The 30 Best Historic attraction in San Francisco, California

Koret Children's Playground, located in San Francisco, California, is a popular tourist attraction funded by the Koret Foundation. The playground underwent a major renovation in 2007 and reopened as the Koret Children’s Quarter, featuring new attractions such as a climbing wall and rope climbing structure. The historic concrete slide was also retained. In addition to the playground, visitors can enjoy the three carousels housed in Golden Gate Park near the Koret Children’s Quarter. The current carousel, built in 1914, features 62 colorfully painted animals and painted panels depicting Bay Area landscapes. To reserve the picnic area adjacent to the carousel and playground, visitors can visit the Permits and Reservations page.

Outpost Playground, located at 210 Lincoln Boulevard in San Francisco, California, is a unique and adventurous play space for kids and families to explore. This playground is unlike any other in the city, offering features such as a giant fallen tree to explore, a Woodland Wall to scale, and water features inspired by historic water channels. The Outpost Playground is free and open from April to October from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from November to March from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hourly and daily paid parking is available nearby, making it convenient for families to visit.

Mission Dolores - Helen Diller Playground is a popular tourist attraction located in San Francisco, California, United States. This historic site offers visitors a unique blend of cultural heritage and recreational opportunities. The playground is named after Helen Diller, a philanthropist who generously supported the renovation of the area. Visitors can explore the historic Mission Dolores and enjoy the modern amenities of the playground, including swings, slides, and climbing structures. The institution is a perfect destination for families looking to learn about the history of California while having fun in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Old St. Hilary's Preserve is a historic park and tourist attraction located at 2000 Vistazo Street West in Tiburon, California. This beautiful preserve offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding hills, making it a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy nature and learn about the area's rich history. The preserve is home to the iconic Old St. Hilary's Church, a Victorian-era landmark that stands as a reminder of Tiburon's past. Visitors can explore the hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational exhibits that make Old St. Hilary's Preserve a must-visit destination for anyone in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Argonne Playground, located at 463 18th Avenue in San Francisco, California, is a historic neighborhood play space that has recently undergone a complete facelift. The playground now features bright and modern play structures that cater to children of all ages, from small tots to older kids. In addition to the play structures, visitors can enjoy a renovated picnic area, grassy lawn, basketball court, and tennis court. Established in 1926, Argonne Playground has been a beloved community space for generations. The recent renovations have breathed new life into the park, making it a popular destination for families and children in the area. Whether you're looking for a place to play, relax, or engage in some friendly competition, Argonne Playground has something for everyone.

Located at 175 Jefferson Street in San Francisco, California, Ripley's Believe It or Not! is a must-visit tourist attraction. This fun spot offers a unique experience where visitors can marvel at hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts, interact with unbelievable exhibits, and explore mind-bending illusions. With a combo ticket, visitors can also enjoy the Mirror Maze at the end of their visit, adding an extra element of fun to their day. From pop art to shrunken heads, the exhibits at Ripley's are sure to leave you amazed and intrigued.

Alamo Square, located on Hayes Street in San Francisco, California, is a historic park and tourist attraction known for its iconic "Painted Ladies" of Postcard Row. This picturesque hilltop has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies, including the sitcom "Full House." Aside from its fame, Alamo Square offers lush lawns, flowerbeds, and willow trees, making it a beloved play space for families and visitors. The park features a dual-level playground for children, an off-leash area for dogs, a full tennis court, walking trails, and a picnic area.

Dolores Park, located in San Francisco, California, is a popular tourist attraction encompassing nearly 16 acres. This vibrant park features lush green lawns, palm trees, sports facilities, playgrounds, and off-leash dog areas. It is a hub for festivals, performances, and cultural events, drawing crowds for picnics, leisurely walks, and stunning views of the city skyline. Originally a Jewish cemetery, the park became a refuge for earthquake survivors in 1906 before being transformed into a beloved community space. Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out their trash. The park is easily accessible by public transportation and offers a unique blend of history, recreation, and natural beauty.

Located in San Francisco, California, Cottage Row Mini Park is a charming tourist attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into the city's history. Situated just a short walk away from Japantown and the Fillmore District, the park features a landscaped brick pathway lined with beautiful Victorian buildings. These buildings, most of which were constructed by William Hollis in the late 1800s, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to its historic significance, Cottage Row Mini Park also boasts a recently renovated Sutter Street frontage, thanks to a community partnership with the Japanese Cultural Community Center of Northern California. This renovation includes a garden that celebrates the Issei, the first generation of Japanese in America, further adding to the site's rich history.

Lafayette Park, located at Washington Street in San Francisco, California, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction with stunning views of the city and the bay. This hilly park offers grassy lawns, tennis courts, a playground, picnic tables, and an off-leash dog-play area, making it a popular spot for residents of the Pacific Heights neighborhood to relax and enjoy outdoor activities. Established in 1867, Lafayette Park has a rich history, including being the site of the first astronomical observatory on the West Coast built in 1879. The park also served as a refuge for locals during the 1906 earthquake, where they watched the city burn in the aftermath. With its scenic beauty and recreational amenities, Lafayette Park is a must-visit destination in San Francisco. If you have any maintenance or vandalism issues to report, please call 311 or click the link provided.

Coyote Point Recreation Area is a picturesque park and popular tourist attraction located at 1701 Coyote Point Drive in San Mateo, California, United States. This stunning waterfront park offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and features a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy, including picnic areas, playgrounds, walking and biking trails, a marina, and a beach for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also explore the CuriOdyssey science and wildlife center, which offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for all ages. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the water or an adventure-filled outing, Coyote Point Recreation Area has something for everyone to enjoy.

The Bayview Opera House (BVOH) is a historic and culturally significant tourist attraction located at 4705 3rd Street in San Francisco, California, United States. This iconic institution has been a cornerstone of the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood for over a century, offering a diverse range of performances, events, and community programs. Visitors can experience the rich history and vibrant culture of the area through music, dance, theater, and visual arts at this beloved venue. With its stunning architecture and commitment to showcasing local talent, the Bayview Opera House is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the artistic spirit of San Francisco.

Blake Garden UC Berkeley, located at 70 Rincon Road in Kensington, California, is a 10.5-acre public garden offering stunning hill views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Just four miles north of the Berkeley campus, this tourist attraction showcases a diverse range of plant materials that thrive in the Mediterranean climate of the region. The garden features both new and historic garden designs and structures created by CED professors, students, and staff. With a mission to promote the understanding and appreciation of nature in a garden setting, Blake Garden serves as a teaching and research facility for landscape architecture and environmental planning. Open to the public on weekdays, the garden welcomes visitors to explore its beautiful surroundings and learn about the various plants and landscapes on display.

Coyote Hills Regional Park is a popular tourist attraction located at 8000 Patterson Ranch Road in Fremont, California. This park, dedicated in 1967, covers 1,266 acres of marshland and rolling grassland-covered hills along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. The park offers a variety of activities such as hiking, jogging, bicycling, bird watching, nature exploration, and picnicking. The park is open year-round, with different gate hours depending on the season. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Visitors can enjoy educational displays and exhibits at the Visitor Center, which also houses the Possum's Pocket Nature Store. Naturalist-led programs and tours highlight the park's cultural and natural history. The park also features picnic areas with barbeque braziers, water, and shade. The Hoot Hollow picnic area is available for group reservations.

Roaring Camp is a historic amusement park and tourist attraction located at 5401 Graham Hill Road in Felton, California. Visitors can experience a journey back in time as they travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves, and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain. Conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad, and the forest during the ride. In the 1880s, narrow-gauge steam locomotives were used to haul giant redwood logs out of the mountains, and today, Roaring Camp's steam engines from 1890 provide regularly scheduled passenger service. The scenic train ride takes passengers through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, the San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Arcangeli Grocery Co. is a family-run bakery located at 287 Stage Road in Pescadero, California. Established in 1929 by Sante Arcangeli, this historic institution is known for its famous Garlic Herb & Artichoke Bread. Situated in the picturesque coastal town of Pescadero, between San Francisco and Santa Cruz, Arcangeli Grocery Co. offers a unique selection of Italian and French-style breads, including Sourdough, as well as a variety of gourmet food items such as pasta sauces, salsas, cheese, and local wine. Whether you're a local or just passing through, be sure to stop by and experience the delicious offerings at Arcangeli Grocery Co. Can't make it in person? Visit our online gourmet store to browse our selection from anywhere in the world.

Sutro Heights is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 846 Point Lobos Avenue in San Francisco, California. This stunning institution offers visitors breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as lush gardens, historic ruins, and a monument dedicated to the former landowner, Adolph Sutro. Visitors can explore the walking paths, enjoy a picnic with loved ones, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty of this coastal gem. Sutro Heights is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to unwind in a serene and picturesque setting.

Pioneer Park, located at 1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard in San Francisco, California, is a popular tourist attraction known for its iconic Coit Tower. The tower, built in 1933, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and bay from its observation deck. Named after Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a patron of the city's firefighters, the tower features murals painted in 1934 by artists employed by the Public Works of Art Project. Visitors can take docent-led tours of the tower, learning about its history and the artists behind the murals. The park surrounding Coit Tower, established in 1876, offers scenic trails and the chance to spot the famous flock of parrots featured in the film "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill."

Rincon Park is a beautiful waterfront park located in San Francisco, California, United States. Situated along the Embarcadero, this park offers stunning views of the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade, relax on the grassy areas, or admire the iconic Cupid's Span sculpture. Rincon Park is a popular tourist attraction, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city while providing a perfect spot for picnics, photography, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings.

Washington Square is a picturesque park located in the heart of San Francisco, California. This historic destination is a popular tourist attraction, known for its lush greenery, charming benches, and iconic statue of Benjamin Franklin. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, relax on the grassy lawn, or take in the stunning views of the surrounding cityscape. With its vibrant atmosphere and rich history, Washington Square is a must-see destination for anyone exploring the vibrant city of San Francisco.

The Berkeley Rose Garden, located at 1200 Euclid Avenue in Berkeley, California, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. This regional destination features 1,500 rose bushes and 250 varieties of roses, making it a must-see for flower enthusiasts. Originally built as a Civil Works Progress Project under the Works Progress Administration in 1937, the Berkeley Rose Garden has a rich history of community involvement and volunteer work. The terraced amphitheater and redwood pergola were designed by architect Bernard Maybeck, while landscape architect Vernon M. Dean and rose specialist C. V. Covell brought the vision to life.

Coyote Hills Visitors Center is a travel agency located at 8000 Patterson Ranch Road in Fremont, California, United States. The center offers a variety of services and information for visitors to Coyote Hills Regional Park. The park features marshland and rolling grassland-covered hills along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, jogging, bicycling, bird watching, nature exploration, and picnicking. The Visitor Center contains educational displays and exhibits showcasing the Ohlone way of life, as well as the Possum's Pocket Nature Store. Naturalist-led programs and tours highlight the park's cultural and natural history. Picnic areas with barbeque braziers, water, and shade are available on a first-come-first-served basis, and there is a reservable group picnic site at Hoot Hollow. The Dairy Glen campsite is fully ADA compliant and available for overnight camping reservations.

The Leroy King Carousel is a charming and historic carousel located at 221 4th Street in San Francisco, California. This unique institution offers a delightful blend of amusement park fun, museum education, and picturesque park scenery, making it a must-visit tourist attraction for visitors of all ages. Step back in time as you take a spin on the beautifully restored carousel, featuring hand-carved wooden animals and intricate detailing. Learn about the history of carousels and the art of carousel carving at the museum exhibit, or simply relax and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding park. Whether you're a carousel enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, the Leroy King Carousel is sure to provide a memorable experience for all who visit.

