The San Francisco Giants have been calling this stadium home since 2000, playing host to multiple World Series games. Oracle Park is regarded as one of the most scenic baseball parks in the United States for its picturesque placement along the San Francisco Bay. The majority of attendees are afforded prime views of the glittering water from their seats all the while being able to enjoy one of America's greatest pastimes.
Although baseball season runs from April to October, the stadium holds tours year-round (except on game days), providing a behind-the-scenes look at the field, dugout, the press box, luxury suites and more. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the World Series trophies and rings, which are on display on the Promenade Level behind home plate.
There are plenty of great spots to capture a snap of the majestic bridge. But if you want a truly postcard-worthy shot, head to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, situated high on a hill overlooking San Francisco. If you have extra time, make sure to explore the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The actual span of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area encompasses multiple places in San Mateo (south of San Francisco), San Francisco and Marin counties (Alcatraz and Muir Woods included), but notable parts of this recreation area can be found just a stroll away from the Golden Gate. From the bridge, travelers will find some scenic, bayside trails, some of which lead to secluded beaches, including Kirby Cove and Black Sands Beach. If you really want a trek, journey to the Point Bonita Lighthouse for sweeping views of the bay, found at the very tip of the Golden Gate Strait.
Don’t let the name of this neighborhood in northeastern San Francisco fool you: There’s no actual beach at North Beach. The name is more of a geographical marker for the neighborhood’s location on the bay. It’s better known as San Francisco’s Little Italy and remains home to a vibrant Italian-American community, with streets lined with restaurants and cafes. Among the neighborhood staples is Original Joe’s, which has been serving San Francisco residents for nearly a century. If you want a little help navigating the neighborhood’s delectable dining scene, consider signing up for one of the best San Francisco tours; many of the companies featured lead guided food tours throughout North Beach.
In addition to its Italian restaurants, North Beach also gained fame as the preferred neighborhood for the post-World War II Beat Generation, which included authors Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Neal Cassady and Gregory Corso, among others. You can still see remnants of the Beat Generation in the City Lights bookstore and Vesuvio Cafe, which draws chess players, artists, poets and literary tourists.
Fisherman's Wharf is so tourist-laden that some travelers might prefer the quieter, more authentic attractions nearby (like the Castro or Presidio Tunnel Tops). But if you're looking to explore all of San Francisco – from its alternative underbelly to its mainstream attractions – Fisherman's Wharf really is a must-see. This waterfront neighborhood features a laundry list of things to do, as well as a few popular San Francisco sites. One of these is Pier 39. The Pier features plenty of shopping and restaurant options for tourists and is also famous for offering sweeping views of the bay, as well as the can't-miss attractions that call it home, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Though while you're there, don't miss an opportunity to snap a photo of the sea lions who have a habit of sunbathing on buoys near the docks.
The wharf also houses plenty of family-friendly attractions and activities, including a Madame Tussauds wax museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and the Aquarium of the Bay. Those with an interest in history will want to explore the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park and its Maritime Museum. When you start to feel peckish, head over to Ghirardelli Square, which is home to the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate shop. There's also Boudin Bakery, another San Francisco institution. The bakery is the original creator of sourdough French bread as well as the oldest bakery in the city of San Francisco.