Golden Gate Park
With 1,017 acres to roam about, San Francisco's gem, Golden Gate Park, is idea for all sorts of outdoor activities. Play polo on the polo fields, test your swing on the 9-hole golf course or hit one of the bike trails. Then enjoy the peace and serenity of the Japanese Tea Garden, the Botanical Garden, the new Science Museum or the de Young Museum of Fine Art.
Alcatraz
No trip would would be complete without seeing the most infamous outdoor site in San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island. Take a boat to the island and go on a tour of the once maximum security prison open from 1934 to 1963. You may get a little spooked by some of the sights, sounds and stories. Breathe in the fresh ocean air and imagine what it must have been like when in operation, one scary place to reside.
Alcatraz Tour
Alcatraz Landing, Pier 33
Embarcadero San Francisco, California 94133
nps.gov/alcatraz
Hike or Bike Presidio Park
History and outdoor enthusiasts will love the Presidio, a former military installation used from 1776 to 1994. It is now a US national park with 1,500 acres of beaches, trails for hiking and biking as well as some incredible views of the Bay, shoreline and downtown San Francisco. Roam around this park for a day and see San Francisco in a whole new way. Don't miss the museum that tells the story of the Presidio (see Resources).
Pier 39
Sightseeing in San Francisco would not be complete without a trip to Pier 39. Known for its endless amusements, fresh fish restaurants and variety of activities there is always something going on day or night. Try the Frequent Flyers, a bungee trampoline set up where you can work on your aerial and acrobatic skills. Then watch the street vendors and variety acts do their thing before sitting back to laugh at the hundreds of sea lions that collect at the water's edge. For some education visit the Aquarium of the Bay and learn about the natural wildlife then go out and identify them if you can.
Pier 39
Located off the Embarcadero where Beach and Powell Streets meet
pier39.com
San Francisco Zoo
Take a trip to the San Francisco Zoo, which has 245 species of animals including an African savanna exhibition where zebra, giraffes, and ostriches mingle. Or check out the Lemur Forest, Gorilla Preserve and Penguin Island. One unique exhibit is the Australian Walkabout--you'll feel like you're actually in the Australian outback. It's a fun day trip where you can get a workout walking around and see some incredible animals.
San Francisco Zoo
1 Zoo Road
San Francisco, California 94132
