Founded in 1895, the de Young Museum has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of the city for over 100 years. The museum integrates art, architecture and the natural landscape to inspire audiences from around the world. There are galleries dedicated to American art (with more than 100 paintings both modern and dating back as far as 1670), African art, Oceanic art, and various other permanent and visiting collections.

There’s an excellent café at the Museum, offering espresso and pastries in the morning, a full lunch menu, and select wine and nibbles in the afternoon – all of which can be enjoyed overlooking the gorgeous Barbro Osher Sculpture Garden. The de Young Arts Museum is committed to being accessible to all visitors, and you’ll have no trouble navigating your way around the various exhibits and areas of the museum.

This popular attraction is home to Pier 39, where huge numbers of sea-lions have chosen to make their home (more than 1700 have been counted, though the population varies throughout the year). At Fisherman’s Wharf you’ll also find shops, restaurants (it is heaven for seafood lovers), the Marine Mammal center, the Aquarium of the Bay and entertainment to enjoy. There’s also a carousel, and rather fun set of musical stairs. Fisherman’s Wharf is a destination with lots to do, so give yourself plenty of time there to explore.

Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 is wheelchair accessible and has access areas including ramps and six elevators to the second level. Wheelchairs can also be rented from the California Welcome Center on Level 2. 

The world famous Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco to the northern counties of California, and is an essential stop on any trip to the city (you have to at least drive across it!). The Bridge Pavilion is the on-site center that tells the stories of the Golden Gate Bridge and showcases the “test tower” that was used in 1933. There are also outdoor exhibits to teach visitors about the Bridge’s construction, which was highly innovative at the time it was built. Free walking Bridge tours are offered twice weekly and afterwards enjoy a snack at the Bridge Café.

Both ends of the Bridge touch the Golden Gate National Parks, and you actually have to travel across the bridge to visit the whole park. Wheelchairs have easy access to the bridge sidewalk, and there are handicapped parking zones in each Bridge lot.