Best of the San Francisco Bay Area
Trip Ideas
Explore Further
Ferry Building: The 1898 Ferry Building has been renovated and reimagined as the foodie mecca of San Francisco. The Tuesday and Saturday farmers market is not to be missed.
Alcatraz: Spend the day in prison…at the historically famous former maximum security penitentiary in the middle of the bay. Audio tours bring to life the the cells that Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert “Birdman of Alcatraz” Stroud called home.
Exploratorium: Kids and adults alike love to explore the Exploratorium, San Francisco’s innovative and interactice science museum. The exhibits here are meant to be touched, heard, and felt!
The Presidio: The original 1776 El Presidio del San Francisco is now a dormant military installation and national park. Tour the historic buidlines that formerly housed a military hospital, barracks, and fort — all amid a peaceful and verdant setting.
Golden Gate Bridge: Nothing beats the view from one of the most famous — and fascinating — bridges in the country. Pick a fogless days for a stroll or bike ride across 1.7-mile span.
de Young Museum: The revamped de Young has become the showpiece of Golden Gate Park. A mixed collection of media and regions is highlighted by the 360° view from the museum’s tower.
Point Reyes National Seashore: Point Reyes provides acres of hiking, biking, and bird-watching at the tip of the Marin coast. Brave the 300 steps to check out the 1870 lighthouse with its orignal Fresnel lens.
USS Hornet: This retired military aircraft carrier housed in Alameda now plays host to swing dancers, military historians and afficiandos, and even, gulp, ghosts!
© Liz Hamill Scott from Moon California, 2nd Edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.