San Francisco Ferry Building.

The city by the bay has a reputation for having great views, and so it should come as little surprise that many want to get out and explore its borders. Though there’s a lot that goes on within this city’s 7×7 confines, there is even more excitement beyond (have you ever seen the mohair hills of the Marin Headlands?). If you are looking to get out there and on the water in an effort to explore the new, here are the best ferry rides in San Francisco.

While the Alcatraz tour ferries only leave from the Fisherman’s Wharf area (typically Pier 33), most of the ferries can be found away from the bustle of the wharf down at the Ferry Building near the Embarcadero Center.

Sausalito is a charming little town to the north of San Francisco and here you’ll find great views of the bay, a bunch of restaurants, and some little boutiques that boast bountiful window shopping. The Muir Woods are located here, and many enjoy hiking the area’s golden hills. Though some claim that Sausalito has turned trendy and touristy, its charms are such that keep it a recurring highlight on any trip to the bay.

Tiburon is neighbor to Sausalito and gets its credit for being a sleepy little fishing village with a much more honest feeling than bigger Sausalito. Both are in Marin and both make for splendid day trips from San Francisco. Consider grabbing a bike and taking a tour while here – the area suits it.

Angel Island is accessible via San Francisco or Tiburon, and what a day trip this little island makes.  Perfect views make hiking, picnicking, or camping the most-favored activities of the island, though just a stroll around its banks and a visit to the Angel Island State Park make for a day well spent outdoors. An easy day trip with beautiful views throughout, an insider tip: Viator’s got the best prices on the Angel Island ferry.

-Hudson Hornick

Best Ferry Rides in San Francisco from San Francisco Things to Do

The final fleet race. Photo credit: Mark Doliner via Flickr.

America’s Cup is world renowned for excellence in open-water racing. Essentially the playing field for the world’s fastest boats and best sailors. Out on the open ocean these paragons of the race industry fly out into the open ocean with carbon-fiber hulls, ultra-lightweight sails, and a whole lot of bravado in their hearts. A test of engineering prowess as much as navigational and seaworthy skill and commitment, the America’s Cup is where the world turns when interested in cutting edge boating.

The event itself is founded in what consisted essentially of the head-to-head boat-off between two sailing yachts. One yacht, known as the defender, represents the yacht club that currently holds the America’s cup, and the second yacht, known as the challenger, represents the yacht club vying for the cup. Today, skippers represent eight countries from ten teams and compete in multiple events hosted all around the world to determine a winner. A hallmark of sport, the American Cup trophy is the oldest active trophy in international sport. No small title.

America’s Cup events begin in San Francisco on Independence Day, July 4th, and what a way to kick off the season. This year is the first in 18 that the finals will be brought back to American shores, and for the celebration there’s a new priority – bringing the race to the people. In addition to near-shore courses that cater to those that have made it down to the Waterfront to watch, there will be a new paradigm in media coverage for those in the lead, on-board footage with mic’d up athletes, and more.  To watch it live, head down to the Waterfront and you’ll find the America’s Cup Village full of vendors, sailors, a media center, and a whole town full of concession stands. From a Moet and Chandon Champagne Lounge, to a Big Screen and Stage, to the Healthy Ocean Project Exhibit, the event is more than simply boating, but a cutting edge look on humanity’s current prominence upon the seven seas.

The America’s Cup culminates in the AC Finals, September 7 to 22, 2013. To catch all the action, or to get a schedule of events, check out the America’s Cup Website here.

Catch some of the action on our Viator Exclusive: America’s Cup Bay Cruise

-Hudson Hornick

San Francisco and America’s Cup from San Francisco Things to Do

Cruise ship leaving San Francisco. Photo credit: Brian Holsclaw via Flickr.

San Francisco, being technically located in Northern California, isn’t necessarily the port of call most that most readily comes to mind when people think of taking a cruise. Sure, there’s Muir Woods, the Embarcadero, and a whole slew of bars to appease us, but sometimes we just want to get out on the open water and see something new – like a Hawaiian island. Who doesn’t want to see a Hawaiian island?

Princess Cruises is setting out to change all this.

Started in March, Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess is calling San Francisco its home-base and from this port will sail round-trips from San Francisco to the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska, Mexico, and the Californian Coast.

Cruiser’s Rejoice! Gone are the days of having to drive to Long Beach in order to catch a cruise. Though sunny So-Cal has more heat and sunshine than us Nor Cal-ers, that doesn’t mean we don’t like to cruise too. Well, now we can. Grab your friends and head down to Pier 35. This 2,600 passenger ship is set to make 36 trips from San Francisco in 2013 – its inaugural year.

This is the first time San Francisco has been a home cruise port for year-round cruises. The city played host to some cruise liners that set sail to Alaska in the summer months, but never before year-round. And though great for those of us who like to cruise and take day trips to the best ports of call – it also means an estimated $1 million in direct spending for the city of San Francisco every time it returns to port. Makes me wish I had a cruise liner show up on my doorstep 36 times a year…

Plan your cruise with shore excursions in San Francisco

-Hudson Hornick

Cruise From San Francisco Year-Round from San Francisco Things to Do

SFMOMA. Photo credit: Henri Sivonen via Flickr.

