From the city guide, checked October 28, 2026.
Golden Gate Bridge
The bridge was built during the Great Depression and now carries about 40 million vehicles a year. Pedestrians may use only the east sidewalk, the side facing the city. Under Pacific Standard Time (roughly early November to early March) it is open from 5 am to 6:30 pm, and under daylight time until 9 pm. Cyclists can cross toll-free 24 hours a day, but there are no rental bikes at the bridge, so rent one in the city first.
Alcatraz Island
From 1850 to 1934 the island was a fort and military prison, from 1934 to 1963 a federal penitentiary, and in 1969-1971 it was occupied by American Indian activists. The only way there is the Alcatraz City Cruises ferry, run under contract with the National Park Service, from Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33. There is no parking at the landing; the F Line streetcars stop nearby. Plan a few hours and bring a jacket: the island sells nothing to eat beyond dry snacks.
The Presidio
Spain founded the Presidio in 1776 as the northernmost outpost of its empire in western North America. Mexico held it for 24 years, and the US Army ran it as a post from 1846 to 1994. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and joined the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1994. Today it is open parkland, easy to explore on foot or by bike.
Lands End
Trails wind along rocky cliffs through cypress and eucalyptus, with views of the shore and the Golden Gate. Below are the concrete ruins of the Sutro Baths, which you can wander, and the Sutro Heights gardens are nearby. The Lands End Lookout visitor center covers the area's natural and cultural history. Wheelchair-accessible trails start at the Merrie Way parking lot.
Golden Gate Park
The park covers 1,017 acres of gardens, groves, lakes and meadows, with places to eat. It borders the Richmond District, so it is a few blocks' walk from the Russian stores on Geary. Some park roads are car-free; the Recreation and Parks site lists the car-free days.
Cable cars
The cable car was invented in San Francisco about 150 years ago and became a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Three lines run: California, from California and Market to Van Ness Avenue, and Powell/Hyde and Powell/Mason, from Powell and Market to the Fisherman's Wharf area. At Powell & Market, Bay & Taylor and Hyde & Beach you must prepay from 8 am to 8 pm, with MuniMobile or a Clipper card. Cash needs exact change, and Visitor Passports cover 1, 3 or 7 days.
Ferry Building
The ferry terminal on the waterfront opened on July 13, 1898, and its 245-foot clock tower overlooks Market Street. The address is One Ferry Building. Check its website for the farmers market schedule and shop hours before you go.
Mission Dolores
The mission was founded on June 29, 1776, under Father Junipero Serra. It is the oldest building in San Francisco and the oldest original intact mission in California. The address is 3321 16th Street. The Old Mission, museum, cemetery and Basilica are open 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 5 pm on weekends; self-guided visits need no reservation.
Holy Virgin Cathedral
The cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, dedicated to the icon Joy of All Who Sorrow, stands at 6210 Geary Boulevard between 26th and 27th Avenues. The relics of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco rest in a golden shrine in the cathedral. Services are held daily and the cathedral is open all day, so a weekday visit works.
Fort Ross
This one is a day trip: Fort Ross, a settlement of the Russian-American Company, operated from 1812 to 1841. It is now a state historic park 12 miles north of Jenner on Highway 1, about 2.5 to 3.5 hours' drive from San Francisco. The Rotchev House is thought to be one of the few original buildings from the Russian period; the chapel (the first Russian Orthodox chapel south of Alaska), the stockade, the Kuskov House and the corner blockhouses are reconstructions. Start at the visitor center.