San Francisco City Travel Guide: Your Perfect Visit to BoxIT's Office

Welcome to San Francisco! Whether you're here for a strategic business meeting or staying a few extra days to explore the city, BoxIT is excited to be your host and guide. Our office, located at 38 Keyes Ave, Suite LL00 in the historic Presidio, places you within reach of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks, scenic landscapes, and vibrant neighborhoods.

This guide was created with you in mind, to help you navigate the city like a local, enjoy the best experiences while you're here, and make your trip as productive and memorable as possible. We know that traveling for work often comes with tight schedules, which is why each location highlighted here is not only a must-see but also within a short distance of our office.

And as always, while you're exploring, BoxIT continues to work behind the scenes to ensure your tech runs smoothly. Whether you're syncing with remote teams or jumping between locations, we have your back with secure, dependable IT support.

1. Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco's Crown Jewel

Distance from BoxIT: ~1.2 miles

The Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the most recognized landmark on the West Coast. Stretching 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, this suspension bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County. Walking or biking across the bridge provides sweeping views of the Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the Pacific Ocean.

You can easily access the southern end of the bridge from our office via a short walk or bike ride through the Presidio trails. Early morning visits are best if you want to avoid the fog and capture the most striking photos. The adjacent Battery East and Golden Gate Welcome Center offer exhibits, rest areas, and informational displays that tell the bridge's remarkable history.

At BoxIT, we love recommending this as a "first stop" because it sets the tone for your San Francisco experience, a perfect balance of innovation, scale, and architectural elegance.

2. Alcatraz Island: The Rock That Shaped Legends

Distance: ~3.5 miles to Pier 33

Once home to some of America’s most infamous criminals, Alcatraz Island now serves as one of the city’s most visited historic sites. Located just offshore in the Bay, Alcatraz offers a haunting yet fascinating experience. Visitors take a short ferry ride from Pier 33 to explore prison cells, solitary confinement chambers, and the remains of guard residences and military structures.

The self-guided audio tour, narrated by former inmates and guards, is immersive and chilling. But there's more than history here: the views of the city skyline and the surrounding Bay Area are unparalleled. The island also features rare flora and serves as a bird sanctuary.

Clients visiting BoxIT often find the Alcatraz experience memorable, and it’s a great midday excursion if you’re planning a half-day out of the office.

3. Crissy Field: Tranquility by the Bay

Distance: ~1 mile

Crissy Field is where locals go to jog, picnic, fly kites, or just take in the Golden Gate Bridge from below. This restored tidal marsh and beach area is one of the most photogenic places in the city. Its flat trails, dog-friendly beaches, and waterfront cafes make it ideal for a casual outing or even a remote work session.

The views of the bridge, Alcatraz, and the Marin Headlands are stunning, especially at sunrise and sunset. Plus, it’s so close to BoxIT that many of our clients choose to walk here between meetings. The Warming Hut, a quaint cafe and shop, offers great coffee, local merchandise, and a place to recharge.

If you need to get fresh air while staying connected, this is your spot. It’s the perfect example of San Francisco blending nature and technology.

4. Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf: Classic San Francisco Vibes

Distance: ~3.6 miles

Pier 39 is a bustling waterfront destination full of energy and charm. Famous for its sea lions basking on the docks, it also features an aquarium, street performers, shops, and waterfront restaurants. This is the place for sourdough bread bowls filled with clam chowder, and for views of Alcatraz from the shoreline.

Adjacent Fisherman’s Wharf offers maritime museums, historic ships, and classic attractions like the Musee Mecanique, an old-school arcade full of mechanical games. It’s a sensory-rich place to unwind after a day of meetings or to bring family along if you're extending your stay.

Thanks to our location near the Marina District, you’re never far from this vibrant part of town. And with BoxIT keeping your infrastructure humming, your downtime can be truly uninterrupted.

5. Lombard Street: The World’s Crookedest Road

Distance: ~3.2 miles

This steep, zigzagging section of Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth is one of the most unique streets in the world. Lined with hydrangeas and picturesque homes, Lombard Street is both a driving and walking attraction. People come for the novelty, but stay for the incredible views of Coit Tower, the Bay Bridge, and the city skyline.

Best visited early morning or in the golden hour of evening, this location is ideal for a quick detour or a longer photography walk. While the area can get crowded, its charm never fades.

Being only minutes away from BoxIT, it’s easy to swing by between client engagements or after wrapping up a day at the office.

