2024-01-23 09:01:31
THE FABLED STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO OFFER MANY EXCITING SIGHTSEEING POSSIBILITIES. WHETHER YOU’RE WORKING ON AN ITINERARY FOR FOODIES, FAMILIES OR ART LOVERS, HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS FOR MEMORABLE EXCURSIONS IN THE CITY BY THE BAY. A DAY OF ARTS & CULTURE MORNING No trip to San Francisco would be complete without a visit to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Visitors will enjoy modern and contemporary artworks, six art-filled terraces, a sculptural staircase and a see-through bridge beneath its famous oculus. AFTERNOON Walk a block and a half west to grab lunch at Delarosa. Their thin-crust pizzas and tasty meatballs are perfect for sharing as you discuss what inspired you. If time permits, the California Historical Society, Contemporary Jewish Museum and Museum of the African Diaspora are all in close proximity. EVENING Programming at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA), located opposite SFMOMA, often includes evening performances. Alternately, take in a performance at one of the city’s many theaters. The San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center features opera, symphony classics and ballet. BroadwaySF brings popular musicals to the Orpheum and Golden Gate theaters. The American Conservatory Theater is known for its innovative stage works, while the New Conservatory Theater Company welcomes premieres of dramas, comedies, and musicals. FOODIES FEAST FOR A DAY MORNING Jump-start a culinary adventure at the Ferry Building Marketplace. The restored historic structure is home to artisan producers, specialty shops, local favorites and restaurants. For breakfast, visitors can enjoy fresh baked pastries at Mariposa Baking Company, artisanal coffee at Blue Bottle or the renowned brunch at Boulette’s Larder. AFTERNOON Foodies can dig deeper into San Francisco’s local specialties with a guided food tour. Check out one of the tantalizing trips offered by Avital Food Tours, Local Tastes of the City Tours or SF On Tap to eat around various neighborhoods. Edible Excursions visits several tempting locations in Japantown, including Benkyodo Confections, one of the neighborhood’s oldest businesses. To get a taste of Chinatown’s delicacies, try All About Chinatown Tours or Wok Wiz Chinatown Tours. Or, plan a stop at China Live, an all-in-one marketplace and food emporium dedicated to Chinese cuisine. EVENING For some nighttime revelry, head to 21st Amendment Brewery, Barrel Head Brewhouse or Toronado for an ample variety of local craft brews. A DAY OF FAMILY FUN MORNING Families can start their day in Golden Gate Park at the California Academy of Sciences. This massive, one-of-a-kind institution houses an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum and four-story tropical rainforest all under one living roof that’s covered by 1.7 million native plants. Their Academy Café and The Terrace restaurant feature plenty of kid-friendly options, so lunch can be enjoyed without leaving the museum. AFTERNOON The Presidio features a 40,000-square-foot museum celebrating the life, art and imagination of famed animator Walt Disney. The Walt Disney Family Museum includes a 13-foot model of Disneyland and a “Fantasia”-themed theater that screens Disney classics six days a week. In the late afternoon, families can head to the Exploratorium. Located on Pier 15, this unique museum blends interactive activities and thought-provoking exhibits. EVENING At PIER 39, families will enjoy watching the popular colony of sea lions and stunning waterfront views at sunset. There are also dozens of shops, restaurants and attractions, including the Aquarium of the Bay. Older kids will love the nearby San Francisco Dungeon with its thrilling drop ride and interactive storytelling. A DAY IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS MORNING Start with a morning bird-watching expedition in the Presidio. Hundreds of migrating species use the Presidio for nesting, including Allen hummingbirds and belted kingfishers. El Polín Spring and Crissy Field are two other great places to spot feathered friends. Afterward, find a picnic spot with a view for lunch. Crissy Field's East Beach and West Bluff have picnic tables and grills, as does Baker Beach. AFTERNOON Golden Gate Park offers endless options for outdoor fun, with miles of green lawns, lakes, 7,000 kinds of plants and even a Japanese Tea Garden. A guided segway tour from Electric Tour Company makes it easy to see a lot of the park in a short amount of time. They offer tours ranging from one-and-a-half to three hours and include some of the park's hidden gems, such as the Shakespeare Garden, Strawberry Hill, the Lily Pond and much more. EVENING Ocean Beach is a classic California beach that stretches along the west side of the city. Its dreamy views make it the ideal place to watch the sun dip in into the Pacific. It’s chilly there most of the year, but a bonfire and s’mores make it much more cozy. Visit San Francisco’s Must-See Museums SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART Founded in 1935 and extensively renovated and expanded in 2016, SFMOMA counts 33,000 modern and contemporary artworks among its incredible collection, with an entire floor dedicated solely to photography. Get free access to 45,000 square feet of ground-floor galleries for visitors 18 and younger. 151 Third St. CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and world-class research and educational programs, the California Academy of Sciences is bursting with life. A four-story rainforest and awe-inspiring coral reef ecosystem delight visitors of all ages, while immersive planetarium shows transport you through space and time for a new perspective on our planet. 55 Music Concourse Dr., Golden Gate Park DE YOUNG MUSEUM The de Young’s centuries-spanning and diverse collection includes everything from American art to international textiles to photography. Be sure to visit the ninth-floor Observation Level of the Hamon Tower and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., Golden Gate Park MUSEUM OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA The Smithsonian-affiliated MoAD showcases the history, art, and cultural richness that resulted from the global African Diaspora. MoAD connects all people through shared African heritage and detailed immersive exhibits. Throughout the year, they offer programs for all ages featuring dance, music, lectures, and more. 685 Mission St. THE WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM Dedicated to the life and work of Walt Disney, creator of some of America’s most beloved animation including Mickey Mouse, this museum features early drawings, cartoons, movies, music, listening stations, and a spectacular model of Disneyland. 104 Montgomery St., Presidio For more must-see museums, visit sftravel.com/things-to-do/arts-culture/museums-galleries
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