Be a tourist in San Francisco

Pier 39

You'll find just about anything you're looking for at this seaside tourist attraction. Pier 39 is home to innumerable shops and restaurants, plus a video arcade and the Aquarium of the Bay. To get the full experience of the pier, take a spin on the two-story carousel, grab a bowl of clam chowder, take in views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge and watch the sea lions lounging on the docks below.

Alcatraz Island

Once home to a federal prison, Alcatraz Island (The Rock) is now a National Historic Landmark and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Tours of the island and facilities are offered to visitors who arrive by ferry from Pier 39 where you'll learn all about the infamous inmates, their escape attempts and more.

Golden Gate Bridge

Since 1937, the bright orange Golden Gate Bridge has been one of the most photographed sights in San Francisco. Take a walk across the 4,200 foot suspension span that sits 692 feet above the water (just don't look down if you're scared of heights!). On a clear day, you'll have views of Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, the Marin Headlands and the gorgeous downtown San Francisco skyline.

AT&T Park

If you're visiting during baseball season, take in a San Francisco Giants game at AT&T Park. This ballpark, which replaced Candlestick Park in 2000, sits on China Basin, dubbed McCovey Cove after the famous Giants player Willie McCovey. The park is famous for its huge Coke bottle and glove in the outfield and also features statues of many of baseball's icons.

Coit Tower

This 210-foot-tall tower sits atop Telegraph Hill and provides 360-degree views of the Bay and the city. Although it is an easy walk from the Fisherman's Wharf area, once there you will face hundreds of stairs getting to the base of Coit Tower, not to mention the stairs to get to the top. Wear your walking shoes for this one.

Golden Gate Park

You won't be bored spending a day at Golden Gate Park, which consists of more than 1,000 acres and is home to many attractions. At the California Academy of Sciences, visit Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium and one of the world's largest museums of natural history. Take in fine art at the De Young Museum, which features an extensive collection as well as rotating exhibits. And after a long day of sight-seeing, relax at the calming Japanese Tea Gardens.