Visitor Information Center
First Time in San Francisco? Start Your Exploration at the Visitor Information Center
If it is your first time in San Francisco or your 15th, the Visitor Information Center located at 449 Powell Street, 2nd Floor, is a very logical place to begin your exploration of our fair city. Here you will find a wealth of information about the city, its history, interesting things to see and do, great places to eat, drink and shop, useful coupons, maps and almost everything you’ll need to make the most of your visit. If you’re looking for a relaxing place to peruse the maps and pamphlets while you develop a plan for experiencing all the city and Bay Area have to offer, simply go up to the Golden Gate Grill on the 3rd Floor and grab a bite while taking in the view through the huge windows.
For a tour of San Francisco’s history, head up to the 4th Floor to the History Museum, where you can learn about important chapters in the city’s past from its lawless Barbary Coast pirate days to the 1906 earthquake to the decadence of Haight-Ashbury in the 60s and many other notable events that made San Francisco a world-class city.
The Visitor’s Center is a great place to learn about current events, nightlife, rotating and permanent exhibits at the city’s many museums and other interesting and pertinent information for visitors and residents alike. Visitors can learn about the city’s best shopping districts and the types of merchandise found in each, information about the endless variety of attractions, money-saving coupons for a wide range of different things to see and do and much more. Even longtime San Franciscans use the VIC to save money on cool things to see and do and learn more about their home city.
You can find maps and discounted tickets for the city’s mass transportation options, purchase passes for many of the most popular attractions, speak with friendly staffers and get a resident’s perspective on things to see (or avoid) and other useful and practical information. Purchasing a CityPass is highly recommended, as they are good for nine days, provide seven days of transportation on the city’s various mass transit options and can save you at least 40 percent off admission to many popular destinations. In keeping with our fair city’s reputation as a world-class destination, visitors can converse with staffers in at least 14 different languages to ensure that they feel welcome right away.
If you’re planning a visit to San Francisco and the Bay Area, do yourself and your wallet a favor, and begin your exploration at the VIC. It’s a fun, interesting, relaxing, practical and money-saving way to begin your stay on the Bay!