Everyone loves San Francisco, the beautiful and vibrant City By The Bay. Most visitors explore the eastern half of the city – Fisherman’s Wharf, the Pier 39 sea lions, and Alcatraz. However, many visitors ignore the western half – less flashy and foggier, but for some the real San Francisco. Ride the Muni bus a little further out and you’ll find yourself in the western neighborhoods of Richmond and Sunset. Here are just a few of the best things to do there.
Take a Walking Tour
Richmond and Sunset are full of charming houses and the hilly landscape adds to the visual appeal. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour, or join one led by knowledgeable locals.
Hike Lands’ End with Spectacular Coastal Views
Lands’ End is in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). You can snap a picture of the best view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, take in the evocative ruins of Sutro Baths, and grab a bite to eat at the Cliff House.
Tour the Historic Presidio
Situated in the GGNRA, the Presidio served as an army post for three nations (Spain, Mexico, the U.S.) over a span of 218 years. The Presidio and the surrounding area is a national park with stunning views, biking and hiking trails, and beautiful beaches.
Stroll Around Golden Gate Park
Spend an enjoyable couple of days here enjoying the park’s attractions, including the De Young Museum and Academy of Science, the San Francisco Botanical Garden and the Japanese Tea Garden. Rent a boat and enjoy a hidden gem – Stow Lake.
Play Golf at Lincoln Park
Tee off at this eighteen-hole Lincoln Park public golf course. The coastal views are so stunning, you may be inspired to up your game. After your round of golf, visit the Legion of Honor Museum, a fine arts institution dedicated to the memory of California soldiers who lost their lives in WWI.
Look at Animals
The San Francisco Zoo is a beautiful urban zoo situated in the Sunset District. The zoo houses over 1,000 exotic, endangered and rescued animals and their homes are intermingled with lush gardens that grow native and foreign plants.
Climb the Tiled Steps
Sunset is home to the Tiled Steps Project. An imaginative idea that transformed some mundane outdoor steps into works of art. The steps feature 163 glass mosaic tiles made by over 300 local artists.
Hike in a Cloud Forest
On the slopes of Mt. Sutro is a lush eucalyptus forest rising to 900 feet above sea level – you can see the whole city from the top. The hike can be very atmospheric as Mt. Sutro is above the fog line and you will most likely experience hiking through the mist.
Enjoy the Best Peking Duck
Close to many San Francisco attractions, Chili House is a charming and authentic Chinese restaurant in Richmond. It has received critical acclaim for having the best Peking Duck in San Francisco! Quite a feat in a city renowned for its extraordinary variety of Chinese food. There are many fine dining places in western San Francisco.
Don’t Miss Out on the West Side
It’s impossible to list all of the many attractions on San Francisco’s west side, so click here and here for even more ideas on how to enjoy your time there.