8 Interesting Things to Do in the Bay Area

Tap to Read ➤ Deepa Kartha

Spread around 9 counties, the San Francisco Bay Area is home to several interesting and well known landmarks and places in the world. Moreover, the Bay Area is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year, making it one of the favorite holiday spots in the United States of America.

Golden Gate Bridge

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The icon of San Francisco Bay Area, the Golden Gate Bridge is the most popular landmark in the area. Built in 1937, it covers an area of 1.7 miles and was the longest suspension bridge in the world, at the time of construction.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The Golden Gate Bridge has six lanes for motor vehicles. However, if you want to explore the bridge and see the sights of the city like a tourist, it would be best to hike or bike along the sidewalks.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

One of the largest museums in the USA, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has over 33,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art.

More than 80 years old, you would find a remarkable collection of modern art paintings, photographs, designs, sculptures and architecture, in the 170,000 square feet area of the museum.

Grizzly Peak

Located on the peak of Beverly Hills, the Grizzly Peak offers the best view of the San Francisco Bay Area. On a good day, you can see the entire Bay Area, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Treasure Island, the East Bay and the skyline of San Francisco city.

Mission Dolores Park

Built on a former Jewish cemetery, the Mission Dolores Park has picnic areas, children’s playground, tennis courts, a basketball court, a soccer field and a dog play area.

Aside from providing great views of the city, the 16 acres Dolores Park also hosts several cultural events, performances and festivals.

Ocean Beach

The largest beach in the area, Ocean Beach is not the typical Californian Beach. Although not sunny but a bit foggy, the Ocean Beach is scenic and loved by people.

Though the waters of the beach may be too cold for swimming, it is great for surfing, but only if you are an expert. The beach is also ideal for kite surfing, skim-boarding, kite flying and bonfires.

Do check out the Cliff House on Ocean Beach. This is a clifftop restaurant that has been in existence since the 1800s (although the current one is the third). You should also visit the ruins of Sutro Baths on the beach, which was an extravagant bathhouse that existed in the 19th century.

Exploratorium

A one-of-a-kind museum, the Exploratorium has interactive exhibits that interest both kids and adults. The aim of the museum is to change the face of teaching and learning in the world.

The place has 6 exhibits, each one with a different theme. Along with the regular exhibits, you would also get to enjoy numerous activities and events here.

Alcatraz Island

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. A fascinating place to visit in the Bay Area, Alcatraz Island is a secluded island located 1.5 miles from San Francisco. Active between 1933 and 1963, the island has acted as a military defense as well as military and federal prison.

The audio tour gives you the history of Alcatraz Island along with intriguing and emotional personal stories and anecdotes by former guards and prisoners.

Japanese Tea Garden

Established in 1894, the Japanese Tea Garden in California Bay Area is the oldest Japanese garden in the USA.

The perfect place to relax and unwind on a holiday or during the week, wander around this park to see its various pagodas, koi plants, stepping stones, Zen garden, vibrant temple gate and gorgeous Japanese plants. The place also has a tea house where you can enjoy delicious and authentic Japanese tea and refreshments.