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Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco

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They say the best things in life are free, and in San Francisco, enjoying some of the most iconic sights won’t cost you a dime. With its stunning natural beauty and a thriving arts and culture scene, the city has an abundance of things to do if you’re on a budget or just saving for other indulgences. From a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge to a drive down the crooked streets to world-class music in the park, San Francisco is a dream come true for the cost-conscious traveler.

By Amy Sherman

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Russian Hill

This lovely neighborhood has lots of hidden charms. Just a block from the crooked section of Lombard Street, the Alice Marble Tennis Courts are set on a steep block that offers park benches and peekaboo views of the Bay Bridge, Coit Tower, and the Golden Gate Bridge with the Marina on the other side and Alcatraz in the distance.

The Ina Coolbrith Park is named for California’s first poet laureate. It’s a tiny, grassy spot not many people know about, so it’s worth visiting for the isolated and inspiring view of the bay and the skyline, an impromptu picnic, or seeing fireworks on the Fourth of July.

If you’ve read Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City, you may remember “Barbary Lane,” which is based on the idyllic Macondray Lane. It’s a heavily forested, pedestrian-only, cobbled pathway and stairs with flowers, ferns, dappled sunlight, and a fairytale atmosphere.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

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Beaches

The water is cold year round, but don’t let that stop you from heading to the bay. The city offers a number of outstanding beaches: Ocean Beach on the Western edge of town for watching surfers and sunsets; Baker Beach for amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge; and the Marin Headlands, the coastal trail, and Aquatic Park where you can watch Dolphin Club swimmers and see plenty of boats in the harbor.

The nearby Hyde Street Pier is great for views of the city and the bay. Aquatic Park is an urban beach, part of the Maritime Park Association and home to the Maritime Museum in the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building. This classic art deco building resembles an ocean liner, and it’s free to check out the murals in the lobby and the views from the veranda.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

PHOTO: Courtesy of Pier 39

Pier 39

While many locals avoid the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf area, there’s no denying the allure of Pier 39. This waterfront complex has street performers, shops, restaurants, attractions, a five-acre waterfront park with a 300-berth marina, and the best views of the sea lions.

If you’re in San Francisco in February, head to Pier 39 for the annual Tulipmania. More than 39,000 tulip bulbs are planted and bloom for weeks at a time. Free tours are given by members of the landscaping team throughout the week and end with complimentary refreshments.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

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Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a large manmade park full of forests, lakes, gardens, and museums. The weekend is prime time to visit because it’s car-free on Saturdays and Sundays. On Sundays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. between 8th and 10th Avenues, you can watch or participate in Lindy in the Park, a dance party with free half-hour swing dance lessons for beginners at noon.

While the museums and some of the gardens have an entry fee, the Japanese Tea Garden is free if you arrive between 9-10 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and you can make a beeline for the Hamon Observation Tower in the de Young Museum for stunning 360-degree panoramic views of downtown San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, the Bay, and the Marin Headlands.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

PHOTO: Washington Square by Eric Chan CC BY 2.0

Films

Thanks to mild weather in summer and fall, free movies in the park are popular for locals and visitors alike. Of course you’ll want to bring blankets to sit on and bundle up with if Karl the Fog should make an appearance.

Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema runs a series of movies, and Film Night in the Park hosts movies at Union Square, Washington Square Park, and Dolores Park. Mission Bay Parks and the University of California San Francisco also host a free film night, and free screenings with complimentary wine tastings are held indoors at the Top of the Mark, at the Mark Hopkins Hotel.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

PHOTO: San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis

Author Talks and Readings

San Francisco is very much a literary town, and bookstores offer endless hours of browsing and opportunities to hear authors speak. Omnivore Books is a mecca for food lovers and cooks, hosting an impressive lineup of culinary talent and the best chefs and food writers from around the globe. A must-visit for poets or anyone enamored with the beat generation is City Lights Bookstore, a fixture since 1953 known for its “commitment to free intellectual inquiry.” Books Inc. is the oldest independent bookseller in the West, dating back to the Gold Rush era. The store has two San Francisco locations and often hosts best-selling authors and public figures of international stature.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

PHOTO: Walking Viz Valley by SPUR CC BY 2.0

Walking Tours

San Francisco City Guides is a volunteer organization run by local residents passionate about their city and sponsored by the San Francisco Public Library. They lead terrific walking tours of various neighborhoods and focuses. You can learn about the Gold Rush or the 1906 earthquake and fire, see Victorian architecture, or visit Chinatown. The free tours are a particularly good way to experience lesser-known parts of the city, especially in May and October when there are expanded schedules. Check the website for times, dates, and surprise tours.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

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Ferry Building and Farmers’ Markets

It’s hard to imagine that for years the Ferry Building was dormant and used as a simple walkthrough to get to the docks. Today it’s a vibrant destination filled with local purveyors of everything from cheese and chocolate to coffee and cookware. Take a walk through the beautiful building or visit the farmers’ market, considered one of the best in the nation, which takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Many of the cooking demos and other market happenings run by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture at the farmers’ market are also free.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

PHOTO: Courtesy Pier 24 Photography, San Francisco

Photography Galleries

San Francisco is a favorite city for photographers. Established in the 1940s, Harvey Milk Photography Center is named for one of Castro’s most famous residents, the first openly gay supervisor and photo shop proprietor. The center hosts exhibitions, lectures, and photo walks.

