Things to do in Willits

The Skunk Train

Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in San Francisco

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island stands isolated in San Francisco Bay, facing Fisherman's Wharf across the water. To reach the island, visitors must take a ferry from nearby Pier 33. In 1775, Spanish explorers mapping the bay named it "Isla de los Alcatraces" (Island of the Pelicans) due to the abundance of seabirds. However, this small island later became world-famous for its "devilish" reputation: from 1850, it first served as a military fortress guarding the bay entrance, then became a military prison. From 1934 to 1963, it operated as a high-security federal penitentiary housing over a thousand inmates including Al Capone. No escape attempts were ever confirmed successful. The island served as a filming location for "The Rock," and its English name inspired "Azkaban" in Harry Potter. From 1969 to 1971, a 19-month Native American occupation made it an important landmark in the American civil rights movement. Now the entire island is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where abandoned prison cells, old lighthouses, and weathered barracks still retain their original layout. The prison cells along the main corridor, "Broadway," are open to visitors, with permanent exhibitions recounting the island's past. Put on headphones, and the audio guide plays firsthand accounts from former guards and inmates. Between the cliffs and shrubs, seabirds like western gulls, cormorants, and black-crowned night herons nest and thrive. The blend of profound history and bay wildlife makes it one of San Francisco's most distinctive destinations.

2026 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do

Fisherman's Wharf

A landmark of San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf is a strip extending from Ghirardelli Square all the way to Pier 35 and close to popular destinations such as Chinatown and the Lombard Street. This is home to a wealth of shops and restaurants and lively street shows can be seen everywhere. Famous sites such as Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge can also be sighted in the distance. The Fisherman's Wharf is close to the bay, so do not miss out on the fresh and delicious seafood. At Pier 39, sea lions can also be seen lying idly on rafts for a bit of sunbathing, making a most adorable scene.

2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate Strait, opened to traffic in 1937 with a total length of approx. 2.7 km. It has long been regarded as a symbol of San Francisco. The Golden Gate Strait connects San Francisco Bay on one end and leads to the Pacific Ocean on the other, with the bridge spanning the strait and linking downtown San Francisco to the towns of the North Bay. The bridge's iconic international orange paint stands out strikingly. Despite San Francisco's frequent fog, even when sea mist rolls in, this vibrant orange remains clearly visible. Scenes like the intense battle between apes on the bridge in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and Magneto moving the entire bridge in "X-Men" have made it a familiar sight for movie fans. The location is crucial for both viewing and photographing the bridge. Fort Point on the southern side of the bridge is right beneath it, offering a chance to look up at the massive steel structure. Battery Spencer, a lookout on the western side of the northern shore, is a popular spot for capturing the bridge's full span, with the orange-red bridge, the sea, and the distant city skyline all in one frame—especially atmospheric when fog rolls in. The Vista Point observation deck near Sausalito is ideal for watching the traffic flow across the bridge. Generally, the northern shore provides expansive views and complete compositions, while the southern side offers lower angles better suited for close-up shots of the water and bridge sections. If time allows, consider renting a bike for cycling across the bridge—an experience unmatched by walking or driving, as you glide between the steel beams and ocean breeze.

No. 17 of Family-friendly Attractions in United States

California Academy of Sciences

Explore the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, where you can experience a unique combination of an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all in one place. Through interactive exhibits, captivating performances, and educational programs, you'll embark on an exciting scientific adventure. Steinhart Aquarium The Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biodiverse and interactive aquariums on Earth. Home to nearly 60,000 living animals representing over 800 unique species, visitors can explore both underwater and terrestrial habitats here. From species not displayed anywhere else in the world to cutting-edge research on little-known marine ecosystems, a visit to the Steinhart Aquarium is filled with discovery. Morrison Planetarium The exhibitions at Morrison Planetarium are driven by scientific data, leading to observations, discoveries, and theories about our universe. Every star, planet, spacecraft, or galaxy encountered in the planetarium reflects its real-world counterpart. When this virtual cosmos is projected onto Morrison's 75-foot-diameter screen, the dome itself seems to vanish, creating a uniquely immersive experience. Osher Rainforest Inside the dome, a magnificent neo-tropical rainforest stretches 90 feet high. Experience an adventure with 1,600+ living plant and animal species, including sun beetles that resemble taxis, hardworking leafcutter ants, and a winding Amazon tree boa. Descend four floors by elevator from the canopy level, overlooking the flooded forests of the Amazon. At every stage of the journey, you'll come face-to-face with the breathtaking animals that inhabit these forests. Kimball Natural History Museum Drawing on over 160 years of research from the Academy, the Kimball Natural History Museum highlights our planet's uniqueness in surprising ways. Discover the fascinating role of color in nature, compare fossils of our early human relatives, and marvel at one-of-a-kind specimens from the Academy's record-breaking scientific collections—all while strolling beneath the skeletons of some of Earth's most massive creatures.

Mendocino County Museum

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in San Francisco

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is a large art museum in San Francisco, California. It is one of the well-known modern art museums in the world. Its halls are home to works by Andy Warhol, Paul Klee, Ansel Adams, Willem de Kooning, Roy Lichtenstein and many other twentieth century artistic luminaries. The museum is a very popular tourist destination in the city, and is highly recommended for all art aficionados.

Brooktrails Golf Course

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a large urban green space in San Francisco, covering approx. 1,017 acres and stretching approx. 4.8 km from east to west, spanning the Richmond District and Sunset District in the western part of San Francisco. This land was originally barren coastal sand dunes. After continuous tree planting and sand stabilization efforts starting in the 1870s, it gradually became the large, tree-lined park it is today. The park features rich, layered landscapes where cultural facilities and natural scenery intertwine. The eastern section concentrates cultural venues such as the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, and the Japanese Tea Garden, while the northern section features historic buildings like the Conservatory of Flowers. The park's natural and recreational areas are equally diverse. Blue Heron Lake surrounds the central Strawberry Hill, and pedal boats can be rented on the lake. In the western part of the park stand two historic windmills, the Dutch Windmill and the Murphy Windmill, with tulip gardens nearby. The Bison Paddock has existed in the park since the late 19th century, and you can still see the herd of bison active in the paddock today. Spreckels Lake is a gathering place for model sailboat enthusiasts, and exquisite miniature sailboats can often be seen sailing on the water. The park also features a disc golf course, a lawn bowling club, and a skate park, with cycling paths running throughout the park.