San Francisco Holidays
Hilly haven at the end of Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco, perched along the picturesque shores of California, stands as a beacon of innovation, diversity, and cultural richness. Famous for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars traversing steep streets, and the historic Alcatraz Island, the city captivates with its breathtaking vistas and eclectic charm.
Luxury Holidays to San Francisco
Attracting 25 million visitors per year, the city of San Francisco is a unique holiday destination which caters to all types of travellers, including food lovers, history buffs, art admirers and architect enthusiasts. Although the actual city is only 8.42 square miles (approximately half the size of Manhattan) it’s packed with plenty of sightseeing opportunities and innovative experiences. Many will recognise the city for its iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, and while they are worth a visit, there’s so much more to the city waiting to be discovered. Visitors will enjoy exploring the many micro-cultures across the region, including the remains of the 1960 hippy movement on Haight-Ashbury, the historic Chinatown and plenty more.
Reasons to Holiday in San Francisco
Food and Drink – From hole-in-the-wall family businesses to Michelin awarded dining experiences, San Francisco is the ultimate foodie paradise. As the city is a melting pot in itself, you’ll find a variety of cultural cuisines at every price level. Be sure to visit Chinatown for some Dim Sum and North Beach for a classic Italian meal. Seafood lovers should definitely make their way to Fisherman’s Wharf to crack into some juicy crabs.
Sightseeing – San Francisco is the ultimate tourist destination, thanks to its world-famous landmarks. The Golden Gate Bridge stands at a staggering 227m tall and stretches out for 1.7miles. You can bike or walk across the bridge easily if you have a spare 40 minutes on your San Francisco holiday. Other landmarks worth visiting are the Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina District, Saint Francis of Assisi Church in North Beach, San Francisco City Hall, Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Arts and Culture –San Fran has always been known to be a progressive city, and for years has attracted brilliant minds and ingenious artists. Literary fans can head over to City Lights Bookstore, established by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and was the birthplace of the Beat Generation movement, Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs among others. Book a show at The War Memorial Opera House, home to the world-famous San Francisco Opera and Ballet companies. For art enthusiasts, be sure to add a visit to the de Young Museum and the Legion of Honour to your itinerary.
Things to See and Do in San Francisco
Catch a Giants Game – You’ll find many of the Bay Area locals proudly donning their black and orange Giants caps around town. The San Francisco Giants baseball team is one of the most beloved teams in the city, having won the World Series three times recently. If you’re a sports fan, be sure to watch them in action at the AT&T park in South Park, which is only a 20-minute tram ride from Union Square.
Haight Ashbury – Notoriously known as the birthplace of the hippy movement, Haight Ashbury is still retains a quirky charm. You’ll find an array of vintage stores, independent boutiques and coffee shops lined along Haight Street. Golden Gate Park – The park is actually larger than New York’s Central Park, stretching out 4.1 square kilometres. It’s the home of two of San Francisco’s popular museums, the California Academy of Science and the deYoung Art Museum, as well as a Japanese Tea Garden and Conservatory of Flowers. To visit the park, you can take a 20-minute bus ride from Union Square.
Fisherman’s Wharf – A tourist favourite in the city by the bay. Head on over to Pier 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf for some fun activities, restaurants and shops. When the sun’s out you can view the bay and find a friendly sea lion or two sunbathing on the decks. From Fisherman’s Wharf you can hop on the Alcatraz tour boat which takes you to straight to the infamous prison.
San Francisco Weather
Expect mild weather throughout the year with a small chance of rainfall in the winter months. The recommended time to visit San Francisco is September-October where you are likely to see high temperatures of 21 degrees Celsius with very low chances of rainfall. Morning fogs are likely to happen all year round.
Facts about San Francisco
- Incorporated – November 30 1886
- Area – 8.42 sqm
- Population – 89,736
San Francisco Holidays 2025/2026
With over 45 years of expertise to add to your booking experience, Kenwood Travel can get you the dates you want at an unbeatable price. Book your 2025/2026 San Francisco holiday early to avoid disappointment. We’ll handle everything to get you that dream San Francisco holiday you deserve. ATOL and ABTOT protected.
Special offers
Hotel Zeppelin
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5 nights Room Only including United Airlines flights from £804 per person
Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa
- Stay 4 Pay 3
5 nights Room Only including United Airlines flights from £1,173 per person
Holidays we think you'll like
Top Pick Hotels
Argonaut Hotel
Located in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf, Argonaut Hotel offers the perfect base from which to explore the city's vibrant culture, history, and attractions.
Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
Stay in the heart of Union Square at the Beacon Grand Hotel, where a legacy of exquisite service seeks to transform your stay into an experience.
The Fairmont, San Francisco
Nothing short of exquisite, The Fairmont, San Francisco in popular Nob Hill, is the city's most recognisable 5 star hotel, and an experience in luxury like no other.
Things to do in San Francisco
Alcatraz Island
Originally serving as the location of the first lighthouse on the West Coast, the infamous island of Alcatraz was deemed an ideal place for a prison in short order, with the cliffs and dangerous currents surrounding the island making escape seem impossible. Having been a military prison during the Civil War and then a civilian penitentiary later, Alcatraz is widely held as one of the most renowned penal colonies in the world. See this site for yourself by day or night, enjoying a 20-minute boat ride to the island and self-guided tours of the cell house.
Golden Gate Bridge
Ranking high on any visitor's itinerary, the Golden Gate bridge is one of the most iconic sights in the world, so renowned that any film or TV with a scene set in San Francisco will never fail to display its grandeur. 1.7 miles long, the construction of this behemoth was an undertaking many deemed impossible, and is now called one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Take a stroll down the pedestrian pavements along the bridge during daylight hours – or better yet, cycle down its magnificent span for the full experience.
PIER 39
Stroll along the bustling pier and savour the delicious aromas wafting from numerous restaurants. Delight in street performances and live music that fill the air with energy and excitement. Discover a variety of shops offering everything from charming souvenirs to high-end fashion. With panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the iconic San Francisco Bay, these alone are worth the visit. And don't forget to visit the resident sea lions, whose lively antics and spirited barks have become synonymous with PIER 39.
Ride on the iconic Cable Cars
Both an entertaining way to sightsee as well as functional public transport, the cable cars or 'streetcars' of San Francisco offer a fantastic method of seeing the city. Passing through some of the city's most iconic neighbourhoods, including Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf and more, a ride on these quaint cable cars is a must for any visitor to the city. You can also visit the free Cable Car Museum to get an idea of the history and mechanics behind them, as well as antique models of the cars themselves.
San Francisco's Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the largest and most dynamic Chinese communities outside of Asia. It offers a rich cultural experience with its vibrant streets, historic architecture, and bustling markets. Visitors can start their exploration at the iconic Dragon Gate, then wander through the neighbourhood’s narrow alleys and discover hidden gems. Highlights include China Live, a multi-story complex with shops, restaurants, bars, and a food demonstration hall. Grant Avenue, the main thoroughfare, is lined with a diverse array of shops and eateries, making Chinatown a must.
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