Another top spot for photography buffs is Pier 24, home of the Pilara Foundation, which is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting photography. It offers free admission but is open by appointment only. Its visiting artist program brings six artists, writers, and curators to San Francisco for free lectures.

SF Camerawork also offers exhibitions and events. Their focus is on emerging artists, and their mission is to support artistic exploration and community involvement and inquiry.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

PHOTO: Diego Rivera, Making a Fresco, 1931 by Joaquín Martínez CC BY 2.0

Diego Rivera Murals

San Francisco has three murals from one of the world’s most famous modern muralists, Diego Rivera. Allegory of California (1931) resides on a wall and ceiling at the City Club. The main figure is Calafia, the Spirit of California. Her right hand represents the agricultural bounty of the state, while her left hand embraces the technological leaders of the day. It is open for public viewing from 3-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Making of a Fresco Showing the Building of a City (1931), located at the San Francisco Art Institute, expresses the left-leaning artist’s views of art, industry, and work.

Pan American Unity (1940) can be found in the Diego Rivera Theatre at the City College of San Francisco. The mural was painted as part of the Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island in the San Francisco Bay. It is composed of five large panels and combines themes of art, religion, history, politics, and technology of the Americas.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

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Lombard Street and Twin Peaks

Eight switchbacks in one long block give the section of Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth the reputation of being the “crookedest street in the world.” It’s on the Hyde Street cable car line, and while you can drive, you’ll appreciate it more if you walk it in full.

At 922 feet, Twin Peaks, a sixty-four-acre mix of grassland and coastal scrub, offers 180-degree views that will give you a glimpse of what San Francisco looked like in its natural state prior to development.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

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Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is without a doubt the most well known emblem of San Francisco. Walking or biking across the bridge is a great experience, with incredible views from both sides. Start at the Bridge Pavilion, which offers a gift shop, historical information, and exhibits, including the original twelve-foot stainless steel Bridge “test tower” from 1933. If you want a guided tour, you can sign up for a free one most Thursdays and Sundays with SF City Guides.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

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Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is an iconic San Francisco building and one of the first you encounter upon entering the city from the Golden Gate Bridge. It was built in 1910 for an exposition that honored the completion of the Panama Canal and helped send the message that San Francisco was back in business after the devastating earthquake and fire of 1906. The neoclassical building evokes nature, ancient mythology, and the romanticism of the early twentieth century. It’s a very popular spot for wedding photos, as the surrounding pond, home to ducks and swans, beautifully reflects the buildings.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

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Waterfront

Crissy Field, part of the Golden Gate National Parks system, stretches from Fort Point to Fort Mason, with miles of flat, open space for walking, biking, and kite flying. It’s also a favorite windsurfing spot. Check out the Wave Organ, a wave-activated acoustic sculpture on a jetty in the bay at the boat harbor. Best heard at high tide, it was constructed from granite and marble from a demolished cemetery.

Fort Point, a brick fort that defended the bay from the Gold Rush through World War II, is free to visit and tour. Sports Basement, located on Old Mason Street in the Presidio, offers lots of free community activities, including yoga, group bike rides, and fun runs.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

PHOTO: 16th Avenue Tiled Stair Project by Ed Bierman CC BY 2.0

Steps

San Francisco is built on hills, and some of the city’s steps offer great views and scenery. They are even the subject of a book, Stairway Walks in San Francisco. The Lyon Street Steps offer views of the bay and the Marina district, including the Palace of Fine Arts. Their manicured landscaping gives the stairway an elegance and grandeur befitting of its wealthy neighborhood. The meticulous 16th Avenue Tiled Steps form a cascading work of art, and the reward from climbing the Vallejo Street Steps is a stunning view of the city, the Bay Bridge, and the hills of the East Bay.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

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Coit Tower

Coit Tower is another recognizable landmark. The concrete tower was built in 1933 and resembles a fire hose to honor the city’s firefighters. While an elevator ride to the top will cost you, it’s free to visit the tower base and see the murals painted in 1934 by a group of artists inspired by Diego Rivera’s portrayals of Californian life during the Depression. The steep trails and staircases below the tower are worth exploring, too.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

PHOTO: Grace Cathedral – The New Labyrinth by SF Brit CC BY-ND 2.0

Grace Cathedral

There are so many reasons to visit Grace Cathedral that it’s hard to count them all. The Doors of Paradise, replicas of the famed Lorenzo Ghiberti doors from the Florence Baptistry, are at the cathedral entrance. The Interfaith AIDS Memorial Chapel showcases The Life of Christ, a bronze and white-gold triptych altarpiece and the last completed work of Keith Haring before he died of AIDS, and panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Walking the cathedral’s replica of the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France is a spiritual act, intended to enhance self-awareness and enlightenment.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

