Unforgettable Whale Watching Experiences in San Francisco
Whale-watching in the San Francisco area centers on the region around the Gulf of the Farallons about 25 miles offshore, where whales cruise through a 20-mile wide ocean “highway.”
A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Whale-watching in the San Francisco area centers on the region around the Gulf of the Farallons about 25 miles offshore, where whales cruise through a 20-mile wide ocean “highway.”
Coit Tower is an iconic site on the San Francisco skyline. This simple tower crowns Telegraph Hill overlooking the San Francisco waterfront. Visitors come to Coit Tower primarily for the breathtaking views: to enjoy sweeping waterfront vistas from the parking lot and observation deck, as well as to appreciate the charming cityscapes best observed from the small park behind the tower.
Don’t be misled by the name. The San Francisco Ferry Building is not merely a transit hub; it encompasses a vibrant marketplace brimming with culinary delights. It is more than just a place for the weekly farmers market—it’s a haven for food enthusiasts. Inside, open-fronted shops showcase Northern California’s boutique specialty food makers. You can find local treasures such as Rancho Gordo dried beans, Boccolone Salumeria charcuterie, and Frog Hollow Farms stone fruits and jams.
San Francisco’s Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood rich in culture and history. With an abundance of self-guided tour options, you can explore at your own pace, discovering unique sights and local specialties. This self-guided tour allows you to:
Gain insight from the San Francisco Vacation Planner:This resource provides more tips than can be covered in a single article.
Japantown San Francisco is a vibrant enclave bustling with Japanese culture, providing an array of shops and restaurants for visitors to explore.
China Beach is a picturesque, north-facing beach that offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Historically, it served as a campsite for Chinese fishermen during the Gold Rush, which is the origin of its unique name.
The Exploratorium is a hands-on destination for exploring and enjoying science. It offers a unique experience as it embraces simple, interactive exhibits rather than relying heavily on modern technology or elaborate displays. This straightforward approach makes it accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ages, establishing it as a top contender among California’s science museums.
For the purpose of this list, a “bus tour” is defined as a tour in vehicles that seat 30 or more passengers, where the tour routes are fixed, and you will be touring with other people you don’t know.
Films and television shows set in San Francisco capture some of its best views and most famous sights. This short list will tell you where to find them.
June Lake’s surroundings are the epitome of high mountain beauty with granite mountains that wear snow caps in winter, clear blue lakes, and — best of all — not as many people as Lake Tahoe or Yosemite.
Plan a Getaway to Mono County, California
Summer is the most popular time of year in Yosemite National Park. As the wildflowers fade and the waterfalls start to slacken, vacationers arrive by the thousands.
Long-time Yosemite naturalist Carl Sharsmith was once asked what he would do if he only had a day to see Yosemite. “Madam,” he replied, “I’d sit by the Merced River and cry.” However, instead of weeping by the waterside, there are many exciting activities to enrich your experience in this iconic national park.
1. Plan Your Trip Like a Pro
Tuolumne Meadows is perhaps Yosemite Valley’s best-kept secret, overshadowed in size and popularity by the nearby famous valley. Many Yosemite visitors spend all their time in the Valley, neglecting to explore Tuolumne Meadows.
Mirror Lake is a shallow, seasonal pool that fills with water in the spring and early summer. The rest of the year, it can be completely dry. However, it remains a favorite place to hike, especially for families, providing a close-up view of the iconic Half Dome.
Yosemite National Park is vast, but a short visit can be centered around Yosemite Valley and its nearby attractions. This stunning national park is an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, and hikers. Moreover, families can enjoy camping during their visit, and off-season guests can partake in delightful food and wine events.
Yosemite Valley is what most visitors think of when they say “Yosemite.” Seven miles long and one mile wide at its broadest, its glacier-carved granite walls are near vertical, hemming it in with mile-high cliffs.
Naturalist John Muir referred to them as Lunar Spraybows, and while some individuals may call them lunar rainbows, the most common term is “moonbow.” Regardless of the name, it represents an extraordinary phenomenon with a relatively simple explanation.