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San Francisco   Travel Guide

30 Top-Rated Things to Do in San Francisco

San Francisco is only 7 miles square, but it's packed with activities to delight outdoorsy types, art and culture lovers, foodies and curious wanderers of all ages. San Francisco offers so much more than its iconic landmarks. While Coit Tower and

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Crissy Field & The Presidio Tunnel Tops Crissy Field & The Presidio Tunnel Tops free

Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Presidio Tunnel Tops is the nation’s newest national park space and reconnects the city to the bay. The 14-acre park, which was designed by James Corner Field Operations (the same team behind NYC ’s High Line ) bridges over the newly tunneled Presidio Parkway. The parkway (formerly Doyle Drive) separated the historic Main Post from the waterfront. Connecting pathways, bluff landscapes and overlooks have made the park a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. 

One of the park’s largest areas, the Golden Gate Meadow, is a popular spot for families for picnics, kite-flying and other outdoor activities. Gardens and accessible cliff walks border the meadow, which also offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge , the bay and the Marin Headlands. A 2-acre play space called the Outpost features huge play structures built from fallen tree trunks, boulders and other things inspired by nature, allowing children to swing, crawl and climb. 

Golden Gate Park Golden Gate Park free

If California had a Central Park equivalent, Golden Gate Park would undoubtedly be it. Though Golden Gate Park sees a small fraction of the visitors its New York counterpart does (Central Park welcomes more than 42 million, while Golden Gate sees more than 24 million yearly), it's about 174 acres bigger (Central Park is 843 acres). The park offers so much to see and do, it could take an entire day to experience all that it has to offer. Trails, picturesque picnic spaces, playgrounds, sports courts, gardens, museums and more can be found within its evergreen borders. With so many options available, it's best to map out what you want to do ahead of time, though some attractions warrant a visit, regardless of traveler taste.

The Japanese Tea Garden is one of those standout sites. This attraction is one of a kind, serving as the oldest Japanese garden in the U.S. It features 5 acres of manicured gardens outfitted with cherry trees, bamboo-lined pathways, koi ponds, a five-story pagoda, a Zen garden and a tea house, among other features. There's also the Conservatory of Flowers, the oldest existing public conservatory in the Western Hemisphere. The conservatory offers visitors a look at a plethora of vibrantly colored blooms and a chance to learn more about the nearly 2,000 species of plants that call the conservatory home. 

Coit Tower Coit Tower

Rising from its position on the peak of Telegraph Hill in Pioneer Park, Coit Tower serves as a vantage point to take in the northwest corner of San Francisco. Visitors might think the 210-foot-tall tower was designed to resemble a fire hose nozzle. While Lillie Hitchcock Coit commissioned the tower as a monument to volunteer firefighters, the concrete pillar's nozzle-like appearance is coincidental. The tower was completed in 1933, while artists painted the murals around its base (and repainted them due to some illustrations containing communist imagery) in 1934. The Coit Tower currently resides on the list of San Francisco Designated Landmarks and the National Register of Historic Places.

Recent travelers enjoyed the murals and 360-degree views of San Francisco from the top of the tower, but have complained about paying to climb stairs. The easiest way to access the Coit Tower is via the N line of the Muni. From downtown, you can take either the No. 30 or No. 45 line to Washington Square, located at the corners of Union & Columbus and transfer to the No. 39 Coit Tower bus.

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Lands End Lands End free

One of the top places in San Francisco to catch the sunset, Lands End offers whimsical, winding trails through rocky cliffs. Located in the northwestern corner of San Francisco, the park sits inside of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The park encompasses multiple historic sites, monuments, multiple trails and a shoreline labyrinth with excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge .

Visitors often rave about the park’s trails and the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and other San Francisco landmarks. Many have appreciated the historic ruins of the Sutro Baths, which San Franciscans used as a recreational swimming facility from 1898 to 1964. The baths were demolished in 1964, then further destroyed by a fire in 1966, leaving the structure that travelers can visit today. Similarly, the park's iconic Cliff House was destroyed twice by fire, but it was rebuilt each time.

Golden Gate Bridge Golden Gate Bridge free

The Golden Gate Bridge's vaulting, orange arches amidst the rocky seascape of the San Francisco Bay have made it one of the West Coast's most enduring symbols and the city's most popular tourist attraction. The bridge's name, "Golden Gate," actually refers to the body of water it spans (the Golden Gate Strait that connects the Pacific Ocean with the San Francisco Bay), and was built to make travel between San Francisco and Marin County an easier feat. 

There are plenty of great spots to capture a snap of the majestic bridge. But if you want a truly postcard-worthy shot, head to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, situated high on a hill overlooking San Francisco. If you have extra time, make sure to explore the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The actual span of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area encompasses multiple places in San Mateo (south of San Francisco), San Francisco and Marin counties ( Alcatraz and Muir Woods included), but notable parts of this recreation area can be found just a stroll away from the Golden Gate. From the bridge, travelers will find some scenic, bayside trails, some of which lead to secluded beaches, including Kirby Cove and Black Sands Beach. If you really want a trek, journey to the Point Bonita Lighthouse for sweeping views of the bay, found at the very tip of the Golden Gate Strait.

Ferry Building Marketplace Ferry Building Marketplace free

Attention all foodies: this delectable attraction needs to be at the top of your San Francisco to-do list. The Ferry Building Marketplace is a public food market that features a variety of food stalls that act as small restaurants, snack stops and grocery stores. Here you can find everything from staples, such as seafood, burgers, Mexican food and plenty of coffee, to a Japanese delicatessen, empanada stand, a honey shop and an organic bagel shop.

Many travelers who stopped by the Ferry Building Marketplace enjoyed the lively atmosphere and were impressed with the amount, variety and overall quality of eats available on-site. The Saturday farmers market was a standout for many. Though there are formal restaurants available, some visitors say the best strategy is to pick up a to-go meal and enjoy it along the scenic waterfront. And if you're not one for lines, don't come on the weekends. For a different perspective of the marketplace, view it from the water on a narrated boat tour . Some of the best San Francisco food tours also make stops here.

Alcatraz Alcatraz

U.S. News Insider Tip: Depending on what time of year you visit, tours to Alcatraz can sell out months in advance. Play it safe by not waiting until the last minute to reserve your spot. – Alissa Grisler, Associate Editor

While riding a cable car and getting a snap of the Golden Gate Bridge is a must when visiting San Francisco, both visitors and travel experts tend to argue the same for Alcatraz. This is because Alcatraz is rich with history. Sitting on a small, rocky island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz is best known as being a former federal prison that housed some of society's biggest offenders, the most famous of which was Prohibition-era mob boss Al Capone. Before that, it was a military prison that housed prisoners from the Spanish-American War and Civil War, as well as the site of the West Coast's first operating lighthouse. The prison closed down both times due to high operating costs and was handed over to the National Park Service in 1972 after the island experienced a short occupation from Native American activists. Today, the attraction welcomes more than one million visitors per year. 

California Academy of Sciences California Academy of Sciences

Attention, families: recent visitors said this is the perfect place to bring kids in San Francisco. The California Academy of Sciences brims with plenty of things to see, including an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum and even a rainforest. 

The Steinhart Aquarium is home to about 40,000 animals representing more than 900 different species, including a penguin colony from Africa, a swamp with an albino alligator, a shark lagoon and a separate 100,000-gallon tank that mirrors the ecosystem of the California coast. Meanwhile, the Osher Rainforest houses more than 1,600 animals, including 250 free-flying birds and butterflies, and about 100 reptiles and amphibians in its four-story complex. The Morrison Planetarium is known for its 75-foot-diameter screen, which plays "Tour of the Universe" shows daily. And the Kimball Natural History Museum boasts dinosaur fossils, an interactive science exhibit and a unique earthquake simulator. 

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Palace of Fine Arts Palace of Fine Arts free

The only remaining structure from an early 20th-century world’s fair that helped put San Francisco on the international map, the Palace of Fine Arts is a faux palace surrounded by a lagoon frequented by snow-white swans. That setting combined with the building’s neoclassical design makes the Palace of Fine Arts one of the most popular spots in the city for wedding photos and Instagram shots. 

Described as a Beaux-Arts wonder, the palace was restored in the early 1960s, duplicating the original with a towering colonnade, bas-relief urns and a domed ceiling with allegorical paintings.

Hayes Valley Hayes Valley free

One of the best areas for shopping, eating, and people-watching, Hayes Valley is a cool, revitalized neighborhood located in the heart of the city. The main commercial strip, along Hayes Street between Laguna and Franklin, teems with stylish and unique home decor shops and clothing boutiques interspersed with charming outdoor cafes, dessert spots and a wide array of well-established restaurants and trendy watering holes. The neighborhood also features beautifully restored Victorians, a community garden and an art park.

Past visitors enjoyed the eclectic, European feel of the neighborhood and the quintessentially San Francisco experiences they've had there. These include customizing your own bag at the original Timbuk2 store , grabbing a coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee 's first brick-and-mortar tucked into a garage or enjoying a made-to-order ice cream at Smitten's kiosk overlooking the lively urban park, Patricia's Green .

Dolores Park Dolores Park free

On the western edge of The Mission , this 16-acre park is billed as one of the city’s most popular – because of its views of the San Francisco skyline and beyond, as well its ample green space. On sunny days, the park is a favorite among families who flock here to picnic on the grassy lawns that are shaded by palm trees. There’s also a playground and two off-leash dog play areas, as well as several sports courts. If you’re hoping to bring a picnic to enjoy at the park, experts suggest stopping by Tartine Bakery, Rhea’s Market & Deli and Nopalito.

Interestingly, the park is situated on land that was once a Jewish cemetery. In 1905, the city purchased the land and created the park. A year later, it became a refugee camp for hundreds of residents who became homeless after the historic 1906 earthquake and fire. 

The Mission The Mission free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Walk along Valencia Street between 20th and 22nd streets for unique and creative shops and affordable restaurants. Check out local favorites like sustainable bag brand Baggu, Dog Eared Books and Paxton Gate. – Lili Weigert

The Mission has attracted San Francisco's young bohemian crowd in the past decade, but its history is rooted in Hispanic heritage. After all, its namesake is the city’s oldest building, Mission Dolores. This is the place that introduced the burrito to the wider world, so be sure to check out Latinx-owned businesses like La Taqueria, Taqueria La Cumbre and El Farolito for some tasty eats loved by both locals and travelers alike.

San Francisco's Chinatown San Francisco's Chinatown free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Did you know that fortune cookies were invented in San Francisco? While in Chinatown, stop by the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory where you can watch the cookies being made and sample different flavors and toppings. – Lili Weigert

While New York City 's Chinatown tends to take center stage in the U.S., San Francisco's Chinatown is just as much of a star. San Francisco's Chinatown hosts one of the largest Asian communities outside of Asia, and is considered one of the oldest in North America. Chinese immigrants first started coming to California in search of fortune during the Gold Rush. After being driven out of the gold mines due to discrimination and restrictive legislation against Chinese immigrants, the Chinese moved to build businesses of their own in the area that is now Chinatown – one of the city's most visited neighborhoods. 

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Haight-Ashbury Haight-Ashbury free

Named for the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets, this neighborhood is best known as the center of the 1960s counterculture movement. Remnants of the long gone hippie culture endure, including the former Grateful Dead house at 710 Ashbury St., and the Jefferson Airplane house at 2400 Fulton St. Both are private residences, but remain perennial attractions. 

These days, trendy has replaced hippy. Colorful Victorian homes line the hillsides and restaurants and boutiques crowd the streets. Along Upper Haight, you’ll find flamboyant clothing shops, piercing and tattoo parlors, and hip restaurants. Downhill on Haight Street, you’ll find dive bars, consignment stores and music shops. 

Ocean Beach Ocean Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: After a walk along the beach, cross the Great Highway for brunch or happy hour at The Beach Chalet. Enjoy the ocean view from the spacious dining room or head around back to the Parc Chalet for outdoor seating and a more relaxed atmosphere. – Lili Weigert

Located in the northwestern corner of San Francisco, Ocean Beach separates attractions like the San Francisco Zoo and Golden Gate Park from the Pacific Ocean. This 3 ½-mile stretch of sand is a welcome respite from the city's bustling downtown. Visitors and locals can walk the beach, while experienced surfers brave the frigid water in search of the perfect wave.

Muir Woods National Monument Muir Woods National Monument

U.S. News Insider Tip: You won't find great cell service here, so download anything you need before you enter the park. – Leilani Osmundson, Digital Producer

What better exemplifies California's dramatic landscape than sky-high redwood trees? That's what you'll find at Muir Woods, the beautiful and expansive national monument just 16 miles north of San Francisco. This attraction is a must-see for anyone looking to get up close and personal with some of California's most famous topography, not to mention a nice break from the bustle of the city. The largest redwood tree in Muir Woods measures about 258 feet tall. To give you a better visual, imagine 45 six-foot-tall individuals stacked on top of each other. And if that wasn't enough to impress, the average age of redwoods in Muir Woods is 600 to 800 years, and that's not even some of the oldest in the park at the moment.

Japantown Japantown free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Navigating this part of town can be hectic, so if you drive, the best place to park is the Japan Center Garage. As an added convenience, the garage's website shows the number of spaces available in real time. – Lili Weigert

There are only three Japantowns left in the country, and San Francisco's is both the largest and the oldest, dating back to 1906. It's a vibrant and colorful community where you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture and experiences. The neighborhood offers a huge variety of Japanese items calling out to be purchased or consumed, including plenty of affordable options for the budget traveler.

Cable Cars Cable Cars

Chances are, you've seen a television show, movie, postcard or some type of San Francisco memorabilia emblazoned with the city's iconic cable car or trolley. So, of course, to fully experience San Francisco's charm, you should hop on board. San Francisco's cable car system is the last of its kind in the United States, given the title of a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The cable car was conceived after Andrew Smith Hallidie, an immigrant from England, witnessed an accident involving a horse-drawn buggy trying to climb a steep San Francisco hill and failing. His father had a patent for wire rope in England and he used that to design a transportation system that relied on just that. Thus, cable cars were born in the late 1800s. 

Though cable cars are seldom used by locals (due in part to their small travel network and high fare), tourists flock to them in droves. More than 9 million visitors ride the cable cars each year, and according to recent travelers, it's easy to see why. Tourists had a blast riding the cable cars up and down San Francisco's vibrant streets. Even though some said they encountered long lines to board, the majority of visitors believe the wait to be worth the experience and a must-do in San Francisco. Though if you're not one for long lines, some say to board at one of the stops along the line instead at the beginning. 

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Presidio Heights Presidio Heights free

U.S. News Insider Tip: This is a great neighborhood for consignment stores. Sprinkled among the many high-end fashionable boutiques, check out local favorites Goodbyes and The Designer Consigner. – Lili Weigert

Presidio Heights is an elegant and immaculate neighborhood known for its stunning views and beautiful homes. It also includes the Sacramento Street Shopping District, which stretches over seven blocks and is where you'll find some of San Francisco's most established and sophisticated design shops and fashion boutiques. Whether you're looking for gifts, keepsakes, ideas or inspiration, it's a lovely area to explore away from the hustle and bustle of the city's other shopping districts.

Oracle Park Oracle Park

The San Francisco Giants have been calling this stadium home since 2000, playing host to multiple World Series games. Oracle Park is regarded as one of the most scenic baseball parks in the United States for its picturesque placement along the San Francisco Bay. The majority of attendees are afforded prime views of the glittering water from their seats all the while being able to enjoy one of America's greatest pastimes. 

Although baseball season runs from April to October, the stadium holds tours year-round (except on game days), providing a behind-the-scenes look at the field, dugout, the press box, luxury suites and more. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the World Series trophies and rings, which are on display on the Promenade Level behind home plate. 

Baker Beach Baker Beach free

While San Francisco isn't known for being a beach town, the city's Baker Beach is often considered one of the best in California . Located in the northwestern area of San Francisco in the Presidio, Baker Beach is primarily known for its sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the neighboring Marin Headlands. The mile-long beach offers travelers plenty of room to spread their legs and features picnic areas and access to nearby Presidio trails. Travelers flock here to snap photos of the bridge, however, if you're looking to catch some rays or get your feet wet, you should go elsewhere: Swimming at Baker Beach is dangerous due to large waves, undertow and rip currents, and the city's fickle weather means it's not always warm enough for sunbathing.

Travelers strongly recommend bringing an extra layer, no matter what time of year you visit. Reviewers also stress that those traveling with families should stick to the south side of the beach: North Baker Beach is clothing optional, and it's definitely practiced. 

Yerba Buena Gardens Yerba Buena Gardens free

After a day of hasty sightseeing, the Yerba Buena Gardens provide travelers with an opportunity to wind down and enjoy San Francisco's weather and unique culture. The gardens include 5 acres of landscaped lawns complete with flowers, trees, water features and public art. The Cho-En Butterfly Garden attracts native San Francisco butterflies with plants (also native) that encourage butterfly growth from eggs to adults. Meanwhile, the Reflection Garden serves as a tribute to the Ohlone Indians as well as a performance area for various oral traditions. The Upper Terrace Garden and the Sister City Gardens, which include plants from San Francisco's 18 sister cities from around the world, are where visitors will find the area's cafes and most of its seating. Additionally, the East Garden houses a variety of sculptures and water features. There are also three spaces designed specifically for kids, including a children’s garden and two playgrounds. 

What's more, attractions like the Children's Creativity Museum and the Yerba Buena Ice Skating + Bowling Center flank the Yerba Buena Gardens, so travelers could feasibly spend an entire day exploring this area of San Francisco. Due to the number of restaurants that also surround the gardens, many past travelers recommend stopping by the Yerba Buena Gardens after grabbing lunch or snacks nearby. They also find the park a great location to relax and enjoy the landscape.

Twin Peaks Twin Peaks free

If you want the best views of San Francisco, take a hike to Twin Peaks. These famous grassy peaks rise 922 feet in elevation, making them the second highest point in the city (after Mount Davidson). From the top, travelers can view multiple San Francisco landmarks, including the Bay Bridge and the downtown skyscrapers. Whether you decide to go during the day or night (some say you should do both), numerous visitors agree that the views are stunning and worth the trek. But make sure to bring a jacket: many recent visitors said it can get windier (and subsequently chillier) up top than at sea level.

The Castro Street station is the nearest Muni Metro stop and the Crestline Drive stop on the No. 37 is the best bus route (picks up from Market Street). The most common way that travelers visit the area is by walking or biking to the north peak parking lot. Many guided tours also stop here. If you’re up for a little more exploration, hike the nearly mile-long trail that ascends the two peaks. There are also more trails that meander along the southern and eastern slopes of the 64-acre park. Be sure to stay on marked trails, as poison ivy can be found in the area.

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North Beach North Beach free

Don’t let the name of this neighborhood in northeastern San Francisco fool you: There’s no actual beach at North Beach. The name is more of a geographical marker for the neighborhood’s location on the bay. It’s better known as San Francisco’s Little Italy and remains home to a vibrant Italian-American community, with streets lined with restaurants and cafes. Among the neighborhood staples is Original Joe’s , which has been serving San Francisco residents for nearly a century. If you want a little help navigating the neighborhood’s delectable dining scene, consider signing up for one of the best San Francisco tours ; many of the companies featured lead guided food tours throughout North Beach.

In addition to its Italian restaurants, North Beach also gained fame as the preferred neighborhood for the post-World War II Beat Generation, which included authors Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Neal Cassady and Gregory Corso, among others. You can still see remnants of the Beat Generation in the City Lights bookstore and Vesuvio Cafe, which draws chess players, artists, poets and literary tourists. 

Union Square Union Square free

Situated a couple blocks north of Market Street and southwest of the city's Financial District, Union Square sits at the heart of downtown San Francisco's hustle and bustle. This area is loved by travelers and locals alike for its awesome location and incredible energy. Union Square Park is flanked by tall buildings (some of which are adorned with Times Square -size ads) and busy streets, offering people the unique opportunity to sit in the middle of a busy city and enjoy the atmosphere without the risk of getting hit by a car. The square also acts as a park, outfitted with small grassy spaces and palm trees. There are also multiple seating areas and works of art dotted across the square. The most recognized are the tall Dewey monument, situated in the center of the square, and the regularly photographed Hearts in San Francisco sculpture found at the base of the square. From late November to mid-January, an outdoor ice-skating rink is set up in Union Square Plaza.

Travelers appreciated the abundance of amenities that surround Union Square. There are plenty of hotels as well as dining options left and right. Union Square is pretty well-known, however, for its shopping, with many calling the area a "shopper’s paradise." Just blocks away, travelers will find everything from Neiman Marcus to Sephora.

Japanese Tea Garden Japanese Tea Garden

Located in Golden Gate Park , the Japanese Tea Garden offers visitors a slice of tranquility in a busy city. The garden, originally created as a "Japanese Village" for an international exposition in 1894, is the oldest continuously maintained public Japanese garden outside of Japan. 

The 5 - acre site features classic elements of a Japanese garden, including an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds, a five-story pagoda and a Zen garden. You’ll want to plan your visit foo March or April when the garden’s cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. The garden is also home to a 9,000-pound Lantern of Peace, a gift given to the United States by Japan after World War II and meant to symbolize friendship between the two countries. 

Angel Island State Park Angel Island State Park

Angel Island State Park is situated in the San Francisco Bay and provides an abundance of outdoor activities for anyone willing to trek across the water by ferry. Some consider it the less famous (and thus, less crowded) sibling to the bay’s other well-known island, Alcatraz . Before the government converted the storied island into a park, it served as a hunting location, a cattle ranch, an immigration station and even a missile base. You can learn more about the island’s role as the West Coast’s Ellis Island with a visit to the Immigration Station, which tells the important story of the Chinese immigrant experience. 

Recent travelers say visitors should allot extra time to hike the roughly 6-mile perimeter loop, which offers excellent views of the water and is relatively easy. In addition to restroom facilities, bike rentals and tram tours, there is also a cafe on the island (though most recent visitors advised packing a lunch).

Fisherman's Wharf Fisherman's Wharf free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  For a sweet treat, grab some delicious beignets at Frankie's Pier 43. – Leilani Osmundson, Digital Producer

Fisherman's Wharf is so tourist-laden that some travelers might prefer the quieter, more authentic attractions nearby (like the Castro or Presidio Tunnel Tops ). But if you're looking to explore all of San Francisco – from its alternative underbelly to its mainstream attractions – Fisherman's Wharf really is a must-see. This waterfront neighborhood features a laundry list of things to do, as well as a few popular San Francisco sites. One of these is Pier 39. The Pier features plenty of shopping and restaurant options for tourists and is also famous for offering sweeping views of the bay, as well as the can't-miss attractions that call it home, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge . Though while you're there, don't miss an opportunity to snap a photo of the sea lions who have a habit of sunbathing on buoys near the docks.

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Ghirardelli Square Ghirardelli Square free

Named after the famous purveyor of chocolate, Ghirardelli Square sits on the site of the company’s original factory. Framed by stately brick buildings, the square draws lots of tourists, thanks to its proximity to Fisherman’s Wharf and other landmarks. The square is home to shops, galleries, restaurants and, of course, the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. You can even hang your hat here: the Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square  sits within the complex.

Recent travelers were impressed by the views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge , as well as the variety of shopping, and the chocolate.

The Exploratorium The Exploratorium

This museum, or as it refers to itself, "a learning laboratory," features 600 hands-on exhibits that cover a plethora of subject matter, such as engineering, psychology, geography and biology. The museum spreads its knowledge over six main galleries, each with its own standout interactive offerings. Here, visitors can feel what it’s like to be inside a tornado, walk on an outdoor fog bridge, gaze at a bacteria terrarium, swim through the air with an anti-gravity mirror and more.

Though the Exploratorium appears as if it's designed for kids, travelers say it's a great attraction for all ages. Adults report feeling just as excited and amazed at the galleries and exhibits as kids. Though if you prefer to experience The Exploratorium without having to deal with kiddos running around, a few visitors suggested stopping by on a Thursday evening, when the attraction is open only to visitors 18 years and older. Regardless, travelers say there is so much to see and do, you could easily spend a whole day there. And though the high price of admission might turn some off, many agree that the experience is worth the price. 

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The 16 best things to do in San Francisco

Feb 5, 2024 • 9 min read

From riding cable cars to exploring the city's food scene, these are the essential things to do on a visit to San Francisco © lechatnoir / Getty Images

Famously beautiful,  San Francisco  is one of the most filmed, photographed (and shared on social networks) cities in the world. It’s even better in real life.

Pictures can never capture the taste of mouthwatering, farm-fresh dishes, the clang of the cable car and the truly joyous celebrations of individuality you’ll find on any visit here. But where do you start your urban exploration? From world-class museums to the best in LGBTIQ+ culture and incredible city vistas, here are the best things to do on any visit to San Francisco.

1. Admire the Golden Gate Bridge from these vantage points

Other suspension bridges are impressive feats of engineering, but the Golden Gate Bridge tops them all for its razzle-dazzle. On sunny days, this American icon transfixes crowds with its radiant glow (there are great views from Crissy Field ), made possible by the work of 28 daredevil painters who reapply around 1000 gallons of International Orange paint each week. To inspect their work, duck under the bridge into Fort Point , make your way to the roof and look up: you’ll notice that even on the underbelly of the bridge, not a single rivet is allowed to get rusty.

Planning tip:  Head to the Marin County end of the bridge as the late-afternoon fog rolls in, and you’ll witness the ultimate magic show: now you see the Golden Gate Bridge, now you don’t. Return tomorrow for its dramatic unveiling, just in time for the morning commute.

2. Explore the attractions of Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park seems to contain just about everything San Franciscans love about their city, from bonsai and buffalo to flowers, free music and free spirits. The  de Young Museum  offers superb exhibitions of fine art in a striking contemporary building designed by Herzog & de Meuron, while the nearby  California Academy of Sciences  is a research institute and fabulous natural history museum complete with its own rainforest and aquarium. The park is also home to the  San Francisco Botanical Garden , Japanese Tea Garden , Conservatory of Flowers and Stow Lake . Today, everything SF needs is here: inspiration, nature and murals.

