Things to Do and Sightseeing in San Francisco

Things to Do and Sightseeing in San Francisco
Photo Credit Golden Gate Bridge image by Achim Thomae from Fotolia.com

San Francisco has some of the most popular sights in all of the United States, including the Golden Gate Bridge. This city has activities that will get visitors up and moving around in the California sunshine. Spend a day hiking on an historic island, explore Golden Gate Park or visit one of the many farmers markets.

Urban Tour

Enjoy the California sunshine by taking a walk from San Francisco's Crissy Field to Fort Point. This hike will take you toward the Golden Gate Bridge. On the walk back, you will see the San Francisco skyline. The waterfront between these two points is part of San Francisco's Presidio and you will be mere steps from the beach. At the end of the hike is the fort, which is the only brick fort west of the Mississippi. It was built in 1853. You are allowed to go inside the fort and climb to the top for a better view of the city. The pathway is popular with dog walkers, bicyclist and joggers.

The Beach

Ocean Beach is a west-facing beach that offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge. In addition to the view, the beach is popular with athletes, sunbathers and anglers. Popular beach activities include Frisbee, kite flying, fishing and a range of water sports. Also at Ocean Beach is the Cliff House, which was built in 1863 and is a San Francisco landmark.

Farmers Market

For an activity that will lead you to healthful foods, head to the Ferry Place Marketplace, which is one of San Francisco's liveliest venues and the site of San Francisco's largest farmers market. This market is open year-round. You can find an abundance of seasonal California produce. In addition to the market, consider spending a few hours walking around this historical site, which was built in 1898 and features a distinct tower, shops and restaurants. Eat at the MarketBar Restaurant, which features a menu rich in produce from the farmers market, or pick up some fresh fruit or fresh baked goods.

Hiking

Spend a few hours at San Francisco's Angel Island for a hike or a bike trek. This area is rich in history. On the island is Camp Reynolds, which was built by the U.S. Army in 1863. To best see the sites, take the 5 mile path around the island that visits all of the island's main sites. The island has an additional 13 miles worth of foot trails, including one up to the top of Mount Livermore. Other ways to explore Angel Island is by renting a mountain bike on the island or a kayak.

Dining

For healthful dining in San Francisco, head to Millennium Restaurant on Geary Street. This restaurant serves gourmet cuisine featuring healthful, vegetarian and environmentally friendly foods. The aim of the restaurant is for vegetarian cuisine to be fun and tasty. The menu at Millennium is designed around seasonal produce but has worldly influences.

References

Article reviewed by Kirk Ericson Last updated on: Dec 7, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments