Central Waterfront Travel Guide
San Francisco
Visit Central Waterfront
Popular places to visit
Museum of Craft & Design
You can spend time studying the exhibits at Museum of Craft & Design during your trip to San Francisco. Take in the acclaimed art galleries and beautiful sunsets in this vibrant area.
Golden Gate Park
This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.
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 Bridge
Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
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 notable monuments in this vibrant area.
Things to do
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
Top hotels in Central Waterfront
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025
Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel
Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025
Fairmont San Francisco
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025
Check Central Waterfront hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Central Waterfront
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 of Market
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to Chase Center – 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 Chase Center 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.
Noe Valley
Appreciated for its churches and architecture, you might consider exploring Noe Valley. Check out the variety of things to see and do like 22nd St Hill, and jump on the metro at Church St & Clipper St Stop or Church St & 24th St Stop to get around the city.
Financial District
Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Embarcadero Center to TransAmerica Pyramid – discover Financial District, a destination also famous for its shopping.