PHOTO: Henrik Kam

Presidio

The Presidio was established as a military base, but in recent years the number of visitor attractions, many of which are free, has steadily grown. You can learn about the current and future plans for the area with free site tours. Stop by Andy Goldsworthy’s four environmental sculptures throughout the base and the Presidio Officers’ Club, offering historic and cultural exhibits and lectures, along with free concerts and events on the parade grounds.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

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Museums

Some museums in San Francisco, including the Cable Car Museum, San Francisco Railway Museum, and the Wells Fargo History Museum, never charge admission, but for others you’ll need to plan carefully to take advantage of free days.

The first Tuesday of the month is something of a bonanza. You’ll gain free entrance at many top institutions, including the Legion of Honor, the de Young Museum, the Museum of Craft and Design, the Conservatory of Flowers, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and the Asian Art Museum. Check out the Exploratorium’s website for its six free days throughout the year.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

PHOTO: San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis

Mission District

The Mission District is a neighborhood perpetually in transition and a convergence of cultures, cuisines, and all things cool. Lively Valencia, 24th, and 16th Streets are great places to window shop and explore. The Mission is also known for Chicano murals. Head to Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley to see the best examples.

The Mission Dolores is one of the original California missions, dating back to 1791. Next to the church is the Mission Dolores Park, whose north end was just renovated. The park has become a magnet for hipsters on the weekend, and the playground is a popular attraction for families.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

PHOTO: Courtesy of The San Francisco Mime Troupe; Photo by Mike Melnyk

Theater

Two annual free theater productions take place in parks around the city and the bay area during summer and fall. The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival puts on a professional production of a Shakespeare play, and the San Francisco Mime Troupe creates and produces “socially relevant” theater productions on timely political topics. This troupe mimes as in mimicking, not silent pantomime.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

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Music

San Francisco is home to some outstanding festivals with world-class performers who draw crowds of hundreds of thousands. On the first weekend of October, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass hosts more than 100 performers of bluegrass, rock, country and more on five stages in Golden Gate Park. It’s free and non-commercial, funded by a private family foundation, and draws upward of half a million attendees.

All summer the Stern Grove Festival presents ten concerts and a wide variety of acts from classical to international to rap to ballet. Picnicking is encouraged at both festivals.

Yerba Buena Gardens, just south of Market Street, also offers a full schedule of music and free outdoor programs May through October.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

PHOTO: San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis

Street Festivals

San Francisco hosts numerous unique parades, celebrations, and street festivals. The North Beach Festival, which has been going for more than sixty years, includes arts and crafts booths, food, entertainment, and chalk street art. The Fillmore Jazz Festival, which offers live jazz spanning styles from fusion to Latin to old time crooners, is the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, attracting around 100,000 people. Not for the faint of heart, the Folsom Street Festival, one of the largest events for “fetish enthusiasts,” is a wild party with lots of nudity, live music, and vendors selling fetish gear and adult toys.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

PHOTO: Seward Street Slides by Franco Folini CC BY-SA 2.0

Seward Mini Park Slides

Not far from Mission Dolores is Seward Mini Park, which features two very long and very steep concrete slides. Bring pieces of cardboard (or wax paper if you dare!) and take a thrilling ride. The park, which closes on Mondays and at sunset, is in a residential neighborhood and surrounded by a community garden and native plants.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

PHOTO: Giants Game by Dan Bock CC BY 2.0

Giants Games

The 2014 World Series-winning San Francisco Giants play at AT&T Park, one of the prettiest ballparks with its spectacular views of the bay. Tickets aren’t cheap, but you can catch standing-room views for three innings for free by walking along the boardwalk behind right field. You’ll find three arches, each offering a view through a chain-link fence.

You can also experience the ballpark during the Opera at the Ballpark live simulcast event that takes place once a year. See the San Francisco Opera website for dates and more information about reserving a free ticket.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide

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Visit to San Francisco

Best Non-Stops from San Francisco to the Beach

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San Francisco is a popular destination in its own right—except during the winter months. The city’s chilly winds and rainy days often deter tourists and inspire locals to travel south. Luckily, the city provides quick flights to islands and cities far away from the fog and cold. Travelers can lounge on Puerto Vallarta’s golden sand beaches, or swim in Kona’s sparkling blue waters. Here are our picks for best non-stop flights from San Francisco to the beach.

By Emily Wasserman

PHOTO: Sebastien Burel/Shutterstock

San Diego

Flight Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Why Go: San Diego has it all: moderate year-round temperatures, 70 miles of coastline, and attractions for all interests and ages. Visitors can get their feet wet on the city’s white sand beaches or take a trip inland to explore historic sites and parks. For picturesque ocean views and people-watching, visit Coronado Beach. Water sports enthusiasts will enjoy La Jolla Cove, a small inlet with tidal pools and cliff caves. A trip to San Diego is not complete without visiting the city’s world-renowned zoo: The 100-acre property features nearly 4,000 animals and an aerial tram with panoramic views.