Planning tip:  With its myriad attractions, you could wander the park for a week and still not see them all. Select a few, take your time, and end your day enjoying the sunset over the Pacific with a fresh-brewed beer at the Beach Chalet .

3. Photograph the Mission’s 400+ street murals

Love changed the course of art history in the 1930s when modern-art power couple Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo honeymooned in San Francisco. Kahlo completed her first portrait commissions during her time in the city, while Rivera created public masterpieces that inspired generations of San Francisco muralists. Today San Francisco’s Mission District is an urban-art showstopper, featuring more than 400 murals throughout the neighborhood .

Planning tip: Head to  Balmy Alley for some of the oldest murals, while 24th St and the landmark San Francisco Women’s Building are covered with glorious portrayals of community pride and political dissent.

4. Browse the iconic City Lights Books

Free speech and free spirits have rejoiced since 1957, when City Lights founder and poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and manager Shigeyoshi Murao won a landmark ruling defending their right to publish Allen Ginsberg's magnificent epic poem Howl . Celebrate your freedom to read freely in the designated Poet’s Chair upstairs, overlooking Jack Kerouac Alley. Then load up on zines on the mezzanine and entertain radical ideas downstairs in the new “Pedagogies of Resistance” section.

5. Jump on a cable car – and hold tight

Carnival rides can’t compare to the time-traveling thrills of the  cable car , San Francisco’s steampunk mode of public transport. As the rickety wagons ascend notoriously steep streets, first-timers slide into strangers’ laps – cable cars were invented in 1873, long before seat belts – as regulars just grip the leather hand straps, leaning back and riding the downhill plunges like pro surfers. Follow their lead, and you’ll soon master the San Francisco stance and find yourself conquering the city’s hills without even breaking a sweat.

6. Be inspired at the Asian Art Museum

Inspiration can be found across three floors spanning 6000 years of Asian art at this inspiring museum. Visitors can take in everything from meditative Tibetan mandalas to palace-intrigue Mughal miniatures, with stops to admire intricate Islamic geometric tile work, giddy arrays of Chinese snuff bottles and an entire Japanese minimalist teahouse. Besides the largest collection of Asian art outside Asia – 18,000-plus works – the Asian Art Museum offers excellent all-ages programs, from shadow-puppet shows to DJ mixers. Expanded ground-floor galleries host groundbreaking contemporary installations, from Jean Shin’s melted cell phone towers to teamLAB’s immersive Tokyo dreamscapes.

7. Savor California food culture at the Ferry Building

Global food trends start in San Francisco. To sample tomorrow’s menu today, head to the Ferry Building , the city’s monument to trailblazing local, sustainable food. Don’t miss the Saturday farmers market , where top chefs jostle for the first pick of rare heirloom varietals, and foodie babies blissfully teethe on organic California peaches.

Planning tip: Take a trip to Pier 14, where you can make a picnic from food truck finds as you overlook the sparkling bay – and let lunch and life exceed expectations.

8. Tour Alcatraz, the notorious island prison

From its 19th-century founding as a jail for Civil War deserters and Native American dissidents until its closure by Robert Kennedy in 1963, Alcatraz was America’s most notorious penitentiary. With easy access from the city, a thrilling and unexpected history, daring tales of thwarted escape attempts and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, “the Rock” garners 1.4 million visitors each year. Freedom will never feel so good as it will on the return ferry to San Francisco, only 1.25 miles across the bay’s riptides.

Planning tip:  For maximum chill factor, book the spooky night tour .

9. Duck down the backstreets of Chinatown

Enter Dragon’s Gate to saunter down Chinatown’s main tourist drag, Grant Ave. It's hard to believe this pagoda-topped, souvenir-shop-packed strip was once the wildest spot in the West – at least until you see the fascinating displays at the Chinese Historical Society of America . Walk Waverly Place , Chinatown’s soul, lined with flag-festooned, colorful temple balconies and family-run businesses. Then duck into Chinatown’s historic alleyways to glimpse a neighborhood that’s survived against daunting odds, listening for mah-jongg tiles, temple gongs and Chinese orchestras as you wander the backstreets.

Local tip: Finish your tour by refueling with some tantalizing traditional dim sum.

10. Trace the history of the avant-garde at SFMOMA

From the moment of its founding in 1935, the  San Francisco Museum of Modern Art envisioned a world of radical new possibilities. SFMOMA was a forward-thinking early collector in such then-emerging media as photography, murals, film and installation. Today, the institution has tripled in size and ambition, dedicating entire wings to new media, room-size paintings, high-tech design and monumental Richard Serra sculptures.

Planning tip:  If you want to visit all seven floors, it's best to set aside a whole afternoon.

11. Go over the rainbow in the Castro

Somewhere over the rainbow (crosswalk), you’ll realize you’ve officially arrived in the Castro district – the most out-and-proud neighborhood on the planet for more than 50 years. Walk in the footsteps of LGBTIQ+ trailblazers along the  Rainbow Honor Walk , get to know civil-rights champions at America’s first GLBT History Museum and join history perpetually in progress at San Francisco’s month-long, million-strong Pride celebrations in June .

12. Take in the city panorama from Coit Tower

Wild parrots might mock your progress up Telegraph Hill – but then again, they shouldn’t expect to keep scenery like this to themselves. The Filbert St Steps pass cliffside cottage gardens to reach SF’s monument to independent thinking: Coit Tower . Fire-fighting millionaire Lillie Hitchcock Coit commissioned this art deco monument to honor firefighters, while muralists captured 1930s San Francisco in its lobby frescoes. Coit Tower’s paintings and panoramic viewing platform show off the city at its best: all broad perspectives, outlandish and inspiring. 

Detour:  SF has 41 peaks, and as you scale those steep hills, your calf muscles will strain, and gravity will seem unkind – but persevere. All grumbling will end once you reach the summit and feel like you have the world at your feet. For different angles, head to hilltop green spaces like George Sterling Park and Ina Coolbrith Park , San Francisco’s crowning glories. Alternatively, go to  Corona Heights  and  Buena Vista Park  for wind-sculpted trees and Victorian turrets.

13. Hear the sea lions bark at Pier 39

Sea lions took over Pier 39 , San Francisco’s most coveted waterfront real estate, in 1989 and have been making a public display of themselves ever since. Naturally, these unkempt squatters have become San Francisco’s favorite mascots, and since California law requires boats to make way for marine mammals, yacht owners have had to relinquish valuable slips to accommodate as many as 1000 sea lions. Night and day, they canoodle, belch, scratch and gleefully shove one another off the docks. It’s a joy to watch.

Planning tip:  These giant mammals can be found on the docks between January and July (and whenever else they feel like sunbathing). 

14. Get hands-on with science at the Exploratorium

Can you stop time, sculpt fog or make sand sing? At the  Exploratorium , San Francisco’s hands-on laboratory of science and human perception, you’ll discover superhuman abilities you never knew you had. But the Exploratorium is not just for kids: there are kid-free hours on Thursdays offering mad-scientist cocktails, technology-assisted sing-alongs and themed exhibits for an 18-plus crowd. 

15. Play vintage amusements at Musée Mécanique

A flashback to penny arcades, the Musée Mécanique  in Fisherman’s Wharf houses a mind-blowing collection of vintage mechanical amusements. Sinister, freckle-faced “Laffing Sal” has freaked out kids for over a century, yet don’t let this manic mannequin deter you from the best arcade west of Coney Island. A quarter lets you start brawls in Wild West saloons, peep at belly dancers through a vintage Mutoscope and get hypnotized by a Ferris wheel made from toothpicks.

16. Sip a cocktail at a Barbary Coast bar

Friendly bartenders were once highly suspect in Barbary Coast, San Francisco’s Gold Rush–era red-light district. Circa 1849, a night that began with smiles and a 10-cent whiskey could end two days later, waking from a drugged sleep on a vessel bound for Patagonia. Now that double-crossing barkeep Shanghai Kelly is no longer a danger to drinkers, San Franciscans can relax over historically correct cocktails at North Beach’s revived Barbary Coast saloons, including Comstock Saloon , Devil’s Acre  and  15 Romolo . Today’s saloon scene is a fitting homage to drunken sailors of yore, with iron stools, absinthe fountains, dim lighting and reassuring barkeep banter.

This article was first published Feb 3, 2015 and updated Feb 5, 2024.

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The 24 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

Don’t let San Francisco’s small seven-mile by seven-mile footprint  (under 10 percent the size of Los Angeles) fool you. This cosmopolitan, mini-metropolis surrounded by the bay and Pacific Ocean is awash with outdoor adventure, Michelin-star restaurants, historic sites, world-class museums, and independent mom-and-pop shops—all tucked into a tapestry of hilly neighborhoods lined with Victorian houses, green parks, and an independent ethos. Invigorating hikes through nature and walks along the city-proper trails and beaches are as much a part of life in San Francisco as Karl the Fog (yes, San Franciscans have named their most famous weather pattern), which can creep in at a moment’s notice in all four seasons. Whether you’re looking for a music- and art-filled visit, diverse food, or you simply can’t wait to fulfill your dream of riding a cable car or crossing the Golden Gate, this guide has you covered. Here are 24 of the best things to do the next time you’re in San Francisco.

Read our complete San Francisco guide here .

Golden Gate Bridge Arrow

Arching over the Golden Gate Strait, which connects the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay, the defining landmark of the city links San Francisco to Marin and Sausalito. At just under two miles, it's walkable by foot but also easy to see by car. It's hard to understand the magnitude or beauty of the bridge until you cross it. Stop outside the Welcome Center at the statue of Joseph Strauss, the bridge's designer, and look for the plaques explaining the bridge’s history and, of course, grab the obligatory snapshot. For more insights of the bridge’s backstory, sign up for a free walking tour of the bridge with San Francisco City Guides .

Edible Excursions: Japantown Food Tour Arrow

Edible Excursions is run by a team of expert guides obsessed with San Francisco, food, and showing off Japantown. Small groups walk and nibble, sip and savor, for around two hours while hearing stories about the neighborhood and meeting family-run business owners. This is a neighborhood where you can't be afraid to step through doors because behind them teems friendly people, delicious foods, and a community passionate about their heritage and culture. At first, Japantown appears quiet, but once inside a restaurant, a grocery store, or even a mall, your perception changes. For curious visitors and backyard travelers who want to learn more about San Francisco’s Japantown, its history, and its food, and for anyone who loves trying dishes they might not make or find at home, this is a can't-miss.

Muir Woods National Monument Arrow

The towering trees of Muir Woods National Monument might be known as Sequoia sempervirens to botanists and naturalists, but to travelers like us, they are California coastal redwoods and are some of the tallest and oldest trees on earth. This 558-acre preserve was named after conservationist John Muir and proclaimed a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. It is home to one of the last remaining ancient redwood forests in the Bay Area. Every step you take here is a do-not-miss wonder. There are around six miles of trails within the park, that wind among the mammoth trees to areas such as Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove, and along Redwood Creek. More experienced hikers can extend their treks to the adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Arrow

SFMOMA stands out among other elite museums in the city for its innovative, exciting exhibits in a cutting-edge building. Located by a BART station and right off MUNI bus lines, it's accessible in a busy downtown location. Architecture firm Snøhetta spearheaded an innovative expansion, which includes a two-story-high and half-block-long "living wall" covered in native plants, as well as fiberglass-reinforced panels on the exterior that evoke the waters of the Bay. The collection is full of heavy hitters and the Museum Store is packed with wonders, ranging from Lichtenstein-inspired vases to glowing book-shaped lamps, delicate silver necklaces to a chess set with San Francisco landmarks for pieces. Spending an entire day here is certainly not out of the question.

The Legion of Honor Museum Arrow

The Legion of Honor museum is not only one of San Francisco's best, but one of its most beautiful buildings, built as a replica of Paris ' Legion d'Honneur. It's home to more than 800 European paintings, including works from Picasso, Monet, and Rembrandt, as well as more than 90 sculptures by Rodin, most notably The Thinker. Save some time for a walk along the grounds, for breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge .

San Francisco Cable Cars Arrow

Horses and carriages long had trouble conquering San Francisco's steep hills, and so in 1873 the cable car system was born—three lines of the original eight remain today. They are a symbol of San Francisco, the world's last manually operated cable car system, and one of the city’s most popular attractions. An estimated 9.7 million people hop aboard each year–the vast majority are tourists, but some residents still use these moving monuments to crisscross the city, just as was intended more than 150 years ago. Riding is a blend of an open-air bus and a slow-moving roller coaster. When you board, you'll either sit on the wooden benches for a more comfortable ride, or seek thrills and stand on the car's exterior, gripping the poles as the car moves up and down the steep streets of San Francisco.

Lands End Trail Arrow

You know the well-worn piece of advice, not to spend too long in California, or it’ll ruin you? This hike will ruin you. Snaking along the rocky clifftops at the city’s wild edge, the Coastal Trail at Lands End follows the Golden Gate Strait out to the Pacific Ocean, delivering jaw-dropping views along the way. The 1.7-mile path wends around corners and over hills, through wide-open spaces and cathedral-like groves of trees, tracing the path of a long-gone railway that once ferried pleasure seekers to Sutro Baths and Ocean Beach. You’ll get there, too, but don’t hurry—this is a hike to be savored.

California Academy of Sciences Arrow

An impressive science and natural history museum in Golden Gate Park, the museum was completely rebuilt in 2008, and the new Renzo Piano-designed building features unique architectural elements like a rooftop covered in native plant life. The "living exhibits" are probably the highlights. There is a rainforest populated by plants, frogs, and free-flying birds and butterflies, with a flooded rainforest tunnel filled with Amazonian fish. Other live animal exhibits include a recreated swamp, where you can peer down at Claude, the resident albino alligator with ruby-red eyes, plus a colony of playful African penguins who share a tank with pyjama sharks and sea stars, where they swim and do flips. There's also the Steinhart Aquarium, with jellyfish and a living coral reef. The less “live” exhibits include Shake House, an immersive exhibit that allows visitors to (safely) experience the kinds of tremors that shook the Bay Area during the city’s two biggest quakes—the Loma Prieta Earthquake and the Great Earthquake of 1906.

Sutro Baths Arrow

These Instagram-worthy ruins overlooking the Pacific draw hikers and visitors during the day, especially at sunset, when the views are unforgettable. They are all that remains from a complex opened by Mayor Adolph Sutro in 1896, that burned down 70 years later. The spooky beauty makes this place stand out in a city with many outdoor spaces. Where else in San Francisco can you find sprawling ruins on the edge of the sea? It's practically like something out of the ancient world.

Chinatown Arrow

San Francisco’s Chinatown looms large in our collective imagination, and rightly so. Born during the California Gold Rush years, the neighborhood dates back further than any other Chinese community in North America. With  30 square blocks to explore, it’s also the largest neighborhood of its kind outside Asia. Explore Chinatown’s nooks and crannies on foot and you’ll find something new and wondrous beneath the swaying red lanterns and neon signs. Down one side alley sits Tin How Temple, a quiet, incense-filled space where locals gather to pray; down another sits Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, a small shop where workers rapid-fold fortune cookies beneath a soundtrack of whirring machinery. You’ll see a real cross-section of humanity here—families  eating dim sum , older Chinese men and women playing mahjong in Portsmouth Square, dressed-up foodies making a night of it at Michelin-star Mister Jiu’s, gorgeous Empress by Boon, or the exclusive Eight Tables,  and tourists hunting for souvenirs (prices are cheaper here than in Union Square and Pier 39). 

Alcatraz Island Arrow

You may know it by its real name or you may know it as “The Rock” (thanks Nic Cage!). It is the prison that was open as a federal penitentiary for 29 years and, at one point, housed gangster Al Capone. It became notorious for failed escape attempts—the island is just 1.25 miles offshore and, lured by the glittering lights of the city, 34 prisoners tried their hand at swimming through the frigid, choppy waters to freedom. Today, you can take a 12-minute ferry ride out to the island and take in the infamous prison up close. Audio tours guide visitors through the main cell block, laundry facility, and chow house. Don’t miss the ruins of the 15-room Warden’s mansion, where lavish parties were held. It was burned to the ground during the 19-month-long occupation of Alcatraz Island by Native American activists in 1970. Outdoor spaces to see are Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, and the island’s colorful gardens, maintained by volunteer gardeners of the  Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy .

Ferry Building  Arrow

The Ferry Building becomes San Francisco’s prime food destination during the Saturday Ferry Plaza farmers’ market, which brings more than 80 farmers and purveyors to the plaza surrounding the building, selling everything from rare citrus to small-batch miso to California olive oil. There's much to eat at other times, too, any time of day. Start your day with organic bagels at Daily Driver or vegan donuts from Donut Farm, washed down with Red Bay Coffee.  The ever-popular Hog Island Oyster Company has an outpost here serving briny delights pulled from its  flagship location on Tomales Bay . Also in the building is Grande Creperie, serving sweet and savory Brittany-style crepes in a French café setting. And recently opened  Reem’s  brings Arab street food, such as their popular mana’eesh and sharable mezze, from James Beard-nominated restaurant owner Reem Assil to the space vacated by Cowgirl Creamery. The Ferry Building outdoor seating currently holds 100 chairs and 50 tables on the back plaza, while all indoor dining areas are back to full seating capacity.

Mission District Street Art Arrow

The Mission's famous street art, which spills out of alleys, splashes across the exterior of grocery stores and bodegas, and covers homes, is one of its most pronounced characteristics. Some pieces are commissioned, others more spontaneous, but all of it contributes to the neighborhood’s character.  The spots you should make sure to hit if you’re touring around are Balmy Alley, just off Mission and 24th Streets, and Clarion Alley near the 16th Street BART station. If you have a bit more time, check out the neighborhood’s major mural corridors, 24th Street from Valencia to Portrero Avenue and Mission Street from the corner of 15th Street to Cesar Chavez. For a real deep dive, contact Precita Eyes Muralists, a nonprofit that runs street art tours of the neighborhood.

Angel Island Arrow

Once the port of entry for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Asia and the Pacific Rim, Angel Island is a state park in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Hop on the ferry (your ticket includes the cost of admission), to get here from Tiburon or San Francisco. Once you get off, it's a lush scene for the eyes. The island is loaded with native plants and animals, and has views of both San Francisco and Marin. This is a great half-day activity: You can walk or bike the whole island in a few hours. You can also visit the Angel Island Immigration Station as well as the Angel Island Immigration Museum (AIIM), which opened in 2022 inside the former hospital building.

City Lights Booksellers and Publishers Arrow

Founded in the 1950s by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and college professor Peter D. Martin, City Lights became famous for publishing Howl by Allen Ginsberg (and undergoing an obscenity trial as a result) and developed a reputation as one of the country's most interesting bookshops . Today, City Lights still publishes some of its own books, with a particular focus on poetry and titles that speak to vital political and social issues, and runs a well-stocked bookstore. If you want to supports artists, discover a new writer published by a small press, to imagine yourself in Kerouac's shoes, or to kill an hour before meeting someone for dinner, this is your place. Their selection is great and, for poetry lovers, the Poetry Room upstairs—with its vast, comprehensive collection—is a place of legend. You needn’t look far for signs of fans’ love of the place. During the pandemic, when it was thought the store might close indefinitely—and the store’s CEO posted a heartfelt GoFundMe asking readers for support—City Lights devotees donated $500,000 in four days to help the iconic store survive.

The Presidio Arrow

A National Park established in 1994 from a massive converted Army base, the Presidio is a sprawling, scenic, wild-feeling park in San Francisco proper. The grounds have plenty of attractions, but the real appeal is visual, with trails leading to scenic overlooks of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge . It is perfect for folks who want a remote-feeling walk without wanting to invest time or energy in a full out-of-town hike. The Batteries to Bluffs (.7 miles), Bay Area Ridge (2.5 miles), and Lovers' Lane trails (.6 miles) are all tremendously scenic without being strenuous and, a new addition: Hikers on the Tennessee Hollow Trail can walk through a new section of restored wetlands habitat, which stretches from Thompson Reach all the way to Crissy Field.

Tiburon Arrow

 This former railroad and maritime town is picturesque in a classic-New England-meets-laid-back-California kind of way, and an easy day trip for a bite and shopping. Just 30 minutes across the bay on the Golden Gate Ferry, Tiburon is practically another neighborhood of San Francisco and is fast becoming a culinary destination too. Here and you can visit a museum, sample caviar and champagne, sip California wine, pick up some hand-blended spices, and grab brunch on an outdoor deck, all in an afternoon. For budget minded travelers, Tiburon can be spendy, especially if you tack on a restaurant visit to the cost of a ferry ticket. That being said, there is no cost to simply walk around Tiburon and enjoy the atmosphere. There are also places to simply grab a coffee or a sandwich, or BYO picnic if you prefer. The ferry runs on a strict schedule so check ahead for departure and return times.

Park Life Store and Gallery Arrow

Located on Clement Street in the foggy Richmond District, the eclectic Park Life fits right in with the neighborhood's diverse restaurants, cozy coffee shops, unfussy dim sum joints, and other independent stores. Like an indi-mart married an art gallery, Park Life is a champion of emerging global artists and designers who create one-of-a-kind paintings, quirky curios, interesting books, and unconventional home accessories. The inventory is ever-changing, and art and design products collected from around the world are stacked on the tables, shelves, floors, and walls of the 1,400-square-foot space. Here you might page through a book featuring maps from National Parks spanning the last 100 years, spot an oil and acrylic painting of a pink tulip that’s just right for your new office, or pick up an embroidered throw pillow or colored pencils for your studio. 

Asian Art Museum Arrow

Housed in an airy 1917 Beaux-Arts Building—the former location of the city’s main library—the Asian Art Museum is home to a massive collection, with works from India, China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Southeast Asia, and more. The museum’s vast holdings include pottery, carvings, calligraphy, and unusual artifacts such as coffins, pipes, weapons, snuff bottles, even an entire reconstructed Zen Japanese tea room. The collection of Chinese bronze sculptures is one of the best outside of Asia. If that sounds like a lot to take in, remain calm: in the fall of 2020, the museum unveiled redesigned collection galleries, structured around 15 strikingly displayed masterpieces. Chosen for their beauty, rarity, and significance, these objects give visitors a useful lens through which to view the other 2,500 works on display. Of special note: On the first Sunday of the month, the museum offers free admission.

Japanese Tea Garden Arrow

The oldest continuously operating public Japanese garden in North America, the Japanese Tea Garden, located in Golden Gate Park , is a wonderful spot to relax while exploring the park, but it's also worth a trip in its own right. Sitting among the perfectly pruned trees, small Japanese-style buildings, and gently flowing water features, sipping tea, it’s impossible not to relax, even on those Saturdays when the place gets a bit busier. Locals get a discount on entry ($7 instead of $10), so be sure to bring your ID.

Marrakech Magic Theater Arrow

Step off the busy streets near Union Square and make your way downstairs and into the Oasis Lounge, a former speakeasy with Moroccan tile, velvet banquets, and flickering lanterns adjacent to the 35-seat jewel box theater. This is the exclusive venue of mentalist and magician Jay Alexander, whose show is a little bit Broadway, a little bit Vegas, and a little bit comedy club. It begins in the lounge with close-up magic and sleight-of-hand. The main event moves to the adjacent theater–with Alexander on stage, the interactive performance brings in the audience for mind reading, human lie detector tests, and extraordinary stunts of mind-bending magic. Even skeptics will be convinced that magic is real!

Golden Gate Ferry San Francisco-Sausalito Arrow

The Blue & Gold Fleet, San Francisco’s largest ferry company, takes passengers to big-name destinations around the bay: Alcatraz , Tiburon, Angel Island . In 1997, the company launched a San Francisco to Sausalito ride. The journey begins, really, at the departure point: Fisherman’s Wharf. This is the city’s thrumming tourist heart: bicycle taxis fly down the street, aspiring soul-savers hand out pamphlets, the Silver Man poses for photos, and vendors sell T-shirts and knit caps. Once you board the ferry, though, you’ve entered another realm. The engine rumbles to life, and you’re heading out onto the bay. The sounds of the pier fade gradually; then suddenly, all you can hear is the water splashing off the ship, and the low hum of the motor. As the boat cuts through the water, the city starts to shrink and fade, the familiar forms of Coit Tower, Salesforce Tower, and the Transamerica Pyramid growing ever smaller, the rest of the city a sea of matchstick buildings in eggshell and gray and white and dusty rose. Then, perhaps before you even realized it, the boat’s engines decrescendo. Sausalito emerges, a vision in green.

Amoeba Music San Francisco Arrow

Think of Amoeba Music as the mascot of Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco’s famously countercultural neighborhood and the epicenter of the Summer of Love. Born in 1997—the same year as Radiohead’s OK Computer and the Notorious BIG’s Life After Death—Amoeba is colorful and fascinating, a riot of color and sound. An independent music shop thriving in the age of Spotify and Amazon, the whole place has a punky, free-spirited vibe: The walls are papered with band posters, cheeky merch abounds (Iron Maiden bobbleheads, Bob Ross action figures, a Nicolas Cage prayer candle), and the staff deejays, playing ear-catching CDs of their choice from bands you may have never heard before.

San Francisco Crosstown Trail Arrow

Conceived nearly a decade ago by volunteers, neighborhood activists, and outdoor enthusiasts, San Francisco’s Crosstown Trail finally became a reality when it opened in 2019. The epic 17-mile path takes walkers, runners, and bikers diagonally across the city, from the southeast near Candlestick Point Recreation Area to the northwest corner at Sutro Baths. Along the way, you’ll traverse city streets, meander through community gardens and neighborhoods, pass cafes and restaurants (for much-needed food and water breaks), and climb up hillsides and stairways where the city and bay views don’t disappoint. Walking, running, biking the trail is free, but to do the entire thing in a day would take 8-10 hours–break it up into small sections, being sure to pass the south end of sandy Baker Beach, a perfect place for a selfie with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

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The 20 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

San Francisco packs an incredible variety of must-see attractions and cultural landmarks into its 49 square miles. Each district has a distinct character and many things to do, whether it’s restaurants, museums, art, music, and pretty much everything in between. Best of all, the small size of the “City by the Bay” allows visitors to catch many different sights on a single trip, even if it’s just a couple of days. Nearby natural parks also offer a chance to plan some enticing day trips around Northern California.

