Golden Gate Bridge
It's impossible to talk about San Francisco without mentioning the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Completed in 1937, this Art Deco masterpiece was once the longest suspension bridge in the world. Fun fact: the bridge's signature "International Orange" color was initially supposed to be a primer. The Navy wanted it to be black and yellow stripes for visibility, but the current color was chosen because it blends with the natural surroundings and stands out in the fog.
Palace of Fine Arts
Designed by Bernard Maybeck, this structure was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Inspired by Roman and Greek architecture, it was never meant to last. However, it became so beloved that it was rebuilt in the 1960s with more durable materials. It has since become a popular venue for weddings and film locations, including the movie "The Rock."
Transamerica Pyramid
Completed in 1972, the Transamerica Pyramid is the tallest skyscraper in San Francisco. Designed by William Pereira, it stands 853 feet tall and has a unique, futuristic pyramid shape. The building's four-story "crown" is illuminated at night, adding to the city's skyline. Inside, there's even a redwood tree that survived the 1906 earthquake and fire!
Coit Tower
This 210-foot tower on Telegraph Hill offers panoramic views of the city. Built in 1933, it was funded by Lillie Hitchcock Coit and designed by Arthur Brown Jr.. The interior is covered in murals created as part of the New Deal's Public Works of Art Project, depicting various aspects of life in California during the Great Depression.
Ferry Building
Completed in 1898, this Beaux-Arts-style building was designed by A. Page Brown. It was once the second busiest transit terminal in the world, second only to London's Charing Cross Station. Today, it's a bustling marketplace featuring local farmers, artisan producers, and food vendors. The clock tower, modeled after the Giralda in Seville, Spain, is an unmistakable landmark.
Alamo Square and the Painted Ladies
These iconic Victorian houses, located across from Alamo Square Park, are some of the most photographed homes in the city. Built between 1892 and 1896, the Painted Ladies survived the 1906 earthquake and fire. They gained worldwide fame from their appearance in the opening credits of the TV show "Full House."
Sutro Baths
Opened in 1896 by Adolph Sutro, these were the largest indoor swimming pools in the world. The complex included six saltwater and one freshwater pool, each at different temperatures. Although the baths burned down in 1966, the ruins remain a popular spot for exploring and photography.
Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores)
Founded in 1776, it's the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco. The mission church is a prime example of Spanish Colonial architecture, with its adobe walls and red tile roof. The adjacent cemetery is the only remaining cemetery within city limits and contains the graves of many early settlers and notable figures.
The Castro Theatre
This movie palace, built in 1922, is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Baroque architecture. Designed by Timothy Pflueger, it features a massive chandelier, a ceiling adorned with plasterwork, and an organ that rises from the orchestra pit. It remains a beloved venue for film festivals and special screenings.
De Young Museum
Originally opened in 1895, the current building in Golden Gate Park was designed by Herzog & de Meuron and opened in 2005. The museum's copper facade, which will eventually turn green due to oxidation, is a nod to the natural surroundings. The observation tower offers stunning views of the park and the city.
Exploratorium
Founded by physicist Frank Oppenheimer in 1969, the Exploratorium is a museum dedicated to science, art, and human perception. Originally housed in the Palace of Fine Arts, it moved to Pier 15 in 2013. It's known for its interactive exhibits, making it a favorite among children and adults alike.
Grace Cathedral
This Gothic Revival cathedral, located on Nob Hill, was completed in 1964. It features stunning stained glass windows, two labyrinths, and a replica of Ghiberti's "Gates of Paradise." The cathedral is also known for its interfaith initiatives and diverse community programs.
San Francisco City Hall
Completed in 1915, this beaux-arts building was designed by Arthur Brown Jr.. It boasts the fifth-largest dome in the world, even taller than the U.S. Capitol. Fun fact: actress Marilyn Monroe and baseball player Joe DiMaggio were married here in 1954.
Oracle Park
Home to the San Francisco Giants, this baseball stadium opened in 2000. Known for its stunning views of the bay, it's one of the few major league parks where home runs can land in the water. Fans in kayaks—known as "McCovey Cove"—wait in hopes of catching these "splash hits."
The Painted Ladies
These colorful Victorian houses, located across from Alamo Square, are some of the most photographed homes in the city. Built between 1892 and 1896, they survived the 1906 earthquake and fire. They gained worldwide fame from their appearance in the opening credits of "Full House."
Chinatown’s Dragon Gate
This ornamental archway at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush Street is the entrance to San Francisco’s Chinatown, the oldest in North America. Built in 1970, it features traditional Chinese architectural elements like green tiles, dragon carvings, and guardian lions.
Fort Point
Located at the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point was built during the Gold Rush to protect San Francisco from naval attacks. Completed in 1861, it never saw battle. Today, it's a National Historic Site and offers some of the best views of the bridge and bay.
Lombard Street
Famed as the "crookedest street in the world," this block of Lombard Street features eight hairpin turns. The design was implemented in 1922 to reduce the hill's natural 27% grade, which was too steep for most vehicles of the time. It's now a popular tourist destination for its unique design and beautiful gardens.
The Painted Ladies
These colorful Victorian houses, located across from Alamo Square, are some of the most photographed homes in the city. Built between 1892 and 1896, they survived the 1906 earthquake and fire. They gained worldwide fame from their appearance in the opening credits of "Full House."