Golden Gate Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Golden Gate
Popular places to visit
Jack London Square
Oakland’s premier dining, shopping and entertainment precinct is a waterside square named after one of America’s finest novelists.
University of California, Berkeley
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of California, Berkeley during your trip to Berkeley. Attend a sporting event or discover the beautiful sunsets in this vibrant area.
Fox Theater
You can enjoy a show at Fox Theater during your stay in Oakland. Experience the fascinating museums or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
Berkeley Marina
Explore the waterfront in Berkeley with a trip to Berkeley Marina. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and shops in this vibrant area.
Oakland Zoo
Weird and wonderful animals, from frogs and otters to giraffes and sun bears, await at this animal park that even has its own roller coaster.
Greek Theater
You can get tickets for a performance at Greek Theater during your stay in Berkeley. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area.
Activities
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
Our pick of the best Golden Gate Hotel Deals
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
"Hotel was clean and well cared for, air conditioning unit is size of a washing machine and sounds like an aircraft in the room with varying temperature through the night. Location is good if you want really touristy area. A long queue for checkin and breakfast like a school canteen. It’s okay but ..."
Reviewed on 10 June 2026
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
"Seriously such a good place to stay"
Reviewed on 10 June 2026
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
"Inside was fairly clean. The outside could use a power spray cleaning at least every week from the smell of urine. Luggage Staff was extremely helpful. Check-in Staff that helped me could be more friendly to encourage customers to come back. Overall stay was okay to good."
Reviewed on 8 June 2026
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
"Very professional and very clean"
Reviewed on 9 June 2026
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel
"Great but parking was so expensive, parking in teh city is expensive in general so I recommend not"
Reviewed on 10 June 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
"The room is clean beds comfy. It is an older hotel but very good. I would stay here again."
Reviewed on 10 June 2026
Our guide on where to stay in Golden Gate
Downtown Oakland
Theatres, art galleries and live music highlight some notable features of Downtown Oakland. Make a stop by Oakland City Center or Embarcadero Bay Bicycle Trail while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at 12th Street/Oakland City Center Station or 19th St Station to get around town.
Downtown Berkeley
Take time in Downtown Berkeley to visit attractions like Historic Berkeley and Berkeley Repertory Theater. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Downtown Berkeley Station to see more of the city.
Piedmont
You'll enjoy the lake views and architecture in Piedmont. You might want to make time for a stop at Piedmont Sports Field or Davie Tennis Stadium.
Albany
Albany is well liked for its seaside views and shopping. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Golden Gate Fields and Berkeley Marina are some interesting sights nearby to check out.
South Berkeley
While you're in South Berkeley, take in top sights like Telegraph Avenue and jump on the metro at Ashby Station to see more of the city.
