When you visit travel websites and read magazines to research things to do in San Francisco, you’ll see gorgeous images of the Golden Gate Bridge that spans across the bay from San Francisco to Sausalito. For a memorable trip, look beyond the popular ways to visit San Francisco. Add some of the following most unique ways to see San Francisco Bay to your vacation itinerary.
Book a Room With a View
You’ll find plenty of accommodations in San Francisco. If taking photos of the bay is on the top of your to-do list, why not choose a hotel room where you can experience breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay each day? In the morning, sip a hot cup of coffee and relax as you enjoy the view.
Watch as the sunrise burns the fog off the water from the comfort of your room at an InterContinental Hotels Group hotel overlooking the bay. In the evening, take a moment to appreciate the skyline and bridge dotted with twinkling lights.
Explore Treasure Island
Treasure Island is a man-made land mass known for its flea market and gorgeous views of the San Francisco coastline and bay. The island is a former military base that offers a peaceful way to enjoy the beauty of the bay without the crowds you’ll find near popular San Francisco parks and landmarks. Book a nighttime tour to see the spectacular sights of the city and the bridge illuminated after dark.
Visit a Civil War Fort
Visit Fort Point to enjoy bay views from a vantage point underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. To get to this Civil War–era fort, you can drive, ride a bike, or hike down the trail from the welcome center. Head to the roof of the inner courtyard to see the underside of the bridge. Interestingly, Fort Point was almost demolished to make way for the Golden Gate Bridge. The chief bridge engineer worked an arch into the architectural plans to preserve this historic landmark.
Ride to the Top of Coit Tower
For 360-degree views of San Francisco Bay, ride the elevator up 210 feet to the observation deck of Coit Tower. Purchase your elevator tickets in the gift shop and explore the 1934 Public Works of Art Project murals during your visit. Note that parking is limited at the venue. Take the MUNI #39 bus to avoid the long wait to get a spot in the parking lot.
Get an Aerial View
Adventurous travelers can climb aboard a helicopter or a seaplane and take an aerial tour. Local tour operators will whisk you up to the clouds and along the Bay Area coastline. Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the bay from hundreds of feet in the air while you fly over landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Complete your California experience with a few of the most unusual ways to see San Francisco Bay. Remember to clear some storage space on your cellphone or camera. You’ll want to snap plenty of pictures to document your adventure.