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Here’s what to do to get to know the multifaceted City by the Bay, from classic attractions to quirky events.

Get on the road again to experience these tuneful itineraries through the Mississippi Delta, along the California coast, and more.

Everything you need to know about Alaska’s famous (and less famous) national parks.

Of course, you’ll want to ride a cable car and view the Golden Gate Bridge when you visit the City by the Bay, but to learn why people keep leaving their hearts here, hit the hills and explore this multifaceted place.

Some of our favorite activities in San Francisco are completely free. Here, our top eight picks for those who want to visit the city without breaking the bank.

The United States may not be playing in this year’s tournament, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be watching. These are the soccer bars to visit.

Gobbled up by Bose, the excellent Detour app is going away soon. Until then, though, its brilliant trove of narrated neighborhood explorations is yours for the taking.

Picturesque vistas. Oyster galore. A night market. It’s easy to fall in love with New Zealand—it certainly was for Alton Brown.

What’s the rush? With the city’s surging rents, let’s just say that if you want to drink at these bars, it’s a good idea to call ahead.

If you want to discover Haight Ashbury from a true “insider,” then consider the Flower Power Tour created and given by the ebullient Izu Interlandi. Izu is not a native to the hippie district of Haights Ashbury in San Francisco, but she could very well write a book about it. Her love for the area and the joy of meeting and personally connecting with the legends of the area –including the Grateful Dead, Allen Ginsburg and Janis Joplin — bubbles over like champagne. She will take you through it all--from the Grateful Dead house to where Janis Joplin lived, and leave you feeling sad you are not from that era. She’s an original and one of San Francisco’s best. I discovered Izu through Trafalgar’s distinctive insider experiences guided vacation of San Francisco and Napa Valley, and have been a fan ever since. Walking tours don’t get more fun or memorable than this!

An overview of traveling to San Francisco, California.

Some skylines just stick out in your memory more than others, and have something about them that makes them instant Instagram stars. From the neon lights of Tokyo and Bangkok to the iconic New York City skyline, and from the stunning architecture of Sydney to the light and romance of Paris, these visually striking cities need no filter to showcase their photographic good looks.

Mission Dolores Park, aka “Dolo”, is one of the most popular parks in San Francisco, especially when the sun is out, since this neighborhood is known for being one of the sunniest in the city.

On a sunny weekend, you’ll be hard pressed to find a patch of green to plant yourself on, but that’s what makes Dolores Park so much fun. Yes there is a playground for kids, and basketball and tennis courts, too. But the real sport here is people watching.

You’ll hear music booming between dog barks; people toss footballs, tightrope walk, and fling their Frisbees. Bodies slathered in oil glisten in the sun; ice cream melts down the arms of laughing children; the whiff of cut grass (and other questionable varieties) linger in the air. Vendors will also come around to sell a variety of snacks and drinks, and you’ll also encounter people collecting your cans after they’re empty.

The abundant restaurants and markets in the area (Bi-Rite and Tartine are two popular ones on 18th street, just a block from the downhill portion of the park) make make it easy to pack a picnic and fuel your day out. All you need to do is bring a blanket, plop down on a hill where the views reach to downtown, and chill out San Francisco-style.

Dolores Park is named for Miguel Hidalgo, a priest in Dolores, Mexico who urged his countrymen to overthrow their Spanish rulers in 1810, sparking Mexico’s battle for independence. A statue in his tribute stands in the center of the park.

When I went in this Haight Ashbury store full of totems to Hindu deities, patchwork tops and skirts, and crystals, loads and loads of crystals, I felt like I was back in Goa. The pachyderm-headed god is everywhere amidst the full shelves, floors, and ceilings. There is even a peaceful meditation room for anyone looking to calm their mind without the help of any nearby head shops.

Walking the hills of San Francisco is a rewarding—and challenging—prospect. Spectacular views (and sculpted calves) are the reward. Start strong by going uphill first. From downtown, follow the cable car tracks up California Street to the top of Nob Hill. Weave through the Presidio’s eucalyptus forest on the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. A walk from the Haight-Ashbury to Ocean Beach through Golden Gate Park takes you the length of the city’s biggest green space. Venture beyond the well-trod tourist path to the rocky terrain of Bernal (shown) or Glen Canyon Park, for an urban adventure. And enjoy the tiled mosaics on the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps Project (163 steps!) in the Inner Sunset.