The Pulgas Water Temple, located at 56 Cañada Road in Redwood City, California, is a historic tourist attraction that serves as a monument to the engineering feat of bringing Hetch Hetchy water over 160 miles from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Bay Area. Built by San Francisco in the Beaux Arts style, the temple features fluted columns and Corinthian capitals designed by architect William Merchant. The temple celebrates the arrival of clean, secure drinking water to the city on October 28, 1934, after 24 years of construction and a cost of $102 million. Visitors can admire the intricate stone carvings by master carver Albert Bernasconi and reflect on the importance of water conservation and infrastructure. To visit the Pulgas Water Temple, take Interstate 280 to the Edgewood Road exit and head west to Cañada Road, then north approximately two miles to the temple.

The Historic Rios-Caledonia Adobe, located at 700 Mission Street in San Miguel, California, is a museum and tourist attraction that offers a glimpse into the past. Built in 1835 as a home for the overseer of Mission lands, this well-preserved site is situated on the old mission trail between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Visitors can explore the original Inn and Stagecoach stop, now converted into a museum and small gift shop, as well as a unique history research library added in 1930. The grounds, maintained by San Luis Obispo County Parks, feature picnic sites and restrooms for visitors to enjoy. Designated as a California Historical Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rios-Caledonia Adobe is supported by the non-profit organization Friends of the Adobes. Volunteers play a key role in maintaining the site and helping visitors make the most of their experience. To visit this historical gem, simply take the San Miguel off-ramp exit from Highway 101.

The Shake House is a popular tourist attraction located at 55 Music Concourse Drive in San Francisco, California, United States. The institution is currently showcasing the "Giants of Land and Sea" exhibit, which explores the dynamic and ever-changing life at the edge of land and sea in Northern California. Visitors can experience interactive displays that celebrate the extraordinary biodiversity of the region and learn about the efforts being made to sustain it. The exhibit features displays of whale skulls, fog room experiences, and an earthquake simulator that transports visitors to the epicenter of historic earthquakes in the Bay Area. The institution also highlights the Thriving California initiative, which aims to fight climate change, stop biodiversity loss, and advocate for nature throughout the state.

Año Nuevo State Park, located at 1 New Years Creek Road in Pescadero, California, is a popular tourist attraction known for its elephant seal viewing opportunities. From April to November, visitors can enjoy a self-guided walk along the Año Point Trail to observe up to 10,000 elephant seals as they breed, give birth, and molt their skin on the scenic dunes and beaches. The park also features the Marine Education Center, housed in a historic dairy ranch, offering natural history exhibits and a bookstore. The park's diverse natural and cultural resources attract visitors from around the world, with opportunities for birdwatching, hiking along ocean bluffs, and exploring the remains of a 19th-century lighthouse on Año Nuevo Island. The park's terrain includes coastal prairie, wetland marshes, and dune fields, providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, including the endangered San Francisco Garter Snake and California Red-legged Frog.

Miniland USA, located at 1 Legoland Drive in Carlsbad, California, is a popular tourist attraction that features incredible scenes from coast to coast all made out of millions of LEGO® bricks. From San Francisco to Las Vegas, New York City to Washington D.C., visitors can explore iconic landmarks and historical buildings in miniature form. One of the highlights of Miniland USA is the first LEGO® City of San Diego, showcasing the best of "America's Finest City" in LEGO form. The Las Vegas Strip is also a must-see, with ten different hotel properties recreated entirely out of LEGO bricks.

The Jerry Garcia childhood home is a historic landmark located at 87 Harrington Street in San Francisco, California. This humble abode is where the legendary musician and Grateful Dead frontman, Jerry Garcia, spent his formative years. Visitors can explore the house and learn about Garcia's early life and the influences that shaped his musical career. The home is a must-see for fans of the Grateful Dead and anyone interested in the history of rock and roll. Immerse yourself in the world of Jerry Garcia and experience the magic of his childhood home.

The Golden Gate Pavilion at Blue Heron Lake is a stunning tourist attraction located at 7684 California 1 in San Francisco, California. This picturesque pavilion offers breathtaking views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the tranquil Blue Heron Lake. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls around the lake, relax in the beautifully landscaped gardens, and take in the natural beauty of the surrounding area. With its prime location and serene atmosphere, the Golden Gate Pavilion at Blue Heron Lake is the perfect destination for nature lovers and sightseers alike.