Location: San Francisco
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Things to do in San Francisco, California (CA): The Best Historic Sites
Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own personality, from the hippie chic of the Upper Haight to the hipster grit of the Mission. The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Noe Valley offers quaint and quiet boutiques. Wave hello to the sea lions at Pier 39, and sample local cheese and charcuterie at the Ferry Building. Sit in on a yoga session in Dolores Park or marvel at the Dutch Windmill across from Ocean Beach.
Restaurants in San Francisco
1. Alcatraz Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55,332 reviews
Park rangers conduct tours by recounting the prison's thrilling history along with intriguing anecdotes about Al Capone and other legendary figures that made a "home" here.
Reviewed By Piggin01
I did the night tour it was amazing and very interesting love that former inmates and staff did the audio recording for the tour which is easy to follow and very informative would highly recommend and would do again
2. SS Jeremiah O'Brien
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
Historic World War II ship docked at Pier 45. One of two remaining Liberty Class of ships, the Jeremiah made 11 trips from London to Normandy for the D day invasion to supply the war effort and carry troops.
Reviewed By RHS1946 - Monroe, United States
On a recent trip to San Francisco with family, we visited the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, a restored and functional WWII Liberty ship. My interest was the fact that it had seen duty on Omaha Beach on D-Day and my father had been there on a US Navy LST landing troops and equipment. It had seen duty in the South Pacific too and had even delivered "war brides" to the USA after the war was over. Hard working people managed to save this Liberty Ship, the only one of it's class still a working vessel. It was sailed to Normandy for the 50th Remembrance of D-Day. Walking up the rope had rail of the steps to the ship would not be easy for anyone who is walking challenged. Almost the entire ship can be explored - from the gun placements above deck to the engine room way below deck. We saw the Captain's quarters and where the ordinary seamen slept, the galley, the infirmary, the map room and many other places. It was fascinating. There is a museum aboard complete with a very large diorama of the sea, the entire beach head and the land where the invasion took place. A small gift shop had several interesting items including books, some posters, patches, hats. This was on New Year's Eve and as we left the staff was setting up for a large event. What a setting to watch the fireworks to be set off at midnight while the band played!
3. Golden Gate Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49,332 reviews
Stretching 4,200 feet and towering as high as a 65-story building, this well-known bridge is the gateway to San Francisco.
Reviewed By SandeeHoff - Villas, United States
Crossed this iconic bridge and wish I had time to walk or bike over it, simply put it an amazing bit of history and is phenomenal engineering. Lives up to all photos I've seen, if time and health allow I'd get out of car and experience it!
4. Haas - Lilienthal House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
This Queen Anne style home, now a museum, was the house where the merchant family of blue jeans (Haas) and canned goods (Lilienthal) lived.
Reviewed By GrosseKase - Milwaukee, United States
Went on this tour at the end of the day and ended up being the only couple on the tour. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the architectural details and family history. It was so cool that this house remained in the family for such a long time and that they kept everything in its original state.
5. Fireboat House (Pier 22 1/2)
6. Fort Point National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,053 reviews
From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point protected San Francisco harbor from Confederate and foreign attack during and after the U.S. Civil War. Its beautifully arched casemates display the art of the master brick mason from the Civil War period.
Reviewed By denisek857
There is an awesome view of the Bridge from here. Inside the Fort, there are cannons on display. There is a gift shop too. You are supposed to be able to get on roof for more views but it is closed due to construction. It is only opened on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We bought our hiking stick medallions from here and collected 2 passport stamps. In addition, the parking lot is less likely to have car break ins (and it is free!). I saw NPS service truck driving back and forth. In addition, if you take the quick walk to the Crissy Field warming hut, there is a pier for more cool Bridge shots. Also, there is also a path across from the warming hut that takes you all the way up to the Golden Gate so you can walk across it.
7. Hop Sing Tong Building
8. Mission Dolores
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
The oldest building in San Francisco features adobe walls, original tiles and timbers lashed together with rawhide and hand-carved altars.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
I visited Mission Delores. its the Northern most mission of Father Junipero Serra's in California. It started in 1782-1791. It was built by Ohone Native Americans. It is located in the Mission District of San Francisco. I took the self guided tour of the mission. I saw the smaller church, I saw pictures of Pope John Paul II visiting the church in April 27, 2014. The Basilica (larger church) was quite religiously impressive with statues, organ, stained glass, and domed roof. There is a small museum. The grave yard area was very interesting to visit. There is an example of an Ohlone Native American home. There is also a statue of Junipero Serra. To end the tour, I visited the gift shop. Staff is welcoming and very nice.
9. Angel Island Immigration Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Historic station, designed to limit the number of Asian peoples entering California.
Reviewed By Kittygal - Los Angeles, United States
I'd read "Shanghai Girls" so wanted to visit the place so vividly depicted in the novel. Plus, I'd recently been to Ellis Island, where my family landed so long ago. The tour is sobering as it touches on the exclusion policies. Seeing depictions of barracks life and the foreign writing etched into the tired old wooden walls again made me realize how much people sacrificed for a better life. The setting on Angel Island is idyllic. Miles away from the chaos of the city, yet you can hear distant fog horns and train whistles. There is much to explore here, both historic and scenic. I'm very glad I spent the day here.
10. Cliff House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
Reviewed By jackiesR1905ID - Estes Park, United States
Wonderful view and great food, especially the popovers at lunch time. Service is very good also. ????. We always make it a point to go there when we visit San Francisco!!!