Visit the Palace of Fine Arts

Robert Mackinlay / Getty Images

A shining gem of the city's Marina District, the Palace of Fine Arts was initially built in 1915 to exhibit artworks for the World's Fair. Today, it is one of the most picturesque places in San Francisco and a perfect destination for taking photos or attending a performance in the theatre. The most striking building is the open dome on an artificial lake decorated with 26 large sculptures. Initially designed by Bernard Maybeck, the rotunda has appeared in many films, including Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo." Its design takes its inspiration from classical European architecture.

Take a Day Trip to Muir Woods

If it's your first time in Northern California, a short day trip to a nearby Redwood grove is a must-have experience. Redwoods are the tallest trees on the planet, and from San Francisco, it's an hour's drive to Muir Woods National Monument, a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area . The park has 6 miles of hiking trails, and the Main Trail, which starts at the visitor center, is wheelchair accessible for one mile. The park can get particularly crowded on the weekends, so a weekday visit would be best.

Cruise the Bay

Photodisc / Getty Images

One of the easiest ways to see the city from every angle is to hop aboard a sightseeing cruise. You can take many different types of cruises, from Hornblower's dinner cruises to standard sightseeing cruises and excursions to Angel Island , which is home to the city's historic Immigration Station and a few picturesque campsites and hiking trails. For the best views and photographs, try to time your cruise for sunset. Don't forget your jacket and motion sickness medication, as this famously foggy city can produce some rough and cold conditions on bad weather days.

Catch a Game at Oracle Park

TripSavvy / Melissa Zink

Home of the San Francisco Giants, Oracle Park is a beloved baseball stadium. Many design aspects of the stadium pay tribute to the team's history, such as the 24-foot high right-field wall, which pays homage to the number of Willie Mays, the most famous Giants player, and outside the park statues are dedicated to some of the team's best players. The stadium sometimes hosts football and soccer games if baseball isn't your thing.

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge

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One of the most recognizable bridges in the United States—and arguably the rest of the world—the Golden Gate Bridge stretched for nearly 2 miles over the Golden Gate Strait connecting the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco. While most people get their first impressions of this stunning bridge while driving across to enter the city, the Golden Gate is something you’ll want to experience without any distractions. There’s a pedestrian walkway available to cross the bridge by foot, a bike path , or you can head to one of the bridge’s popular vista points to get some incredible views of the famous bay.

Take a Tour of Alcatraz

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A former federal prison placed on a rocky island about 1.5 miles offshore from the city, Alcatraz has remained one of San Francisco’s top tourist highlights since it opened to the public in the early 1970s. Currently, visitors can reach the island through the ferry from Pier 33 (the trip takes less than 15 minutes) and tour the prison and surrounding grounds. Along with the infamous prison that housed notorious names like Al Capone in its heyday, Alcatraz was also the site of an 18-month long protest that helped spark the Native American civil rights movement.

Explore Chinatown

 TripSavvy / Melissa Zink

Established around 1848 during the California Gold Rush era, San Francisco’s Chinatown is older than any other Chinese community in North America. Take your very own self-guided walking tour starting at the much-photographed Dragon Gate at the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue, and explore the vibrant neighborhood as it takes you past unique souvenirs, local temples, Chinese herbal shops and authentic dim sum restaurants.

Stroll Through Golden Gate Park

Brimming with lush gardens, museums, lakes, and meadows, Golden Gate Park is on the northwest end of San Francisco. It was initially built in 1871, converting a vast stretch of unincorporated dunes known as Outside Lands (a name that later inspired the music and arts festival held annually within the park's boundaries). Horticulture fans will have plenty to see at the San Francisco Botanical Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers, two important landmarks protecting rare tropical plants and flowers from around the world.

Buy Local at the Ferry Building

Some of Northern California’s best culinary delights, such as cheese from Cowgirl Creamery, coffee from Blue Bottle, and oysters from Hog Island Oyster Company, can be found at the edge of the water in the city’s historic Ferry Building. It isn’t just food, but also crafts and souvenirs ranging from books and clothing to candles and ceramics, so one can easily spend several hours perusing the shops and enjoying lunch. Each Saturday, the restored structure opens up to local vendors for the Ferry Plaza farmers market and tons of seasonal, fresh produce.

Visit One of the City’s Many Museums

There’s truly something for everyone when it comes to San Francisco’s great museums. The California Academy of Sciences celebrates the world of natural science. The Exploratorium offers hands-on learning for children and adults alike. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art holds one of the largest collections of modern art in the United States. The city also provides opportunities to learn about San Francisco’s rich history at the San Francisco Railway Museum and the Cable Car Museum , and individual cultures at the Museum of African Diaspora and the Contemporary Jewish Museum .

Walk Along Pier 39

Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf are tourist hotspots for a reason. The area is famous for shopping and souvenir hunting, along with the population of local sea lions who’ve been hanging out on the K dock next to the pier since the 1990s. Take a walk along Pier 39, and you’ll likely find yourself staring at various street performers, a vintage carousel, and a whole host of specialty shops selling unique souvenirs and gag gifts—all surrounded by gorgeous views of the San Francisco Bay.

Ride a Cable Car

San Francisco’s cable cars were built in the late 19th century to respond to the city’s notoriously steep hills, and they’re still transporting people today as the only working system of cable cars left in the world. Three separate cable car lines run through the city streets: the Powell-Mason Line, the Powell-Hyde Line, and the California Line. Both Powell lines take off from the same hub at Union Square and continue to the Fisherman’s Wharf area, while the California line starts at California and Market and climbs up to Van Ness Avenue.

Take in the View at Twin Peaks

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Named for the pair of towering peaks located near the city's center less than 4 miles from downtown San Francisco, Twin Peaks boasts a stunning 360-degree view of the Bay Area. On clear days, it's even possible to spot the Santa Clara Valley to the south and Mount Diablo to the east. Most visitors drive the winding road to the top and choose from the selection of natural trails to access the best viewpoints from there.

Celebrate the LGBTQ+ Community in the Castro

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San Francisco’s Castro district isn’t just the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ community—it is also a thriving neighborhood full of colorful nightlife, restaurants, shops, museums, and landmarks. The Castro Theatre, built in 1922, is one of the only theaters left in the country with an authentic pipe organ player, while the Anchor Oyster Bar has some of the best seafood in the city. The former home of Harvey Milk, internationally recognized human rights leader and the first openly gay elected official in California’s history, the Castro is an invaluable piece of San Francisco’s character and the perfect place to explore the history of the LGBTQ+ movement.

Eat Pasta in North Beach

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The city’s own “Little Italy,” North Beach is nestled near Washington Square and Columbus and Grant Avenues. The district is known for its classic Italian restaurants, bakeries, delis, and European-style cafes. Still, it’s also a great neighborhood for simply walking around to people-watch and window shop. Don’t leave without browsing the aisles at City Lights Books, and consider making the trek to Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill for a fantastic view of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges.

Relax at the Japanese Tea Garden

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Located inside Golden Gate Park, the Japanese Tea Garden is North America’s oldest continuously operating public Japanese garden. With its perfectly manicured trees, soft water features, and classic Japanese structures, it’s difficult not to feel relaxed inside this three-acre garden in the middle of a bustling city. The tea house serves hot tea all year round, but the landscape is breathtaking in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom or the fall when the leaves change .

Have a Picnic at the Presidio

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Now a national park and historical site, the Presidio was once a thriving military base that officials converted into scenic grounds with a natural vibe in the 1990s. Today, the space spans nearly 1,500 acres, home to miles of hiking trails, restaurants, bars, and museums. Located along the main Presidio promenade is Crissy Field, a sprawling grass field popular for picnics, recreation, and lounging.

Go Thrifting at Haight and Ashbury

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The Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco—named for the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets—was the epicenter of the city’s hippie movement in the 1960s. Venture down upper Haight Street for an incredible selection of vintage clothing shops, bookstores, dive bars, and record shops. Don’t leave without visiting the music lover’s paradise at Amoeba Records , or just explore and marvel at the neighborhood’s Victorian homes, murals, and colorful sights.

Watch the Sunset at Baker Beach

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One of the undisputed best beaches in San Francisco, Baker Beach is as stunning in the evenings as it is during the day. With views that combine a rocky shoreline with rolling hills and the famous Golden Gate Bridge, the beach here puts on an excellent display once the sun begins to set in the early evening, providing some genuinely breathtaking photo opportunities along the way. You'll find Baker Beach on the city's northwest side in the Presidio district.

Admire the Murals in the Mission

Come for the vibrant murals that line the streets of the Mission District, and stay for the trendy boutiques, eclectic stores, and incredible Mexican restaurants. This historic neighborhood is home to Dolores Park, a popular hillside hangout centered around a rich Latino heritage. A walk around Clarion and Balmy alleys will show off the bulk of the Mission’s murals, but there are also plenty of art galleries around the neighborhood to experience as well.

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43 Best Things to Do in San Francisco — From Famous Sites to Can't-miss Attractions

Here are some of the top ways to spend your time in the Golden City.

San Francisco is a city filled with iconic American landmarks, fascinating history, must-try culinary delights from cioppino to Ghirardelli chocolate, diverse cultures, and quintessential California nature. Even the people who live there couldn't get bored with all there is to see and do in the bustling and beautiful West Coast metropolis. The next time you find yourself planning a trip to the Golden City (soon, we hope), allow this list of things to do in San Francisco to inspire your itinerary.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• The Golden Gate Bridge is a world-famous landmark, and walking or biking over it offers expansive views of the city, water, and Marin Headlands.
• Cheering on the Giants baseball team from the nosebleeds at Oracle Park will provide you with superb bay views and make you feel like a proud San Franciscan for a day.
• Hundreds of street art works make up the Mission Murals, painted all over the Mission District.
• Indulge in pizza, pasta, and cannolis in retro North Beach, San Francisco's Little Italy.
• Immerse yourself in the international feel of Sausalito, known for its verdant hills, quirky houseboats, and laid-back vibe.

Walk or bike over the Golden Gate Bridge.

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The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable sights in the U.S. The 1.7-mile-long, brick-red structure spans the strait for which it's named, allowing both cars and pedestrians to travel between San Francisco and Marin County. Walking or biking across the bridge is almost mandatory during a first visit to the city. There are two sidewalks on the bridge — east and west — and there are rules about which should be used for walking and cycling depending on what day of the week and time of day you cross it. Check the website before you go.

Watch the Giants play at Oracle Park.

Rooting for the home team in San Francisco means cheering on the Giants at Oracle Park . Baseball fanatics will want to sit in the 100s, close to the field, but the upper deck at this waterfront stadium offers stunning views of the bay. Seriously, this is where sitting in the nosebleeds can really pay off. Just bring a glove so you're prepared to catch a foul ball or homer.

Tour the Mission Murals.

Get out and see some fabulous street art for free with a self-guided tour of the Mission Murals. The best way to view them is by taking a stroll down Caledonia Alley, Clarion Alley, Balmy Alley, and Horace Alley, though really, you can just walk around the area and find your own favorite mural out of hundreds that line the streets.

Eat your way through Little Italy.

North Beach is San Francisco's Little Italy, packed with pasta joints and plenty of cafés to sip an espresso outside like a true Italian. Have a cannoli from Victoria Pastry , try a Neapolitan-style slice from Tony's Pizza Napolitana , dig into the cioppino (seafood stew) at Sotto Mare , or sip on a true Italian cappuccino at Caffe Trieste .

Experience Sausalito's small-town charm.

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The picturesque seaside village of Sausalito is just across the Golden Gate in Marin County and best accessed by bike or ferry. On a sunny day, you might feel like you're somewhere in the Mediterranean thanks to the small town's colorful architecture, hilly nature, and relaxed aura. Many liken it to Positano, Italy. Spend some time touring the neighborhood by bike (rental shops abound), making sure to stop at Lappert’s for an ice cream and Waldo Point Harbor to admire the elaborate houseboats.

Find fresh air at the Presidio.

The Presidio , a one-time military post that's now a 1,500-acre public park, is an excellent space to roam outdoors. It's the place to go for a hike or bike ride on the 24 miles of trails, as well as to get an epic view of the Golden Gate Bridge from one of the lookout points. San Francisco is surrounded by beautiful nature, and this is one of the best places to escape the bustle and find a moment of peace.

Take in the view from the Presidio Tunnel Tops.

The Presidio Tunnel Tops provide green space above a six-lane highway. The 14 acres of parklands connect the Main Post (the site of the former military base) to the Crissy Field waterfront, offering spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can even reserve one of the picnic tables with the best view for an unforgettable experience. There are also plenty of opportunities for recreation and learning, such as weekend campfire talks led by National Park Service rangers.

Admire art that pushes boundaries.

Sure, you'll find many places to admire art in this intensely creative city, but the  Institute for Contemporary Art San Francisco is different: It's nonprofit, non-collecting, and "dedicated to experimenting." It's the antidote to artistic pretentiousness. The pieces here range from photography to textile to video to mixed media, and you won't pay to see any of it thanks to free admission.

Feel a sense of pride in the Castro.

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The Castro is as iconic as neighborhoods get. As one of the first predominantly gay neighborhoods in the nation, it became a symbol of hope for the LGBTQ+ community. The neighborhood remains a vibrant place to visit and is still home to the famed Castro Theatre and GLBT Historical Society Museum , plus Pink Triangle Memorial , a site dedicated to remembering the gay men persecuted in Europe during World War II.

Do anything but drive on JFK Promenade.

JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park was once car-free just on weekends, but San Francisco voters elected to make the road permanently pedestrian-only. You can walk it, bike it, skate it, or make your way along it any way you want without having to worry about traffic. On the route, you'll be treated to art installations, chairs set up for kicking back, and public pianos.

Travel by cable car.

San Francisco is a famously hilly city. Unless you're hoping to get a major leg workout, it may be beneficial to get around on public transportation. The city's celebrated cable car system, an attraction in itself, has been transporting people around the city since 1873. Plus, it's easy to hop onto one near many of the city's best hotels . The cable cars remain both an excellent mode of transit and a super Instagrammable experience you must try. Tickets can be purchased through the MuniMobile app or at kiosks around the city.

Ferry over to Alcatraz.

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Visiting a jail may not seem like a very vacation-like thing to do, but Alcatraz isn't any old jail. The long-closed penitentiary, located on the namesake island in San Francisco Bay, housed some of the nation’s most notorious criminals (some of whom tried to escape by swimming across the treacherous waters). Anyone can take the ferry over to the island, now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area , for a guided tour of the prison to learn more about its fascinating history.

Tour North America's oldest Chinatown.

San Francisco’s Chinatown, whose entrance is marked by the Dragon Gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, is the oldest in North America. Spanning 30 square blocks, the neighborhood is its own little bustling metropolis. Go peruse the shops, feast on world-class dim sum or traditional congee, sip boba, or grab a green tea-flavored fortune cookie from the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory .

Walk down Lovers' Lane.

For an outdoor treat, take a quiet stroll down Lovers' Lane , the oldest footpath through the Presidio. The roughly half-mile trail is paved and rated easy to moderate. It's the perfect place to find a moment of solitude amid the trees — and stroll hand-in-hand with someone you love.

Stand in awe at the Palace of Fine Arts.

For the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exhibition, architect Bernard Maybeck designed the neoclassical Palace of Fine Arts as a replica of Roman ruins to be dismantled after the fair ended. Instead, a determined group of citizens saved the beloved structure, which really did become a ruin by the late 1950s. Rebuilt during the following decade in a more permanent fashion, it remains a stunning landmark. The free attraction features a gorgeous open-air rotunda, 162 feet tall, flanked by two Corinthian colonnades and overlooking a tranquil lagoon, all set in a park at the edge of the Presidio. It’s a great place for a walk or photoshoot.

Picnic at Alamo Square Park.

Alamo Square Park is one of the most photographed places in San Francisco, mostly because it's the perfect vantage point for capturing the pastel-colored Painted Ladies (aka the Victorian-style homes of Full House fame). But it also offers a spectacular view of the entire city on all sides. Pack a blanket and a snack to sit out and people watch to your heart's content.

Flip through Beat classics at City Lights Bookstore.

As far as bookstores go, City Lights is San Francisco's most famous. Peter D. Martin and poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti opened it as America’s first all-paperback shop in 1953, eventually attracting (and sometimes publishing) the likes of Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Today, the indie North Beach landmark remains committed to bringing customers the best of Beat literature, though it does have a little bit of everything. Go to sift through poetry, fiction, historical, and philosophical books — and possibly find a literary souvenir to take home.

Find a vintage gem at TreasureFest.

San Francisco is home to some seriously stellar vintage shopping, but there is perhaps no better spot to find unique items than at TreasureFest . The open-air market includes clothing, antiques, handmade products, and live music performances. There are plenty of food trucks on hand to feed the hungry masses as well. Check the website for upcoming dates as this flea is open only one weekend a month.

Cruise the bay.

Get a different perspective of the city by hitting the water on a bay cruise. This will allow you to get up close to several attractions including Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Keep an eye out for seals and other sea life, too. There are many options to choose from, including an hour-long tour with the Blue and Gold Fleet or an adventurous 90-minute excursion by inflatable raft with Bay Voyager .

Build something new at the Exploratorium.

The Exploratorium is a museum and "public learning laboratory" that allows anyone to become a mad scientist. You can use the tools available to create whatever you pull from your imagination. Unsurprisingly, the place is a hit among children, but the museum's adult-only Thursday evenings are especially fun if you're child-free. Otherwise, go anytime to learn from regular speakers and interact with the exhibits.

Lose yourself in art at SFMOMA.

To say the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is huge would be an understatement. The museum has seven gallery floors and more than 45,000 square feet filled to the brim with contemporary pieces, photographs, sculptures, and so much more. You could easily spend an entire day (and then some) wandering SFMOMA and experiencing all this vast institution has to offer.

Grab a snack at the Ferry Building.

Looking to get a tasty treat? Head to the historic Ferry Building , a marketplace offering local delights from the Portuguese donuts at Ocean Malasada to the frothy beers at Fort Point Beer Co . If you can, plan to visit on a market day — Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday — when local purveyors descend on the space to sell their goods straight from their farms.

Stop and smell the flowers at San Francisco Botanical Garden.

The San Francisco Botanical Garden stretches across 55 acres and showcases the most magical flora in the city. You'll feel like you're in the Andes one minute and the Mediterranean the next as you wander through the different gardens. This place is particularly well known for its magnolia collection, so make sure to walk by and get a whiff if you're visiting during the blooming season, mid-January through March.

Sip a tiki drink in the Tonga Room.

The city is filled with excellent bars and restaurants that will happily serve you a drink, but arguably none are as iconic as the Tonga Room . The tiki-style bar inside the Fairmont San Francisco has long been a favorite of travelers because it just feels so out of place in the Bay Area, yet somehow, it works. Get a fruity cocktail and a few island-inspired bites and feel transported to the tropics.

Have afternoon tea at the Palace Hotel.

Want to feel a little more regal? Head to the Palace Hotel for afternoon tea. On Saturdays, the hotel hosts a traditional ceremony in its Garden Court dining room, where stands of classic English bites like scones and finger sandwiches decorate the tables and serve as the perfect pick-me-up for peckish tourists and locals alike.

Peruse a dispensary.

Keen to have a quintessentially San Francisco experience? Pay a visit to one of the city's many dispensaries. Even if you don't partake, it can still be fun to check out the thriving marijuana business up close. Since 2016, adult-use cannabis has been legal in the state, and now it's become a full-service lifestyle. Think of it like going to a wine shop. If you need any help, just ask a friendly "budtender." Check out Weedmaps to find a location.

Climb the Filbert Street Steps.

Take in more sights and get a great glute workout at the same time with a walk up Telegraph Hill via the famed Filbert Street Steps. This set of stairs starts at Samson Street and takes you up to Coit Tower, a columnar concrete landmark of San Francisco's skyline. Along the way, you can marvel at the stunning gardens on either side and use the displays as a great excuse to stop and catch your breath.

Take in a San Francisco Symphony performance.

A show at the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, in the Civic Center neighborhood, is a feast for both the ears and eyes. Go for a traditional concert, or visit during one of the San Francisco Symphony's special film nights, during which a blockbuster movie plays on a big screen while the orchestra provides a live soundtrack. Check the schedule on the  symphony's website .

Get an Irish coffee at Buena Vista.

Come for a cup of coffee with a twist at Buena Vista . The café claims to be the spot where the Irish coffee was perfected in America in 1952. Warm yourself up with one at the bar and see whether it lives up to your standards. If not, that's OK. The restaurant has a full menu of items to choose from, including crab cake eggs Benedict, "scrambled" lobster, and more.

Indulge at Ghirardelli Square.

If the name Ghirardelli Square rings a bell, odds are you have a sweet tooth. The entertainment and retail complex, located between Fort Mason and Fisherman's Wharf, was once home to the famed chocolate company of the same name. Ghirardelli moved its operations to nearby San Leandro in 1966, but its Chocolate Experience — featuring a pick-and-mix bar and a sundae station – pays faithful homage to the property's history. Head in for a taste, or visit its neighboring restaurants and bars for a larger bite.

Stroll the Japanese Tea Garden.

The Japanese Tea Garden is an absolute treat for any anthophile. The five-acre gem in Golden Gate Park is filled with stunning plant life, traditional pagodas, tranquil koi ponds, and an authentic tea house where you can sip and savor for as long as you'd like. If you visit during the spring — specifically March or April — don't miss the cherry blossoms.

Drive down the "crookedest street in the world."

The place that best represents San Francisco's characteristic hilly and winding landscape is Lombard Street, otherwise known as the "crookedest street in the world." It takes eight sharp turns in zig-zag fashion on the hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets. It's a fun little stretch on which to take a slow drive, but if you're prone to motion sickness, you can walk the street and check out the houses along the way instead.

Spot sea lions at Pier 39.

Being right on the water means that San Francisco's "locals" include some sea critters — namely the California sea lions that live on K-Dock at Pier 39 . Some years ago, hundreds of them descended on the pier and quickly ousted the boaters. Now, you can stand at the viewing area near the north end of the pier to wave from a distance, watch them bask in the sun, and hear their adorable barks.

Get nostalgic at The Walt Disney Family Museum.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is a must-see for any Disney fan making their way through San Francisco. It showcases the personal side of the man behind the brand with interactive exhibits and plenty of insider knowledge. On display are original storyboards, retro movie posters, some of Walt's own personal belongings, Disney memorabilia, and more. You'll surely leave feeling inspired, or at the very least, you'll want to rewatch your favorite animated classic.

Attend an outdoor music festival.

Avid festivalgoers are likely familiar with Outside Lands , one of the most popular music festivals in the world. Every August, dozens of first-rate bands and hundreds of thousands of people descend on Golden Gate Park for the three-day festival. Less famous but still worth attending are the Stern Grove Festival and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival , both of which feature free outdoor concerts throughout the summer, and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival , which kicks off fall with sweet folk sounds.

Listen to the ocean at The Wave Organ.

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Did you ever put your ear next to the opening of a conch shell and "listen to the ocean" inside of it? Well, San Francisco's Wave Organ is sort of like that but on a much larger scale. Designed by architect Peter Richards and built on a jetty in the Marina District by stonemason George Gonzalez, the sculpture contains PVC and concrete pipes laid out alongside the bay in a way that makes the tides literally sing as the waves hit and pass through the tubes. The acoustic sculpture has been part of the city's waterfront since 1986.

Peruse the exhibits at the California Academy of Sciences.

Kids and adults alike can easily lose an afternoon viewing prehistoric fossils, spotting colorful marine life, and learning about all things natural history at this Golden Gate Park museum. The California Academy of Sciences houses a whopping 46 million specimens, but it's more than a vast collection of exhibits. It's also an interactive lab where children can touch a real condor wing, practice insect collecting, and get their hands wet building a model boat and testing it on the winding Riveropolis.

Get groovy at an old-school roller disco.

"Rolligion" is the new foundation of this 19th-century church that's been transformed into a funky disco skating rink. At the aptly named Church of 8 Wheels , you can rent skates, book a lesson, watch performances, or take to the floor during an open skate session to test your coordination.

See masterpieces old and new at the Asian Art Museum.

Thousands of artworks from Asia and by Asian artists live in this museum , one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world. Here, you'll find a permanent collection with masterpieces dating back to the fourth century, as well as rotating exhibits showcasing anything from kimono couture to K-pop. Go on the first Sunday of the month for free admission.

Forget you're in the U.S. inside this French Gothic cathedral.

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Grace Cathedral feels like a slice of 12th-century Europe in the heart of San Francisco. Despite the French Gothic style of the structure, it was actually finished in the 1960s (and opened with a sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.). Today, the grand exterior lures many a Nob Hill tourist inside to see intricate murals, medieval-esque labyrinths, and stained glass that drenches the space in color when the sun shines.

Get a bird's-eye view from Twin Peaks.

Twin Peaks is a park comprising two near-identical hills offering 360-degree views of the city and surrounding Bay Area. The park is the second-highest point (922 feet) in San Francisco, only 16 feet shy of Mount Davidson's height, and sits conveniently near the center of the sprawling metropolis. A trail just 0.7 miles long scales both peaks and provides incredible photo opportunities.

Go back in time in Haight-Ashbury.

Flower children will develop a soft spot for this neighborhood famed for its hippie culture. You'll feel like you've time traveled back to the 1960s as you flip through bins of vintage vinyl and racks of bohemian fashion. Deadheads — or anyone who appreciates the counterculture of said decade — must stop by the Grateful Dead House at 710 Ashbury Street, where most of the band lived from 1966 until early 1968. You can also walk past Janis Joplin’s former pads (635 Ashbury and 122 Lyon streets), but the real stars of the neighborhood may be the Four Seasons houses – a stunning quartet of Queen Annes at the corner of Waller Street and Masonic Avenue designed to represent winter, spring, summer, and autumn.

Take your clam chowder in a bread bowl.

