Whether you’re craving history, culture or eye-popping coastal scenery, you’ll find it on the San Francisco Peninsula. The peninsula is surrounded by water, with sheltered San Francisco Bay on one side and the windswept Pacific Ocean on the other. Tick off iconic sights and attractions in the Golden Gate City and head south to discover sandy beaches, towering redwood forests and laid-back beach towns.
Things to do in San Francisco Peninsula
San Francisco is a city of neighbourhoods and finding your favourites is all part of the fun. Get lost in the lantern-strung alleys of Chinatown and discover the city’s counterculture roots in Haight-Ashbury. Watch bright-orange streetcars cruise through Fisherman’s Wharf and spot the famous sea lions basking on Pier 39.
From Fauvism masterpieces by Henri Matisse to colourful portraits by Frida Kahlo, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art boasts one of the finest contemporary collections in the country. The museum is housed in an architect-designed building in San Francisco’s trendy SoMa neighbourhood. See abstract expressionist works by Jackson Pollock and vibrant pop art by Andry Warhol. Creative cuisine has earned the museum restaurant a Michelin star.
Relax and enjoy the sunshine in Dolores Park, the city’s most beloved green space. The sprawling grassy lawns host everything from picnics, ball games and frisbee to pop-up concerts, festivals and dance performances. Enjoy spectacular views over the San Francisco skyline from the southwestern corner of the park.
Kick back in the lively beach town of Half Moon Bay. Walk along the crescent-shaped beach and check out the independent cafes and restaurants along bustling Main Street. Head to the blufftop lookout at Mavericks Beach to watch surfers ride one of the biggest breaks in the United States.
Getting around San Francisco Peninsula
Get around the San Francisco Peninsula by car, bus, tram, train and on foot. Most of San Francisco is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Buses and streetcars are a good way to cover longer distances and tackle the city’s notorious hills. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore the San Francisco Peninsula at your own pace. San Francisco International Airport is a 30-minute drive from Downtown San Francisco.