Aquarium of the Bay

A marvel of modern engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937 to become the world's most photographed bridge. Its red-orange towers and sweeping main cables glow in the sunshine, when they are not embraced by thick fog. Drive, walk or cycle across this man-made marvel — the views are just spectacular. The name Golden Gate was given to the strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean in 1846 by Captain John C. Frémont. He compared it to the Golden Horn of the Bosporus when he visualized precious cargo flowing to and from San Francisco. Here's where to take photos of Golden Gate Bridge: Battery Spencer (north side) It is probably the most classic angle from high above the road. Best reached by car. Golden Gate Overlook and Visitors Center Plenty of parking here. The best spot if you plan to cross the bridge on foot or by bike. Presidio, Marshall Beach The entire coastal side of the Presidio offers excellent views, but Marshall Beach wins. Marshall Beach is also a famous nudist beach so mind where you point the camera!

Known for its steep granite cliffs, waterfalls, imposing sequoia groves, and diversity of wildlife, the Yosemite National Park is, hands down, one of the most visually stunning places on earth––pictures don't do justice to how spectacular this place is. So, next time you're in San Francisco, don't miss out on the chance to enjoy the great outdoors at the crown jewel of America's national parks.

No visit to San Francisco would be complete without a ride on a cable car. These cable-powered streetcars have been transporting people up and down the hills of San Francisco since 1873. A highlight of the ride is actually at the end (or the beginning) at the turnaround. Watch while drivers push the cable car on a rotating platform 180 degrees for the trip back up the hill.

The Golden Gate Park is much more than just trees and walking paths. It houses multiple attractions, such as the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, the Stow Lake, the Dutch Windmill, and even the Japanese Tea Garden. Come with time to spare, and bring your bike along on a Sunday, when a large portion of the park is off limits to cars on John F. Kennedy Drive, allowing for 7.5 miles of cycling.

A walk through the dragon-adorned Pagoda Gates leads visitors into the colorful and exciting area of San Francisco known as Chinatown. It is tightly packed with exotic shops, ethnic food markets, and excellent restaurants. In February each year, the Chinese New Year is celebrated here with parades and dancing dragons. Chinatown in San Francisco is the biggest chinatown outside Asia. Always a good choice for a quick and budget-friendly meal, especially of you're craving dim sum.

Since 1852, Ghirardelli Square has housed the oldest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer in the country. To attract crowds, it has added more than fifty premium shops, galleries, restaurants and a hotel. A large open-air plaza is a great place to relax during the weekend or after work.

Lands End is one of the most beautiful places in San Francisco. History combines with nature to create an absolutely gorgeous view of the ocean, the Golden Gate bridge, and the Ocean Beach. Come here towards the end of the day and take a look at the ruins of the ancient Turkish baths, and afterwards that take a scenic stroll along the path overlooking the Golden Gate bridge and the coast with the fog rolling in. Find a handy trail map on the website of the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center (link below).

The Palace of Fine Arts is a monumental structure originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Completely rebuilt in the 70’s, it is the only structure from the Exposition that survives on site. The focal point of the complex is a 162 feet (49 m) high rotunda, enclosed by a lagoon on one side. Right next to it, you will find a large exhibition center. The architecture of the rotunda is meant to evoke the aesthetic of a decaying ancient Roman ruin. The Palace of Fine Arts has been seen in films such as Vertigo (1958), Bicentennial Man (1999) and The Room (2003). Lucasfilm headquarters were constructed close to the Palace of Fine Arts and probably inspired the domed structured that appeared in the city of Theed on Naboo (Star Wars: Episode I). The structure was also incorporated into the Sept of Baelor in the first season of Game of Thrones. Every day, people come to the grounds around the Palace of Fine Arts for picnicking. Families take portraits, and many San Franciscans come here for open air dates. You can sit on a bench or lay on the grass. It's worth coming at night — turns into a whole different place at night.

Ocean Beach is located at the end of the Golden Gate Park and it is the perfect place to relax in the sun or even take a romantic walk around sunset listening to waves. On the weekend, if the weather is warm, it can get quite crowded but it is still worth a visit.

The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is steps away from Fisherman's Wharf. The park has a fleet of historic vessels, a visitor center, a maritime museum, and a library. The Maritime Museum shows off approximately 35,000 items related to local maritime history. Hyde Street Pier gives you access to very maintained historic ships. Locals love swimming in the serene aquatic cove, and tourists appreciate a bit of quietness from the busy SF. If you are already visiting the famous Ghirardelli Square, you should swing by and get some nice views of the city and sea breeze. If you walk out on the Aquatic Park Cove's Municipal Pier, you can get some of the best views of the San Francisco skyline.

The Legion of Honor building is a replica of the Palais de la Legion d'Honneur in Paris and it was completed in 1924. The building serves as part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, displaying world classics mixed in with some modern pieces, representing important contemporary artists. There's something for everyone here! There's also an on-site cafe with curated food and beverage offerings to recharge your batteries. If you're into chamber music, check out the seasonal program for the Legion of Honor’s Spreckels Organ.

Coit Tower is a 210-foot (64-meter) tower in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood offering panoramic views over the city and the bay. Don't miss the 27 murals painted by 26 artists in the American Social Realism style. It's worth taking a guided tour.