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Clam chowder is a staple of San Francisco's food scene, but to experience it like a local, you need to order it right: with a fluffy, golden bread bowl as the vessel. Some of the best of San Francisco's clam chowder bread bowls hail from Boudin Bakery at Fisherman's Wharf, which serves its creamy New England-style chowder in sourdough. Really, though, you can find this signature dish on just about any seafood menu.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 25 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

25 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

San Francisco is a hub of excitement, and the cultural, commercial and financial heart of Northern California . The city is the 13th most populated in the U.S. but has the second highest population density in the county, with only New York being busier. The city shot to fame in 1849 as the home of the Californian Gold Rush which at the time made it the largest city on the West Coast.

The city is famous for it’s restaurants and some of the best chef’s in the country are lucky enough to call this home. With so much to do in this amazing city let us take a look at the best things to do in San Francisco .

1. Go Across The Golden Gate Bridge

Between San Francisco Bay and Marin County is the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge has been declared one of the modern wonders of the world. It was opened in 1937 and at that time it was the longest suspension bridge ever created.

Made from steel and with a total length of 1.7 miles it is the most photographed bridge anywhere is the world. There are six lanes of traffic on the bridge carrying millions of passengers every year. Before the bridge was built people used to have to get a ferry between the two places, the ferry company was called Golden State Ferry Company and at one point it was the largest ferry company on the planet.

Suggested tour : Golden Gate Bridge from the Air! Seaplane Tour

2. Head Down To The Waterfront At Fisherman’s Wharf

San Francisco’s most famous waterfront community is at Fisherman’s Wharf. Here you can experience some fantastic food and enjoy some of the best dining the world has to offer.

There are outdoor stands selling fresh Dungeness crab or various gourmet restaurants selling the freshest of fish from that days catch.

From here you can also arrange to go on many different tours of the area including Segway, walking, boat and many more.

3. Relax At Golden Gate Park

Each year 13 million visitors visit Golden Gate Park and explore one of San Francisco’s most amazing places. This picturesque space spans 1,017 acres and has many places to explore and relax. You can discover the lakes, picnic areas, monuments, playgrounds and gardens.

Throughout the calendar there are a plethora of events and activities that take place in the park. You can even hold your own wedding or special event in the beautiful gardens and take photographs with the stunning scenery as a back drop.

Explore the park by Segway: Golden Gate Park Segway Tour

4. Could You Escape From Alcatraz Island?

1.5 miles off the shore of San Francisco is Alcatraz Island, This tiny island was developed as a military fortification, a military prison as well as a federal prison. The most famous being the federal prison. This was between 1933 and 1963.

The thinking behind the federal prison was that the prisoners who caused continual trouble at other prisons would be locked up here. Many infamous prisoners have stayed here including Al Capone and Robert Franklin Stroud. The island now is a tourist attraction and many people flock here each year to explore the depths of the prison.

5. Spend Time At Union Square

Union Square is the most visited neighborhood in San Francisco. Here you will find a large collection of high end retail outlets, fancy hotels, cafes, art galleries and a very active nightlife.

The area has many live events to attend and there is always something happening to keep you entertained. To really get an experience of partying with the locals this is a must stop on any tour of the city.

6. Embrace The Chinese Culture in Chinatown

Most major cities have a Chinatown, but San Francisco has four and the one on Grant Avenue is the biggest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as being the oldest in North America. The town is so big that is encompasses two hospitals, various parks and draws more visitors each year than the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you are looking for authentic Chinese cuisine in San Francisco there is no point looking anywhere outside of the four Chinatowns to find real traditional Chinese food. If you are in the city during the Autumn Moon Festival you can visit this Chinese festival for free.

Available tour : San Francisco’s Chinatown Walking Tour

7. Ride The San Francisco Cable Car System

San Francisco is very proud of their cable car system. It is the last manually operated system in the world today. At its peak you would find 23 cable car lines in the city, but today we have just three left. Nearly all of the people that ride the cars today are tourists looking to try that something different when in town.

The first of the cable cars was opened in in 1873 and due to their popularity and the money that the owners were making more lines were added. In 1892 the first electric streetcars were made and so the decline of the manual car began.

8. Watch The San Francisco Giants

AT&T Park is home to the San Francisco Giants. One of the most famous teams in the league and a genuine household name. The stadium is on the San Francisco Bay and every time the Giants step into the park the stadium and city unites. The current stadium was completed in April 2000 at a cost of $357 million dollars.

The San Francisco Giants were originally the New York Gotham’s before moving to San Francisco in 1958. They have won the World Series 8 times, the most recent being in 2014.

9. Explore The World Around You

Step into Exploratorium and discover life in a different way. See what things would be like if we lived in a colorless world or take part in a video game that has social consequences.

Exploratorium is one of the most interactive places to take your children, the setup is so fun that you do not even realize you are learning whilst you are there.

There are six galleries, each one focuses on a different area and rewards you depending on your concentration.

Tip : The Exploratorium is included in the San Francisco Mega Pass

10. Enjoy A Day At The Presidio Of San Francisco

The Presidio of San Francisco is a former military base that is now a park. The park is situated on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsular and falls under the Golden Gate Recreation Area. The ownership of the area initially was held by the Spanish, it then moved to the Mexicans before the United States took ownership in 1948.

There are many places in the park where you can stand and overlook the Golden Gate Bridge as well as the Pacific Ocean. The site is also a recognized California Historical Landmark.

Included in : San Francisco, Sausalito and Muir Woods Small Group Tour

11. Come Face To Face With Jellyfish

Aquarium of the Bay is situated on the waterfront of San Francisco. Here you can enjoy an unforgettable experience as you come face to face with the local marine life. The aquarium has a mission to protect the bay and the animals that live in the bay.

When you are inside you will see 300 feet of clear tunnels that are full of 700,000 gallons of water. This water sustains 20,000 animals from the bay and surrounding areas. You can come face to face with a leopard shark and be mesmerized by the walls of jellyfish.

Tip : The Aquarium is included in the San Francisco Mega Pass

12. Spend Time In Ghirardelli Square

The history of this square is one of the things that make it interesting. It was initially a chocolate factory that was owned and established by Domenico Ghirardelli. Ghirardelli was born in Italy in 1817; he worked as a young confectioner before leaving for Uruguay at the age of 20.

As time went by Ghirardelli became a coffee and chocolate merchant, eventually ending up in San Francisco where the chocolate factory was set up. The square is now home to many upmarket shops, restaurants and hotels.

13. Sample Delicious Food At The Ferry Building

Offering everything from freshly caught fish to artisan cheeses, the Ferry Building Marketplace is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The marketplace is located within the Ferry Building that sits at the bottom of Market Street.

There is a mixture of shops both large as well as small. You can eat at some of the city’s finest restaurants that house some of San Francisco’s best chefs. Before it was a market the building was used as a Ferry House for anyone arriving from the East.

14. Take In The View From Twin Peaks

The Twin Peaks in San Francisco are a world famous tourist attraction and offer spectacular views of the Bay Area. The Peaks were initially called “Los Pechos de la Choca” meaning Breasts of the Maiden. The two peaks are adjacent to each other and stand at 922 feet.

There are animals and plants in abundance and as you make your way to the top you are sure to see plenty. Apart from the peaks there is a 64 acre park that gives you an idea of how San Francisco looked before the development we see today.

Included in : San Francisco City Tour and Alcatraz Entrance Ticket

15. Explore Modern Art In The City

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art was the first museum in this part of the country to show only modern art. There are currently more than 29,000 pieces of work on display including paintings, sculptures, photographs and architecture.

The museum is more than 80 years old and was initially housed at the War Memorial Veterans Building before moving to the location that is stands in today.

Book online : San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Tickets

16. Admire The View From Coit Tower

Coit Tower has been standing at the top of Telegraph Hill since 1933. At the top of the tower is a viewing deck that gives 360 degree views of the city and the surrounding bay. The tower was named after Lillie Hitchcock Coit, she was a little eccentric and very wealthy.

When she passed aways he left a substantial sum of money to the city and so this tower was built to honor her. You can go up the tower by elevator all year round and tickets can be bought from the nearby ticket shop.

17. The Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is an astonishing building that is on the U.S National Register of Historic Places and also a San Francisco Designated Landmark. The structure was constructed in 1915 with the purpose of exhibiting works of art.

The buildings have had various uses over the years including tennis courts, military storage and now an art gallery. The water surrounding the Palace has many types of wildlife including ducks, swans, geese and raccoons.

18. Learn All About Asian Art

The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco has one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of art from Asia in the world today. There are more than 18,000 pieces of art in the museum, including some pieces that are more than 6,000 years old. The museum was founded when Avery Brundage donated a large sum of money to the city to found the museum.

Avery Brundage was a millionaire and a collector of Asian art himself. The pieces of art focus on all major Asian countries, the museum also attracts many traveling exhibitions. In 1991 the Dalai Lama opened an exhibition on the subject of wisdom and compassion.

Included in : Go City All-Inclusive Pass 25+ Attractions

19. Wander Amongst The Redwood Trees

On Mount Tamalpais is the Muir Woods National Monument. An area of  land covering 554 acres which forms part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Center. 240 acres of this park is full of redwood trees.

At one point there were approximately 2 million acres of redwood trees in California, when the logging industry arrived many of these were cut down and this is one of the few remaining forests in the area. The park is a dog and picnic free area but there are many trails of varying difficulty to enjoy on a day out.

Top rated guided tour : Muir Woods National Monument Guided Tour

20. Visit The Oldest Japanese Tea Garden In The U.S

San Francisco’s Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the country. The garden was created for an exhibition in 1894, when the exhibition closed a gentleman’s agreement was reached and the garden remained. As time went by the garden expanded to the size it is today, approximately 5 acres.

Today the gardens are hugely popular with tourists who come to see the pagodas, stepping stones, arched bridges and native Japanese plants. There is also a koi pond and Zen garden. If you are hungry or thirsty on your visit you can stop for some traditional Japanese refreshments.

21. Go To Angel Island

Angel Island is the second largest island in the bay. There is a small population of about 60 people that live permanently on the island. You can travel here by ferry from San Francisco and once you arrive you can take an open air tram or a Segway tour of the island.

There are some fantastic cafes and bars serving up delicious food. The views of the Bay from the island are spectacular and worth the cost of the ferry alone. There are often events on the island that feature live music, so it is worth checking out what is happening in advance to make sure you go on a day when lots is happening.

22. Take A Trip Across the Bay Bridge

The Bay Bridge is officially known as the San Francisco -Oakland Bay Bridge. The bridge connects San Francisco Bay and Oakland, 240,000 vehicles a day pass over the bridge on one of the ten lanes designated for vehicles. There is also a cycle and pedestrian lane.

The bridge initially carried trains on the lower deck but once the Key System Transit line was closed it was converted to vehicles, thus doubling the capacity for cars and lorries. In 2002 one part of the bridge collapsed and the entire bridge had to be closed for one month, the repair cost an estimated $6.5 billion.

23. Take A Stroll Along Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is a beautiful quiet beach with gorgeous white sand and very few tourists. The beach stretches out in front of you for 3.5 miles and is very quiet, quite often it can just be you, the birds and the ocean waves. The water is good for surfing but only if you are experienced as it can become very choppy.

The beach is part of the Golden Gate National Park, because of this you will get no high rises or ugly buildings to look at whilst you explore. Instead you will see beautiful natural views and also the Golden Gate Bridge.

24. Find Culture At Yerba Buena Gardens

At The Heart of the downtown cultural district is Yerba Buena Gardens. Here you can find restaurants, cafes, museums and theaters. There is also a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that is certainly worth taking the time to see.

There is always something happening and every year hundreds of free outdoor events are put on for the locals and visitors. You can go bowling, ice skating or take a ride on the historic carousel. The park has been voted among the top 30 urban parks in the country and once you arrive it is easy to see why.

25. Enjoy The Walt Disney Family Museum

The Walt Disney Family Museum is a must see for anyone who is a fan of their movies. Here you can learn about the life of Walt Disney. The museum covers an area of 40,000 square foot and features some of the historic items that brought Walt Disney’s imagination to life.

You can take a look at some of the earliest drawings as well as a 12 foot replica of Disneyland. There are 248 awards in the museum which were won by Disney during his glittering career. Part of the museum is a Fantasia inspired theater which shows Disney classics daily.

25 Best Things to Do in San Francisco:

• Go Across The Golden Gate Bridge
• Head Down To The Waterfront At Fisherman's Wharf
• Relax At Golden Gate Park
• Could You Escape From Alcatraz Island?
• Spend Time At Union Square
• Embrace The Chinese Culture in Chinatown
• Ride The San Francisco Cable Car System
• Watch The San Francisco Giants
• Explore The World Around You
• Enjoy A Day At The Presidio Of San Francisco
• Come Face To Face With Jellyfish
• Spend Time In Ghirardelli Square
• Sample Delicious Food At The Ferry Building
• Take In The View From Twin Peaks
• Explore Modern Art In The City
• Admire The View From Coit Tower
• The Palace of Fine Arts
• Learn All About Asian Art
• Wander Amongst The Redwood Trees
• Visit The Oldest Japanese Tea Garden In The U.S
• Go To Angel Island
• Take A Trip Across the Bay Bridge
• Take A Stroll Along Ocean Beach
• Find Culture At Yerba Buena Gardens
• Enjoy The Walt Disney Family Museum

16 Top-Rated Day Trips from San Francisco

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Oct 6, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

In an incomparable setting of rolling hills overlooking a sparkling emerald-green bay, San Francisco is close to some of California's most beautiful seaside towns and nature sites. Outside "The City" (as locals refer to San Francisco) are many fantastic destinations within easy reach, from 30-minute rides north or south along the coast to a four-hour drive to Yosemite that's definitely worth the travel time.

If you love sunshine and sandy beaches, head south to the fun-loving town of Santa Cruz for a day at the historic Beach Boardwalk amusement park. For a romantic getaway, head to the seaside resort town of Carmel which has adorable storybook cottages and a gorgeous sandy beach.

Do you love the great outdoors? Be sure to check out Marin County's hiking trails at Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, and Mount Tamalpais. In Half Moon Bay and Pescadero, the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean and an idyllic pastoral landscape provide a relaxing escape.

The university town of Berkeley offers award-winning theater, gourmet restaurants, and a lively collegiate atmosphere. Among the most unforgettable excursions is the ferry ride from San Francisco to Sausalito, a postcard-perfect waterfront community that resembles a Mediterranean fishing village.

There are many fabulous places to visit, just a short drive or train ride from San Francisco. The only trouble is deciding where to go when you have limited time. Plan your excursions from the city with our list of the top day trips from San Francisco.

Yosemite National Park

Seaside towns of carmel and monterey, santa cruz and the beach boardwalk, sausalito: marinas & scenic walks, university town of berkeley, muir woods hiking trails and muir beach, half moon bay's countryside & beaches, stinson beach and dipsea trail hike, filoli estate, mount tamalpais, pescadero marsh natural preserve, angel island, trione-annadel state park in sonoma county, huckleberry botanic regional preserve, woodside and portola valley.

It seems impossible that nature created the landscape unintentionally. The scenery of Yosemite is sublime, with some of the most magnificent landscapes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains .

During the last Ice Age, retreating glaciers carved out granite monoliths with sheer rock walls that encircle the seven-mile-long Yosemite Valley. The awe-inspiring landscape is full of marvelous surprises: 1,000-foot waterfalls , crystalline lakes, flower-blanketed meadows, and old-growth sequoia forests. It's also home to black bears, coyotes, chipmunks, 262 bird species, and endangered animals such as Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep and Sierra Nevada red foxes.

Yosemite was made famous in the 19th century by landscape painters like Albert Bierstadt, who portrayed the valley as the Eden of the American West. In the 20th century, the renowned photographer Ansel Adams captured Yosemite in vivid images, and naturalist John Muir described this incredible place "where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike."

With 750 miles of nature trails in six different areas, the UNESCO-listed , 1,200-square-mile Yosemite National Park abounds with opportunities for outdoor activities, especially hiking the spectacular trails . Tip : Be sure to keep your personal safety in mind at all times. Certain areas of the trails, around rivers, waterfalls, and cliffs, can be dangerous.

Other things to do at Yosemite include rock climbing (for advanced climbers), bird-watching , horseback riding, lake fishing year-round, river fishing from April through November, and skiing in the wintertime. You may also want to just relax, go for picnics, and take nature photos.

If you enjoy camping, you can choose from Yosemite's top campgrounds . You may also stay at a hotel right next to the park: the Yosemite Valley Lodge . A legendary hotel, The Ahwahnee (a National Historic Landmark) offers luxurious rustic-chic accommodations within Yosemite National Park.

Tip for a Day Trip : Yosemite is nearly 200 miles from San Francisco, and getting there from the city is a long drive (about four hours each way) for a day trip on your own. We recommend an organized tour if you are visiting Yosemite as a day trip from San Francisco. The Yosemite National Park Day Trip is a full-day excursion (14 to 15 hours) that includes transportation to and from San Francisco, as well as a guided tour of Yosemite's top attractions.

Practical Considerations : Yosemite National Park welcomes millions of visitors every year. During the high season (from spring through fall), you will encounter traffic when entering the park. Sometimes, you may have to wait multiple hours. During summertime, you should expect a one-hour to four-hour wait! To avoid the wait, the park advises visitors to arrive in the afternoon.

California's Central Coast is known for its beauty. Within easy driving distance from San Francisco, two seaside towns stand out: Carmel and Monterey. Both towns boast pristine natural surroundings and an alluring old-world ambiance.

Nestled along the stunning Carmel Bay , the seaside village of Carmel (120 miles south of San Francisco) is one of California's most romantic getaway destinations . The secluded Carmel Beach will delight you with its pillowy, fine white sand framed by windswept cypress trees.

The village of Carmel has plenty of tourist appeal and things to do and visit: fairy-tale cottages, upscale art galleries, cute boutiques, and fine-dining restaurants. Plus, you can choose from a wide variety of bed-and-breakfast and luxury hotels.

Less touristy and more urban in feel, the coastal town of Monterey (115 miles south of San Francisco) is famous for its historic Cannery Row . This historic waterfront fish-packing district was the inspiration for the colorful tales in John Steinbeck's novel Cannery Row .

Another of the top places to visit in Monterey is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, especially beloved by kids, who adore seeing the incredible sea life, penguins, and otters.

Not to be missed when visiting Carmel and Monterey is the stretch of California's oceanfront Highway One between the two towns, known as the 17-Mile Drive . This 17-mile portion of the Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1) is considered one of the most beautiful drives on the West Coast .

Along the 17-Mile Drive are several glorious viewpoints and must-see nature sites, including the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve , Bird Rock Vista Point, and the iconic Lone Cypress tree. Also on this route are the prestigious Pebble Beach golf courses .

Getting there : The drive from San Francisco to Monterey (115 miles) takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes without traffic. It's just a few miles further to Carmel. The train ride is a 6-hour journey and requires two transfers, making it an impossible option for a day trip.

If you have limited time and prefer to leave the driving to someone else, take a guided tour. One recommendation is a full-day Monterey and Carmel Tour from San Francisco , with stops in Monterey at the Cannery Row and the aquarium. It continues on to Carmel via the 17-Mile Drive.

This balmy beach-town playground is just 70 miles south of San Francisco, tucked away on the Monterey Bay. You will love the carefree, fun-in-the-sun vibes and the Beach Boardwalk amusement park that draws crowds during summertime.

Fronting the Beach Boardwalk is Main Beach (also known as Boardwalk Beach), a wide shoreline with shallow waters ideal for swimming, bodyboarding, and paddleboarding. The Main Beach is also a great place for sunbathing, building sandcastles, and playing beach volleyball.

More remote beaches, like Sunset State Beach and Natural Bridges Beach, offer peace and serenity. Surfers head to Cowell Beach , or if they're really experienced, to Manresa Beach, which has impressive swells that only the best wave-riders can handle.

Other top tourist attractions in Santa Cruz include the Santa Cruz Mission , built in the late 18th century by Spanish missionaries; the downtown area for shopping and eating out; and the Santa Cruz Wharf for spotting sea lions, fishing, or dining at a seafood restaurant.

For families with kids, Roaring Camp Railroads train rides offer a thrilling experience. The train rides take you through redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Getting there : The drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz takes about two hours. A public transportation option is the Greyhound bus route which takes 3 hours and 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco.

Read More: Best Beaches in Santa Cruz

Getting to Sausalito is half the fun! The 30-minute boat ride from San Francisco will dazzle you with views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Angel Island before arriving in the peaceful harbor of Sausalito. It has been called one of the most thrilling ferry rides in the world.

This seaside town north of San Francisco in Marin County is sheltered from the fog by the rolling hills of the Marin Headlands. Sausalito has pleasant sunny weather and idyllic scenery. In fact, this picturesque waterfront town resembles a fishing village along the Mediterranean Sea.

You might enjoy spending a leisurely afternoon strolling the historic downtown of Sausalito. From the ferry stop, you can take a walk along the waterfront and browse the boutiques along the way. The Bridgeway path looks out to Sausalito's yacht-filled marinas and the San Francisco skyline across the bay.

In the downtown, a cluster of quaint, pastel-painted, Victorians house interesting locally owned shops, art galleries, ice-cream parlors, cafés, and restaurants. On warm days, it's a delightful experience to dine by the bayfront or alongside the marinas. A favorite waterfront restaurant is Scoma's which specializes in sustainable seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.

Tips for getting there : If you take the ferry ride from San Francisco to Sausalito, you will depart from the San Francisco Ferry Terminal within the San Francisco Ferry Building. Arrive early so that you have time to explore the ferry building, which has many casual eateries and cafes. In fact, the San Francisco Ferry Building is a gourmet destination in itself. It's also the location of a fabulous farmers market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Alternatively, if you decide to drive to Sausalito, you will be treated to a scenic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. A day trip to Sausalito by car offers a great way to combine two sightseeing experiences: seeing the Golden Gate Bridge up close and a stop at the Golden Gate View Point on the other side of the bridge where you can see vistas of San Francisco across the bay.

Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do in Sausalito

Perched on a hilltop with views of the bay and backed by a grove of redwood trees, the prestigious U.C. Berkeley campus takes your breath away. Serious academic study takes place here, but you can't tell as you walk around the peaceful leafy grounds. Adding to the serenity is the babbling Strawberry Creek.

Impressive classical-style buildings house the university's classrooms, libraries, and research centers. The emblematic Sather Tower is one of the world's tallest bell towers and affords amazing views of San Francisco Bay from its observation platform.

You can get a sense of undergrad life at Bancroft Library at the heart of the campus or the bustling Sproul Plaza , where students gather to participate in protests, listen to speakers, and enjoy impromptu performances by street musicians.

To see where students hang out off-campus, head to Telegraph Avenue . This legendary street reveals the legacy of Berkeley's bohemian counterculture. It's packed with bookshops, quirky shops, and casual eateries serving all kinds of ethnic cuisine and quick bites.

Berkeley is also well known for its culture, theater, and restaurant scene. You can watch a Pulitzer-Prize-winning show and then dine in the Gourmet Ghetto , home to the famous Chez Panisse bistro that started the local, organic farm-to-table cuisine movement. Chez Panisse owner Alice Waters is credited with changing food culture in America.

Other top tourist attractions in Berkeley include the Botanical Garden and the Lawrence Hall of Science . For families with kids, Tilden Park is a favorite spot. Children love the small working farm, steam train ride, and old-fashioned merry-go-round.

Getting there : You can either drive from San Francisco or take the BART, public transportation, to get to Berkeley. The 14-mile drive from San Francisco to Berkeley crosses the Bay Bridge and takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. There is a bridge toll on your way back, and parking fees in Berkeley whether you park in a metered street spot or in a parking lot.

If you take the BART ride from Embarcadero station in San Francisco to Downtown Berkeley (closest to the campus and downtown) takes just 22 minutes. However, the walk from the Downtown Berkeley station to the campus/downtown area is around 15 to 20 minutes. Take the Richmond line to Berkeley for a direct BART ride. This route is available every 15 minutes.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Berkeley

If you love nature and have time for only one excursion outside of San Francisco, then visit the Muir Woods National Monument . This day trip gives you the chance to see a rare old-growth coastal redwood forest, among the very few remaining in Northern California.

The scenery is unlike any other forest you've seen unless you have wandered through ancient redwood groves before. The peaceful and refreshingly shaded trails invite you to meander through fern-fringed creek banks, canopies of giant redwood trees, and groves of fragrant bay laurels.

It's possible to take another three-mile trail from Muir Woods down to the Pacific Ocean at the secluded Muir Beach . This sandy beach offers camping sites and picnic areas. Nearby is The Pelican Inn, where you can grab a hearty meal of authentic English country cuisine before taking the hike back to Muir Woods.

Planning your visit : Due to the crowds and limited space, Muir Woods National Monument requires you to make a reservation in advance for paid parking or for a shuttle bus ride.

You may find that it's easier to leave the driving and parking to a tour guide. One recommendation is the Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Tour , which departs from San Francisco.

Getting there : The only way to get to Muir Woods is by car. The 16-mile drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, along Highway 101, and then on winding country roads, takes about 45 minutes.

The small rural town of Half Moon Bay nestles along the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by forests and farmlands, just 30 miles south of San Francisco (a 45-minute drive). Although it's close to The City, this coastal community has retained its country ambiance. Pumpkin patches, ranches, and vegetable farms cover the hillsides that slope down to the beach.

Spectacular sandy beaches extend for miles along the Half Moon Bay coastline. It's a great place for nature walks along the shoreline, while surfers wearing wetsuits brave the frigid waters and powerful waves.

When the conditions are right, surfing competitions are held at Mavericks Beach . Other outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and bird-watching.

One of the highlights of Half Moon Bay is the historic downtown , which has many locally owned shops and excellent restaurants, as well as casual cafés and eateries. You'll find a wide selection of restaurants, where you can grab a hearty meal after an invigorating walk on the beach or hike along coastal bluffs.

A favorite time of year to visit Half Moon Bay is in October for pumpkin picking and for the Pumpkin Festival in mid-October.

