CALIFORNIA · PLACES & PERSPECTIVES
San Francisco Bay
Waterfront walks, ferry journeys and different shores
San Francisco Bay is the waterway around which a diverse metropolitan region has grown. For a visitor, its shores offer different experiences: San Francisco’s urban waterfront, Marin’s bayside communities and East Bay destinations across the water. Begin with one shore or a specific ferry journey rather than trying to circle everything in a day.
Make the crossing part of the visit
A ferry can combine transport with views of the waterfront and bridges. Golden Gate Ferry serves North Bay routes, while other services operate elsewhere on the bay. Check the actual terminal, route and return schedule; a sightseeing cruise and a public ferry are different products.
Choose a waterfront focus
In San Francisco, pair a waterfront walk with one nearby attraction instead of repeatedly crossing the city. Sausalito offers a different pace on the Marin side. The Golden Gate Bridge marks the bay’s entrance, while Alcatraz is a separately ticketed island visit with its own access arrangements and possible closures.
MAKE IT YOUR JOURNEY
Plan your visit
Allow extra time for terminal access and bring a layer for wind on the water. Plan onward transport if your chosen attraction is away from the ferry landing. For Alcatraz, check our dated access notice and the official operator before booking. A bay cruise does not necessarily include an island landing.