It’s time to get out to explore San Francisco. If you’re short on time then this is the post for you. Check out these ten places in an hour or less for fun, history, and stunning views.
1. Explore Coit Tower
The best way to make this trip under an hour is to get to the top and then go to the top of the tower. Entrance is $8 to take an elevator to the top. Enjoy the frescoes, history, and views at this historic landmark. Coit Tower is located in North Beach at 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd in the city.
2. Walk the 16th Avenue tiled steps
The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are stairs that could be a piece of artwork. You can see the artwork within the tiles and when you walk all the way up, you get an amazing view of the city. The sun sets directly across from the steps, so the artwork is illuminated by it.
3. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts
This is a wonderful spot walk through and admire. This is a free attraction to roam and and look in awe at the Greek-inspired piece of architecture, as well as the splendid lake full of gulls and swans. The Palace of Fine Arts is at 3301 Lyon Street in the Marina district.
4. Discover Sutro Baths
This is a ruin that attracts many people, however if you can get good parking or access this can be a quick visit. Sutro Baths used to be a swimming pool complex in the 1800s that burned down. Today you can take as long as you want to see this ruin near Ocean Beach.
5. Walk or drive down the crooked part of Lombard Street
Lombard Street is one of crookedest streets in the USA and found on many tours. The steep, hilly street was intended to switchback down the one-way hill past beautiful Victorian mansions. This is classic San Francisco!
6. Play games at Musee Mechanique
Musee Mechanique is located in Fisherman's Wharf and it is free. This is an old-fashioned arcade with arcade games, mechanical musical instruments, games that tell a story, or games that tell your fortune. Musee Mechanique is a great thrill to just walk around and or play a few games in an hour or so!
7. Admire The Thinker
The Thinker is located at the Legion of Honor Museum. This is a part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Best of all, the Thinker is accessible 24 hours a day, but take the time to visit the Legion of Honor as well. However, the best time to visit is during the day, and best yet this visit at this hidden gem is usually no longer than a half an hour at best.
8. Gaze at the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square
Hop over to Alamo Square and catch these architectural gems. All in all, your time in Alamo Square should be no more than a half an hour. Still, take the time to enjoy the beauty of the Victorian gems. Between the Golden Gate Bridge, the Painted Ladies, and the cable cars you're always awe-struck in the 415.
9. Enjoy the views at Twin Peaks
This is a classic destination that can be visited quickly. However, please be cautious and aware at Twin Peaks because it is crowded. This is a great place to see whole of San Francisco at once.
10. Take a Cable Car
The California Street line is one of the least crowded lines in the city. Also, just taking a cable in the city will allow you to see the city from the best perspective. Lastly, this line is only an under an hour depending where and when you go.
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