Insider Tip: For all-day entertainment, stop by Balboa Park. Visitors can explore a variety of museums, gardens, and performing arts venues, or explorers can take a hike along one of the park’s scenic trails.

Where to Stay: Hotels vary by location, with luxury properties concentrated in the downtown area and more laid-back resorts near the beach. 1906 Lodge at Coronado Beach is two blocks away from the ocean and offers warm hospitality at an affordable price.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Diego Guide

PHOTO: Ruth Peterkin/Shutterstock

Cabo San Lucas

Flight Duration: 3 hours

Why Go: Cabo San Lucas is one of Mexico’s fastest growing tourist destinations, and for good reason: The coastal town features lively beaches, a variety of water sports, and a bustling nightlife scene. Take a glass-bottomed boat to Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) for an authentic Cabo experience. The small beach neighbors “El Arco,” the town’s famed arched landmark, and visitors can swim or snorkel in clear, sparkling water. Stop by Cabo’s marina to rent a boat and spend the day fishing on the Sea of Cortez. Dance the night away at Passion Club, one of Cabo’s most popular nightlife destinations. The club features world renowned DJs and a number of VIP events.

Insider Tip: From December to April, thousands of giant gray whales arrive in Cabo’s lagoons to mate and give birth. A number of whale-watching tours offer an up-close look at the whales and their new babies.

Where to Stay: For stunning views of El Arco and world-class service, book a room at Esperanza. The resort is home to one of the best spas in the region, and the villas come equipped with private pools and butler service.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Los Cabos Guide

PHOTO: Elena Elisseeva/Shutterstock

Puerto Vallarta

Flight Duration: 3 hours and 38 minutes

Why Go: Lush tropical forests and golden sand beaches make Puerto Vallarta a desirable year-round destination. Located on the sparkling Bahia of Banderas, the town offers gourmet restaurants, land and sea adventures, and a colorful nightlife scene. Visit Playa los Muertos for stunning bay views and beach activities like parasailing and jet skiing. Get the star treatment at Terra Noble, one of the city’s most elegant day spas. The property overlooks Banderas Bay and offers treatments like chardonnay-grape-seed therapy and temazcal sweat-lodge rituals. Nature lovers will enjoy the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Set in a tropical dry forest, the park features more than 3,000 species of plants, swimming streams, and lush palm gardens.

Insider Tip: In February, the city hosts the four-day Festival de Musica San Pancho in nearby San Pancho. The festival attracts the area’s best musicians and offers free admission.

Where to Stay: Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of accommodations ranging from small, boutique properties to all-inclusive resorts. Located on Banderas Bay, Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa features unparalleled beach views, six a la carte eateries, and activities such as salsa dancing classes and reggae nights.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Puerto Vallarta Guide

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Lihue, HI

Flight Duration: 5 hours and 4 minutes

Why Go: Lihue is home to Kauai’s only airport and offers direct access to the island’s verdant beaches and mountains. Take in the surroundings at Hanalei Bay Beach Park, one of the island’s most popular beach destinations. The 2-mile beach attracts world-class surfers, and offers spectacular views of inland mountains and waterfalls. More adventurous travelers can explore Kalalau, a remote wilderness beach located at the end of rolling sea cliffs.

Insider Tip: Kauai was once a sacred island. Today visitors can explore ancient archaeological remains on a riverboat tour.

Where to Stay: If you’re visiting during the winter, consider staying on the island’s South Shore. Waters are calmer than on the North Shore or East side, allowing guests to enjoy water sports and swimming year round. The Sheraton Kauai Resort features beachfront accommodations, a recently renovated pool bar, and a restaurant with panoramic ocean views.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Kauai Guide

PHOTO: Fotoluminate LLC/Shutterstock

Miami, FL

Flight Duration: 4 hours and 55 minutes

Why Go: When it comes to nightlife and entertainment, few cities top Miami. From South Beach to the Design District, visitors can find cultural attractions, restaurants, and beaches to please their every whim. For people-watching and designer shopping, stop by Lincoln Road Mall. The mall features owner-operated boutiques, upscale chain stores, and an eclectic clientele. South Beach—the city’s most popular stretch of sand—is the perfect place to catch some sun and join a game of beach volleyball. Experience Miami’s colorful nightlife at the National Hotel, an art deco bar housed in one of the city’s most iconic buildings.

Insider Tip: Food lovers will enjoy the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, hosted over a four-day weekend in February. Visitors can attend talks by celebrity chefs and feast at gourmet lunches and dinners.

