Vacations Are Better with Moments Found “Only in San Francisco”

“Only in San Francisco.” While you’ve likely heard the phrase, its meaning doesn’t truly come alive until you experience the city for yourself.

Recognized as one of the top ten destinations to visit in the United States by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, San Francisco welcomes vacationers with interesting landmarks, eclectic neighborhoods, a highly diverse culinary scene, a well-connected transportation system, and a lively waterfront.

Famous attractions like Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf check off iconic experiences, while neighborhoods bring their own character with the Mission District’s murals, Haight-Ashbury’s bohemian vibes, the flavors of Japantown, and the timeless luxury of Nob Hill.

This year, San Francisco was named the “culinary capital” of the United States, with Travel + Leisure highlighting research crediting its food scene, diverse options, and innovative approaches. A recent study by the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts further solidified the city as America’s most multicultural dining destination, citing its variety of global cuisines.

And with iconic cable cars, ferries crossing the Bay, and the futuristic self-driving Waymo, San Francisco keeps vacationers moving across the city in memorable ways. The energy of the waterfront and the beauty of the Bay round out the experience with sunset views and day trips just across the water.

Historic Stays With a San Francisco Story

On Nob Hill, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins has been part of San Francisco’s story for nearly a century. Opened in 1926, the hotel combines Renaissance Revival architecture with a location that puts vacationers near popular attractions. Cable cars run right outside, and Union Square, Chinatown, and the waterfront are all within easy reach.

The hotel is also known for its historic sky lounge on the 19th floor, Top of the Mark. It’s been a favorite gathering place since the 1940s, first for servicemen and their families during World War II and later for generations of travelers.

Views stretch in every direction, making it a perfect setting for cocktails, live music, and sunsets. The hotel’s restaurant, Nob Hill Club, is known for California-inspired cuisine served in a relaxed yet sophisticated space. The InterContinental Mark Hopkins is a hotel that connects you to the city’s past while still offering all the amenities of a modern stay.

Alcatraz Island tells the story of America’s most infamous prison. Today, the former federal penitentiary is a National Park where audio tours guide you through cellblocks, and the ferry ride gives you perfect views of the San Francisco skyline.

The San Francisco Bay isn’t just for ferry rides, though. Guided kayaking trips with companies like City Kayak allow you to paddle along the shoreline, offering a unique perspective of the city.

Golden Gate Park is San Francisco’s outdoor living room. With gardens and trails, it hosts year-round events including music festivals and cultural celebrations. This year, Dead & Company celebrated 60 years of Jerry Garcia’s music with a 3-day music festival that attracted fans from across the country.

Hop into a classic painted Volkswagen bus with San Francisco Love Tours for a small-group ride around the city packed with stories, good laughs, and plenty of peace signs from people on the street.

Church of 8 Wheels, housed in a former church built in 1898, is now home to a retro roller disco with live DJs, lights, and skating that make for a nostalgic night out.

San Francisco’s Japantown is the oldest and largest of only three remaining in the United States. At its center is the Peace Plaza with a five-tiered pagoda, surrounded by shops and places to enjoy ramen, sushi, and Japanese sweets. Japantown also hosts cultural celebrations like the annual Nihonmachi Street Fair, where music and food bring the community together.

Always lively, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 have shopping, dining, and entertainment along the waterfront. Sea lions lounging on docks, the Aquarium of the Bay, and Ghirardelli Square help make this one of San Francisco’s most family-friendly stops.

A San Francisco classic since 1945, the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar inside the Fairmont is a tiki bar like no other. The pool serves as a stage for live bands on a floating platform, complete with simulated thunderstorms. Surrounded by bamboo and glowing lanterns, guests sip rum cocktails and share plates with Asian and Polynesian flavors.

Founded in 1886, Fior d’Italia is the oldest Italian restaurant in the United States. The restaurant serves Northern Italian dishes, including handmade pasta such as ravioli and gnocchi, along with classics like osso buco and risotto. The restaurant’s classic Italian decor and live music make it a warm and welcoming place for an evening out.

For those craving seafood, Crab House at Pier 39 is known for its Dungeness killer crab served whole with a secret roasted garlic sauce. Diners also come for crab chowder, seafood pasta, and views of the Bay.

Just across the Bay, a ferry ride will take you to Sausalito, a waterfront town with a relaxed, Mediterranean feel. Vacationers enjoy strolls along the harbor lined with sailboats and floating homes, browse art galleries, shop boutiques, and dine at restaurants with views of the San Francisco skyline.

A short drive from the city, Muir Woods National Monument is home to giant redwoods, many of which are more than 1,000 years old. Shaded trails wind through the grove, ranging from easy boardwalk loops to longer hikes. The stillness of the redwoods is the perfect retreat from city life and into the calm of nature.

What makes San Francisco unforgettable is the combination of its icons and experiences. You’ll eat well, explore widely, and discover something interesting in every neighborhood. It’s a vacation you can find “Only in San Francisco.”