10 Things to Do in San Francisco

The Exploratorium is a hands-on museum for all ages, providing information about science, nature, art and human perception. Visit the Microscope Imaging Station, where you can view living specimens through a microscope that you control, or go inside the Tactile Dome where the total darkness leaves nothing but your senses to guide you. The Exploratorium is closed on Mondays.

Exploratorium
Palace of Fine Arts
3601 Lyon St.
San Francisco, California 94123
(415) 561-0360
www.exploratorium.edu/explore/exhibits.html

Enjoy a full day visiting three to four wineries on a narrated tour. Learn all you need to know about wine production during this eight-hour trip. The tour begins in San Francisco, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. A short stop offers photo opportunities before proceeding to the wine country south of Sonoma. Pickup for the tour is available at most hotels in San Francisco.

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour
1329 Cypress St.
Walnut Creek, California 94596
(866) 431-1634
www.destination-store.com/tour/san+francisco/winecountrypersonalized

See ancient and European art that includes works from the 14th century through the 20th century. The museum features decorative art such as furniture and sculpture, and ancient Mediterranean art and antiquities from the Near East. A café is open for early morning coffee and pastries through mid-day with soups and sandwiches for your convenience. The museum is closed Mondays, and the first Tuesday of each month is free for San Francisco residents.

Legion of Honor Museum
Lincoln Park
34th Avenue & Clement Street
San Francisco, California 94121
(415) 750-3600
famsf.org/legion/index.asp

Experience this 100-acre facility that features over 250 species of animals. You will find many animals that are endangered, as well as beautiful gardens and a bird sanctuary. Native plants and gardens are showcased at the park and nature center. During the months of July and August, visitors can meet the zookeepers and the animals under their care. The first Wednesday of each month is free for San Francisco residents.

San Francisco Zoo
1 Zoo Road
San Francisco, California 94132
(415) 753-7080
www.sfzoo.org

Learn the history of San Francisco's transportation and how rail transit has affected urban life. At the museum you will find photographs and other displays depicting transportation history. The museum is free but accepts donations in support of the original F-Line streetcars. A gift shop is on premises and the museum is closed on Mondays.

San Francisco Railway Museum
77 Steuart St.
San Francisco, California 94105
(415) 974-1948
www.streetcar.org

With more than 7,500 varieties of plants, the San Francisco Botanical Garden displays plants from around the world. This 55-acre garden is free to all visitors, and tours are given every day. Each year the garden hosts a fair with demonstrations, learning opportunities and the sale of plants.

San Francisco Botanical Garden
9th Avenue at Lincoln Way
San Francisco, California 94122
(415) 661-1316
www.sfbotanicalgarden.org

This is a free museum located in the cable car barn and powerhouse and its collection includes various items from the past such as historic cable cars, photographs and mechanical devices. Visitors can learn about the cable cars that were tested on Clay Street in 1873, and their builders and inventors.

Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason St.
San Francisco, California 94108
(415) 474-1887
www.cablecarmuseum.org

During the Gold Rush, the Ferry Building was part of the main means of transportation to and from the port of San Francisco. Today it houses a farmer's market that can bring in up to 15,000 people. The market is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays and hosts a number of vendors, markets, cafes and restaurants. Tours of the Ferry Building are also available.

Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market
The Ferry Building, where Market Street meets the Embarcadero
San Francisco, California 94111
(415) 291-3276
www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com

From July to August three different local parks are host to this seasonal outdoor event. Once a month, each park features a family film, classic or a modern love story. Bring a blanket, chair and a picnic basket and enjoy an evening under the stars, both onscreen and off.

Locations:
Dolores Park, Dolores and 19th
Washington Square Park, Union & Columbus
Union Square, Geary & Powell
(415) 453-4333
www.filmnight.org/fnp2009.htm

Alcatraz Island is the site of the first lighthouse in San Francisco and the first U.S. fort on the West Coast. Guests can tour the former penitentiary, which includes an audio tour featuring actual interviews from former prisoners and a variety of collections such as inmate artwork, photographs and escape materials. Booking your tour ahead of time is recommended.

Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Fort Mason, B201
San Francisco, California 94123
Ferry Tickets/Reservations
(415) 981-7625
www.nps.gov/alcatraz