San Francisco is a beautiful port of call to visit on your Western US cruise. You could easily spend a week here as a land based trip. Often referred to as the Paris of the West or the Golden City, San Francisco has alot to offer for everybody so how do you narrow down what to do you if you only have a day in port? This article will explore the top three excursions for your next cruise stop here.
Golden Gate Bridge. Arguably this is the most famous landmark for San Francisco as is considered a Wonder of the Modern World. In a rare feat, the Golden Gate Bridge opened under budget and ahead of schedule on May 28, 1937. Only single men were allowed to construct the bridge and a net was installed during the building to minimize deaths. You can take a bike or e-bike tour across the ~1.7 mile bridge. There are dedicated lanes for bike and pedestrian traffic. I suggest doing an e-bike as there are a few hills that are steep before you cross over. On the way to the bridge you will have an opportunity to take pictures with your bike and the bridge in the background. On the other side of the bridge is the cute, picturesque town of Sausalito. Its most famous resident was Robin Williams. Stop here, enjoy ice cream (there are plenty of shops catering to tourist), grab lunch, and then take the ferry back to San Francisco. Pro tip: make sure you purchase ferry tickets prior to arriving.
Alcatraz Island. The ferry that takes you to Alcatraz Island is a short distance from your port. It is a fairly easy walk. Make sure to reserve tickets ahead of time and get there 45 minutes before your allotted tour time. As you take the ferry, if the weather is nice, head to the top deck for some wonderful views of the island and San Francisco. You may also get a few pictures of your cruise ship as well. Once on the island you may have an opportunity to take a guided tour (by a volunteer) up toward the main prison building. If time allows, do this. It is not offered everyday but it was great hearing more history about this island. As part of the admission, all guests have access to a self guided cell house tour. The narration is from previous inmates and guards. It is offered in multiple languages and makes a great way to explore and learn. I don’t want to spoil what you will hear, but our family really enjoyed it.
For a cruise stop, I suggest doing Alcatraz Island only. If you are visiting San Francisco for a pre/post cruise stay or a land only vacation, then add on Angel Island. It is worth it just for the views taking the ferry over. Angel island used to be a military base and later and immigration center. There is a tram you can take around the island that lasts about an hour.
Muir Woods. This was my favorite place to visit and is great if you love nature. It is about a 30-45 minute drive from San Francisco. It is simply beautiful with all the redwoods. And the smell. I know that sounds strange to read, but the smell was so fresh and wonderful and to me, it felt relaxing. You could easily spend an entire day here. It is wheelchair friendly with smooth paved paths around the main route. William Kent bought the 295 acres in 1905 and donated the land with the understanding that it would never be developed. Three years later President Roosevelt made it a national monument. The beautiful coastal redwoods get most of the water not directly from the soil, but from the fog that rolls in each day. Parking reservations are required, and it can be busy, especially during the summer months. Pro tip for the young travelers: As Muir Woods is part of the National Park Service, children ages 4 and over can become Jr. Rangers here.
Honorable mention: Food Tour. You can do a formal tour or eat on your own in San Francisco. Since much of the food is grown in the state, it is fresher than what you can typically get at home. If you can only eat in one neighborhood, eat in China Town. On my visit, I was pleasantly surprised how good the food was at the multiple places we ate at. Do note that the restaurant prices here are typical to Miami and New York.
Are you ready to plan your next cruise with a stop in San Fransisco? Markwood Magic would love to help. Click below to schedule a consultation.