On sunny days, Stinson Beach is a popular day-trip destination in Marin County , 23 miles north of San Francisco (allow at least one hour by car). This dreamy beach community is just six miles north of Muir Beach, although it can take 30 to 45 minutes (in traffic) to get from Muir Beach to Stinson Beach on a winding two-lane road that hugs the coastline and traverses the Steep Ravine Canyon.

The drive requires concentration at the hairpin turns, but it rewards with striking ocean vistas . All the effort feels worth it upon catching sight of the little piece of paradise at Stinson Beach.

Protected by the hillside, the 3.5-mile-long sandy shoreline at Stinson Beach is ideal for sunbathing, jogging, windsurfing, beach volleyball, and picnicking. Swimming is possible, however not always recommended due to dangerous rip currents and frigid waters. Surfers and bodyboarders ride the waves wearing wetsuits.

From Memorial Day until Labor Day, lifeguards patrol the beach. (Be sure to check with lifeguards about safety before entering the water to swim.) Next to the beach is a shady area with picnic tables and barbecue grills, as well as restrooms and shower facilities.

The town has a grocery store , where you can purchase picnic foods. Or you could choose from several oceanfront cafés and restaurants that serve casual meals on sunny outdoor patios.

Tip for Travelers: During high season, it's best to begin the drive as early as possible in the morning to avoid traffic and to ensure finding a parking spot at Stinson Beach (the lot fills up quickly on weekends and during summertime.)

For coastal views, the Dipsea Trail is not to be missed. The 10-mile hiking trail begins at Muir Woods National Monument, traverses the forest and rolling hills, then descends a ravine into Stinson Beach, with breathtaking ocean and bay vistas along the way. Alternatively, you can start at Stinson Beach (which begins with steep steps and switchbacks) and complete a short portion of the trail.

Hiking Tips : Dress in layers and wear shoes with good traction to avoid slipping on the steps. Portions of the trail are exposed to the strong afternoon sun, so a visor and other sun protection are recommended. Watch out for poison oak that grows on the side of the trail. Bring bottled water and pack lunch for a picnic at Stinson Beach.

The Filoli Estate is a hidden gem 30 miles south of (35-minute drive) San Francisco, tucked away in a pastoral landscape with the densely wooded Santa Cruz Mountains as a backdrop. The 654-acre estate is registered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

With a grandeur that rivals Europe's finest estates, Filoli boasts gracious architecture, lavish rooms, and splendid grounds that have made it a top choice for film sets. The house was pictured in Dynasty , Heaven Can Wait , and George of the Jungle among other movies.

The elegant Georgian Revival-style manor house was built between 1915 and 1917 for William Bowers Bourn II, owner of Empire Gold Mine in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. Within the 54,256-square-foot mansion is a noteworthy collection of interior decor, paintings, and antiques.

Filoli is renowned for its 16-acre formal gardens, landscaped in the English Renaissance style with perfectly manicured hedges, terraces, decorative pools, fountains, flower beds, and a rose garden. Pleasant pathways and parterres invite you to wander and admire the ever-changing array of seasonal plants and blossoms, from colorful tulips in early spring to vibrant chrysanthemums in autumn.

The Filoli Estate also has a 10-acre orchard, with over 500 fruit trees including heirloom varieties, and a 528-acre nature preserve comprised of redwood forest, oak groves, chaparral, a pond, reservoir, creeks, and grasslands.

The Filoli Nature Preserve includes a trail system of 22 hiking paths, only accessible on docent-led hikes, but visitors may take self-guided hikes on the Nature Preserve's one-mile loop Estate Trail .

Address: 86 Canada Road, Woodside, California

Official site: www.filoli.org

Just 22 miles north of San Francisco, Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County delights nature lovers with a 60-mile network of park trails. The hiking paths meander through refreshing redwood groves and oak woodlands overlooking deep ravines, forested hillsides, and sweeping grasslands.

Those seeking a challenge may hike to the summit at 2,571 feet for breathtaking views . On a clear day, the outlook extends all the way to the Farallon Islands, 25 miles out in the Pacific Ocean, as well as to San Francisco and across the San Francisco Bay to the cities of Berkeley and Oakland.

Mountain bikers can use the multi-use trails , as well as the uphill road leading to the top of Mount Tamalpais for recreational cycling .

Mount Tamalpais is a place of exceptional natural beauty year-round. During the rainy season (October until March), gurgling creeks and rushing waterfalls add to the peaceful environment. From February until May, vibrant wildflowers blossom throughout the park. Whale-watching is possible during the migration season, from November to April.

On warm summer days, many visitors enjoy picnicking in the park's shaded picnic areas . For the views, the East Peak summit picnic area astounds with its 360-degree panoramas.

Getting there : The drive from San Francisco to Mount Tamalpais is only 22 miles However, it takes about one hour to get there. The two-lane country roads in Marin County wind around the mountain, so you need to drive slowly.

About 45 miles south of (1-hour and 15-minute drive) San Francisco, the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve allows access to unspoiled nature and superb birdwatching. At the confluence of the Butano Creek and Pescadero Creek, the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is a 235-acre wetland with a tidal estuary and freshwater marsh.

More than 200 species of birds find refuge in the marsh, among them the great blue heron and double-crested cormorants. The Pescadero Marsh is also home to endangered species, such as the California red-legged frog, San Francisco garter snake, steelhead trout, and coho salmon.

You may hike around the nature preserve by following one of the four trails. For avid birdwatchers, the Sequoia Audubon Trail , a 2.5-mile round-trip hike, is a good choice. Some visitors bring binoculars for an up-close view of egrets, ducks, herons, and other species.

To learn more about the natural environment and wildlife of the marsh, visitors can join guided walking tours (free of charge) on the first Sunday of the month at 10 am and the second Sunday of every month at 1 pm, as long as weather permits. The tours include a one-mile walk and take about two hours.

Across the highway from the preserve, accessible by a pedestrian walkway, is Pescadero State Beach . Backed by rocky ocean bluffs, this pristine mile-long sandy beach features coves, tide pools, and areas for fishing. Facilities include picnic tables, parking lots, and restrooms with vault toilets (without running water).

About three miles from the beach, the little country town of Pescadero has a grocery store, small boutiques, and a quirky locally owned café. A popular spot in town is Duarte's restaurant , a Pescadero institution famous for its artichoke soup and homemade pies.

Travelers can get away to a remote, unpopulated island just across the bay from San Francisco. Angel Island is a state park, accessible by taking a 30-minute ferry ride from Pier 41 in San Francisco or a 10-minute ferry ride from the town of Tiburon.

Angel Island State Park opens at 8am and closes at sunset daily. A place of serene seaside beauty, Angel Island has more than 13 miles of scenic hiking trails , ranging from moderate to advanced, as well as nine miles of cycling trails . Visitors may rent bikes once they arrive at the island.

The highest point on Angel Island is Mount Livermore at 788 feet, which rewards hikers with panoramic views of San Francisco and the bay, the Marin Headlands, and Mount Tamalpais.

The island's amenities include a Visitor Center , public restrooms, an outdoor café near the dock, boating slips for day use or overnight, camping sites with toilets, and several picnic areas with tables, barbecue pits, and running water.

Angel Island is known as the " Ellis Island of the West " because around 500,000 immigrants arrived here between 1910 and 1940. Two museums illustrate Angel Island's history as an immigration station: the Detention Barracks Museum and the Angel Island Immigration Museum . Both museums are open Wednesday through Sunday.

If you start the day early enough, it may be possible to also spend time in Tiburon , where the Angel Island ferry departs. (Be sure to keep track of the ferry schedule.) This charming seaside town has picturesque yacht marinas and a quaint downtown area. The lovely Main Street is lined with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.

On the weekends, locals enjoy having brunch in Tiburon. Most of the waterfront restaurants feature sunny terraces that overlook the San Francisco Bay. If you're getting around by car, it's also worth visiting the 900-acre Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary (open April through September) for bird-watching, and the Tiburon Ridge Trail for hiking and biking.

Explore the beautiful landscape of Trione-Annadel State Park, 60 miles north of San Francisco (about a 1.5-hour drive) in Santa Rosa , Sonoma County. The park features several miles of trails for hiking or mountain biking around the gorgeous Lake Ilsanjo.

The park is also known for its fields of vibrant wildflowers that bloom in the springtime. The best time to see wildflowers is in April and May, but some flowers can be seen from January until September.

For lake fishing, Trione-Annadel State Park is one of the best places to visit in Sonoma County. Anglers can catch black bass and bluegill fish in Lake Ilsanjo. A California fishing license is required.

The Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve lies just 17 miles from San Francisco across the Bay Bridge in the East Bay. The drive only takes 35 minutes with no traffic, although bridge traffic can easily add an extra 20 to 30 minutes.

Native huckleberry plants thrive within the 241-acre preserve, which offers ideal soil conditions and a cool climate tempered by coastal fog. Within the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve, the Interpretive Loop Trail is a 1.7-mile hiking trail that traverses mostly shaded terrain, including a bay forest.

Tips: Stay on the upper trail for a more moderate walk. Visitors are allowed to pick berries from huckleberry plants along the trail.

Although Woodside has the look of a Gold Rush-era country town, it is actually a wealthy Silicon Valley residential community and suburb of San Francisco (just 30 miles away). From San Francisco, it's an easy 30-minute drive on Highway 280 past a picturesque stretch of rolling hills and the Crystal Springs Reservoir.

The town itself is quite small but has several notable restaurants, including The Village Pub which boasts a Michelin star; The Little Store Restaurant in a historic roadside stand; and Alice's Restaurant, a famous hikers' and motorcyclists' hangout located deep in the redwood forest that surrounds the center of Woodside.

Another dining destination in Woodside's lush redwood forest, The Mountain House is a cozy family-owned restaurant in a historic cabin. This is a great place to enjoy a meal after hiking at the nearby Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve .

Other places to go hiking in Woodside include Wunderlich Park , which features hillside trails that traverse redwood forest, oak groves, and meadows; and Huddart Park , a majestic environment of coastal redwoods and babbling streams.

Neighboring Woodside is Portola Valley , another upscale Silicon Valley suburb that feels like a rural escape. Outdoorsy types will enjoy the hiking opportunities at Windy Hill Preserve and Shady Trail.

Rossotti's Alpine Inn is the place to go for casual dining in Portola Valley. The Old West-style building has housed a tavern restaurant since 1852 and still treats guests to an inviting ambiance and hearty meals. The restaurant features outdoor seating in a tranquil setting next to Los Trancos Creek.

If you want to extend the day trip and spend the night, luxurious accommodations can be found at Canyon Ranch Woodside , which is considered one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the United States .

For anyone who likes quaint towns and boutique shopping, Los Gatos is a worthwhile day trip from San Francisco. Centering around Old Town Plaza , the historic downtown is a lovely place to take a relaxing stroll for the afternoon.

The town has the feel of a retreat in the country, thanks to its secluded location tucked away behind the forested Santa Cruz Mountains. As much of an attraction as the town, the spectacular natural surroundings offer inspiring scenery for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Just a 10-minute (three-mile) drive from Los Gatos is Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve, a 1,430-acre redwood forest with meandering creeks and expansive mountain views. Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve has six miles of hiking and equestrian trails.

Another popular recreation area, Castle Rock State Park (about a 30-minute drive from downtown Los Gatos) is perched on one of the highest ridges in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Castle Rock State Park features 34 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and backpacking. Rock climbers can take on the challenge of the park's rocks and caverns.

Getting there : The only efficient way to get to Los Gatos from San Francisco is by car. The drive from San Francisco takes about 1 hour. Public transportation options require too many connections to make it worth the effort.

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The best things to do in San Francisco right now

From Mission burrito joints to laid-back wine bars, here are the best things to do in San Francisco right now.

With its stunning Victorian architecture, world-famous bridge and sweat-inducing hills that reward wtih sweeping views, San Francisco’s seven-by-seven mile radius is packed with sights, sounds, tastes and experiences that you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere on the map.

With  one of the world’s best dining scenes , endless  natural beauty and eccentric culture, there’s a reason so many leave their heart in this gem of a town. While the go-to city attractions, like the  Golden Gate Bridge  and  Alcatraz  are worth a visit, the best local experiences take place when you go well beyond major attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf (trust us.)

From sipping cocktails in a sky-high historic bar with 360 views to  eating burritos  in the Mission to hanging out on a sunny day at Dolores Park , this list of the 50 best things to do in SF will give you a true taste of this beautifully unique city. Just don’t forget your jacket. 

🎨  The best museums in San Francisco 🛏️  The best Airbnbs in San Francisco 🏨  The best hotels in San Francisco

This guide was updated by San Francisco-based writer Clara Hogan . At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best things to do in San Francisco

1.  golden gate bridge.

• Things to do

What is it?  The world’s most photographed bridge (and for good reason). 

Why go?  The iconic 746-foot-tall orange towers of the Golden Gate Bridge have stood sentinel over the San Francisco Bay since 1937. Even when shrouded in fog, the bridge never fails to impress. The view is spectacular when passing over this span, with cityscapes on one side, nature on the other, and a beautiful shock of blue below. Come prepared wearing extra layers; Karl the Fog doesn’t mess around when it comes to the Golden Gate. 

2.  Presidio Tunnel Tops

What is it:  An expansive new park  opened in 2022  on  top of the Presidio Parkway highway tunnels,  connecting the Presidio to the Crissy Field waterfront—designed by the same people behind New York's High Line. 

Why go:   The 14-acre federal parkland offers tons of green space by the water and is now  one of the best spots to take in views of the  Golden Gate Bridge . If you have kids in tow, they'll love the Outpost, a natural-themed playground, and the Field Station, where they can draw butterflies, discover maps and get hands-on with science.

3.  Alcatraz

• Walks and tours
• San Francisco

What is it? A former maximum-security prison in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. 

Why go? Converted from a lighthouse station to a military prison in the 1870s, Alcatraz  is a formidable fortress in the middle of San Francisco Bay that was home to the early 20th century’s most notorious criminals. Today, you’ll only make it to “The Rock” via ferry from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. Once there, the self-guided audio cell house tour narrated by former inmates and guards will fill you in on harrowing escape attempts, prison riots and the 19-month-long occupation of the site by Native Americans demanding reparation for broken treaties in 1969. 

Don’t miss: To get a more creepy bang for your buck, try a night tour. Plan to spend about three hours round trip and bring a jacket to protect you from heavy year-round fog and the agonized spirits of the island’s former residents. 

4.  Rooftop bar hopping

What is it?  Take in sweeping views of San Francisco and the bay with a craft cocktail in hand.

Why go? Rooftop bars  used to be hard to come by in the city—until recently. The past few years have brought a series of sky-high venues that are now some of the hottest places to drink in town. Personal favorites include the recently reopened Starlite , a nearly 100-year-old cocktail bar on the 21st floor of the Beacon Grand Hotel. Other hot spots include  Cavaña , a Latin American-inspired bar in Mission Bay, and Rise Over Run , a lush drinking destination on the top floor of the LINE Hotel.

5.  Ferry Building Marketplace

What is it?  San Francisco’s largest farmers’ market and beloved permanent home for local artisan producers. 

Why go?  Waiting inside the historic Ferry Building are merchants like Dandelion Chocolate and Fort Point Beer Co., but for three days a week, the real action is found outdoors. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 2pm, and Saturdays from 8am until 2pm, regional farmers and ranchers converge to hock fresh veggies, flowers, meats, and other small-batch beauties. On market days, the food stalls give indoor brick-and-mortar restaurants a serious run for their money.

6.  PIER 39 + Fisherman’s Wharf

• Fisherman's Wharf

What is it? Where you can   see a plethora of playful, barking California sea lions. 

Why go?  It wasn’t until after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that sea lions began “hauling out” on K dock at Pier 39 . Why they chose this location is a mystery, but the protected bay, teeming with the fish and squid pinnipeds prefer, has kept them coming back for 30 years. Watch the group, mostly made up of younger males, frolic all year long from the wooden walkway behind Pier 39.    

7.  North Beach

What is it? Dubbed San Francisco's "Little Italy," North Beach is one of San Francisco's oldest and most loved neighborhoods.

Why go?  With European-style cafe seating, iconic bookstore City Lights , and buzzy coffee shops, a day in North Beach is a day well spent. Dine at Italian-American classics like Original Joe's  (open for more than 100 years), Tony's Pizza Napoletana or  Café Zoetrope .

Don't miss:  Stop by for a glass of wine or two at  Waystone , a delightfully unpretentious wine bar that's quickly become a local favorite. 

8.  Have a spa day

What is it?  Unwind at one of the city's best day spas.

Why go?  San Francisco has a spa for everyone. Looking to splurge? Book a treatment at the Bamford Wellness Spa , followed by an outdoor bath soak on the rooftop terrace. Looking for more amenities? Head to the more approachable  Burke Williams Day Spa , which features a large selection of treatments in addition to a jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. Up for experiencing something new—with a side of nudity?  Archimedes Banya  is a massive co-ed bathhouse that blends wellness rituals from around the world. 

Don't miss:  A quick pop-in for a foot rub at one of the many Chinatown massage shops.

9.  Grab a drink at the historic Starlite

What is it?  If you’re looking to get a taste of San Francisco’s past—with a great view to boot—head to the Starlite located on the 21st floor of the historic Beacon Grand Hotel (formerly the Sir Francis Drake.)

Why go?  When the first iteration of the hotel bar opened in the 1940s, it was a place to see and be seen, and it continued to entertain guests eager to take in the city skyline, drink in hand, for years to come. After closing in 2021, the bar just reopened in 2024 with a modern look and revamped cocktail and food menus from bar connoisseur Scott Baird and Michelin-awarded Chef Johnny Spero. Visit on a Sunday when DJs spin tunes through sundown.

Don’t miss:  Arrive before sunset to watch the skyline—and the mood at the bar—shift from day to night. 

10.  Treat yourself to a fancy dinner

What is it?  After the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars, San Francisco may be most famous for its incredible restaurant scene. 

Why go?  Book a reservation at one of San Francisco's many Michelin-starred restaurants  for a dining experience that's sure to blow you away—including the city's newest star earners,  Aphotic and Nari . If you're looking for a memorable prix fixe experience without shelling out a small fortune, try newcomer 7 Adams , which offers a five-course tasting menu for under $100 Michelin-starred chef David Fisher and partner Chef Serena Chow Fisher.

11.  Chinatown

What is it?  The oldest and most storied enclave of Chinese immigrants outside of Asia.

Why go?  After passing through the Dragon Gate at the corner of Bush Street and Grant Avenue, get revved to explore Chinatown 's historic buildings, pocket parks and shops. Considered the birthplace of American Chinese food like chop suey and fortune cookies, as well as credited with introducing dim sum to the Western palate, you'd be remiss not to stop for a bite at an eatery like Good Mong Kok Bakery .

Don’t miss:  The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory  (56 Ross Alley) , where some 20,000 fortune cookies are made every day—folded by hand as they come off an ancient-looking cookie conveyor belt.

12.  Mission burritos

What is it?  SF’s quintessential dish. 

Why go?  It is common knowledge that burritos, as we know them today, are an American invention. And no burrito is more famous than SF’s Mission-style burrito formed in the '60s. There is still some debate as to who created the first Mission-style burrito.  Taqueria La Cumbre  is generally credited with the creation—they introduced the tortilla-wrapped combination of beans, rice, meat, and cheese in 1969. Their neighborhood competitor,  El Faro  (2399 Folsom St) , also claims to have originated the delicacy, serving it up to local firefighters as early as 1961. If you want the best, though, head to  La Taqueria (2989 Mission St), which consistently appears on top restaurant lists year after year thanks to its behemoth, rice-free foil-wrapped bombs.

13.  Golden Gate Park

• Golden Gate Park

What is it?  Twenty percent larger than New York’s Central Park and just as iconic, Golden Gate Park is 1,000-plus acres of rolling hills, groves of trees, gardens, and hidden treasures. 

Why go? Golden Gate Park  houses some of San Francisco’s most beloved institutions—the Victorian-era glass-ensconced Conservatory of Flowers, the de Young Fine Arts Museum and the Academy of Sciences, among them—as well as less famous attractions such as the bison paddock, Shakespeare’s Garden and the north and south windmills. On Sundays, the main drive is closed to cars. Bicyclists, rollerskaters, and eager Lindy Hop aficionados take over the streets. 

Don’t miss:  Snacks can be found throughout the park, but for a meal, the  Beach Chalet  and  Park Chalet  on the park’s western edge offer lovely views and house-brewed beer.

14.  Lombard Street

What is it? One of the most famous sights in the city is  Lombard Street , also known as the "Crookedest Street in San Francisco."

Why go? The zig-zag road makes eight sharp turns across Russian Hill—start at the top for a great view and walk down the steps to take in the surrounding mansions and gaze upward. Or if you have a car, you can try the drive for yourself. Tip: The Hyde Street cable car will drop you off at the top of the street.

15.  The Painted Ladies

• Alamo Square

What is it?  Colorful Victorian and Edwardian houses, many of which feature three or more colors. 

Why go?  The most famous ones—there are hundreds of houses—can be found in NoPa, the Lower Haight, Haight-Ashbury, and Cole Valley neighborhoods. But there’s one row, in particular, so iconic that it’s simply referred to as “the Painted Ladies” (or sometimes “Postcard Row”): the houses of 710-720 Steiner Street at the corner of Hayes Street. These gals have appeared in an estimated 70 movies, ads, and TV shows, including, yes,  Full House . You can’t enter the Painted Ladies (real people live there), but you can get a great view and a photo of your own from the east-facing hillside of Alamo Square across the street. 

16.  Dolores Park

What is it?  Once a Jewish cemetery, today Dolores Park is one of San Francisco’s favorite warm-weather destinations.

Why go?  It may be miles from the ocean, but sunny Mission Dolores Park might just be the most popular “beach” in San Francisco. Any weekend above 60 degrees and every green inch of the park is guaranteed to be packed with barbecues, locals lounging on inflatable couches, hula-hoopers, and tightrope walkers. Recently expanded restrooms and an updated playground for little ones make the convergence a little more comfortable. The southwest slope offers the best views of the downtown skyline and a variety of manscaping on what is known as the “Fruit Shelf.”

17.  Palace of Fine Arts

• Event spaces
• Marina District

What is it? Local architect Bernard Maybeck's pièce de résistance, this Greco-Roman rotunda is one of the only surviving structures from the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Why go? You will feel like you have stepped onto a movie set watching the swans skim across the reflections of the Greco-Roman columns and rotunda of the Palace of Fine Arts . Originally constructed of wood and burlap for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition, the structures were so beloved they were preserved and rebuilt in the 1960s. Bonus: The Palace is an easy, descending walk from the also-picturesque Lyon Street Steps.

18.  Daily Driver

What is it?  The city's first urban creamery, where you can see butter, cream cheese and cheese made fresh daily. 

Why go? A perfect first stop in your day's activities, Daily Driver offers wood-fired bagels paired with its hand-batted organic butter and cream cheese, plus small batch coffee. Gobble down your bagel, and then watch the butter and cheese making in action. You can even take more to go. 

19.  City Lights Bookstore

• price 2 of 4

What is it?  For more than 70 years, City Lights bookstore has been a beacon of free speech and radical ideas. 

Why go?  Co-founded in 1953 by poet-artist Lawrence Ferlinghetti, City Lights is where Allen Ginsberg’s  Howl & Other Poems  was first published, putting the Beat Generation on the map. The creaky wooden shop and publishing house is still a center of progressive politics and indie-literary voices, which it stocks alongside a huge inventory of new and used fiction and nonfiction.

Don’t miss:  You’ll find the shop on the corner of Jack Kerouac Alley (so named after being renovated and reopened to the public in 2007) and across from  Vesuvio Cafe , the bar where Kerouac, Neal Cassady and other Beat heavyweights once held court. 

20.  San Francisco Botanical Garden

What is it?  Seasonal blooms bring new life and color to this beautiful garden. 

Why go?  The eight-decade-old San Francisco Botanical Garden sprawls across 55 acres in Golden Gate Park. While the native plants are plentiful, it's known for its assortment of flora from around the world, including the forests of Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia. The garden claims the fourth most significant collection of magnolias on the planet. Wander amid mosaic-paved trails and stone-laden paths, and you'll find the ancient plant garden, a quiet redwood grove, the rhododendron garden, and the dwarf conifer pond.

Don't miss:  One of the most popular areas is the Garden of Fragrance, where plaques encourage visitors to sniff sweet-smelling plants like cascading rosemary, rockrose, lemon verbena, chamomile, and lavender.   

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30 Breathtaking Day Trips From San Francisco To Seek Out This Summer

From small coastal towns to scenic waterfall hikes , we're extremely well-located to enjoy some of the best day trips from San Francisco. Read on for inspiration!

Anytime there’s a long weekend or holiday , we’re quite well-located to check out some wonderful Bay Area escapes. Be sure to put these essential day trips from San Francisco on your to-do list for the next time you want to get out of the city. And don’t forget to scroll all the way to the bottom, where you’ll find a helpful map showing exactly where each of these awesome spots is located.

If you’re seeking out day trips from San Francisco without a car, we’ve included some options via public transportation. Read our list of train trips from SF for more ideas.

1. Marin Headlands

The Marin Headlands is one of the most accessible places for a day trip from San Francisco, offering a wealth of sights and areas to explore. It’s home to beaches, bunkers, the Marine Mammal Center , the historic Point Bonita Lighthouse , and a former nuclear missile launcher, to name a few.

🚗  By car: 20 minutes from San Francisco

🚌 By public transportation : You can take the 130 bus to Sausalito (30 minute ride from Civic Center) and reach nearby viewpoints by hiking or walking.

2. UC Berkeley campus

Travel + Leisure recently released their list of the  best college towns and cities in the US, and Berkeley is the only California city to make the cut! The magazine references Berkeley’s “energized activist scene” and “plentiful green spaces” as places where students can learn both inside the classroom and out. The campus is open to the public, meaning that anyone can take a peek into the many of the historic university’s libraries and campus buildings or have a picnic on the lawn. Not to mention local gems like the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA ) and some world-famous restaurants.

