Not sure where to go for your Round the World trip? We have put together comprehensive guides to our most popular destinations including information on specific areas, tips on how to get around, sightseeing options and even climate and weather details. Be inspired by fellow travellers stories in our Travel Journals section, or for more information on a particular destination, please contact our Round the World Experts on 0870 499 0120.
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Areas of San Francisco
Union Square: Is the place for department store shopping and downtown drinking and dining.
Fisherman's Wharf: You can meet sea lions, sample delicious local seafood and take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, home of the worlds most notorious prison.
Golden Gate Bridge: Must be walked over and an afternoon in Golden Gate Park is a delight. Ascend Coit Tower for stunning views of the bay and the whole city.
The Bay Area: Immediately north of San Francisco are the two charming little harbour towns of Sausalito and Tiburon. The towns share a colourful Mediterranean atmosphere, though Tiburon is somewhat quieter. Lively boutiques, pleasant bistros and cafes line the waterfront.
Chinatown: Is lively and bewitching with its shops selling curious and tempting restaurants with their sizzling delights. Chinatown has evolved from a ghetto imposed on the Chinese in the 19th century into a proud, self-assertive community - the largest outside Asia that has won the town's admiration.
The Hills: There are 40 of them. A tour of the most celebrated Nob Hill, Telegraph Hill and Russian Hill - will give you a good idea of the San Francisco's rich and famous. The best reason for climbing Telegraph Hill is for the splendid sight of the other hills from the top of Coit Tower.
Getting there and around
San Francisco International Airport is located 22km (14 miles) south of San Francisco. The journey to/from the city centre will take around 25 - 35 min.
Oakland International Airport is located 32 km (20 miles) south-east of San Francisco (across the golden gate bridge). Journey time is approximately 35-45 mins.
San Jose International Airport is located 80 km (50 miles) south of San Francisco. Journey time is approximately 1 hour.
Good public transport system including: a clean and convenient underground railway system (subway). In central San Francisco, the principal sites are served by cable cars. The other solution for short distances is the taxi. Longer distances, car hire or Greyhound coaches.
Sightseeing Ideas
San Fransisco Bay Cruise: Enjoy a 1hr Bay Cruise! Cruise under both the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. Pass by Alcatraz, Angel and Treasure Islands.
San Francisco City pass: Visit five famous San Francisco attractions for one low price and avoid most ticket lines. Includes tickets to the Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise, Museum of Modern Art, Exploratorium, Asian Art Museum and your choice of Academy of Sciences and Steinhart Aquarium or The Legion of Honor.
Monterey/Carmel & 17 Mile Drive: California's rugged Central Coast can both humble and inspire you. Visit the Bay Aquarium, Carmel and the 17-mile drive.
Top tips
Alcatraz: Of the many cruises you can take on San Francisco Bay (from Pier 41, near Fisherman's Wharf), the most entertaining is out to the abandoned federal prison of Alcatraz. U.S. Rangers conduct informative tours of the site.
Oxygen Bar Sushi and Sake Lounge: Craving sushi past the midnight hour? This is the place for late night eats. Traditional sushi with a kick. Make sure you try the crab rolls. And a cool, mellow and friendly crowd - maybe it's the oxygen?
Climate
