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What are the Best San Francisco Attractions in 2021?

San Francisco is a vibrant, exciting city that offers just about something for everyone. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the famous Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz, there are plenty of attractions in the city. For visitors coming to the area, the following is an overview of some of San Francisco’s best attractions for 2021.

Best Things to Do in San Francisco

If you’re looking for things to do in San Francisco, these top attractions should be on your list:

• Exploring the Golden Gate Bridge
• Visiting Alcatraz Island
• Seeing the Historic Cable Cars
• Walking Across the Fisherman’s Wharf
• Admiring the Palace of Fine Arts
• Exploring Chinatown
• Visiting the California Academy of Sciences
• Taking in Outdoor Art at Crissy Field
• Paying Respect at the National AIDS Memorial Grove
• Exploring Haight-Ashbury neighborhood
• Touring Muir Woods National Monument

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks. Built 75 years ago, this 4,200-foot long suspension bridge spans the entrance to San Francisco Bay and is open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic 24 hours a day. Its popularity as a tourist destination has only increased over time and it is a must-see for any visit to San Francisco. A fantastic resource with tips and tricks for planning a visit to the bridge can be found on Gowherenext.com.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions and has a fascinating history that goes back over 150 years. Once a federal prison, Alcatraz is now part of a national recreation area and open to visitors for tours and other activities. Planning a visit ahead of time is important for those seeking a ticket, as tickets do sell out quickly during peak season. Anyone interested in learning more about the island and its history can find helpful information from the National Park Service website..

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is San Francisco’s oldest and most famous neighborhood. It’s home to the iconic Pier 39 and the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, as well as many popular seafood restaurants. Visitors will find plenty of souvenir shops and seafood stands to explore. The area has recently been revitalized with new private investments, making it one of the city’s major draws for both tourists and locals alike. For more information about planning a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf, check out Fishermanswharf.org.

Cable Cars

San Francisco’s historic cable cars are one of the most recognizable attractions the city has to offer. Operating since 1873, cable cars are one of the last operating components of an old gravity-based public transit system that was once used to get around the city. Today, official historic cable cars offer rides throughout the city and along its famous hills, providing riders with stunning views as they go. More information about San Francisco’s venerable cable cars can be found at the San Francisco Cable Car website..

Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is one of San Francisco’s most beautiful attractions, located at 3301 Lyon Street in the Marina district. Designed by architect Bernard Maybeck, this stunning building was originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition and later rebuilt in 1964 after being destroyed by the Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989. Today, the palace is open daily to visitors who come to admire its neoclassical features, towering columns, and beautiful lagoon. For more information about visiting the palace, visit their official website at Palaceoffinearts.org..

Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is home to some of the oldest Chinese businesses outside of Asia and remains one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors here can explore its colorful atmosphere, shop for souvenirs, enjoy authentic cuisine, or take part in various cultural festivals such as Chinese New Year or Mid Autumn Festival. For more information about Chinatown and its attractions, visit visitatchinatownsf.com..

California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is home to over 26 million specimens from across all branches of natural science, including anthropology, astronomy, geology, entomology, botany, herpetology, osteology, paleontology, and zoology. Special exhibits include an aquarium, planetarium, living roof with several gardens and installations, African Hall with gorillas and meerkats, and displays with more than 3800 butterflies from around the world. For more information about this incredible museum, check out their official website..

Crissy Field

Crissy Field provides stunning views of San Francisco Bay and Marin Headlands and serves as an outdoor gallery for Bay Area artists who create large outdoor installations such as murals and sculptures. The website, cityartproject.org, offers some additional information about these outdoor installations and lists sites where they can be found by visitors to Crissy Field.

National AIDS Memorial Grove

The National AIDS Memorial Grove is located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and is dedicated to those who have lost their lives to AIDS or HIV-related diseases over the past four decades. Visitors to this site can view memorial plaques dedicated to HIV/AIDS victims and volunteers, stroll through winding pathways lined with trees planted in their honor, or take part in educational programs and special events offered throughout the year at the grove. Information about visiting this memorial can be found at their official site: aidsmemorial.org..

Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood

The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco became famous due to its connection to the 1960s hippie movement when young people flocked to live in the neighborhood in search of an alternative lifestyle away from traditional society norms. Today, this vibrant district remains home to unique stores as well as some popular music venues such as Slim’s Clubhouse and The Chapel which attract music fans to come experience the city’s unique local music scene firsthand. To learn more about what Haight-Ashbury has to offer visitors, head over to its official website at whatwouldyoudoinsf.com..

Muir Woods National Monument

Just 20 minutes north of San Francisco lies Muir Woods National Monument, home to some of California’s oldest coastal redwood trees which have been around for thousands of years. These ancient trees provide visitors with an awe-inspiring view of nature that can’t be found anywhere else in San Francisco. Muir Woods offers various activities such as ranger-led programs or hiking trails that are sure to provide any visitor with a truly memorable experience during their time in San Francisco. More information about how to get there and other tips can be found at the National Park Service website..

San Francisco offers tons of amazing attractions that should not be missed when visiting the area in 2021! Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to soak up some local culture, there are attractions here for everyone! When planning your trip, be sure to keep these top attractions in mind so you can experience all that this vibrant city has to offer!