Central Waterfront Travel Guide
San Francisco
Visit Central Waterfront
Popular places to visit
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Golden Gate Bridge
Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.
Pier 39
This waterfront attraction offers thrilling rides, innovative street performers and colorful souvenir shops, but it’s the sea lions that win the day.
Golden Gate Park
This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.
Moscone Convention Center
During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and shops in this vibrant area.
Alcatraz Island
Escape to “The Rock,” home of the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned a reputation as a cold and unforgiving place.
Things to do
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
Top hotels in Central Waterfront
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Food and drink at hotel.
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Great stay close to everything downtown
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
I love staying at this hotel. The rooms are so clean and nice. Staff is always friendly and helpful in the lobby getting you checked in properly. There is a restaurant located downstairs which is easy access for drinks and dinner. The room staying nice and cold with the AC in each room while ...
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Only stayed one night but they upgraded us to a suite which was luxurious. Location was perfect for all the sightseeing venues. I would stay there again without question. They even gave me a bag scale to weigh my bags before I headed off to the SFO international airport which is about 20-30mins away- ...
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Check-in clerk never told me there were two separate buildings, and that the pool was in the building I wasn't in. Only told me pool was on the second floor, so I wandered around looking for it in my building. One elevator was out the entire time I was there, so it created a pile up at the other ...
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
The breakfast was good, easy
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Central Waterfront
Mission Bay
While you're in Mission Bay, take in top sights like Chase Center or Lefty O'Doul Bridge, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at UCSF/Chase Center Stop or Mission Rock Station.
Mission District
You might enjoy the bars while in Mission District. San Francisco Public Library is a notable sight, and you can get around town at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to see more of the city.
South Park
Oracle Park and Brannan Street Wharf are a few top attractions in South Park. Hop around the city on the metro at 2nd & King Station or Fourth-Brannan Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.
South of Market
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to San Francisco Bay – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Downtown San Francisco
Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and San Francisco Bay are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.
Union Square
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.