Where to Stay: Room rates in Miami vary, and winter months often mean a higher price tag. But many properties offer special deals, and visitors can find reasonably priced hotels farther from the beach. For the best of both worlds, book a room at Cadet Hotel: the privately owned property is two blocks from the water and offers comfortable amenities at a fraction of the cost.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Miami Guide

PHOTO: John Copland/Shutterstock

Cancun

Flight Duration: 5 hours and 19 minutes

Why Go: Visitors flock to Cancún for year-round sunshine, five-star resorts, and nearby ancient ruins. Step back in time at Ruinas el Rey. The archeological site features Mayan ruins dating back to the 2nd or 3rd century BC and includes stucco paintings and skeletons. Playa Langosta—one of the city’s most popular beaches—offers family-friendly amenities and calm swimming waters. For a taste of Cancún’s colorful nightlife, stop by Mambo Café. The dance club features performances from live bands and DJs, and visitors can practice their salsa or meringue at the club, too.

Insider Tip: Hotel prices are at their highest during the holiday season. If you plan to visit Cancún during Christmas, Spring Break, or Easter, plan on booking at least three months in advance.

Where to Stay: Hotels in Cancún vary by location, with luxury resorts near the beach and more basic properties in the city’s center. Live Aqua Cancún offers huge suites with oceanfront views and provides a quiet oasis from rowdy spring breakers.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Cancun Guide

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Kahului, HI

Flight Duration: 4 hours and 51 minutes

Why Go: Maui’s lush forests, pristine beaches and luxurious resorts draw an international crowd. Whether you’re catching a wave, hiking through nature trails, or enjoying a spa treatment, the island offers something for everyone. Explore a dormant volcano at Haleakala National Park. Trails lead down to a massive volcanic bowl, and visitors can also catch a glimpse of rare plants and birds. For untouched stretches of sand, stop by Makena Beach State Park. Beach-goers can watch stunning sunsets over the water, and surfers will enjoy boarding on the beach’s large waves. A trip to Maui isn’t complete without a luau. At Old Lahaina Luau, guests can enjoy fresh fish while watching hula performances and fire dancers.

Insider Tip: Even though North Shore Maui gets the most rain, it also boasts some of the island’s best waves. Visit the beaches during winter months when waves reach their peak height.

Where to Stay: Maui hotels range from small B&Bs to luxurious beachfront resorts. For attentive service and understated elegance, book a room at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. The hotel offers amenities for large groups and families and has a world-class spa with adult-only facilities.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Maui Guide

PHOTO: Jeff Whyte/Shutterstock

Honolulu, HI

Flight Duration: 4 hours and 54 minutes

Why Go: Fly into Honolulu and explore Oahu, the melting pot of the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu offers a variety of historic and cultural attractions, while outer reaches of the island feature waterfalls, parks, and white-sand beaches. For the ultimate beach excursion, visit Kailua Beach Park. Visitors can rent kayaks and sailboards or lounge along the beach’s calm shores. Pearl Harbor National Memorial Museum and Visitor Center pays homage to fallen soldiers and offers tours of historic battleships. To experience Oahu’s art scene, visit Chinatown. The neighborhood includes chic art galleries, hip restaurants, and a historic theatre.

Insider Tip: Lunch wagons are a culinary mainstay in Oahu. Flag down a truck in Honolulu’s downtown area for a cheap and delicious meal.

Where to Stay: Most tourists who come to Oahu stay in Waikiki, but the island’s North Shore and Windward regions offer low-key accommodations away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Located in a residential neighborhood, The Kahala Hotel & Resort offers oceanfront views, spa amenities, and dolphin interactions in a 26,00-sq-ft lagoon.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Honolulu and Oahu Guide

PHOTO: Ocean Image Photography/Shutterstock

Kona, HI

Flight Duration: 4 hours and 54 minutes

Why Go: The Big Island epitomizes Hawaiian culture. Visitors can explore nature trails, and historic sites, or lounge on one of the island’s pristine beaches. Sail or surf in sparkling turquoise waters at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. For a tour of the island’s volcanoes, visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Guests can watch lava flow down slopes, or hike through craters around the volcano’s rim. Snorkelers will enjoy Kaunaoa Beach, which features miles of pure white sand and crystal clear waters perfect for observing marine life.

Insider Tip: Consider staying at the beach after hours when visitors can enjoy evening stargazing from Kohala Coast Beach, which offers telescopes for nightly viewing.

Where to Stay: The east and west coasts of the Big Island offer different accommodations. The east coast is known for its smaller B&Bs, condos, and vacation homes, while the west coast is home to some of the island’s most luxurious resorts. For warm Hawaiian hospitality and oceanfront amenities, book a room at The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Big Island Guide

PHOTO: laura

San Salvador, El Salvador

Flight Duration: 5 hours and 45 minutes

Why Go: San Salvador is gaining popularity as a surfing destination. Travelers from around the world come to hang ten and enjoy the city’s popular beaches. La Libertad, a coastal town located 30 minutes away from San Salvador, offers authentic Central American culture and lively beaches. Bare feet and reggae music are the norm, and visitors can lounge in hammocks or take beginning surfing lessons.

Insider Tip: Visitors don’t have to worry about exchanging currency before their trip. In 2001, San Salvador legally adopted the U.S. dollar.