🚌 By public transportation : Take the red Richmond BART line to Berkeley (30 minute ride from Embarcadero Station)

3. Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve is a popular hiking destination in Oakland, but it might have flown under the radar for those living in other parts of the Bay. The stunning landscape was born from volcanic activity in the region, and you can hike right to the center of where the volcano use to be. Over the years, visitors have also made large labyrinths using rocks from the surrounding landscape, similar to the famous one at Lands End.

4. Devil’s Slide

Devil’s Slide  is the name given to a small area of coastline between Pacifica and Montara, which once held a landslide-prone section of Highway 1. After its construction in 1935, the road was frequently damaged during winter storms and had to be closed and repaired multiple times. Eventually in 2013, CalTrans diverted the highway into the Tom Lantos Tunnels and converted the decommissioned roadway into a pedestrian- and bike-only zone.

🚗  By car: 25 minutes from San Francisco

5. Gerbode Valley

Gerbode Valley is an absolutely spectacular place to go hiking, and it takes less than half an hour to get there. If you’re looking for a challenging hike, be sure to try the Gerbode Valley Loop Trail. With 900 feet of climbing, you’ll work up a sweat while enjoying expansive views of the surrounding greenery.

6. Filoli Estate & Gardens

If you haven’t heard of Filoli, you have got to add this spectacular historical estate to your list, as it’s one of the best day trips to take from San Francisco. The Filoli property covers 654 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The house and garden themselves cover 16 immaculate acres, having been beautifully maintained for over a century.

Filoli’s gardens are unique in that they bloom all year round , thanks to seasonal planting and carefully planned maintenance by the estate’s 14 full-time horticulturalists. Over  75,000 spring bulbs  are planted each year.

🚗  By car: 30 minutes from San Francisco

7. Angel Island

Angel Island is famous for having been a quarantine facility, a military base, an immigration facility, and more. Despite its tumultuous history (this is where the US enforced the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882), it is now a picturesque State Park and a California Historical Landmark. You can reach Angel Island via ferry from Pier 41 and even rent a bike on the island to take a spin around the 5.9-mile Perimeter Loop. Stop by the Immigration Station for a self-guided museum visit.

Visitors can reserve campsites on Angel Island 6 months in advance, and they fill up very quickly. The island has 10 campsites scattered throughout, all of which are a 1-2 mile walk from the ferry landing.

⛴️ By ferry : Take the AISF ferry (30 minute ride from the Ferry Building)

8. Pulgas Water Temple

The Bay Area is home to some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, but even locals may not know about the  Pulgas Water Temple , a tranquil monument and reflecting pool in the countryside of Redwood City. San Francisco built this monument back in 1938 to celebrate the engineering marvel that carried water from the Sierra Nevada mountains on a 160-mile journey to the Bay. Only 2 other such water temples exist in the United States.

9. Sausalito

The breathtaking city of Sausalito recalls Italy’s Amalfi Coast with its  hillside of colorful houses seemingly stacked on top of each other. The city is famous for its lovely community of floating houseboats on the waterfront. Some great places to eat near the ferry terminal include Bar Bocce, which has a private beach and waterfront bocce courts, and The Trident, where plenty of rockstars have partied including Janis Joplin and Fleetwood Mac. If you’re an animal lover, consider taking a guided tour at the Marine Mammal Center , which is the world’s largest marine mammal hospital.

⛴️ By ferry: Take the SSSF ferry (30 minute ride from the Ferry Building)

🚌 By public transportation : Take the 130 bus to Sausalito (30 minute ride from Civic Center)

10. Muir Woods

We’re extremely lucky to live so close to the largest and tallest trees in the world . If you don’t make it out to see them once in a while, then what are you doing in California? These old-growth coastal redwoods are breathtaking, and most have been there between 600 and 800 years.

🚗  By car: 40 minutes from San Francisco

🚌 By public transportation : Take the 130 bus to Marin City Hub (55 minutes from Civic Center), and the 61 bus to Panoramic Hwy & Sequoia Valley Rd (30 minutes). From there the visitor’s center is about a 1.4 mile walk/hike.

11. Apple Park Visitor Center

If you’re an avid Apple fan, consider paying a visit to the  Apple Park Visitor Center  in Cupertino for the ultimate Apple Store experience. The beautiful two-story building is the only part of Apple’s massive campus that’s open to the public, and it makes for an interesting peek into life for the highest echelon of Silicon Valley.

🚗  By car: 50 minutes from San Francisco

12. Mount Tamalpais

Mount Tamalpais State Park is a gorgeous hiking destination just an hour outside of the city. Cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge and you’ll find panoramic views, grassy meadows, and magical forests in this captivating park with plenty of rolling hills and trails for hiking.

🚗  By car: 1 hour from San Francisco

13. Cataract Falls

Marin County is home to some of the best hikes in the Bay Area, and Cataract Falls doesn’t disappoint. The entire hiking route is dotted with cascading waterfalls, so you’ll make a new discovery around every corner, which is why it’s one of the most popular hikes to do in Marin.

14. Winchester Mystery House

This famous home was owned by Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester, who continuously renovated and added onto the mansion for decades. The sprawling building measures 24,000 square feet and is full of bizarre twists and turns, hidden doors, and staircases that lead to nowhere. Visit for a good scare or a fun lesson in local history.

15. Bolinas

Bolinas is an eclectic little town on the  western edge of Marin County  with a thriving art scene, historic buildings, and unbeatable panoramic ocean views. If it’s the outdoors you seek,  Bolinas Beach  is a popular spot for beginner and intermediate surfers, or you can hike out to nearby  Alamere Falls to see the rare phenomenon of a waterfall flowing directly onto the beach. Grab a meal at Coast Cafe, which has exellent fresh seafood, or Smiley’s Schooner Saloon, which claims to be the oldest continually operating saloon on the West Coast.

🚌 By public transportation : Take the 130 bus to Marin City Hub (55 minutes from Civic Center), and the 61 bus to Brighton Ave & Wharf Road (1 hour and 15 minutes). 

There’s so much to explore in wine country and Sonoma is a great option if you want to be a bit closer to SF. Tour one of the county’s 425 wineries dotted throughout the rolling CA landscape, go for a scenic hike along the coast or in the redwoods, or amp up the luxury with a 5-star spa day.

🚌 By public transportation : Take the 101 bus to Copeland St in Petaluma (1.5 hours from Civic Center), and then the 40 bus to Sonoma Plaza (40 minutes)

17. Napa Valley

Wine country is a major draw for anyone traveling in California, and it’s hard to beat the allure of Napa Valley. Of course most visitors go for wine tasting across the region’s  400+ wineries , which is a treat in and of itself. But you can enjoy plenty of variations on the wine tasting experience whether you want to squeeze in a  bike tour, hot air balloon ride, spa day, concert, gallery visit, or shopping spree . One of the most unique destinations in Napa Valley is Castello di Amorosa  in Calistoga, an authentically-styled  13th century Tuscan castle where you can enjoy spectacular hand-crafted Italian-style wines. It’s also worth spending an afternoon at Oxbow Public Market , a  40,000-square-foot marketplace  in downtown Napa with excellent local vendors and seating along the Napa River.

🚗  By car: 1 hour and 10 minutes from San Francisco

18. Alamere Falls

This long hiking route in Point Reyes is extremely popular for its breathtaking view of the falls at the end, but be prepared for a long day of trekking to reach the dramatic  40-foot cascade . Bear in mind that you’ll need to time your hike with low tide in order to view the falls safely, and the NPS recommends printing a map from their website or picking one up at the visitor center.

🚗  By car: 1 hour and 15 minutes from San Francisco

19. Inverness Shipwreck

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photographer, or just a fan of cool, old things, you should check out this old boat up the coast from the City. The S.S. Point Reyes is an old abandoned fishing boat that’s been stranded on a sand bar in Inverness for several decades. There’s a dirt trail that takes you near it, and even a small picnic area, but depending on the water level that day, it may be more or less difficult to see it up close. Bring your best waterproof shoes and be sure to take pictures of this awesome Inverness shipwreck!

🚌 By public transportation : Take the 101 bus to the San Rafael Transit Center (50 minutes from Civic Center), and the 68 bus to Inverness (1 hour and 20 minutes)

20. Wilder Ranch

Wilder Ranch State Park , just a few minutes south of Davenport, is a 7,000 acre ranch from the late 1800s converted into a museum and nature preserve. This historic site sits along the Santa Cruz County coastline and is home to spectacular views, hikes, sea caves, and wildlife.

🚗  By car: 1 hour and 30 minutes from San Francisco

21. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been entertaining generations of Californians for decades since it was founded in 1907, making it the oldest amusement park in California . Easily its most famous ride is the Giant Dipper , a legendary wooden roller coaster with amazing views of the beach and a fascinating history. The property itself is a California Historic Landmark, and both the Giant Dipper roller coaster and the Looff Carousel have national landmark status. If you visit in the summer, you’re in for a treat with free concerts and performances through August.

🚌 By public transportation : Take Caltrain L5 to San Jose (1 hour and 15 minutes from San Francisco Station), and the 17 bus line to Santa Cruz (1 hour) 

22. Castello di Amorosa

Castello di Amorosa  in Calistoga is one of Napa’s most unique wineries, in that it’s styled to emulate a Tuscan castle from the 13th century . The structure took 15 years to build, employing various medieval designs and construction techniques. It includes 5 defensive towers with battlements, 107 rooms, handmade antique bricks from Europe, hand-painted frescoes, and more. You’ll feel entirely transported to the Italian countryside , with a little help from their spectacular hand-crafted Italian-style wines.

23. The Birds filming locations

Alfred Hitchcock’s  The Birds  (1963), starring Tippi Hedren and Rod Taylor, is the famous director’s first horror film and perhaps one of the most industry-defining films in history. It was filmed just up the coast in the towns of  Bodega and Bodega Bay in Sonoma County, making it just an hour-and-a-half drive from San Francisco. Whether you’re a film buff in the mood for a road trip, or you’re just a fan of quaint coastal towns and beautiful views, these iconic places are worth putting on your radar.

24. Capitola

One of California’s most iconic hidden gems is the tiny beach town of Capitola in Santa Cruz County. It’s best known for Capitola Village , a quaint neighborhood of multicolored homes, hole-in-the-wall shops, and fun restaurants right on the water — but you can’t go wrong with a stroll slightly out-of-bounds at Pleasure Point to watch the surfers or some window shopping on 41st Avenue.

25. Davenport

You might recognize Davenport’s  Shark Fin Cove , whose iconic fin-shaped rock makes for a one-of-a-kind landmark on Highway 1. Neighboring Davenport Beach is popular place to hunt for sea glass because of its proximity to Lundberg Studios, whose discarded blown-glass trimmings were knocked into the sea during a storm many decades ago. As a result, thousands of pieces of colorful glass have tumbled in the waves for centuries, and you can catch professional beachcombers seeking the highly-coveted sea glass in full wetsuits. You’ll also want to look for the Davenport Jail, a one-room jailhouse from 1914; the abandoned Davenport Pier, which is a photographer’s dream; and the Whale City Bakery, a lauded NorCal institution with mouthwatering pastries.

26. Carmel-By-The-Sea

One of California’s most whimsical hidden gems is the small beach city of Carmel-by-the-Sea (or Carmel for short), known for its collection of quaint fairy tale cottages . Peek into these neighborhoods for a world that’s not quite our own, where storybook illustrations are rendered into reality among breezy seaside surroundings.

🚗  By car: 2 hours from San Francisco

27. Pinnacles National Park

Volcanic eruptions created this unique national park south of San Francisco. With over 30 miles of trails , it’s a great spot to keep going back to. You can do a strenuous hike that takes you through rocky terrain, or an easy walk through the grasslands. There are also opportunities for rock climbing, bird watching, and camping.

🚗  By car: 2 hours and 15 minutes from San Francisco

28. Calla Lily Valley

One of Big Sur’s lesser-known elements is Calla Lily Valley  at Garrapata Beach, which becomes overtaken with hundreds of blooming white calla lilies every year. If you can manage to catch them in bloom between January and April , you’re in for a real treat. While you’re at it, make a stop at nearby McWay Falls or Carmel-By-The-Sea.

29. Amador City

Did you know that the smallest city in California lies just a little outside of the Bay Area? Amador City is the state’s smallest city by land area at  0.3 square miles with a population of 201 . It’s located past Sacramento off of Old Highway 49 and takes about two hours to reach by car from San Francisco. As “California’s smallest hometown,” it’s an interesting piece of Gold Rush history that’s often overlooked by daytrippers passing through the region.

30. Big Sur

If you’re planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, then you’ll undoubtedly be heading to one of the most recognizable coastal waterfalls in the world. McWay Falls in Big Sur may be incredibly popular, but it’s for good reason. Onlookers will be able to view the 80-foot fall plunging from the granite cliff into the Pacific below. The beach, Saddle Rock and Mcway Falls within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are strictly off-limits, but the panoramic views from the Overlook Trail and higher elevations along the trails east of Highway 1 will take your breath away.

🚗  By car: 3 hours from San Francisco

From picturesque destinations just across the Golden Gate Bridge to all-day escapes south of Santa Cruz, we love these Bay Area day trips for a chance to appreciate the spectrum of unique hidden gems dotted around our home. How many have you visited?

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San Francisco Attractions: 25 Must-See During Your Stay

by Jill Loeffler   •

San Francisco attractions range from the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge to the infamous prison on Alcatraz Island.

The city is also known for its colorful Painted Ladies of Alamo Square, historic cable cars, and one of the crookedest streets in the world, Lombard Street.

Other highlights on my list of the top 25 places to visit in San Francisco include some of our top districts, such as Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Haight-Asbury neighborhood.

Read on for details about each one, including my insider tips on what to expect from each one during your stay.

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

1. Alcatraz Island

One of the top San Francisco attractions is Alcatraz Island, a former federal prison that offers daily tours to visitors.

This old prison complex opened in the mid-1850s as a US military fort. In the early 1900s, it was a military prison and then a maximum-security federal prison from 1934 to 1963. 

In 1973, the island opened to the public for tours.

You will recognize many prisoners who served time on "The Rock," including  Al Capone ,  Robert Stroud  (the Birdman of Alcatraz), and  Machine Gun Kelly .

Each ticket to visit Alcatraz includes a ferry ride to and from the island (the only way to get here), a self-guided audio tour of the main prison building, and a chance to explore several other buildings while you are there.

I typically spend anywhere from two to three hours on the island  unless I'm on the Behind the Scenes tour, which lasts about four to five hours.

I also recommend getting tickets so your trip leaves as early as possible since you want to have as much time as possible to see the whole island.

Three Tour Options to Visit Alcatraz

• Day Tour : This tour runs throughout the day and is the most popular option. 
• Night Tour : This is my favorite as you get to visit in the evening when more areas of the island are open. It's also less crowded.
• Behind the Scenes Tour : This is great for those who want to learn a lot about the island. It starts in the late afternoon and then merges with the Alcatraz Night Tour.

Recommended Alcatraz Combo Tours

You can also save on your visit by buying a combo tour.

These include tickets to Alcatraz as well as an additional tour or activity .

These are just some of my top picks.

• Alcatraz Tour + Hop On Hop Off Bus : Most popular Alcatraz combo ticket
• Alcatraz Tour + Bay Cruise : Great option for those wanting to see Alcatraz and cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge
• Alcatraz Tour + Muir Woods : See Alcatraz and our famous redwoods in one day

2. Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is another one of the iconic San Francisco attractions.

This 1.7-mile gem connects San Francisco with Marin County and points farther north.

Originally finished in 1937, this free attraction in San Francisco opens its doors daily to visitors.

The bridge's eastern side has a large sidewalk for pedestrians ( find my walking tips here ).

It opens just before sunrise each morning and closes after dark each night.

Before or after your walk on the bridge, check out the small museum on the southern San Francisco side.

You will learn a little more about the bridge, including some fun facts and history.

You will also find a gift shop, snack shop, and a small restaurant on the same side. 

>>  Discover my tips to visit

>>  Tips on the best places to take pictures of this beauty

Top Cruises to See the Golden Gate Bridge

• Golden Gate Bay Cruise : Most popular bay cruise, it runs several times a day, 60 minutes
• Bridge to Bridge Cruise : Offers a look at both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge, runs once a day, 90 minutes
• California Twilight Cruise : Runs in the early evening, cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge as the sun is setting

3. Cable Cars

Another one of the must-see (and must ride!) San Francisco tourist attractions are our historic cable cars.

These cars have been cruising around SF's streets since 1873 .

In the late 1800s, many wealthy SF residents were building or living on the top of some of our highest hills.

It was difficult for the horses and carriages to safely get up and down these hills.

That is why the city of San Francisco started to build cable car lines.

By 1889, we had eight cable car lines running through the city. 

Today, four lines are still running and they service three cable car routes .

Two of them run from Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square.

The third runs up California Street from the Financial District to Nob Hill.

SF Tourism Tip: If you are visiting for a few days, pick up a Muni Passport that allows you to ride public transportation, including the cable cars, all day for one set price.

>>  More about our cable cars and tips to ride them

>>  Learn all about the history of these rolling attractions at their designated museum

4. Twin Peaks

If you want some of the best views of downtown San Francisco and the surrounding areas, head to the top of Twin Peaks .

This outdoor, free SF attraction features two hills that tower 922 feet above sea level.

The two hills are located in the center of San Francisco, so that you can see from the SF Bay over to the Pacific Ocean.

You can also get great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

There are several viewing areas, so spend some time exploring for the best views.

>>  More tips to visit

>>  Additional free attractions in San Francisco

Don't want to visit on your own? This fun VW bus tour allows you the chance to see Twin Peaks and several other top SF attractions. It's a three-hour tour that includes stops at Coit Tower, Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, and more. 

What to Wear in SF by Month

Not sure what to pack for your San Francisco visit? Check out my recommendations for each month of the year!

5. SF Museum of Modern Art

The newly remodeled SF Museum of Modern Arts is one of the best places to visit in San Francisco for modern art lovers.

This top-rated museum is home to more than 30,000 art pieces , including photography, paintings, sculptures, and much more.

Some of the most well-known artists with pieces in their collection include Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Diego Rivera.

You will also find works from Alexander Calder, Clyfford Still, and John Baldessari.

The SF Museum of Modern Art is one of the top San Francisco tourist attractions, and you will find it in the South of Market (SOMA) district.

If you don't have time to visit the entire museum, stop by their lobby, as they have a few wonderful pieces on display that you can see for free.

The museum's architecture is also a work of art, so check it out.

>> Find tickets for your visit to the SF Museum of Modern Art

>>  More about the SF MOMA

6. Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is a free attraction in San Francisco's Marina District. 

During your visit here, you will get the chance to walk along the gorgeous outdoor paths, get a closer look at the details of its design, and take some wonderful pictures .

It's also one of my favorite places for a picnic or to spend time relaxing on the lawn.

You can stop by during the day or at night when its lights are on, and it's gorgeous.

It was built for the 1916 Panama Pacific Exposition, a momentous event that put SF back on the map after the devastating 1906 Earthquake and Fire.

It's the only one of the original structures from the event that is still standing.

The buildings for the expo were designed only to stay standing for a short time, so by the late 1950s, this building needed a significant amount of retrofitting so that it wouldn't be destroyed.

Because of that, the building was taken down to its frame and almost entirely rebuilt in 1965.

>>  Details about the Palace of Fine Arts and my tips to visit

7. Lombard Street

Have you heard about one of the "crookedest streets" in San Francisco ?

That would be the next on my list of top attractions in San Francisco, the crazy-cornered Lombard Street!

Lombard Street features eight hairpin turns , all within a one-block section between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets.

You can walk down its sidewalks, admire its gorgeous flowers, or take your turn SLOWLY driving down it.

The best views of this free SF attraction are from the bottom at Leavenworth and Lombard Streets.

If you plan to drive, arrive as early as you can in the morning as there is often an hour or longer wait to drive down it.

Want to experience Lombard Street in a unique way ? Check out this fun GoCar Tour that takes you down this popular street's twists and turns.

>> My tips for visiting Lombard Street

8. Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39

As you would guess, the most famous district in San Francisco is Fisherman's Wharf .

It's home to Pier 39, the Wax Museum, and our beautiful bay cruises.

In this waterfront district, you will also find the wonderful Ghirardelli Square, the Maritime Museum, and ferries to Alcatraz Island .

On Pier 39, you will find various fun things to do, including the 7D Experience, a mirror maze, and free kids shows.

Popular Things to Do in Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39

• Aquarium of the Bay : Engaging aquarium with a walk-through aquarium and lots of plants and animals from the SF Bay
• Sky Star Wheel : A temporary Ferris wheel along the SF waterfront
• 7D Experience : Top Pier 39 attraction that is part video game and part movie

It also has dozens of wonderful shops, restaurants, and San Francisco's famous sea lions . 

While some add this to their "do not visit list" because it can be busy and crowded, I always recommend it because it's the hub of many fun attractions, museums, and other activities.

>>  Get an overview of Fisherman's Wharf

>>  Find more details about Pier 39

9. California Academy of Sciences

Head over to Golden Gate Park to find one of the great kid and family-friendly San Francisco places to visit.

The California Academy of Sciences is four museums in one with a planetarium, a history museum, a 4-story rain forest (my favorite!), and an aquarium.

During your visit here, make sure to stop by and say "Hi" to Claude, the rare white alligator, and spend some time watching the penguins play (you can watch them eat at 10:30 am and 3 pm!). 

Best Ways to Experience the California Academy of Sciences

• Skip the Line Ticket : General admission ticket, most popular option and you can skip the ticket line when you arrive
• Thursday Nightlife : 21+ event, fun way to experience the Academy after dark with music, cocktails and more
• CityPASS : Discount card that includes admission to the museum and 3 other must-see SF attractions

I typically stay for at least 3 or 4 hours as there is SO much to see and do here. 

The California Academy of Sciences also offers special behind-the-scenes tours and an adult-only event most Thursday nights.

>>  Find my tips to visit the California Academy of Sciences

10. Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a 1,000+ acre man-made park on SF's western edge . Highlights include  the California Academy of Sciences, the Conservatory of Flowers, and the  Botanical Gardens .

You will also find the Japanese Tea Garden, Blue Heron Lake (formerly Stow Lake), and the de Young Museum of Fine Art.

Golden Gate Park is home to several beautiful gardens. It's one of my favorite places to run or head out for a long walk.

There are so many incredible San Francisco sights inside and so much beauty all around the park itself.

At the far western end of the park, you will also find the Beach Chalet, where you can grab a bite to eat as you admire the Pacific Ocean through its floor-to-ceiling windows.

This is also where you will find the Golden Gate Park Welcome Center, where you can pick up maps and find a full range of fun things to do.

>>  Best things to do in Golden Gate Park

11. Street Art & Murals

San Francisco is such a beautiful place to visit because we have more than 1,000 pieces of street art and murals .

You will find these beautiful pieces of art inside and out of many buildings around the city. 

The largest concentration of outdoor murals is found in SF's Mission District .

More and more pieces are also popping up in Chinatown and North Beach.

Some of the best indoor pieces include those by controversial artist Diego Rivera and inside attractions such as Coit Tower. 

No matter where you are in San Francisco, make sure to keep an eye out for our colorful street art and murals.

>> Learn about the Mission District's best murals (and food!) on this guided tour

>>  Overview of where to find the best street around around San Francisco

>>  Tips to find the best murals in the Mission District

Monthly Event Calendars

Are you looking for some additional fun things to do during your stay? Make sure to check out my calendars that showcase the best events each month.

12. Union Square

Next on my list of top San Francisco tourist attractions is Union Square .

Situated in the heart of downtown SF, this beautiful square and district offers so many fun things to do.

You can learn more about it on a free walking tour, or you can stroll around on your own as you shop the day away.

You will also find some great events inside Union Square , such as the famous Christmas tree that calls the square home throughout the holidays.

Union Square is also full of galleries and excellent restaurants .

It's also one of the most popular places to stay as it has a large number and variety of hotels as well as a great central location.

Just a few steps away, you will also find the Theater District, Chinatown, and the South of Market area (SOMA) which is home to some of our top museums.

>>  More about what there is to do in Union Square

13. Painted Ladies of Alamo Square

The Painted Ladies of Alamo Square have always been one of the top iconic San Francisco places to visit.

They became even more famous when they were featured during the opening credits of the TV show "Full House." 

Today, thousands of visitors swing by Alamo Square to admire their beauty.

The Painted Ladies of Alamo Square (also called the "Seven Sisters") are six identical Victorian houses all in a row.

The seventh painted lady sits on the northern side of the block and, although it looks different, is often included with the six identical houses.

Although you cannot step inside most of them for a visit ( one owner of the blue one does offer this tour of his home ), you can get great views of them across the street at Alamo Square.

You can also walk up to the top of the hill in the park for views of these Seven Sisters with a view of downtown San Francisco behind them.

You can get great photos from here.

Insider's Tip : The best time to visit the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square is in the afternoon. The front of the houses face west, and you will get the best pictures when the sun shines on them in the early to mid-afternoon.

>> My tips about visiting Alamo Square

>> History, details, and my photos of SF's best Painted Ladies

14. Chinatown

San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities outside of Asia.

The biggest draws to Chinatown are its inexpensive shops, fascinating history, and dim sum bakeries.

The district is spread over more than 24 square blocks and borders Union Square, Nob Hill, and North Beach.

Because its location is so central, the district gets thousands of visitors each year.

In fact, I've read that it gets more visitors than even #2 on my list, which is the Golden Gate Bridge!

The heart of this district and the most visited places are along or near Grant Avenue between Bush Street and Broadway.

Top Chinatown Tours

• Chinatown Food Walking Tour : 3-hour tour, a chance to sample five specialty foods, samples included in ticket price
• Chinatown & North Beach Food Tour : 4-hour tour, sample dim sum, coffee, and pizza, visit the fortune cookie factory
• Chinatown History Tour : 2-hour tour focuses on the history of this intriguing district

If you venture deeper into the district, you will find even better deals as this is where the locals shop.

In addition to shopping, you will find ancient temples, a history museum, and some delicious dim sum restaurants .

>>  What to see and do in Chinatown

>>  Where to find the Chinatown temples and my visiting tips

15. Exploratorium

Kids of all ages will love spending time at the Exploratorium.

