San Francisco attractions

12 top sights, in our order of priority for a first visit.

1. 1Alcatraz IslandMuseums & culture · Allow 3 hThe former federal prison on an island in San Francisco Bay, reached by ferry, with an excellent audio tour narrated by former guards and inmates.
2. 2Golden Gate BridgeOutdoors · Allow 3 hThe 1937 suspension bridge is the symbol of the city. You can walk or cycle across it for views of the bay and the skyline.
3. 3Muir Woods & SausalitoDay trips · Allow Full dayA grove of ancient coast redwoods just north of the city, often combined with the waterfront town of Sausalito.
4. 4Napa & Sonoma Wine CountryFood & drink · Allow 3 hCalifornia's famous wine regions, about an hour north of the city, with tastings, vineyards and long lunches.
5. 5Cable Cars & Chinatown WalkGuided tours · Allow 2 h 30 minThe historic cable cars climb the city's hills, and Chinatown is the oldest in North America, with markets, temples and dim sum.
6. 6Chinatown Food TourFood & drink · Allow 3 hA guided walk through America's oldest Chinatown, with dim sum, bakeries and fortune cookies.
7. 7San Francisco Bay CruiseCruises · Allow 1 h 30 minA boat trip under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz.
8. 8Lombard Street & Hills TourGuided tours · Allow 1 h 30 minThe famously crooked block of Lombard Street, plus Russian Hill and Nob Hill views.
9. 9Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39With kids · Allow 2 hA waterfront district with sea lions, seafood stands and boat departures.
10. 10Haight-Ashbury & Golden Gate ParkMuseums & culture · Allow 2 h 30 minThe 1960s counterculture district, with vintage shops, murals and the adjoining Golden Gate Park.
11. 11Sausalito & Muir Woods FerryCruises · Allow 4 hA ferry across the bay to the waterfront town of Sausalito, with views of the Golden Gate.
12. 12Monterey & Carmel Day TripDay trips · Allow Full dayA day trip down the coast to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Carmel-by-the-Sea.