Where to Stay: For a peaceful beach vacation away from the city, consider booking a room in nearby La Libertad. SABAS Beach Resort offers friendly service, beachfront amenities, and a highly regarded onsite restaurant.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s El Salvador Guide

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Where to Eat in San Francisco Now

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San Francisco is notorious for being a food-obsessed city. Chefs are pushing the boundaries, and sounding out their own dialect of California cuisine. From in-house butchering and curing, to foraging and fermenting, restaurants are paying attention to all the details that go behind that hand-crafted plate before you. Not to mention the swoon-worthy produce that California is naturally blessed with. The result is a killer dining scene that will make your head spin. Before you have a panic attack, take a cruise through our top ten picks. Hope you’re hungry.

Rich Table

 

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From farm-to-Rich Table, husband and wife team, Chefs Evan and Sarah Rich, have enamored San Francisco’s most discerning diners with creative dishes like homemade garganelli pasta topped with octopus Bolognese and pickled beets. We can’t get enough of their dried porcini doughnuts, served with melted Raclette, one of the staple bites on the otherwise frequently changing menu.

Atelier Crenn

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Culinary artistry at its finest, a meal at Atelier Crenn is full of delightful surprises. Chef Dominique Crenn masterfully uses modern techniques in a convincingly organic way that celebrates the essence and beauty of nature and her ingredients.

State Bird Provisions

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This quirky little spot took SF by storm last year with its creative menu of small plates passed from table to table on a re-fashioned dim sum cart. Be sure to try the namesake dish, California State Bird with Provisions (a delectable fried quail served with lemony onion jam and parmesan shavings), garlic fry bread with burrata, and duck liver mousse with duck fat almond madeleines.

Bar Tartine

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The food at Bar Tartine is hard to categorize into one neat package. It is an eclectic combination of Cali new age homesteader meets Hungarian grandma, meets Scandinavian forager, meets Japanese trained chef. Like I said, hard to define, but utterly delicious. From pickles and krauts to beverages like craft sodas and water kefir, pretty much everything on the menu is made, aged, and fermented in-house. And since this is part of the Tartine family after all, you’ll find some incredible bread, guaranteed.

Benu

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Step into Benu and enter culinary zen. Chef Corey Lee’s French Laundry pedigree is apparent in his exquisite attention to detail and impressive technique, but the style here is all his own. Dishes like eel wrapped in feuille de brick, or faux shark’s fin soup floating over luxurious black truffle custard are complex yet harmonious.

SPQR

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Named after the emblem of the Roman Empire (Senatus Populesque Romanus), it’s clear that the food at SPQR is inspired by Italian cuisine, but it is so much more than that. Would your nonna make mortadella out of wagyu beef? I thought not. Sit at the chef’s counter for a great show.

Bar Agricole

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Trying to impress a date? Head to Bar Agricole where the beautiful food matches the sexy urban-chic space. You’ll find elegant bites like sea urchin deviled eggs, or an alluring black cod in tea broth on the menu. And don’t miss the great cocktail menu.

Mission Chinese

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From pop-up phenomenon to bi-coastal empire, Mission Chinese plays by its own rules. Kung pao pastrami? Tea-smoked eel wrapped in smooth, slippery rice noodles? Ma po tofu ravaged with Sichuan peppers? Yes, on all counts.

Flour + Water

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Crazy how simple things like flour and water can be transformed into the most sublime pleasures. The pastas at Flour + Water are the stuff dreams are made of. Tortelli, agnolotti, bucatini…don’t pinch me, the pappardelle hasn’t come yet. Chef Thomas McNaughton nails it, balancing Italian tradition with the Californian mantra of drawing out the best seasonal flavors possible.

Trick Dog

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Our bar pick of the bunch, Trick Dog is the spot to go to for those who prefer sustenance of the liquid persuasion. Well-designed, precisely crafted cocktails…the biggest problem about going to Trick Dog is the hangover you’ll have the next day because these drinks just taste too good to stop. Indecisive drinkers beware, there are also way too many that you’ll want to try. If you get hungry, you won’t have to go far. Salumeria and Central Kitchen (Flour + Water’s sister restaurant) are right next door.

Stephanie Hua is a writer and photographer based in San Francisco. Her food blog, Lick My Spoon, chronicles her culinary adventures and love for all things delicious. Her favorite place to travel at the moment is Sicily, mainly for the cannoli and arancini.

Photo Credits: All photos courtesy of Stephanie Hua

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Visit to San Francisco

San Francisco’s 15 Best Views

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PHOTO: SvetlanaSF / Shutterstock

With its hilly terrain, waterfront location, and iconic bridges, San Francisco is always ready for its close-up. There are snapshot-worthy scenes across the city, so we’ve tracked down the most stunning spots for taking it all in. Here are 15 places where you can fully appreciate San Francisco’s unique beauty, from the steel span of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset to the pastel-hued, Victorian charm of the Painted Ladies.

by Donna Heiderstadt

PHOTO: Henrik Lehnerer / Shutterstock

Landmark with a View: Coit Tower

This white concrete column atop Telegraph Hill has long been a city landmark and offers 360-degree views from the arched windows of its observation deck.