It is often described as a hands-on science and human perception museum .

This expansive museum on SF's Piers 15 & 17 features exhibits on everything ranging from our famous local fog to human cells and more.

You can also learn more about light, sound, and human interactions.

While many of the exhibits are hands-on, you will also find many of them change constantly, so you will have a new experience every time you visit it.

>> Pick up your tickets in advance

>>  My tips to visit the Exploratorium

16. Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden is another highly rated San Francisco tourist spot. You will find it inside Golden Gate Park.

This five-acre attraction in San Francisco features well maintained walking paths, an  arched drum bridge, pagodas, and the Zen garden .

It opened in 1894 as part of a World's Fair and was called the California Midwinter International Exposition.

It has been expanded since it first opened and has continued to grow over the years as locals donate money, structures, and time to create the beautiful garden it is today.

I also love spending time in the tea house sipping on a drink and enjoying my surroundings.

>>  Pictures of and more details to visit the garden

17. Stairways of SF

One of the things that makes San Francisco unique is the number of staircases we have throughout the city .

The city has almost 50 named hills, and many of which have a few sets of stairs to get you to the top.

Some of the most popular are our mosaic stairs.

These include the  16th Avenue Tiled Stairs , the  Hidden Garden Steps , and the  Lincoln Park Staircase . 

Other well-traveled stairs include two sets that take you up to the top of Telegraph Hill, where you will find Coit Tower.

These are the  Filbert  and  Greenwich Steps . 

These unique places to visit in San Francisco will surely delight and also get your heart pumping.

>>  Find a list of my favorite staircases around SF

18. Oracle Park

Oracle Park is home to our San Francisco Giants baseball team . It's one of the best places to catch an MLB game. 

The stadium sits along the SF Bay with gorgeous views of the surrounding area.

Since there is a breeze off the water, it also stays cool and is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon or evening in San Francisco.

In addition to baseball games, you will also find a handful of large concerts here every year, and a free simulcast of a SF Opera performance each summer.

You can even sit on the field during this event and eat some delicious garlic fries.

If you want to know more about this beautiful ballpark, you can also get a behind-the-scenes look when you go on their popular ballpark tour .

The tour runs twice a day, every day except during a few black out days throughout the year.

On the tour, you will step inside a luxury suite, the clubhouse, and both dugouts.

You will also get to see the field from the warning track and the visitor's indoor batting cage.

>>  Find tickets for upcoming SF Giants games

>>  More about attending an SF Giants game at Oracle Park

19. Castro District

Our famous LGBTQ district, the Castro, is another must-see attraction in San Francisco .

There are many ways to explore this district, including taking a guided walking tour, visiting the GLBT museum, or just hanging out and spending some time checking out its unique shops . 

This district was transformed into one of the first gay districts in the US during the 1960s and 1970s.

As more families moved to the suburbs, the LGBT community saw this as the perfect place to call home.

One of the most famous residents in the Castro was Harvey Milk.

He was an outspoken gay political activist who was the first openly gay man to win a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

You might have seen the movie about him in the Castro.

>>  Tips to visit the Castro and the top things to see and do here

>> Learn more on this historical walking tour of the Castro

20. Angel Island

Escape the chaos of the city with a visit to the tranquil Angel Island. Top activities on the island include  hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities .

This is one of two San Francisco points of interest that require you to take a ferry if you want to visit them.

The other is the more famous or infamous Alcatraz Island.

Some of the old army and immigration buildings are also open to visitors . It's a great place to learn more about the island's history.

There are also guided tours and a place to rent bikes. 

Ferries leave for the island in the morning and return mid to late afternoon .

It's a complete day trip and a perfect addition to any itinerary.

>>  More about visiting Angel Island

21. Coit Tower

I'm sure you've seen photos of the tall, skinny, cream-colored tower  on the hill near North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf and wondered what it was.

It is the one-of-a-kind Coit Tower .

There are two draws to this San Francisco attraction: first is the historic murals on its first level .

They were added in the 1930s as part of the Public Works of Arts Project (PWAP).

They show life in San Francisco and California in the 1930s.

The second is the view from the top of Coit Tower .

You will never forget it since it has a 360-degree view of San Francisco.

Several small windows throughout the top floor allow you to see from the Golden Gate Bridge to cities on the other side of the SF Bay.

>>  More about visiting Coit Tower

22. de Young & Legion of Honor

I've added both as one (I know, it's cheating a little) because you only need one ticket to visit each of these museums.

The de Young and the Legion of Honor are known as the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco .

The de Young is just across the street from the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.

The de Young is home to a large collection of fine arts focused on the Americas, Africa, and Oceania .

You will find everything from photography to textiles.

The Legion of Honor is in SF's Lincoln Park near Lands End .

The fine art collection at the Legion of Honor is focused on ancient and European art .

Highlights in this museum include works by Auguste Rodin and Claude Monet, as well as an exciting piece by Pablo Picasso. 

You will want to make sure to plan your visit in advance because if you're going to enter both museums on one ticket, you must visit each on the same day.

>>  Tips to visit the de Young

>>  Tips to visit the Legion of Honor

23. Ghirardelli Square

You will find Ghirardelli Square in SF's Fisherman's Wharf district.

This old chocolate factory is home to Ghirardelli chocolate stores, boutique shops, and several restaurants .

It's a fun place to  shop, eat, and sample these famous chocolates .

If you walk around the square, you can also do some wine tasting, check out some art galleries, and soak in the views of the SF Bay.

One way to learn even more is to take a guided walking tour around the square and Fisherman's Wharf.

You will learn fun facts and a detailed history of this historic building.

>> Jump on the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour to visit this and other top SF attractions

>>  Things to do and see in Ghirardelli Square

24. Haight-Ashbury

Another famous and colorful district in San Francisco is the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood .

Often referred to as "The Haight," this district was a huge draw to artists and musicians in the 1950s and 60s.

It became internationally known in 1967 after its famous "Summer of Love" celebration.

Over the years, it's been home to people and bands such as The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and Jefferson Airplane.

It was also a short time home to Charles Manson and Patty Hearst (during her imprisonment).

Today, this lively district features dozens of shops, vintage & second-hand clothing stores, and restaurants .

You will also find Amoeba Records here, the world's largest independent music store.

You can also head out on walking tours to learn more and see the spots where this district's most famous events took place.

Several bus tours also make their way through the neighborhood on their way around SF.

>>  Tips to visit the Haight-Asbury District

>> Use the Hop On Hop Off Bus to easily get to this colorful SF district

25. The Presidio

The final item on my list of 25 must-see San Francisco sights is the Presidio.

This old army base is full of fun things to do .

My favorites include hiking the Coastal Trail, hanging out at Baker Beach, and checking out the Disney Museum .

Other top attractions include the National Cemetery, a golf course, and Fort Point National Historic Site.

You could spend all day here exploring this vast National Historic Landmark.

>>  Tips to visit the Presidio

>>  More on stopping by Baker Beach

>>  More about visiting the National Cemetery

More Fun Places to Visit in San Francisco

Family & kid friendly things to do.

Are you visiting with the entire family?

Here, you will discover lists of the best kid and family-friendly San Francisco tourist spots.

Highlights include the Aquarium of the Bay, the Randall Museum, and the Musee Mecanique .

You will find free things to do, museums, and activities for toddlers, teenagers, and more.

• Top Things to Do with Kids
• Free Activities
• Kids Museums
• Toddler Activities
• Teen Friendly Activities
• SF Bay Aquariums

More Fun SF Tourist Attractions

Hidden gems.

Are you looking for something a little different?

If so, then check out these hidden gems. You will find them all around San Francisco. 

They range from the colorful Diego Rivera frescos to a camera obscura at Ocean Beach.

Learn More : 25 Hidden Gems

Cheap Things to Do

If you are looking to stretch your budget further, check out some of these top cheap things to do in SF.

My list includes a variety of free activities as well as options that are less than $10.

The list includes San Francisco attractions, museums, and activities all around town.

More : Find my 25 favorite cheap things to do in SF

One Day in San Francisco

Are you planning a short stay in SF and want some of the best things to do?

These 10 San Francisco tourist attractions, tours, and museums will give you a wealth of ideas for your stay. 

They include visits to the most popular spots around town, and a few hidden gems for those returning for a second visit.

More : My list of 10 of the best things to do in 24 hours in SF

Popular SF Beaches

On a warm sunny day in the city, there is no better place than at one of these San Francisco beaches. 

Enjoy a picnic lunch or relax while taking in the views of the fantastic landscape around you.

These are some of the best San Francisco attractions on a sunny day!

>>   Tips to Visit SF's best beaches

>> Tips to visit Marshall's Beach

Indoor Activities

Are you ready to head indoors to warm up a bit?

If so, I have the list of the best San Francisco attractions and activities for you!

On my list of 25 indoor activities, you will find fun things to do, including visiting our top museums, enjoying some local wines, and exploring our historic attractions. 

More : Best Indoor Attractions, Museums, and Activities

Top Five Military History Sights

Do you love visiting military history sites and ships? You will find a list of SF's top five military history sites here.

The SF Bay Area has been a critical military area for hundreds of years. Several sites were built here to protect the area from potential attacks.

Read on to learn more about visiting these sites during your visit to SF.

Learn More : Military History Sites

San Francisco Activities

These 25 fun San Francisco activities will keep you going during your entire stay.

They include things to do, such as heading out on a cruise, visiting our hidden gems, or seeing a local sports team play.

More : Find a list of 25 of the best activities in SF

San Francisco Churches

SF has many historical and well-known churches throughout the city.

They range from the majestic Grace Cathedral in SF's Nob Hill neighborhood to the historic Mission San Francisco de Asis in the Mission District. Another famous one is Saints Peter and Paul Church in North Beach.

Here, you can learn more about them and even find some recommendations on where to celebrate on Sunday.

Learn More : SF Churches

San Francisco for Wine Lovers

If you love sampling wines, then check out my San Francisco for wine lover's insider's guide. It will give you all the information you need to know to sample some of SF's best wines.

Options range from tasting rooms for wines produced right in the city limits to fun wine-tasting tours up north to Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

Learn More : SF for Wine Lovers

10 Haunted SF Locations

Do you love ghost hunting or hearing the stories about SF's dark past?

If so, check out this list of 10 most haunted SF places.

This list only includes places open to the public, so you get the chance to check them out for yourself.

Learn More : Haunted SF

SF Cemeteries

If you love visiting old cemeteries, you will love what you find in San Francisco.

There are currently two historic cemeteries and two Columbariums open to the public.

All are free to visit, and a fun way to learn more about SF's past.

More : Where to Find and Tips to Visit SF's Cemeteries

25 Things You Probably Don't Know About SF

San Francisco is full of history and hidden gems.

There are also several fun and interesting facts about it that many people don't realize.

Do you know how many people live within the city limits?

Who are some of the most famous people born here?

What is unique about Al Capone's trip and arrival at Alcatraz?

Read on to find answers to these and other fun and exciting facts about SF.

Learn More : 25 Things You May Not Know About SF

Myths About SF

On this page, you will find 10 of SF's most common myths debunked.

Did anyone ever escape the "inescapable" Alcatraz Island? How often is the Golden Gate Bridge painted?

How much money did people make while panning for gold during the Gold Rush of 1849?

Visit my page to find answers to these and other top myths about SF.

Learn More : 10 Myths About San Francisco - Debunked!

San Francisco Attractions Holiday Schedule

Are you visiting on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, or New Year's Eve? Are you interested in visiting attractions during this time?

If so, click the link below for a full schedule for the significant SF attractions during the holidays.

My guide will help you plan your visits during your stay.

Learn More : SF Holiday Attraction Schedules

More San Francisco Attractions

• Diego Rivera Murals
• Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• Hua Zang Si
• Lyon Street Steps
• Minnesota Street Project  
• Mount Davidson

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group ! 

It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.

You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

Come join the fun here !

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60 Things to Do in San Francisco, California

Home | Travel | North America | United States | California | San Francisco | 60 Things to Do in San Francisco, California

There are many things to do in San Francisco and also many tourist attractions to visit in this city. We ended our US West Coast road trip here and, despite being tired after exploring for 10 days, I really enjoyed my stay in San Francisco.

The most unique thing about the city is that it is located in a bay. Unlike other large cities in the United States, its relaxed atmosphere makes you immediately feel at home. In addition, its good weather throughout the year means that there is always cool stuff to do in SF.

To help you plan your trip, I’ve summarized the most important places to visit in San Francisco in this article. However, before exploring on your own, I recommend you book a free tour to get to know San Francisco and discover its history.

If you also want to access some of the different paid attractions in the city during your visit, I recommend getting the San Francisco Explorer Pass , which will allow you to visit 3, 4, or 5 attractions for free out of the city’s 25 top attractions. You have to use this pass within 30 days of its activation. The San Francisco Go Card is great option since you can use it over a certain number of days, and it gives you access to 29 different attractions.

In the following section, you’ll find the 60 best places to visit in San Francisco .

1. Golden Gate Bridge, the most important attraction to visit in San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most important tourist attractions in San Francisco , as it’s the most iconic suspension bridge in the city and also very popular worldwide.

Its total length is 1.7 miles, while the hanging part has a length of 0.8 miles. In addition, the bridge is suspended at 220 feet high. All of this makes it one of the longest and tallest suspension bridges in the world.

Fun fact: the bridge is constantly undergoing maintenance. Its great length means that when painters finish painting it, they immediately have to start again at the opposite end.

To see and take good photos of the Golden Gate , I recommend the following five lookout points: Battery Spencer, Vista Point, Baker Beach, Fort Point, and Crissy Field.

2. Visit Alcatraz Prison, the best thing to do in San Francisco

The famous Alcatraz prison is one of the essential places to visit in San Francisco . It no longer functions as such and is now open to the public.

Alcatraz was a maximum-security prison where criminals who were considered very dangerous, such as Al Capone, George Kelly, and Robert Stroud (who tried to escape on fourteen occasions), did their time. In the entire history of Alcatraz, only Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers managed to swim away, although it is believed that they died from the low temperatures in the Pacific.

The visit to Alcatraz prison starts at Pier 33 of Fisherman’s Wharf.

3. Fisherman’s Wharf, the most popular neighborhood in San Francisco

Fisherman’s Wharf , built in 1853, was the first port in the city and, in its early days, one of the main ports in California.

Over time, the fishing industry abandoned this port and looked for other places instead. However, with the tourism boom, Fisherman’s Wharf was reborn and became one of the best places to visit in San Francisco, California .

The popular World War II submarine USS Pampanito , which sank 6 enemy ships and rescued 73 men, is at Pier 45.

In this neighborhood, there’s also Maritime National Historical Park , where you can see historical boats as well as visit a maritime museum, a library, and a research center.

4. Golden Gate Park, one of the greatest treasures to visit in SF

Golden Gate Park is even larger than Central Park in New York, making it difficult to walk all of it. To visit it, I recommend taking one of the minibuses that will take you around the entire park.

It’s one of my favorite places to visit in San Francisco since you can find everything here: a Dutch mill, wooded areas, a Japanese garden, Shakespeare’s garden, and a herd of American bison (brought here in 1891 to help this seriously endangered species breed).

In addition, there are also some important museums in the park, such as the California Academy of Sciences and the Young Museum .

5. Union Square, an important place to visit in San Francisco, California

Union Square is the most important square in the city and also the most popular shopping area to visit in San Francisco . It’s considered the heart of the city and is the perfect place for shopping, since several department stores are concentrated here. This is also a great spot to dine, since its restaurants are considered the best in the city, and to visit art galleries.

Although you can visit the square at any time of year, Union Square is even more beautiful at Christmastime because they have a large Christmas tree and an ice skating rink. Visiting Union Square is the best thing to do in San Fransciso at Christmastime .

6. Pier 39, the best place to see wild sea lions in San Francisco

Pier 39 is full of restaurants and shops so, in addition to being a meeting point for locals, it’s one of the main tourist attractions in San Francisco.

The most striking thing about this place is at K-Dock , where you can see sea lions practically all year round. However, the best time to see them is from late summer to late spring, as in June and July, most of them go south to breed.

This place used to be a working wharf, but the presence of these large marine mammals made it impossible for ships to dock. Ultimately, instead of removing the sea lions, they decided to move the boats to other docks.

In addition to the sea lions, you can get fantastic views of Alcatraz Island , Angel Island, and Golden Gate Bridge from Pier 39, making it an important tourist spot in San Francisco .

7. Lombard Street, the most beautiful street to visit in San Francisco

Visiting Lombard Street, located in the stretch between Leavenworth and Hyde Street, is something great to do in San Francisco, California . This street, due to its steep incline, has a total of 8 curves, and its entire route is decorated with flowers. It is considered one of the most beautiful streets in the city as well as the steepest and most famous.

When you see it, you won’t be able to stop yourself from taking at least a few photos of it, since that’s something that is very popular to do in San Francisco .

8. Take the cable car, great stuff to do in San Francisco

Taking one of the SF cable cars , which have been running since 1873, is something interesting to see and do in San Francisco.

In 1947, this form of transport was on the verge of disappearing, but the locals opposed it, and in 1964, the cable car was declared part of the National Historical Heritage. Today it is one of the main San Francisco sights .

The Powell-Hyde Cable Car is the most popular among tourists, as it covers several areas: Nob Hill, the Financial District, North Beach, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Russian Hill. If you want to see these areas from a different perspective, taking the cable car is something you have to do in San Francisco .

9. Silicon Valley, one of the best day trips in SF

There are several places to visit in and around San Francisco , but Silicon Valley is one that I consider essential because the headquarters of large technology companies, such as Google, Facebook and Apple, are located there.

9. Silicon Valley, one of the best excursions to do in SF

The best way to get to know Silicon Valley is by booking this tour in San Francisco. During this tour, which lasts about 90 minutes, the guide will share anecdotes about the many famous characters of the tech world.

Whether you’re a techie or not, I highly recommend this tour because it’s full of fun tidbits and is entertaining.

10. Exploratorium, a science museum you can’t miss in San Francisco

The Exploratorium , located on Pier 15, is one of the best things to do in San Francisco with kids . At this museum, visitors learn about aspects of science and art through interactive experience .

If you decide to visit the Exploratorium , you’ll be able to walk on a fog bridge, experience a tornado, look at yourself in a giant parabolic mirror, and enjoy more than 650 exhibits. In addition, this museum has a cafeteria, a restaurant, and some shops.

11. Presidio, a national park you must visit in San Francisco

Presidio is a park with many things to do in San Francisco . Its 1,500 hectares contain various walking or cycling routes, restaurants, and picnic and barbecue areas.

It has its own free transport system around the park, which functions every day of the week. In addition, it includes transfers to and from downtown San Francisco.

If you’re a Star Wars fan, the Presidio should be included on your list of essential places to see in San Francisco , since the Yoda Fountain is here at the Letterman Digital Arts Center within the park. There is also a life-size statue of Darth Vader .

12. Yosemite, the best-known national park in California

There are several places to visit in and around San Francisco , but if you can only go to one, make it Yosemite National Park .

To be honest, the reason we ended our road trip in San Francisco was because it’s the city with the closest international airport to Yosemite, one of the national parks we most wanted to visit on our trip.

Yosemite is nestled among the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is especially known for its gigantic old redwoods and its striking granite mountains, which have made Yosemite an iconic climbing spot worldwide. This national park was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.

If you don’t feel like driving, or you don’t have a rental car , I recommend booking this day trip to Yosemite from San Francisco , as it’s the best way to get to know the park and its giant redwoods.

13. Haight-Ashbury, the birthplace of hippie culture

The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is one of the most curious places to see in San Francisco because it was home to bohemians and hippie idealists in the 1960s.

The houses here have lots of cool colors. You can even stop by Jimi Hendrix’s house and get to know some of the many cool restaurants in this area. You can also find many organic restaurants here.

Another curious thing about this neighborhood is that there are many second-hand clothing stores, such as Buffalo Exchange , which buys and sells used clothing of all sizes and is quite popular.

14. Twin Peaks, the best lookout point in San Francisco

The Twin Peaks , as their name indicates, are 2 identical hills whose peaks, 900 feet high, are an excellent lookout points. Although you can get near the top by bus, I recommend walking up. You’ll have beautiful views of the entire city from above, which makes this one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco.

To get 2 different perspectives of the city, it’s best to go to the Twin Peaks lookout during the day and at night.

15. SFMOMA, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is the second largest art museum in the United States after the MOMA in NYC. It features works by great artists, such as Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, Robert Rauschenberg, and Ellsworth Kelly.

The building, by Mario Botta, is incredible and can be considered a work of art in and of itself. Additionally, in the garden, you can find several sculptures.

This museum is one of the places to visit in San Francisco if you’re an art lover. To better plan your visit and avoid long lines, I recommend getting tickets in advance.

16. North Beach, the Little Italy neighborhood in SF

North Beach , also known as Little Italy or the Italian Quarter, is among the landmarks in San Francisco . This neighborhood was home to many Italian immigrants and is now a lively area with retro-style Italian cafes, bars, and restaurants.

I recommend you start the tour at the intersection of Columbus Avenue and Broadway Avenue to get to know its beautiful streets with colorful buildings, on some of which you can see samples of street art.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy reaching Telegraph Hill via the Filbert steps and seeing the famous Coit Tower . Also, I suggest you stop by the Vesuvius Cafe and the City Lights bookstore, two places to visit in San Francisco where you can enjoy the imprint left by the Beat generation.

17. Nob Hill, the most luxurious place in San Francisco

Nob Hill is the neighborhood where many upper class families live and a must see in San Francisco . It is located on one of the hills where San Francisco was founded, very close to Chinatown.

One of the most striking features of this exclusive and luxurious neighborhood is the steep incline of its streets. Because of this, there are many cable cars in this area, as that is the most comfortable way to get around Nob Hill.

18. Russian Hill, a picturesque and beautiful neighborhood in SF

The picturesque neighborhood of Russian Hill is also one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, United States . It’s located north of Nob Hill and south of Fisherman’s Wharf.

The name of this neighborhood comes from the times of the Gold Rush, when a small Russian cemetery of unknown origin was discovered at the top of the hill on which Russian Hill was built. Nowadays, there is a nice park with a monument and a commemorative plaque where the cemetery was.

In this neighborhood , Lombard Street is a highlight and one of the main tourist spots of SF, as I have previously mentioned.

19. SOMA, a place with a lot of things to do in San Francisco

The South of Market neighborhood, also known as SOMA , offers many things to see and do in San Francisco . What was once an industrial area is now of the best residential areas to visit in SF .

Among its many attractions, SOMA houses the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art , the Contemporary Jewish Museum, and the Museum of the African Diaspora . But if, like me, you’re not very into museums, AT&T Park , where the San Francisco Giants play, is also in this neighborhood. You can check the game schedule here .

20. Dungeons San Francisco, a fun themed experience in SF, California

The Dungeons San Francisco is a quirky attraction that transports visitors to San Francisco’s most dangerous past. If you want to learn about the city’s history in a different way, entering this peculiar dungeon is great stuff to do in San Francisco .

20. Dungeons San Francisco, a fun theme experience in SF, California

Although I didn’t have the opportunity to visit this dungeon, I visited one in London and it works exactly the same. In this interactive experience with 360º stages, actors, and special effects, you live through 60 minutes of the darkest episodes in the history of the city. It’s totally recommended!

21. Sausalito, a quiet place to visit in San Francisco

If you fancy a quiet day, Sausalito, which is across the bay and very close to the Golden Gate Bridge, is one of the places to visit in San Francisco.

A colony of bohemians and artists decided to build floating houses from old boats and establish their community there. Now Sausalito is the place of choice for celebrities seeking tranquility away from the vibrant city of San Francisco.

22. Chinatown, the oldest Chinese community in North America

Chinatown in San Francisco is the neighborhood that houses the second largest Chinese community in the United States and is the oldest in North America. Its colorful facades, temples, restaurants, and shops make it another must-see in San Francisco.

I recommend accessing Chinatown through the Dragon Gate at Grant Avenue. Once there, you have to visit Portsmouth Square , where the flag of the United States was first raised in 1846.

You can also book this tour to get to know the history, culture, and gastronomy of this neighborhood.

23. Eat chocolate in Ghirardelli Square, something to do in San Francisco

This is my favorite recommendation: eat chocolate in Ghirardelli Square . There used to be a chocolate factory in this square, and, today, it is a very lively place full of restaurants and shops. Visiting the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company , a paradise for chocolate lovers and people with sweet tooths, is one of the best things to do in SF, California.

In the Ghirardelli store, you’ll find all kinds of products made with delicious chocolate. This is undoubtedly the best thing to do in San Francisco.

24. Oakland Bay Bridge, an attraction to visit in SF

The San Francisco Bay Bridge, or Oakland Bay Bridge, links the city of San Francisco with Oakland via Yerba Buena Island , which connects to Treasure Island , an artificial island.

Although the Golden Gate Bridge is the best known and famous bridge, Oakland Bay Bridge is the longest bridge and an important place to visit in San Francisco . In addition, Oakland Bay Bridge was built half a year before the Golden Gate Bridge, making it the oldest in the city.

This bridge is very important for the city of S,F and it is estimated that more than 250,000 vehicles cross it daily.

25. Coit Tower, one of the nicest views over San Francisco

Visiting the Coit Tower , on Telegraph Hill, is another thing to do in San Francisco. It was built in 1933 and is 200 feet high, making it a perfect lookout point in San Francisco . The Coit Tower was designed by Arthur Brown and Henry Howard in an Art Deco style and using unpainted, reinforced concrete. In addition, it has fresco murals by 27 artists.

The funds for its construction came from Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who, after her death, left a third of her assets to the city to be used for its beautification.

26. Palace of Fine Arts, an architectural landmark to visit in San Francisco

The Palace of Fine Arts was built in 1915 to house the 1915 Universal Exposition and has a design inspired by Greek and Roman classicism.

At first, this building was going to be demolished after the exhibition, but many locals asked that it be preserved due to its beauty. As it was built with flimsy materials, in 1964, it was almost completely demolished to be rebuilt using appropriate materials this time. Thanks to its beauty and historical value, it is a place of interest in San Francisco . Also, the palace is surrounded by a lake, which makes it even more beautiful.

