San Francisco Vacation Tips

San Francisco’s surreal beauty and picturesque charm will steal your heart from the moment you set eyes on it. Whether it’s the cable cars and the Victorian Painted Ladies or the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge half obscured by the rolling fog, there’s something about San Francisco attractions that tourists can’t get enough of. And as the second most densely populated major American city, we’re guessing the residents are quite enamored by the city as well! Before you leave, make sure you’ve packed the essential (yet often forgotten) items: a light jacket or sweatshirt for when the fog comes in, comfortable shoes for a very walkable city, and sunblock for rays that penetrate even the thickest layer of fog. To get the most of your San Francisco vacation, start your trip the right way by purchasing a  Go San Francisco Card attractions pass, designed to get tourists into the top sites at discounted rates. With just one convenient pass, you’ll have free access to 30 attractions, including hot spots like the California Academy of Sciences and the Golden Gate Bay Cruise. When visiting San Francisco in the summer, you can’t miss out on a trip to Napa Valley, California’s infamous wine country. While harvest season typically doesn’t start until August or September, the summer is a great time to explore the beauty of the valleys and vineyards, tour the facilities, and – of course – taste the delicious local wines! Use your San Francisco attractions pass to board one of the California Wine Country Tours departing from the City. A full-day tour takes you through Sonoma and Napa Valleys, complete with idyllic winery tours and a pit stop in Sonoma’s Historic Town Square where you can grab a bit to eat.

If an adventure at sea sounds like your idea of a good time, be sure to check out the Escape from the Rock Cruise out to Alcatraz Island. For those not familiar with the history of this infamous island, Alcatraz was once the home of a maximum security prison where notorious criminals were detained. The narrated tour includes hair-raising stories about criminals like Capone and “Billy Cook the Killer” and the many failed escape attempts from the Island. Lucky for you, you’re guaranteed a voyage back to the mainland. If you’re a music-lover, see if you can coordinate your trip with one of the many outdoor music festivals that rock the coast throughout the summer. From the free Stern Grove festival, to the weekly Union Square Live event, to the huge and hip Outside Lands Music Festival, there’s something for every type of music enthusiast. Art museums, outdoor sports, theme parks, and more await beyond the Golden Gate. For more information about things to do in San Francisco with your San Francisco attractions pass, visit Smart Destinations today.