What You’ll See: The entire city and bay spread out just below you. Coit Tower, named for wealthy San Francisco eccentric Lillie Hitchcock Coit and built with money she bequeathed, is both a vantage point and one of San Francisco’s most photographed buildings. It is also home to a flock of wild parrots.

How To Enjoy It: Visit just before sunset (it’s $7 for the elevator to the top) when the Transamerica Pyramid, framed by the tower’s arches, is bathed in a golden glow.

For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.

PHOTO: Alexander Demyanenko / Shutterstock

Park with a View: Alamo Square

It’s home to one of the city’s most iconic images, featured on everything from postcards to the opening credits of the 1980s TV series Full House.

What You’ll See: The Painted Ladies, six pastel-hued Victorian houses built from 1892-1896 and backed by San Francisco’s skyline and the bay. They are located on Steiner Street, on the east side of Alamo Square Park, and although the two houses on the right are currently under scaffolding and it requires the right light (late afternoon) for them to look their best, it’s a great spot for a panoramic snap.

How To Enjoy It: Walk up the hill in the park across the street for the best angle of both the houses and the skyline.

For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco

Room with a View: Premier Bridge-to-Bridge Room at the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco

While several of the city’s high-rise hotels have rooms with a view, none offers the wide-open vistas of this light-filled, 450-square-foot luxury space at the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco.

What You’ll See: A breathtaking 180-degree panorama—best from floors 40-48 in rooms ending with 06—that takes in the entire waterfront, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge. At $925 per night, with Alcatraz in the distance and the striking Transamerica Pyramid just blocks away, it’s an undeniably indulgent view.

How To Enjoy It: Uncork a bottle of Cabernet, put your iPod in the dock, and play Tony Bennett’s “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” Sleep with the curtains open to catch the skyline as the morning fog lifts.

PHOTO: (c) Tugboat98 | Dreamstime.com

Headlands with a View: Hawk Hill

Head to this perch to get an idea what eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey experience as they ride wind currents above the hypnotic hills of the Marin Headlands

What You’ll See: The entire 8,980-foot-long span of the Golden Gate Bridge backed by the San Francisco skyline far below you as you gaze down from 2,032 feet

How To Enjoy It: Visit Hawk Hill on a clear day in the early afternoon and bring along a picnic lunch (park your car facing the view and enjoy), a windbreaker, and binoculars; in addition to the 19 species of raptors that call the grassy headlands home in fall, the Mission blue butterfly is also endemic.

For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.

PHOTO: Cesar Rubio

Bathtub with a View: Panoramic Circular Suite at Hotel Vitale

This is the ultimate place to soak in the amazing view as you steep yourself in a sleek mid-suite tub facing floor-to-ceiling windows.

What You’ll See: Hotel Vitale offers a 180-degree panorama of the Ferry Building’s distinctive 245-foot clock tower (modeled after the one in Seville, Spain) and sweeping suspension cables of the Bay Bridge.

How To Enjoy it: The tub is big enough for two, so couples in search of a romantic mid-city retreat can book the suite (from $899/night), order a bottle of champagne, dim the lights, and watch the Bay Lights, the world’s largest LED sculpture.

PHOTO: bgrissom / Shutterstock

Hiking Trail with a View: Twin Peaks

Take your urban hike off the asphalt and away from honking horns.

What You’ll See: You’ll need to navigate stairways and alleys to get to the trailhead (Google “Twin Peaks hiking trail San Francisco” for directions from locals) and it’s steep (922 feet up), but along the way you’ll see native grassland and perhaps even endangered Mission Blue butterflies. Once you’re at the top (it takes 45 minutes to an hour), you’ll take in the best 360-degree view in San Francisco for free.

How To Enjoy It: Pack water and snacks, and let a summit picnic be your reward. You can also drive up the Eureka North peak if hiking’s not your thing.

For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.

PHOTO: Aubrie Pick

Happy Hour with a View: Waterbar

The combination of perfectly chilled $6 glasses of Cotes du Rhone and $1.05 oysters (5 cents per oyster goes to the Watershed Project to protect and rebuild the bay area’s oyster population) makes for one delicious deal—and the view is a fantastic bonus.

What You’ll See: At Waterbar, the massive span of the Bay Bridge practically hovers above you.

How To Enjoy It: Get there early (ideally around 3:30pm) to snag seats in the lively circular Oyster Bar with its large windows, or on the outside terrace with its more open bridge and bay views. Happy Hour runs until 5:30pm daily.

PHOTO: Piyavachara Nacchanandana / Shutterstock

Historic Attraction with a View: Alcatraz

To see how Al Capone, “Machine Gun” Kelly, Robert Stroud (aka The Birdman of Alcatraz), and 1,573 other inmates lived during the 29 years Alcatraz operated as a maximum security federal prison, when the view was a taunt rather than a treat, head to this island oasis.

