Places to Visit in San Francisco During Your Attendance at ENDO 2025
By Staff
You don’t have to wear flowers in your hair – or leave your heart in the city – but if you’re going to San Francisco, CA, for ENDO 2025, July 12-15, you’ll want to experience some of the city’s many beautiful neighborhoods and attractions.
Below are 10 unforgettable locations that ENDO attendees should consider visiting during their stay…after attending our annual meeting’s many exciting sessions and activities, of course.
Golden Gate Bridge: An iconic landmark recognized worldwide as the symbol of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937 as the tallest and longest suspension bridge in the world. Today, it’s still considered an engineering marvel and beloved as one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. The bridge towers in their distinctive orange coloring soar 746 feet into the sky, and the roadway suspends 100 feet above the bay. Visitors can walk the 1.7 mile-long bridge between 5 AM PT and 9 PM PT. Learn more.
Lombard Street: Sometimes described as the “crookedest street in the world," this block of Lombard Street also is one of the most iconic landmarks of San Francisco. The street features eight hairpin turns descending a 27% grade hill. Built in the 1920s, the switchback style of construction allowed cars of the early 20th century to traverse San Francisco’s hilly topography. Learn more.
Pier 39: A popular shopping district for tourists and residents alike, Pier 39 offers family-friendly food, shopping, entertainment, and a historic carousel. Visitors also are drawn to the Pier’s most famous residents: large groups of California sea lions who sun themselves daily on the Pier 39’s marina. Located near the popular Fisherman’s Wharf, visitors may enjoy the area’s many street jugglers, musicians, acrobats, and more. Learn more.
Golden Gate Park: Described as the “heart and lungs” of San Francisco, residents and visitors alike flock to the 1,017 acres of this historic park to enjoy bucolic lakes, meadows, and vibrant cultural institutions. Attractions include the Conservatory of Flowers, the oldest existing public conservatory in the Western Hemisphere; the De Young Museum of American art; the Japanese Tea Garden; the California Academy of Sciences; the AIDS Memorial Grove; and the Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum. Learn more.
Chinatown: This community in the heart of downtown is one of San Francisco’s most visited neighborhoods, as well as one of the oldest Chinese communities in the United States. Founded in the mid-1800s, when many immigrants came to California in pursuit of riches during the gold rush era, Chinatown today offers a glimpse into the rich history and current vibrancy of the Chinese community in California. Wonderful restaurants and shops abound in this 24-square block neighborhood. Learn more.
Cable Cars: No visit to San Francisco would be complete without a ride on one of the city’s fabled cable cars. Next to the Golden Gate Bridge, no other feature of San Francisco is as indelibly linked to the city as these historic, cable-driven trolleys. The first cables for the transport system were laid in 1872, and today the three remaining lines provide 10.7 miles of city coverage. Learn more:
Alcatraz Island: Considered inescapable, the prison on Alcatraz Island draws countless visitors from around the world each year. Built originally as a fort and lighthouse in the mid-19th century, the island located 1.25 miles from San Francisco has served as a military prison and a maximum-security federal penitentiary. The prison closed in 1963, leaving the island a major tourist attraction today. Learn more.
Haight-Ashbury District: San Francisco is known as the City of Love, and nowhere is that moniker more apropos than the Haight-Ashbury District. In the late 1960s, the neighborhood gained fame and notoriety as the birthplace of the hippie, free-love counterculture movement. Today, the district retains echoes of that period, with many off-beat shops and restaurants. The neighborhood also is located on the eastern edge of the Golden Gate Park. Learn more.
Coit Tower: Perched atop Telegraph Hill, the Coit Tower rises 210-feet from the ground to offer visitors an unparalleled view of the San Francisco skyline. The tower was built in 1933 as a monument to beautify the city, and it is located in a 4.89-acre park that opened in 1876. Designed in the art deco style, the tower features frescoes of more than 20 artists in main entrance. The observation deck provides panoramic views of the city and bay. Learn more.
Muir Woods National Monument: A short drive from San Francisco will put you in a wild place surrounded by some of the most magnificent trees in the world. The Muir Woods feature redwood trees that date back some 800 years and reach heights of up to 250 feet. The park was established in 1908 when President Teddy Roosevelt signed legislation to protect an old-growth coast redwood forest from destruction. Learn more.
Another way to see the city: Join us for a scenic and energizing Fun Run/Walk (Sunday, July 13, 6:00 AM PT) along San Francisco’s stunning waterfront! Whether you’re an avid runner or just looking for a relaxing stroll, this is the perfect way to enjoy the city’s iconic sights, fresh air, and ENDO spirit. Starting near the historic Yerba Buena Gardens, participants will follow a flat, well-marked route along the Embarcadero, taking in breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and the majestic Bay Bridge. This fun, non-competitive event welcomes walkers, joggers, and runners alike, so grab your sneakers, bring a friend, and experience the beauty of the Bay in a whole new way! Sign up by clicking “Add Sessions & Events” when you register for ENDO.
We look forward to seeing you in San Francisco, CA, for ENDO 2025 on July 12-15.
