watering hole since 1907. Transporting the spirit of the Barbary Coast to San Francisco’s nightlife scene, the decidedly kitsch Comstock Saloon is one of the city’s best places for a well-crafted cocktail. Settle in at the antique mahogany bar and soak up the atmosphere while listening to the pianist playing Ragtime tunes from the vintage piano. Sample concoctions such as the potent Pisco Punch, a signature libation of Peruvian brandy and lime juice sweetened with pineapple-flavoured gum arabic syrup. $$

Cocktail Bar   155 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco
comstocksaloon.com  |  +1 415-617-0071

A discreet and friendly hangout for lovers of good wine ...

A wine bar, restaurant and wine store, the Marina district's Nectar Wine Lounge is a true haven for wine enthusiasts. More than fifty rotating wine selections by the glass and a cellar housing some eight hundred wines by the bottle should be enough to please even the pickiest of palates. Take a seat at the bar and ask the friendly bar staff for their recommendations, or settle into the cosy couches for a more intimate experience. If you discover a wine that you love, you can purchase the bottle at their in-house wine shop to take home with you. $$

3330 Steiner Street, Marina District, San Francisco
nectarwinelounge.com  |  +1 (0) 415 345 1377
 

Iconic Landmarks ...

Drive across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in a convertible for the ultimate scenic ride between San Francisco and the picturesque Marin County.  One of San Francisco’s other most famous landmarks is the Fisherman’s Wharf, home of the city’s colourful fishing boats for over 100 years. Savour fresh takeaway crab and enjoy a picnic while watching the sea lions before strolling along the bustling Hyde Street Pier. With dramatic turns that zig-zag from one side of the street to the other, Lombard Street boasts eight hairpin bends which wind their way down one of San Francisco's steepest hills. Perched on the top of San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill, the Coit Tower rises 61 metres above Pioneer Park and offers sweeping panoramic views of the city’s skyline, built in 1933 in an Art Deco style.

The Best Parks...

One of San Francisco’s most beautiful parks, the Golden Gate Park lies beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and is affectionately described as the “backyard” of San Francisco. On Sundays, enjoy the free outdoor concerts at the Music Concourse, where you can enjoy concerts performed by the San Francisco Opera throughout the year.

The Best Spas...

The exclusive Nob Hill Spa at the Scarlet Huntington Hotel is one of the city’s premier luxury spas with a beautiful indoor pool, fitness centre and spa centre. The award-winning International Orange spa and yoga studio employs some of the city’s best massage therapists and beauticians, where you can organise a relaxing yoga class or enjoy a soothing massage and beauty treatment. Two other luxurious spa centres in Downtown San Francisco are the Spa Vitale at the Vitale Hotel and Remède Spa at the St. Regis San Francisco Hotel.

Local Excursions ...

Explore San Francisco Bay while learning the intricacies of sailing with the San Francisco Sailing Company, where you can spot wild sea lions, circumnavigate Alcatraz Island and sail under the Golden Gate Bridge. Explore San Francisco on two wheels with the Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals & Tour Company, which offers a variety of self-guided bicycle tours with branches located across the city. The world’s largest manually operated cable car system, San Francisco’s cable cars network offers a unique way to explore the city. Twenty-three lines were first established in 1873, and now only three remain: the most popular travels from downtown San Francisco near Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf. Head to the Ferry Building Marketplace to discover a mecca of organic food stalls, cafes and alfresco restaurants. This is where you’ll find locals and visitors shopping, eating and enjoying drinks on the building’s outdoor waterfront pier. Giant Redwood trees rise 250 feet into the air and shaded boardwalks attract rambling nature-lovers in Muir Woods, located 11 miles from downtown San Francisco. Located on the Northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city of Sausalito is famous for its colourful houseboats. Inhabited in the 1960s by hippies and artists, the area is now a funky enclave of upscale cafes, bars and galleries. A unique excursion awaits 1.5 miles off the shore of San Francisco at Alcatraz Island. Also known as “The Rock”, this federal prison housed infamous criminals for over 30 years, including the famous “Birdman of Alcatraz” (Franklin Stroud), the mobster Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. This sightseeing boat cruise is operated by Alcatraz Cruises from Pier 33.

Museums & Art Galleries ...

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA) is the second largest full spectrum contemporary and modern art gallery in the world, home to a superb collection of 20th-century European and American art – make sure to visit the building’s lush Rooftop Garden. Set within the Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum showcases an impressive collection of 19th-century and contemporary artists, and documents the history of American art from the 17th century to the present day. Across the street, the Renzo Piano-designed California Academy of Sciences features exhibitions on virtually every aspect of the natural world, and features an in-house planetarium, aquarium, natural history museum and a 4-story rainforest.

Further Afield...

Located only one hour’s drive north of San Francisco, Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley are home to rolling green vineyards and many of the country's leading wineries. Visit the main sights of the area during a trip on the Napa Valley Train, an enjoyable 3-hour journey of gourmet cuisine, local wines and picturesque views. A nature-lover’s paradise, the Point Reyes National Park lies less than 50km to the north of the city and is the perfect destination for hiking, kayaking and mountain biking, while the vast Lake Tahoe is another hub for adventure seekers lying 150km north of San Francisco. 160 km south of the city lies Monterey, one of the most charming fishing villages on the Californian coastline – make sure to visit the artistic town of Carmel and the legendary Big Sur situated further along the coastline. A visit to the famous Yosemite National Park offers an unforgettable highlight of any trip to San Francisco, situated six hour’s drive from the city. The journey reveals the dramatic Sierra Nevada, one of the most beautiful parks in the world, home to jaw-dropping granite monoliths, redwood forests, meandering rivers and cascading waterfalls.