What You’ll See: Alcatraz, nicknamed “the Rock,” is a 22-acre island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, so you’ll pretty much see it all.

How To Enjoy It: Take time to savor a multitude of views: the island itself on your ferry ride over from Pier 33, the Golden Gate Bridge from the dismal recreation yard, and the city skyline from the yards and paths surrounding the Cell House.

PHOTO: Kodiak Greenwood

Resort with a View: Cavallo Point

The perfect place to enjoy San Francisco without actually sleeping in it, Cavallo Point is an atmospheric, dog-friendly resort located across the bay in Sausalito on the grounds of historic Fort Baker.

What You’ll See: A photogenic glimpse of the russet-hued suspension towers of the Golden Gate Bridge from several areas on the grounds and from some of the 142 rooms, namely the Contemporary King Golden Gate View rooms (from $429/night).

How To Enjoy It: Stroll the grounds and refuel with a hearty lunch in the clubby Farley Bar.

PHOTO: f11photo / Shutterstock

Public Art with a View: Cupid’s Span

Nothing says “love” like a monumental gold-and-red steel-and-fiberglass sculpture of a bow and arrow

What You’ll See: Position yourself at the right beneath it and snap a picture with the sculpture, created in 2002 by Swedish pop-art pioneer Claes Oldenburg and Dutch artist Coosje van Bruggen, juxtaposed against the Bay Bridge.

How To Enjoy It: Walk along the bustling Embarcadero toward the sculpture as you take in views of the revitalized Waterfront.

For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.

PHOTO: S.Borisov / Shutterstock

Street with a View: Lombard Street

The “world’ most crooked street,” constructed in 1922, is one of those tourist sights you just have to experience (even if Vermont St. is actually more crooked)

What You’ll See: At the top of Lombard St., you’ll see the first two hairpin curves being negotiated by cars in front of you with a view of the Coit Tower and the scenic bay before you.

How To Enjoy It: Drive it! Hand your cell phone or camera to your passenger and maneuver the eight tight turns from top to bottom amid the famous manicured hydrangeas. Then look back up: The best photo ops are from the bottom.

For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.

PHOTO: Courtesy of The Scarlet Huntington

Spa with a View: Nob Hill Spa at The Scarlet Huntington

A little self-indulgent pampering during a vacation or business trip will leave you feeling reinvigorated.

What You’ll See: Through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the indoor relaxation pool and whirlpool, you’ll enjoy a serene view of blue sky and skyline from this spa at The Scarlet Huntington (formerly The Huntington Hotel) spa’s prime Nob Hill location.

How To Enjoy It: Book a relaxing massage (from $135) or rejuvenating facial (from $145) and leave time for a swim before or after.

PHOTO: Rafael Ramirez Lee / Shutterstock

Running Route with a View: Across the Golden Gate Bridge

Don’t just drive across America’s most famous bridge—run across it. The Golden Gate Bridge has a pedestrian pathway on its east side that makes for one scenic workout (it’s about 3.4 miles round-trip).

What You’ll See: On the first stretch, away from downtown, gaze out on the rolling hills of the Marin Headlands, while on the return leg you’ll be treated to a wide-angle view of the San Francisco skyline.

How To Enjoy It: Wait for the morning fog to lift, take a taxi to the Southeast Visitor Area, and follow signs for the pedestrian walkway—if you can handle a run of seven or eight miles, continue through Crissy Field along the water on the way back.

For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.

PHOTO: SvetlanaSF / Shutterstock

Beach with a View: Ocean Beach

The mile-long shoreline of Baker Beach is a local favorite, perfect for sandcastle building, fishing, and spotting sea lions having fun.

What You’ll See: The views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands from this beach are spectacular. These sands are also a recognized nudist spot, so you might catch a game of naked Frisbee on the north end.

How To Enjoy It: The thrashing waves and powerful currents make swimming a treacherous activity, but the abundance of picnic tables, grills, and drinking water make the beach a perfect lounge spot for a meal against the gorgeous landscape. Also, at the edge of the beach stands Battery Chamberlin’s historic cannon, for which ranger-led tours are held the first weekend of every month.

For more free activities, read Top 25 Free Things to Do in San Francisco.

PHOTO: holbox / Shutterstock

Cable Car with a View: Powell-Hyde

The city’s most famous cable car line (from Powell and Market to Fisherman’s Wharf) is worth the wait.

What You’ll See: San Francisco neighborhoods at their finest, from Russian Hill’s grand buildings to the crooked-yet-perfect Lombard St. Best of all is the exhilarating stretch of Hyde between Chestnut and Bay streets as you whiz down the system’s steepest grade and enjoy a view of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

How To Enjoy It: Ride the entire 2.1-mile route and choose a standing position on the outside runner at the front of the car’s left side. Face forward, hold on with your right hand, and line up the perfect shot.

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