San Francisco Holidays

While the Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco’s most famous landmark, the architectural marvel isn’t the only attraction here. The Walt Disney museum offers a look into the life of Mickey’s creator, while Alcatraz Island is a must-visit for fans of true crime and modern history. On the other side of the bridge, 19th-century Battery Spencer is a great place to stop and take in the views.

Curious minds of every age will love the California Academy of Sciences, on the eastern side of the Golden Gate Bridge. Its sprawling rainforest zone, home to thousands of tropical butterflies, is a pretty unforgettable sight. And the de Young Museum, just across the fountains, is an art-lover’s paradise, while the sculpture garden is a quiet place for a relaxing stroll.

If you’re struggling to cram all of San Francisco’s attractions in, hop on one of the cable cars – a tourist attraction themselves. Then you can explore Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Chinatown and the Financial District. You should also snap a photo of the famous Painted Ladies – a pretty row of Edwardian houses – and zigzagging Lombard Street.

You’ll get the best views across San Francisco from the top of Twin Peaks in the centre of the city. Novice hikers should tackle the east-facing slopes, which tend to be sunnier and more sheltered. At the top, in the unspoilt Twin Peaks Natural Area, you might be lucky enough to spot endangered wildlife, including the mission blue butterfly. And if you want to see some ocean vistas as you hike, there are plenty of trails in the Presidio area that offer views across the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific beyond. Take the Batteries to Bluffs trail along the cliff’s edge, or settle in and enjoy the scenery from Immigrant Point.

Fancy a more relaxing walk? Stroll through Golden Gate Park, stopping at the Conservatory of Flowers or the Botanical Garden along the way. While you’re there, cross the bridge to hidden gem Strawberry Hill, where you’ll spot a pretty man-made waterfall.

San Francisco has plenty of places to dine or dance the evening away. Lively Union Square is where many of the city’s coolest eateries are found, sandwiched between designer and high street stores. Looking for something different? Haight-Ashbury, in the centre of the city, is an alternative haven, home to bars bursting with character and eclectic eateries.

Everyone is welcome in San Francisco, and the city is famous as a legendary party spot for the LGBT+ community. The Castro District, in particular, has some of the best gay bars and clubs, as well as the GLBT History Museum, where you can learn more about the community’s fight for acceptance and equality. Dance your way down Market Street to see the city’s best nightlife spots, or make your way through the famous bars on Polk Street.

San Francisco holidays are best planned for spring, when the flowers start to bloom and the weather is lovely. Temperatures reach the low-twenties and you’re likely to have plenty of sunny days, particularly if you’re further staying inland away from the ocean mists. Early autumn is also a great time to visit, as the trees turn golden and rust-coloured, and temperatures climb to the mid-twenties.

Surprisingly, summer is one of the least popular times to visit San Francisco. While most of California enjoys sunshine and hot temperatures, San Fran is often shrouded in ocean fog – nicknamed ‘Karl’ by locals – and battered by cold winds. If you’re not afraid of chilly or overcast weather, you’ll be treated to plenty of free concerts at Stern’s Grove outdoor amphitheatre. Winter brings the rains, but San Francisco has plenty of museums, bars and eateries where you can stay dry and cosy inside.