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North America

San Francisco, California

Experience the iconic beauty and bohemian spirit of the City by the Bay. Come hungry and leave time to wander.

Quick Facts

Weather Range

46-68F (8-20C)

Currency

USD

Language

English

Time Zone

PST (UTC-8)

Overview

San Francisco packs more personality per square mile than almost any city in America. The Golden Gate Bridge is just the beginning—cable cars climb impossible hills, sea lions bark at Pier 39, and Alcatraz looms in the bay as a reminder of the city's wild past. Neighborhoods define the experience: the Missions murals and taquerias, Haight-Ashburys vintage shops, North Beachs Italian cafes, and the Castros rainbow-flag pride. Fishermans Wharf serves tourist-trap clam chowder, but locals know to hit the Ferry Building for farm-fresh everything and artisan everything else. The fog rolls in most afternoons, adding mystery to the city's Victorian architecture and steep streets. Tech money has changed San Francisco, but the bohemian, progressive spirit that made it legendary still shows up in the food, art, and unapologetically eccentric street life. It's beautiful, expensive, liberal, and impossible not to love.

Top Sights

  • Golden Gate Park
Larger than Central Park with the de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, and. Conservatory of Flowers spread across 1,000+ acres. You could spend days here.
  • Fishermans Wharf & Pier 39
Tourist central with sea lions, clam chowder bread bowls, and Ghirardelli chocolate, but the Maritime National Historical Parks historic. ships are genuinely cool. Locals avoid it but first-timers kind of have to go.
  • Golden Gate Bridge
The 1937 orange suspension bridge is even more impressive in person, especially from Battery Spencer viewpoint in Marin or. Fort Point below the south tower. Walk or bike across for the full experience.

Neighborhoods

North Beach

Sandy beaches and cafes

Chinatown

Heritage eats and local shops

Haight-Ashbury

Local eats and photo spots

The Castro

Local eats and photo spots

Shore Things Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.

City Sights & Chinatown Delights

330 Hours

MODERATE

See the best of the city — from its coastal cliffs to its cultural heart — with lunch and a walking tour in historic Chinatown.
View Details
From

$175 USD

Fire Engine Ride Across the Golden Gate

90 Hours

EASY

Climb aboard for a one-of-a-kind adventure that’s equal parts sightseeing and showstopper — all from the back of a shiny red open-air fire engine!
View Details
From

$120 USD

Gold Rush & Grit Walking Tour

240 Hours

MODERATE

Trace the untamed roots of San Francisco on this walking tour through the city’s notorious Barbary Coast.
View Details
From

$100 USD

Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz

300 Hours

MODERATE

Experience the best of San Francisco’s history and views with a waterfront drive, a Golden Gate photo stop, and a deep dive into Alcatraz.
View Details
From

$200 USD

Explore all San Francisco Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Shore Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Worry-free excursions powered by Viator

City Sights & Chinatown Delights

330 Hours

MODERATE

See the best of the city — from its coastal cliffs to its cultural heart — with lunch and a walking tour in historic Chinatown.
View Details
From

$175 USD

Fire Engine Ride Across the Golden Gate

90 Hours

EASY

Climb aboard for a one-of-a-kind adventure that’s equal parts sightseeing and showstopper — all from the back of a shiny red open-air fire engine!
View Details
From

$120 USD

Gold Rush & Grit Walking Tour

240 Hours

MODERATE

Trace the untamed roots of San Francisco on this walking tour through the city’s notorious Barbary Coast.
View Details
From

$100 USD

Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz

300 Hours

MODERATE

Experience the best of San Francisco’s history and views with a waterfront drive, a Golden Gate photo stop, and a deep dive into Alcatraz.
View Details
From

$200 USD

Explore all San Francisco Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Map

Quick Facts

Weather Range

46-68F (8-20C)

Currency

USD

Language

English

Time Zone

PST (UTC-8)

Ready to explore San Francisco?

Discover voyages that visit this amazing destination.
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