An update on the art world: San Francisco’s venerated Museum of Modern Art (known locally as SFMOMA), is set to close in the early June of this year. Sad, but true. There’s a silver lining, however – the closure is only to renovate, redesign, and come back stronger than ever.

In collaboration with a Norwegian architecture firm, SFMOMA plans to add two levels and 130,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor gallery space, as well as 15,000 square feet of art-filled, free-access public space. The whole process is expected to last nearly three years and SFMOMA will open again in 2016. In the meanwhile, SFMOMA’s art exhibits will be on the go, in a sort of perpetual rotation around various venues in San Francisco while the renovation is taking place.

SFMOMA is already known for its modernist architecture and incredible contemporary art, so the renovation leaves many of us with the question about what changes are being made. First up, a vertical wall poised to be the largest wall of living plants native to California – largest anywhere, mind – will be going up along one of the outdoor walkways. Next, a new outdoor terrace on the seventh floor will add unrivaled cityscape viewing, and a new “white box” space will add an element of minimalism to the already beautiful museum by acting as a space for film screenings, live art, and educational programs.

Sure, it’s sad to see SFMOMA close, but the modern art it houses will be available (if in perpetual motion), and it’s only getting a makeover – we all have to undergo renovation every now and again. Take advantage of it still being open until June 2, 2013 and sneak a peak at this icon of contemporary art and architecture before it goes away for three years.

Check out some other museums in San Francisco during SFMOMA’s closure.

-Hudson Hornick

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art to Close and Expand from San Francisco Things to Do

Bay to Breakers – Photo courtesy of smi23le via Flickr

San Francisco is known to be a funky town. Lots of active youths, a free California culture, and the hustle and bustle of a big city (which also happens to be remarkably beautiful) creates a confluence of creativity and expression. See this in all its denuded glory in the annual Zazzle Bay to Breakers 12k run, which takes place every year in May.

Often proclaimed as a celebration of San Francisco, this 12k (7.6 miles) is one of the oldest and largest footraces in all the world, and it’s here that you can see the great piebald multiplicity of the San Francisco people as they streak by – clothed, costumed, or y’know… not.

The name Bay to Breakers refers to the traditional course which takes the tens of thousands of participants from the northeast end of town down by the bay, over to the west end of the city and the “breakers” of Ocean Beach.

The race features world-class athletes, leisurely walkers, and all the spectrum in-between. Known to be as good a time for those watching the race as those participating in it, the restaurants and bars along the race route often times have special Bay to Breakers celebrations, beer promotions, or just flat-out parties. The race itself features a costume contest, a raffle, and plenty of pomp and circumstance, so you can be assured that the whole city is alit with a festive feeling.

If you’re interested in running, head on over to the official website to register, or just plan to camp out along the route for some great people watching.

-Hudson

Planning a Trip? Browse Viator’s San Francisco tours and things to do, San Francisco attractions, and San Francisco travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in San Francisco for a customized tour!

San Francisco’s Bay to Breakers from San Francisco Things to Do

San Francisco Street Food Fest during peak hours. Photo courtesy of missbrendatoyou via Flickr.

San Francisco has a great reputation going for it for being a young, hip town. A big city with a small city feel, there’s always something going on in San Francisco. And if you’re headed to town, it might be in your best interest to see these wild and animated youths in their best – during one of the area’s many street fairs.

Though it seems like almost every weekend there’s some festival or march or parade happening, there are some favorites that if you’re a first-timer, shouldn’t be missed. The first no-brainer for a foodie like me would be the San Francisco Street Food Festival. On its fourth run this August 18th, the San Francisco Street Food Festival brings all the best food and music to the Bay Area once a year. If the food-truck rage is your thing, this is your festival. Not only do you get a chance to support local businesses, but you get to eat a wide variety of great gourmet food, socialize, and listen to some great music as well.

The Castro Street Fair is another street festival that should be on your radar. This is one for the record books and all of San Francisco’s great eccentricity can be seen proudly on display in this annual festival founded by gay civil rights activist Harvey Milk himself. Built with the idea in mind to celebrate all that makes us unique, the first Sunday in October always announces the Castro neighborhood to the world.

Bay to Breakers is the third Sunday of May every year and is a wild run if there ever was one. People get dressed up in all sorts of wild outfits and run the 12k for fun or serious race competition. The onlookers themselves are always a hoot, and the occasional streaker may be seen dashing through the competitors, much to the laughter and cheers of the crowd.

-Hudson Hornick

Best San Francisco Street Festivals from San Francisco Things to Do

Save 50% on Napa Tours from San Francisco!

Customizable Wine Country Tour
For all wine lovers, enjoy this day trip from San Francisco to the valleys of Napa and Sonoma. Visit up to 6 wineries and benefit from the freedom and flexibility only a customizable tour can provide. In your small-group, travel through picturesque countryside and enjoy some of California’s best wines.

