Top Destinations for a Weekend Getaway in San Francisco

This waterfront community is a great place to kick off your visit to San Francisco. Located in the neighborhood formerly known as Little Italy, the nautical atmosphere, lively beaches, and bustling shops and restaurants make for a great first landing point in the city.

Enjoy a historic tour of the city on one of the city's iconic cable cars. Built to navigate the steep, narrow streets of San Francisco, the cable cars bring you to the main city attractions, such as Lombart Street, Nob Hill, and Ferry Building.

Located at the heart of San Francisco, this huge, elegant park is home to both cultural attractions and a lot of nature. From the Japanese gardens to the De Young museum, delights await around every corner in this nature oasis.

San Francisco's Chinatown was founded by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century. Today, it is a major attraction for visitors wanting to get a feel for a different culture. The streets are packed with Asian shops advertising their wares with vertical banners. You may even spot residents practicing Tai Chi!

This exquisite museum houses hidden treasures from the Near East and the Mediterranean, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and antiquities. Outside the museum, a green park invites visitors to linger and relax after having taken in their dose of culture.

This is a must-visit if you’re holidaying in San Francisco. Besides its famous dense forest characterized by giant sequoia trees, a trip to this wilderness introduces you to the magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains. Stop at the El Capitan vista for a picture-perfect backdrop.

Take a time out from the buzzing metropolis to visit the Muir Woods and reconnect with nature. The meandering trails through the majestic Redwood trees make this place a nature lover’s paradise. From the top of this forested hill, gorgeous views open out over the Pacific Ocean.

Don't leave San Francisco without visiting the world’s most infamous prison. Guided tours of the prison grounds and the inner prison complex introduce you to the lives of notorious criminals such as Al Capone, Robert Stroud, and Birdman. From the island, you can also enjoy great views of the city scape.

With hundreds of vineyards, this is the perfect place for wine lovers to spend the day. Amidst gourmet restaurants and picturesque rolling hills, move from one winery to the next as you learn about the wine making process.

Known for its delightful rustic charm, this beach town provides the perfect contrast to the busy streets of San Francisco. Wander to Point Lobos and watch the waves crashing on the rocks in the Pacific Ocean. Keep an eye on the horizon and with a bit of luck you will see breaching whales.

A pair of jeans, a shirt, a light jacket, and comfortable shoes will do you just fine in the city. However, remember that the evenings and mornings can be cool, so don't forget to pack some warm clothes.

The city experiences showers in all seasons. So remember to bring along a small, sturdy umbrella that you can stow away in your handbag or shoulder bag. You'll be thankful for the shelter whilst walking through San Francisco's streets.

A trip to San Francisco creates lasting memories for the whole family. Make sure you have a device that allows you to take snapshots of the iconic landmarks, as well as your loved ones.

As you may well be out on the town taking pictures and navigating the city the whole day, your phone battery may run out. A portable phone charger will help you avoid that problem.