6. Coit Tower: Elevate Your Perspective

Distance: ~3.4 miles

Standing tall on Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower is an architectural beacon visible from much of the city. Inside, you’ll find historic murals from the 1930s depicting life in San Francisco during the Great Depression. Ride the elevator to the top and you’re treated to 360-degree views that rival any skyscraper.

The walk up Telegraph Hill is part of the adventure, especially if you take the Filbert Steps, a hidden staircase surrounded by gardens and often visited by the city’s wild parrots. It’s one of those rare places where art, history, and physical activity all converge.

7. Dolores Park: Culture, Community, and Views

Distance: ~7.2 miles

Mission Dolores Park is one of the city’s most vibrant public spaces. On sunny days, the hillside lawns fill with locals enjoying picnics, music, art, and outdoor games. The park’s elevated position gives visitors sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline.

Located in the Mission District, the surrounding area offers incredible eats, from artisanal bakeries to some of the best Mexican food in the city. The vibe is casual, diverse, and unmistakably San Francisco.

8. Golden Gate Park: Urban Nature on a Grand Scale

Distance: ~6.5 miles

Larger than New York’s Central Park, Golden Gate Park stretches over three miles and offers something for everyone. Visit the de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, or simply rent a bike to cruise through gardens, lakes, and forested trails.

From paddle boating on Stow Lake to spotting bison in the paddock, the park is a playground for locals and visitors alike. With open-air WiFi zones, it’s also a quiet spot to get work done under the trees.

9. Sutro Heights Park: Cliffside Solitude

Distance: ~4.5 miles

Once the private estate of former San Francisco mayor Adolph Sutro, this park now offers quiet coastal views above Ocean Beach. With remnants of historic structures, overgrown staircases, and panoramic views, it’s perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.

Pair it with a visit to the nearby Cliff House ruins or a walk down to Lands End. If you’re seeking a peaceful end to a full day of meetings, this is your place.

10. Powell–Hyde Cable Car Terminus: Ride Through Time

Distance: ~3.3 miles

Located near Ghirardelli Square, this cable car line offers one of the most scenic rides in the city. Climbing and descending the steep hills of Russian Hill, it gives you views of Alcatraz, Coit Tower, and the bay.

Watching the operators manually turn the cable cars on the wooden platform is an experience in itself. Whether you hop on for a short ride or ride the full route to Union Square, it’s a great way to take in the city’s character.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Neighborhood Icons

Morning: Arrive at BoxIT HQ
Midday: Walk to Crissy Field for coffee and bridge views
Afternoon: Visit Golden Gate Bridge & Battery East
Evening: Ride the Powell–Hyde Cable Car, dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf

Day 2: History & Culture

Morning: Alcatraz Island tour
Midday: Lunch at Pier 39, stroll Lombard Street
Afternoon: Explore Coit Tower murals
Evening: Optional outing to Dolores Park

Day 3: Nature & Reflection

Morning: Strategy session at BoxIT
Midday: Head to Golden Gate Park for a bike ride
Afternoon: Relax at Sutro Heights Park before departure

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is BoxIT located in San Francisco?

BoxIT is headquartered at 38 Keyes Ave, Suite LL00, San Francisco, CA 94129, inside the Presidio—just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge and Crissy Field.

Is there parking available near BoxIT's office?

Yes. The Presidio has metered and permit parking nearby. We recommend arriving early for the best spots, especially during peak hours.

What’s the best way to get around the city during my stay?

We recommend using rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. For scenic options, cable cars, Muni buses, and bikes make for great inner-city travel.

Can I visit attractions like Alcatraz or Golden Gate Park without a tour?

Yes. Most attractions are accessible for self-guided visits. However, we recommend booking Alcatraz ferry tickets in advance, especially during weekends.

Are there restaurants near the office?

Definitely. From Presidio cafés to Marina District eateries, you’ll find everything from quick bites to upscale dining just minutes from BoxIT.

Does BoxIT provide on-site support during visits?

Absolutely. Our team is available for hands-on consultation, technical walkthroughs, and real-time demos throughout your visit.

Is the office pet-friendly?

The Presidio is pet-friendly, but please contact us in advance if you plan to bring a pet so we can make accommodations.

What kind of businesses does BoxIT serve?

We specialize in IT support for SMBs, startups, and enterprise teams across industries—offering services like cybersecurity, co-managed IT, cloud migration, and more.

Ready to Experience BoxIT?

Whether you're planning your trip or already in town, we're here to support you every step of the way. From strategic IT consulting to full-service tech management, BoxIT ensures your systems are protected, your team is productive, and your visit to San Francisco is seamless.

Schedule Your Visit to BoxIT Now