Classic for a reason, the Berkeley Rose Garden is a scenic — albeit somewhat steep and strenuous — 30-minute stroll from the Downtown Berkeley BART station. First, stop in North Berkeley for a bite to eat, like the slice of the day at the Cheeseboard Pizza Collective, before trekking up to the amphitheater to admire the 1,500 rose bushes that showcase 250 varieties of flowers.
Tucked away in the hills, you can also bring a picnic to Codornices Park next door and let kids loose on the winding concrete slides and wooded trails.
Alcatraz Island
Yes, some might say visiting Alcatraz is basic. But it’s worth braving the crowds and reservation system to make the trip to San Francisco’s famed Alcatraz Island, to discover its historic journey from a fort to a prison, which then became a pivotal site in the fight for Native American civil rights.
The ferry trip will give you a chance to soak in the sights of the Bay, and once you’re there, the self-guided audio tour is included in your boat ticket. While the daytime views of the city from the island are worth it alone, some recommend a night tour for a different perspective. Remember: make a ferry reservation ahead of time as they often sell out.
Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods
Rising above Marin County is Mount Tamalpais State Park, with its endless trails to wander and a peak — Mount Tam itself — that’s easily accessible from roads.
For a hike that gives you the full Marin experience, take on the famed Dipsea Trail, known for a trail race that happens there each year. This route will take you and your visitors from the towering redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument all the way to Stinson Beach, where you can relax, get a bite to eat and rejoice in your accomplishment. It’s a long trail (around 10 miles one way), but you can take Marin Transit bus route 61 back to your car at the Dipsea trailhead.
Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach
You could spend an entire day exploring these two San Francisco parks and still never see every nook and cranny. (Yes, Ocean Beach is actually a national park within the city.)
In Golden Gate Park, take a walk down car-free JFK Promenade and hit any of the city’s three iconic floral destinations — the SF Botanical Gardens, Conservatory of Flowers or the Japanese Tea Garden. Get pleasantly lost strolling Blue Heron Lake and Strawberry Hill, and don’t miss the world-famous bison paddock.
Continue the adventure by renting a bike and riding all the way to Sunset Dunes park at Ocean Beach to catch the sunset.
For return visitors: More under-the-radar Bay Area days out (to impress even the most jaded guests)
Already checked off all of the classic sightseeing options for visitors? Don’t worry: we have even more recommendations below for the second, third and fourth visits from loved ones — broken down by region, so you can customize your itinerary any way you like.
Next-level sightseeing in San Francisco
Head to Angel Island by boat from the Ferry Building for a tranquil hike, bike ride or history lesson on California immigration. You’ll also give your visitors a very different view of the Bay Area from the water, and even if you don’t plan to hike a great deal, the ferry ride there is worth it alone.
