Discover the Ultimate 2020 San Francisco Travel Bucket List

Your Ultimate San Francisco Travel Bucket List for 2020
You could easily spend a lifetime exploring all the treasures of San Francisco, from the Pacific Ocean beaches to the enchanting neighborhood streets. The city is home to hundreds of museums and thousands of shops and restaurants – not to mention world-famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Enjoy the ultimate Bay Area vacation by seeking out the signature experiences that are unique to the city – and essential items on anyone's San Francisco travel bucket list.

San Francisco Bucket List: Make the City Yours

• Ride a Cable Car Over Nob Hill. From the clanging of the trolley bell to the unbeatable views of the city, there's nothing else in the world like riding on one of San Francisco's legendary cable cars. Designated as National Historic Landmarks, there are three cable car lines: Powell/Hyde, Powell/Mason, and California. The Powell Street Station is just steps away from Hotel Nikko at Market Street, and you can ride all the way from here to Fisherman's Wharf. You'll climb Nob Hill along the route, a renowned neighborhood known for its incredible views and equally impressive mansions.
• Be Charmed by the Sea Lions at Fisherman's Wharf. Delight your inner child with a visit to San Francisco's most celebrated residents: the sea lions on Pier 39. Weighing up to 850 pounds, these amusing sea mammals spend their time lounging in the sun, slipping in and out of the water, and barking at each other on Pier 39 – their home since 1989. Snap your selfie with a sea lion and then check out the many other diversions on Fisherman's Wharf, including waterfront restaurants, street performances, and endless souvenir shopping.
• Explore the Mysteries of Infamous Alcatraz Island. Situated just offshore in San Francisco Bay, this enigmatic prison island is the city's number-one attraction. Numerous tours depart each day from Pier 33 and start with a 20-minute scenic ferry ride to The Rock. Whether you choose a self-guided tour or a VIP experience with behind-the-scenes access, Alcatraz will undoubtedly captivate you with its legends, mysterious, and famous prisoners – including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly.
• Walk Across Golden Gate Bridge. Get a true sense of the size and scale of the Golden Gate Bridge – and a true appreciation for the workers who built it – when you go for a walk across the landmark. Spanning 1.7 miles from San Francisco to Sausalito, the bridge takes about 35 minutes to walk each way. Bring a jacket for the wind and of course – don't forget your camera. And if you don't feel like walking back, you can always hop on a bus or a ferry for the return trip.
• Shop for Souvenirs at Union Square. Whatever your idea of the perfect souvenir is, you'll find it in the epicenter of San Francisco shopping known as Union Square. Located steps away from our hotel, this plaza and its surrounding neighborhood is the biggest retail district in the United States. You'll find stores of every size and style, from Macy's flagship department store to side-street boutiques and designer shops. Be sure to stop into the Westfield Centre, a nine-story indoor mall with a gorgeous domed atrium and 170 stores of designers and national brands.
• Savor San Francisco's Creative Cuisine. Delight in one of the world's most delectable culinary scenes in San Francisco, a true foodie heaven where top-tier chefs continuously innovate their craft. The city is particularly a hotbed for seafood, vegetarian cuisine, and ethnic eats from just about every country in the world. Start your culinary adventure right here at ANZU, the acclaimed Japanese and sushi restaurant at Hotel Nikko.
• Learn Something New at Golden Gate Park. San Francisco's magnificent urban park is a beautiful green space with walking trails, flower gardens, and grassy lawns galore. But it's also home to some of the city's finest museums. Immerse yourself in a living tropical rainforest at the California Academy of Sciences, where you can also experience an earthquake and explore an underwater ecosystem. Nearby at the de Young Museum, you can marvel at priceless 17th-21st century artwork from the Americas, the Pacific, and Africa.   
• Cruise San Francisco Bay. Experiencing San Francisco from the water that surrounds it gives you a whole new perspective on geography's influence on the city's culture. Boat cruises set sail from the waterfront and Fisherman's Wharf, dazzling their passengers with spectacular views of prime sights like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. Sunset cruises are highly popular, and you can also go all-out on a dinner cruise with a multi-course feast. Need help booking? Our concierge will be happy to help you arrange your ideal sightseeing cruise.

Experience the Dynamic Spirit of San Francisco at Hotel Nikko
Steps away from Union Square and surrounded by shopping and dining, Hotel Nikko puts you in the middle of the action. Treat yourself to an only-in-San-Francisco experience at our one-of-a-kind hotel, a boutique oasis inspired by Asian hospitality and design. Enjoy the freshest flavors in the city at ANZU restaurant and discover live music at our cabaret nightclub, Feinstein's. From our glass-enclosed indoor pool to our sumptuous suites with sparkling skyline views – discover a peaceful retreat amidst world-famous attractions. No matter what's on your San Francisco travel bucket list, everything is at your fingertips when you stay in the heart of the city.