Golden Gate Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Golden Gate
Popular places to visit
Golden Gate Park
This wonderful park is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Come here to relax, enjoy the scenery, breathe in the air and watch the wildlife.
California Academy of Sciences
This vast scientific institution has a large indoor rainforest and the world’s biggest planetarium theatre.
De Young Museum
This renovated art museum is now bigger and better than ever and now also boasts green credentials.
Outside Lands
Outside Lands is just one of the places to see in San Francisco, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?
Japanese Tea Garden
Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea in the oldest Japanese garden in the United States. This place of ornate beauty is nestled quietly away in Golden Gate Park.
Blue Heron Lake
Go boating on Golden Gate Park’s largest lake. The placid body of water is the home of turtles, ducks and during winter, Canadian geese.
Activities
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
Our pick of the best Golden Gate Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Very nice helpful staff, only downfall would be the WiFi was not working.
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
This hotel is central to everywhere we want to go in SF! Plus, we feel safe in this neighbourhood. We love the atmosphere at Union Square, and BART is close by for our trips out to the suburbs. The staff are always friendly and helpful. Our room was nice and clean, and our room requests were met ...
Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Well appointed rooms and very clean and tidy. Excellent breakfast. Good location right at Fisherman's Wharf. Views were limited, but the rooms were light and airy.
Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Self check in. The area is a bit sketch but that’s most of downtown. I’d stay here again as a solo traveler.
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Convenient location, central enough to walk around Chinatown, towards Embarcadero, water front
Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026
Hotel Julian
Hotel was conveniently located about 10-15 min walking to nearest bus stop or cable car. 1 king bed room we stayed had a good size bedroom and bathroom for two people. Location of the AC in the bedroom bothered us since it was installed above the bed with fans pointing towards the bed and it was ...
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Golden Gate
Sunset District
Consider exploring the beaches in Sunset District. If sightseeing is on the list, Ocean Beach is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Judah Street & Sunset Boulevard Station or Judah St & 34th Ave Stop to see more of the area.
Presidio
If you're spending some time in Presidio, Crissy Field and Walt Disney Family Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Western Addition
Alamo Square and Painted Ladies are top sights in Western Addition, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Duboce Avenue & Noe Street Station or Duboce Ave & Church St Stop to see more sights in the area.
Pacific Heights
Take time in Pacific Heights to visit attractions like Van Ness Avenue and Mrs. Doubtfire House. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at California St & Van Ness Ave Stop to see more of the city.
Noe Valley
Appreciated for its churches and architecture, you might consider exploring Noe Valley. Check out the variety of things to see and do like 22nd St Hill, and jump on the metro at Church St & Clipper St Stop or Church St & 24th St Stop to get around the city.
Cow Hollow
Gourmet restaurants a bustling marina and top sights from Union Street to Van Ness Avenue – discover Cow Hollow, a destination also famous for its shopping.