Shopping and Winery Day Trip
Enjoy 4 hours of shopping at the Premium Outlets in Vacaville and then take a ride in a luxury coach to a top winery in Napa. This small-group tour also includes a VIP coupon booklet to use at a variety of designer stores at the outlets. It’s a great day trip for visitors to San Francisco and a fun excuse to get out of town for locals!

This Limited Time Offer to save 50% is only good through April 25th, 2013, so book now!

- Viator Travel Team

Save 50% on Napa Tours from San Francisco! from San Francisco Things to Do

Ready for a day in the bay?

Welcome to San Francisco. Hailed as America’s most European city, this great cultural expanse is really only seven by seven miles in area, thus making for some of the greatest walking and touring experiences of any major city anywhere. If you’ve just touched down and only got a day, you’re in luck – you can see and do so much that your day will be filled with excitement and wonder and leave you with a definitive taste for more.

Whether you choose to take the traditional touristy method of travel, or take your own road by renting a bike or something similar, you’re sure to have a ball. Consider starting your day at Union Square. Here you’ll see the hustling, bustling city center. It’s more of a shopping mecca than anything, but the movement and the boutiques and the crowds are intoxicating. See what you want to see, Macy’s, Saks, etc., then head over to Powell and Market to the famous San Francisco Cable Car turnaround and ride the cable car, also known as the nation’s only moving historical landmark.

Where the cable car takes you is up to you, but I suggest either taking the Powell-Mason line over Nob Hill and Bay Street and down to the Fisherman’s Wharf where you can grab a seafood lunch. From here you can walk around, check out the wharf and the barking seals over on Pier 39, then continue on to the Presidio where you’ll be able to snap some great pics of the Golden Gate and the natural splendor of the area.

This is already a full day, but if you’re feeling spry, head over to the Mission District for some mural art walking and some of the best Mexican Food in San Francisco. Consider wrapping the night up with dinner in Chinatown where you’ll grab some of the best Chinese food this side of China itself, and then – whew! Call it a day!

-Hudson Hornick

How To Spend One Day in San Francisco from San Francisco Things to Do

The Exploratorium. Photo courtesy of rvr via Flickr.

Come April 17th, The Exploratorium, San Francisco’s much anticipated interactive science and activities museum, is set to re-open its doors to the patient public. Previously located in the Palace of Fine Arts in the city’s Marina, the Exploratorium’s new location along Pier 15, boasts 330,000 square feet of prime waterfront real estate and has many anxiously waiting to see what will be behind closed doors.

That’s not to say that we haven’t caught glimpses – the media had a walk-through some weeks ago, but come this Wednesday, everybody will get their chance to check out the new $300 million structure which is touted as being three times the size of its previous location. Some of the new features include a new all-glass observatory with views of the entire bay, a rain chamber that lets visitors recreate past storms, and interactive exhibits that help simulate and explain the ebb and flow of the tide and its accompanying fog blanket.

Geared as a great way to explore the workings of the entire San Francisco Bay area, the Exploratorium is a wealth of interactive exhibits aimed at educating through the power of wonder. See water suspended in mid-air, redefine yourself in an image modulator, or discover the scientific process – all in the brand-spanking new Exploratorium. This premier San Francisco attraction is often times just what the doctor ordered when visiting San Francisco with kids.

Be there for the opening night this April 17th, and be one of the first to visit this San Francisco icon. With live demonstrations and special welcoming ceremonies, the first day is set to be a memorable one. The events start with opening ceremonies at 9:00 a.m. and last until 11:00 p.m.

Gain entrance to the Exploratorium with a San Francisco sightseeing pass.

-Hudson Hornick

Exploratorium Opening from San Francisco Things to Do

Biking in San Francisco

Though you might not think it at first blush, the city of seven hills, aka San Francisco, is actually a great biking town. Not only do the streets and drivers naturally yield to those on two wheels (the limited parking and sheer numbers lend them favor), but there’s lots to see and plenty of pit stops to be had along the way. If you’re interested in seeing San Francisco on the power of your own two feet and you don’t like walking, here’s some insider tips.

It’s easy to get distracted (and lost) in San Francisco, so consider planning your route ahead and grab a map of the city or use some online tool like BikeMapper where you can plan, turn by turn, your route. Starting on your own or branching out by renting from one of the numerous bike rental storefronts throughout the city, there are many different routes available to you. From biking throughout downtown and heading out across the bay, to wandering the local trails, San Francisco’s got plenty of biking for those who want to explore more of the city. If you don’t have a route planned out already, consider checking out the San Francisco Bay Trail website for some great rides that take you around some of the city, but seem to get you outside of the city’s boundaries as well.

For a great local ride, consider starting on 16th and Mission and heading over to Golden Gate Park. This mostly flat ride takes you through some iconic parts of the city and lands you smack dab in one of the best parks in all the country: Golden Gate Park. You can continue on from there if you like, and really, the world’s your oyster.

Also, don’t forget that safety is number one priority, so consider the use of a helmet and reflective gear an absolute essential. These are available for rental at any bike rental shop in the city.

Book a San Francisco biking tour

-Hudson Hornick

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s San Francisco tours & things to do, San Francisco attractions, and San Francisco travel recommendations.

Biking in San Francisco from San Francisco Things to Do