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28 places to explore
The south end of the Golden Gate Bridge, shoreline below and distant hills, viewed from Battery EastSan Francisco
San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge & Fort Point

Plan bridge views and a bridge walk separately. Check access to the paths and fort before heading out.

3–4 hoursMain outing is free
Read the guide
See the Golden Gate in 3D
Photo credit

The Golden Gate Bridge from Battery East, photographed in 2017. This reference image shows the elevation difference between bridge and shoreline, not current construction or weather.

Frank Schulenburg / CC BY-SA 4.0 · resized and compressedLicense details
California sea lions resting on floating docks at PIER 39San Francisco
San Francisco

Fisherman's Wharf & PIER 39

Enjoy the sea lions and waterfront for free; cruises and indoor attractions have separate tickets.

2–3 hoursFree & ticketed areas
Read the guide
Explore Pier 39 in 3D
Photo credit

Sea lions at PIER 39 in a 2012 reference photo. Numbers vary with the season and natural behavior; the same scene is not guaranteed on your visit.

Jennyhjert / CC BY-SA 4.0 · resized and compressedLicense details
The former Alcatraz prison recreation yard, steps and dining hall buildingSan Francisco
San Francisco

Alcatraz Island

Book a ticket that includes landing on the island. The map points to the Pier 33 boarding area.

3–4 hoursAdmission ticket needed
Read the guide
Visit Pier 33 in 3D
Photo credit

Alcatraz’s recreation yard and dining hall building, photographed in 2019. Tour products and areas open on the day depend on official arrangements.

© Radomianin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 · resized and compressedLicense details
Chinatown’s Dragon Gate at Grant Avenue and Bush StreetSan Francisco
San Francisco

Chinatown & North Beach

Start at the gate and explore the neighborhood, leaving time for food and small shops.

2–3 hoursMain outing is free
Read the guide
Enter Chinatown in 3D
Photo credit

Chinatown’s Dragon Gate, photographed in 2023. Residents and businesses use this intersection daily, so keep paths clear while taking photos.

Bob B. Brown / CC BY 2.0 · resized and compressedLicense details
The Palace of Fine Arts rotunda, classical colonnades and reflections in the lagoonSan Francisco
San Francisco

Palace of Fine Arts & Marina

The outdoor lagoon walk and architecture are free to enjoy; performances and private events are separate.

2–3 hoursMain outing is free
Read the guide
See the Palace in 3D
Photo credit

The Palace of Fine Arts lagoon, photographed in 2017. This shows the public outdoor setting; theater performances and reserved events have separate arrangements.

Daderot / CC0 · resized and compressedLicense details
Lawn, paths, and palm trees in front of the white Conservatory of FlowersSan Francisco
San Francisco

Golden Gate Park & JFK Promenade

Start with the free outdoor areas, then check admission for each garden and museum.

3–5 hoursFree & ticketed areas
Read the guide
Start at the Conservatory in 3D
Photo credit

The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park, photographed in 2016. Indoor admission and outdoor walking have different entry conditions.

Fastily · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and compressedLicense details
Grassy slopes and paths at Presidio Tunnel Tops, with the bay in the distanceSan Francisco
San Francisco

Presidio Tunnel Tops

Grassy slopes, bay views and a picnic. Bring a layer and check the rules for picnic tables.

2–3 hoursMain outing is free
Read the guide
Explore Tunnel Tops in 3D
Photo credit

Presidio Tunnel Tops, 2023 archival photograph; not the 2026 festival or its day-of setup.

Frank Schulenburg · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and compressed; cropped on cardsLicense details
Memorial Glade, Doe Library and the Campanile at UC BerkeleyEast Bay
Berkeley

Berkeley campus & Botanical Garden

The campus and hillside garden are separate stops. The Botanical Garden requires admission.

3.5–4.5 hoursFree & ticketed areas
Read the guide
Photo credit

UC Berkeley campus: Memorial Glade, Doe Library and the Campanile. The source page dates this archival photograph to 2009.

brainchildvn on Flickr · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and compressedLicense details
Outdoor entrance, sign and steps at the Oakland Museum of CaliforniaEast Bay
Oakland

Lake Merritt & OMCA

Pair a lakeside walk with California stories. Check museum admission and opening days separately.

3–4 hoursFree & ticketed areas
Read the guide
Photo credit

OMCA entrance in a 2012 archival photo, not the advertised event. Follow current visitor guidance for accessible routes.

mk30 from usa · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and compressedLicense details
A leafy trail in Reinhardt Redwood Regional ParkEast Bay
Oakland

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

Choose a short trail that suits you. Check parking charges and trail notices separately.

2–3 hoursMain outing is free
Read the guide
Photo credit

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, photographed in 2026. This image does not confirm that any particular trail is currently open.

Tbo47 · CC0 · Resized and compressed; cropped on cardsLicense details
Stanford campus arcades with Hoover Tower behind themPeninsula
Stanford

Stanford & Cantor Arts Center

Take your time with campus architecture and art. Check museum closures and parking rules.

2.5–3.5 hoursMain outing is free
Read the guide
Photo credit

Stanford campus in a 2025 photograph. Walking in public outdoor areas and access inside buildings are separate arrangements.

Cmichel67 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and compressedLicense details
Filoli’s historic brick house viewed from the rear gardenPeninsula
Woodside

Filoli House & Garden

Book your arrival window; the garden's appearance changes with the seasons.

2.5–4 hoursAdmission ticket needed
Read the guide
Photo credit

Filoli house and gardens, 2020 archival photograph; not the 2026 holiday lights. Seasonal planting and visitor areas may change.

Laurent Le Gourrierec · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and compressedLicense details
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