Today there are numerous events and celebrations in this palace. It also has a theater and restaurants.

27. Asian Art Museum, the largest museum of Asian art in the world

The San Francisco Asian Art Museum has more than 2,400 objects from Asia, some of which are more than 6,000 years old. If you don’t know what to see in San Francisco if it rains , I recommend this museum. If you like Asian art, visit it regardless of the weather.

On the ground floor are the temporary exhibitions, the restaurant, and the museum shop. On the second floor, there are decorative elements, such as vases, animal figures, and objects that were used in religious ceremonies and funeral rituals. And finally, on the third floor, sculptures of wood, stone, and bronze are exhibited.

28. Muir Woods National Monument, a beautiful place to go near SF

Muir Woods was originally acquired by William Kent, a businessman, and his wife to protect an area of high natural value. Later, part of the land was donated to the government to become a national park.

The park offers numerous hiking trails surrounded by redwoods , making it one of the best places to see near San Francisco .

If you can’t drive there, I recommend booking this day trip , which also gives you the opportunity to get to know Sausalito .

29. Japanese Tea Garden, a spectacular place to visit in SF

The Hagiwara Japanese Garden or Hagiwara Tea Garden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in San Francisco . This 2-acre Japanese garden is the oldest of its style in the United States. It is located within Golden Gate Park .

It was built as part of the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894 and became a small world of ponds, trails, Japanese plants, sculptures, and bridges. To me, it’s a very beautiful and peaceful place that invites you to relax. Also, it has a teahouse that I recommend you visit.

30. Bridge to Bridge Cruise, an essential tour to take in San Francisco

I recommend booking a bridge-to-bridge cruise , as going under the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge is one of the best things to do in San Francisco .

The boat departs from Pier 43 of Fisherman’s Wharf, and during the tour, you’ll see North Beach, Hyde Street Pier, the National Maritime Park, Marina District, and the Presidio Hills. After passing under the stunning Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge, you will pass near Marin Headlands, a wild reserve, and go around Alcatraz prison.

If you’re interested in this tour, the best option is this one .

31. Ocean Beach, the quietest beach in SF, California

Ocean Beach is one of the most beautiful and quiet beaches in San Francisco. If you’re going to spend a few days in the city and want to go to the beach, enjoying Ocean Beach is one of the best things to do in San Francisco .

This is a quiet beach with no crowds, something that I always value. You can take a dip, sunbathe, stroll along the shore, or even enjoy several water activities, such as surfing.

32. Yerba Buena Gardens, another quiet place to visit in San Francisco

Yerba Buena Gardens is another great place to go in San Francisco.

In and around the gardens you can see things like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial , behind the waterfall at the Esplanade Gardens; the Charles Looff carousel , a hand-carved historical piece; and several museums and important buildings, such as the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and the Moscone Convention Center . There is also a skating rink and a bowling center.

33. Walt Disney Family Museum, one of the coolest things to see in SF

If you’re looking for something to do in San Francisco with kids , I recommend visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum .

This museum covers the life and work of Walt Disney, explains what Disney’s beginnings were like, and shows how a visionary man gave life to a gigantic empire. Clothes, archive footage from old movies, photographs, and even a Disneyland model are exhibited.

If you want to visit, this museum is in Presidio Park and you can get your ticket here .

34. California Academy of Sciences, the museum with the most Californian history

The California Academy of Sciences is an amazing museum with 150 years of history and a fun thing to do in San Francisco if it rains .

It’s a unique museum that features the world’s largest digital planetarium, a huge aquarium, a living ceiling filled with wildflowers, and a colony of African penguins. Even if I prefer to see wild animals in their habitat, I understand that there are people who may be interested in this attraction.

For information on schedules and tickets, you can check here .

35. The Castro, one of the first gay neighborhoods in the United States

Castro , the neighborhood where the largest LGBTQ community in the city is concentrated, is another place to visit in San Francisco . You’ll know you’re in Castro when you see rainbow flags in shops and on terraces.

I recommend visiting the Castro Theater , a place where old films are shown, the famous Hot Cookie bakery, and the LGBT History Museum .

SF is the world’s most LGBT-friendly city, so booking a guided tour like this to learn more about the history of the neighborhood is one of the best activities in San Francisco .

36. Baker Beach, a popular beach in the Bay Area, SF

If you’re looking for a must-do in San Francisco , another place that I recommend is Baker Beach , a 0.62-mile long beach where you can picnic and barbecue. It is quite a popular place with San Francisco families and groups of friends.

What stands out the most is that this beach begins at the southern part of the Golden Gate Bridge , so you get incredible views of the bridge, especially at sunset. It’s a place to visit in San Francisco that can’t be missing from your list.

37. San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum

The Botanical Garden of San Francisco ( San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum ) is the largest botanical garden on the West Coast of the United States and one of the best places to visit in San Francisco .

37. San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum, an urban oasis

This space, of about 23 hectares, is located within Golden Gate Park and is home to more than 7,500 plant species.

The garden is divided into different areas: Mediterranean, Southeast Asia Cloud Forest, High Elevation Palms, and others. Each one has plants from the region it represents.

38. The Painted Ladies, the famous Victorian houses of San Francisco

You probably know the Painted Ladies , in Alamo Square , from the the Full House series, starring the Olsen twins. These beautiful family houses were built between 1849 and 1945 in an Edwardian and Victorian style.

Many of these houses were painted in quite striking colors, such as orange, yellow, and red. The best-known ones are the Painted Ladies from 710 to 720 Steiner Street . Although there are more houses of this style in the area, these are a favorite for tourists.

If you want my advice, I suggest visiting them at sunset, when there is an interesting play of colors and light. In short, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco, regardless of whether you liked or followed Full House .

39. Lands End, one of the best hikes to do in San Francisco

Lands End is a strip of rocky shoreline within Golden Gate Park , between Lincoln Park and the Sutro District. This is another of the many things to see in San Francisco, USA that I recommend, as it’s a very beautiful and interesting place.

This area is littered with wrecks and has a monument to the USS San Francisco submarine. You can find many hiking trails here that run alongside the Ferries & Cliff House Railway and the cliffs.

Sutro Bath Ruins , another place to visit in San Francisco, is next to Lands End. This old complex of public saltwater pools was once the largest in the world.

40. Mission District, a must see place in San Francisco

Among all the places of interest in San Francisco, I’d highlight Mission District, as it’s a colorful neighborhood where you can eat very well. If you want to enjoy this charming neighborhood, I recommend you take a guided tour or visit it on a Sunday, when there’s lots of activity.

The tour begins with a coffee and some donuts made with natural ingredients. Next, you’ll head to Balmy Avenue , where the murals tell the stories of Latino immigrants. Then, you’ll wander among the flavors of tacos and street vendors to arrive at Clarion Alley , where there is another interesting collection of street art. Although there are around 200 murals in the neighborhood, the best known are Women’s Building, Clarion Alley Street Art, Precita Eyes Muralists, and Balmy Alley.

Finally, you can visit several second-hand stores and the Mission Dolores church .

As you can see, it’s a tour full of art and food. Can you think of anything better to do in San Francisco ?

41. Church of 8 wheels, a peculiar place to go in SF

The Church of 8 Wheels is one of the most peculiar places to see in San Francisco . In what was once a church, you can now skate and enjoy music at the same time.

Church of 8 Wheels is a nightclub where different events and musical shows are held for people of all ages who share a passion for skating.

This is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do in San Francisco if you like to skate. There is no place like it in the world.

42. Musée Mécanique, the most curious museum in San Francisco

The Musée Mécanique is another of the tourist spots of San Francisco and I recommend it, especially to those who are fans of arcade games. This museum exhibits a private collection of old coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade artifacts.

The owner, Edward Galland Zelinsky, started collecting these devices in 1933, and, nowadays, he has over 300.

Among the rarities that can be found at the Musée Mécanique is a red motorcycle called the “Steam Flyer” from 1912 . This piece is perhaps the only one that exists in the world.

Here, you’ll be able to see everything from turn-of-the-century hand cranked music boxes to modern video arcade games, so it’s a great place to go in San Francisco.

43. 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, a colorful place to visit in San Francisco

The mosaic on the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps is well worth a visit. Inspired by the Rio de Janeiro staircase, Colette Crutcher, a mosaic designer, and Aileen Barr, a ceramicist, joined forces to carry out this project with the help of more than 300 volunteers.

To decorate these stairs, each panel was created separately, for a total of 163 panels, one for each step. They used 2,000 handmade tiles and 75,000 mosaic fragments, stained glass, and mirrors. The result is a must-see in San Francisco .

44. Eat at the Atelier Crenn, a unique experience in San Francisco

Although I’ll admit that eating at the Atelier Crenn is not cheap, it’s definitely something amazing to do in San Francisco, especially if you appreciate gastronomy. Its chef, Dominique Crenn , was the first woman in the United States to receive 2 Michelin stars for creating art with her dishes.

She was inspired by her father’s workshop, where her love for art and good cuisine led her to combine both worlds to offer a unique gastronomic experience. An authentic gift for all five senses.

45. Walk in Crissy Field, something nice to do in San Francisco

Crissy Field once functioned as an airfield and was later transformed into a public park. It’s a place to visit in San Francisco to walk and disconnect, as well as see incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge .

The park offers activities for young people and open spaces for the elderly. If you feel like disconnecting from busy San Francisco, this is your place.

46. Marin Headlands, another interesting hike in SF, California

Marin Headlands is north of the Golden Gate Bridge and is a mountainous area that’s perfect for hiking, another activity to do in San Francisco that I love.

The cliffs here make the landscape surprising, although the most beautiful thing is viewing the Golden Gate Bridge with the city of San Francisco in the background. Plus, there are old military installations, making Marin Headlands a pretty interesting place to see in San Francisco.

47. M. H. de Young Memorial Museum in San Francisco

The M.H. de Young Memorial Museum is located in Golden Gate Park , a few feet from the California Academy of Sciences , and is a museum to visit in San Francisco if you’re interested in African and pre-Columbian art.

It opened in 1895 but was destroyed in 1989 by an earthquake and did not reopen until 2005. In this museum, you’ll find an exhibition of African art and art collections from the 19th and 20th centuries, including pre-Columbian works from Peru and Teotihuacan.

48. Conservatory of Flowers, a garden with rare and exotic plants

The Conservatory of Flowers is the oldest building in Golden Gate Park and was built in a Victorian style, making it one of the beautiful sights in San Francisco .

This greenhouse houses a large collection of exotic plants from the highlands and lowlands of the tropics, including carnivorous and aquatic plants.

49. Transamerica Pyramid, the second tallest skyscraper in San Francisco

The Transamerica Pyramid is an imposing pyramid-shaped skyscraper with 4 sides and is one of the most spectacular buildings to see in San Francisco .

The city’s susceptibility to earthquakes was taken into account for the building’s design and construction, and special reinforcements were added to the structure. In 1989, an earthquake of magnitude 7.1 on the Richter scale didn’t even damage it.

50. Legion of Honor, a museum of fine art in San Francisco

The Legion of Honor Museum is another must see in San Francisco, California . It was built in 1924 in memory of the 3,600 California soldiers who died in World War I.

50. Legion of Honor, a museum of fine art and decorative arts in San Francisco

Reminiscent of the Palace of the Legion of Honor in Paris, this museum has works by Fra Angelico, El Greco, Rubens, Rembrandt, Watteau, Claude Monet, and other internationally renowned artists. At the entrance of the museum, you can see the statue The Thinker by Auguste Rodin.

51. Point Bonita Lighthouse, a place of interest in San Francisco

Point Bonita Lighthouse , a beautiful place to go in San Francisco, California, is at the entrance of San Francisco Bay and close to the Golden Gate Bridge.

I recommend visiting it because of its interesting location between cliffs. Keep in mind that the lighthouse can only be accessed on Sundays and Mondays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. On the way to the lighthouse, you can visit the US Coast Guard Station Golden Gate.

52. Monterey and Carmel tour, the best activity to do in San Francisco

Some of the best places to visit around San Francisco are Carmel , with its historic center, boutiques, and galleries; and Monterey , where Cannery Row, a large sardine factory that was converted into one of the most touristy places in California, with luxury hotels and restaurants, is located.

Taking a trip to Camel and Monterey from San Francisco is worth it because you travel one of the most beautiful roads in the United States, the Pacific Coast Highway . On the way, you’ll visit unparalleled landscapes and cliffs that look out to the Pacific. For this experience alone, I think visiting Monterey and Carmel is something you shouldn’t miss in San Francisco.

If you don’t want to drive, you can book a day trip here .

53. Grace Cathedral, an important church in SF

Grace Cathedral is in Nob Hill . This beautiful cathedral, which was built between 1928 and 1964, is Gothic in style and closely resembles Notre Dame de Paris. It’s one of the most important religious monuments in San Francisco.

Many people feel that ceremonies acquire a special beauty in this place, especially with the music of the organ, which was added to the cathedral in 1934.

Whether you’re a believer or not, I think this is a very beautiful place to visit in San Francisco , United States.

54. Shakespeare Garden, the most beautiful themed garden in San Francisco

The Shakespeare Garden is another sight in San Francisco to see if you want to learn about all the plants that Shakespeare mentions in his works. Don’t worry if you haven’t read all his works or don’t know them well, since next to each plant is a plate with the quote from the work that mentions it.

This garden is within Golden Gate Park and is a highly sought-after venue for outdoor weddings.

55. Napa and Sonoma wine tasting, something great to do in San Francisco

A wine tour of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys is something you have to do near San Francisco . These two regions are known for their excellent wines. Although both are dedicated to making the same type of wine, each one has its own characteristics which make the wine different.

On this excursion , you’ll get to know some of the most important vineyards in Napa and Sonoma, in addition to participating in a wine tasting.

56. The Wave Organ, a mysterious and magical attraction to visit in SF

Something very special among the things to see in San Francisco is the incredible wave organ . It’s made of concrete with marble steps, and inside there are 35 organ pipes placed in a very specific way so that each one produces a different sound.

The movement of the waves and the sea breeze create a melody when the breeze enters the tubes. This melody is said to be the music of the sea. It’s very beautiful!

57. Seward Mini Park, an unusual and amusing place in SF

If you’re wondering what to do in San Francisco with kids , I recommend going to Seward Mini Park . This park, located between the houses on Seward Street, has unique concrete slides that will entertain both adults and kids.

Of course, to slide down them, you’ll need cardboard. Sometimes you can find some abandoned cardboard, but I recommend bringing your own just in case.

58. Angel Island, a place to visit around San Francisco

Angel Island was discovered by Juan de Ayala. First, it served as an observation and defense post, and later, it served as an immigration station.

Now, Angel Island is a place that offers very good views of San Francisco Bay and is the perfect place to enjoy various hiking trails. If you have time, it’s one of the best places to visit in and around San Francisco .

59. San Francisco City Hall, a historic attraction to see in SF

The San Francisco City Hall , with its 90-meter-high dome, will impress you with its grandeur. Although in 1906 it was destroyed by an earthquake and had to be rebuilt, it’s one of the main landmarks in San Francisco. Of course, the care put into each of its details makes this building the favorite of many couples for getting married.

Just for its beauty and grandeur, the City Hall is one of the main attractions in San Francisco .

60. The Embarcadero, another popular place to go in San Francisco

The Embarcadero is a historic dock distinguished by the Ferry Building tower , at the beginning of Market Street, one of San Francisco’s main streets.

The Embarcadero is also a place where there’s always a lot of activity, especially on weekends, due to the Farmer’s Market. At this market, you’ll find fresh fish, artisan cheeses, and other products, as well as restaurants. I recommend this market if you want to try the authentic local gastronomy of San Francisco. This is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in San Francisco if you want to enjoy the Bay Area’s food.

These are the 60 things to do in San Francisco that I recommend. I also want to share a map where you’ll find all these places, so you can start planning your trip now. You can download this tourist map of San Francisco and take it with you while you’re are visiting the city.

I hope this article has helped you. Now all you have to do is enjoy the city of San Francisco to the fullest!

Ascen Aynat

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27 Top Tourist Attractions in San Francisco

By Jamie Gambetta · Last updated on June 17, 2024

Famous for its summer fogs and cable cars, San Francisco has long been a popular place to visit in California. Perched on a peninsula between the sparkling San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean, its many hills are home to delightfully diverse neighborhoods and stunning streetscapes.

Once a Spanish and Mexican mission, the fate of San Francisco changed once conquered by the United States. It was followed by a mad rush, a gold rush, that saw a virtual army of citizens and foreigners descend upon the west coast city in the hopes of striking it rich.

Today, San Francisco is a cosmopolitan metropolis at first, thanks to the hope of gold, the railroads and more recently, the rise of technology. Visitors will quickly fall in love with (and be frustrated by) the city’s steep streets, littered with historic cable cars that lead to equally celebrated waterfronts and wharves.

Map of San Francisco

Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Bridge, are the two most well known tourist attractions in San Francisco, but it also has an array of museums, fascinating Victorian architecture and wonderful waterfront areas to explore.

Add in its unique culture, panoramic vistas, and fabulous food scene and it is no wonder that San Francisco is one of the most visited cities in the USA. Just don’t forget to bring warm clothing. The famous quote “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco” isn’t from Mark Twain but it is a pretty accurate statement of San Francisco’s weather.

27. Ferry Building Marketplace

As San Francisco is such a ‘foodie’ city, no visit can be complete without stopping by the lively Ferry Building Marketplace on the Embarcadero. Inside its Beaux Arts building are around fifty food vendors, local farmers , and small restaurants that offer tasty treats and delicious dishes.

Since opening in 2003, the market has been a firm favorite with locals and tourists due to its wide variety of coffee shops, snack stands, and grocery stores selling artisan products from around the world.

It also hosts a fantastic farmers market three times a week which sells fresh produce and street food.

26. Angel Island State Park

From Pier 41 visitors can hop on a ferry and find themselves immersed in the stunning scenery and nature of Angel Island State Park in no time at all. On the half-hour boat ride you can enjoy divine views over the bay, and hiking, biking or rollerblading around the island.

Now protected as a park, the bay’s second-largest island has been used as everything, from a military base and missile site to immigration station and internment camp. As such, there are some interesting old forts and bunkers to explore with picnic areas and viewpoints.

25. Exploratorium

Also located alongside the Embarcadero is the Exploratorium, which offers a fun and fascinating look at how the world works. Popular with adults and children alike, the unique museum has over 600 interactive installations and hands-on exhibits that can keep you entertained for days.

Founded in 1969, it has expanded considerably and now has huge galleries dedicated to everything from light and sound to biology, engineering, and psychology. Thanks to all its activities, laboratories, and workshops, guests can engage with the fields of science and technology. In addition, the Exploratorium regularly hosts talks and cultural events.

24. Presidio

Another massive military base that was turned into a scenic park is the Presidio which occupies the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula. Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, it boasts attractive architecture, excellent outdoor activities, and epic views.

Once out-of-bounds to the public, it now has pockets of woods, rolling hills, and coastal bluffs that offer phenomenal views over Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. Visitor centres house interesting exhibits on its history and ecosystems, and you can also check out the old fort, batteries, and art projects.

23. Musee Mecanique

One of the most unique and unusual tourist attractions on the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf is the Musee Mecanique. Here you’ll find a huge collection of coin-operated arcade games—remarkably there are over 300 mechanical machines for you to play on.

Wandering around the museum is a nostalgic affair as you see antique slot machines and music boxes, alongside fortune tellers, peep shows and pinball machines. As well as testing your strength and having your fortune told, you can also watch historic moving dioramas, and try your luck at some classic carnival games.

22. Japanese Tea Garden

The gorgeous Japanese Tea Garden can be found within Golden Gate Park. Lovingly landscaped, its grounds are home to pretty ponds, a traditional tea house, and a towering pagoda.

The first Japanese garden established in the States, since 1894 it has delighted countless generations with its serene scenery, fantastic flowers, and soothing water features. While strolling its winding paths you’ll come across stone lanterns and sculptures with charming koi ponds, cherry blossoms, and a lovely Zen garden.

21. de Young Museum

Also located in Golden Gate Park is the marvelous de Young Museum with an incredible collection of artworks from all around the world. Its innumerable paintings, sculptures and photos are a treat to peruse, but the building itself is just as impressive due to its distinctive design and large observation tower.

Founded in 1895, the fine arts museum encompasses over 27,000 anthropological artifacts and art pieces from Africa, Asia, and Oceania. While some of its galleries display colorful textiles and costumes, others focus on European paintings or American decorative art objects. The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibits and concerts.

20. Legion of Honor Museum

Nestled in the northwest of the peninsula is the magnificent Legion of Honor Museum, which lies amidst the nature of Lincoln Park. Housed within its beautiful neo-classical building is an eclectic collection of artworks that spans over 6,000 years of art history.

While strolling about its grand galleries you’ll come across everything, from influential comics and soundscapes to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rodin, and Monet among others. Founded in 1924, it contains more than 90,000 works, with the museum offering spectacular views over the city’s skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge from its grounds.

19. San Francisco Botanical Garden

Lying alongside both the Japanese Tea Garden and de Young Museum is the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Boasting a collection of colorful flowers, plants and trees, its tranquil paths are a delight to walk along and have different areas and ecosystems for you to explore.

Since opening in 1940, the garden’s grounds have expanded considerably and now contain nearly 9,000 kinds of plants from all around the world. As such, you can be strolling amidst savanna and succulents one minute, and then suddenly find yourself surrounded by tropical trees and cloud rainforest the next.

The superb San Francisco Museum of Modern Art occupies a striking modern building, not far from Union Square. While its unique architecture makes for a stunning sight, its interior is equally rewarding with impressive exhibits and artworks wherever you look.

In total, the SFMOMA displays over 33,000 art pieces across seven floors with its main focus being modern and contemporary art. As well as paintings and photos, its galleries contain digital art, industrial designs, and interactive media installations. Artists such as Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Henri Matisse count among its biggest names.

17. Lands End

Occupying the northwest corner of the peninsula are the windswept coastal cliffs of Lands End. Aside from its outstanding views over Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean, the park also has numerous hiking trails and historic sights.

Dotted about its bleak shores you can spy the sites of various shipwrecks and the ruins of the Sutro Baths. The Hidden Labyrinth art installation is also well worth stopping by. After exploring its delightful beaches, coves, and cliffs, visitors can enjoy a coffee at its cafe while watching the sun set spectacularly over the ocean.

16. Coit Tower

Another attraction in San Francisco that boasts some of the best views in town is the incredible Coit Tower, which is perched atop Telegraph Hill. From the top of the slender white tower you can enjoy breathtaking panoramas over the bay, city, and sites such as Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Built in 1933, it boasts exquisite Art Deco architecture with colorful frescoes in the American Social Realism style coating its interior. Located in Pioneer Park, the 210 foot-high tower is now a National Historic Landmark and iconic part of the city’s skyline, having been depicted in countless films and TV shows.

15. Cable Car Museum

One of San Francisco’s most famous features is its charming old cable cars that lend the city such a distinctive look and feel. Aside from simply riding up and down its steep streets in one, visitors can learn all about the history and technology behind the streetcar system at this magnificent museum.

In addition to interesting exhibits, old photos and mechanical displays, the Cable Car Museum also showcases vintage streetcars that date to the 1870s. As it offers such a fascinating look into the inner workings of the transport system, the museum has long been a popular tourist drawcard and can be found in the affluent Nob Hill neighborhood.

14. Walt Disney Family Museum

Yet another of the Presidio’s many enticing attractions is the delightful Walt Disney Family Museum that delves into the life and legacy of the famous filmmaker. Here you’ll learn about Disney’s achievements and genre-defining animations with amazing memorabilia, film clips, and even awards, on show.

Opened in 2009, the museum and its large collection of early drawings and designs, music clips, and models sprawls over three historic buildings in the center of the park. As it looks at everything, from his early childhood and career to his iconic creations and the construction of Disneyland, it is a must-visit for any Disney aficionado.

13. California Academy of Sciences

One of the biggest and best museums in the States, the California Academy of Sciences contains a staggering 46 million specimens with incredible artifacts, animals and exhibits. Located in Golden Gate Park, the massive natural history museum boasts an aquarium and planetarium, as well as its own indoor rainforest.

Established in 1853, the academy’s captivating collection now resides within a majestic modern building that even has its own living green roof. Inside is a treat to explore as you wander past shark lagoons and coral reefs, before emerging in galleries full of fossils and minerals. One of its main highlights is the enormous rainforest exhibit which houses over 1,600 live animals, plants, and amphibians.

12. Twin Peaks

If you’re after yet more awe-inspiring views over San Francisco then it is well worth heading to the two towering Twin Peaks that lie near the geographic center of the city. The bare and uninhabited hills offer breathtaking panoramas with sunset a particularly special time of day to visit.

Reaching around 925 feet in height, the Twin Peaks are protected as part of a park with lovely nature and wildlife coating their slopes. While you can just simply drive to their summit, there are also some nice hiking trails to wander along that again offer some epic views.

11. Oracle Park

Home to Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants, the atmospheric Oracle Park can be found in the city’s South Beach neighborhood. While watching a game is an exciting and unforgettable affair, the ballpark is also widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in the States due to its picture-perfect setting.

Opened in 2000, the stadium exhibits some fine architecture with most seats offering divine views out over the bay. Discover famous features, such as the giant glove sculpture and coca-cola bottle slide, while there is also a wall of fame, cafe, and gift shop to stop by. Thanks to its exhilarating atmosphere and great games, visiting Oracle Park is one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco.

10. Palace of Fine Arts

In 1915, San Francisco played host to the Panama Pacific Exposition. At the time, the city built several structures to welcome almost 19 million visitors. The last of these buildings is the spectacular Palace of Fine Arts.


A palace indeed, this art gallery is now a member of the National Register of Historic Places. It stands on the edge of a shimmering lake, where ducks and snow white swans roam and old-growth trees dot the shoreline.


You could spend hours admiring the elegant neoclassical facade of the Beaux arts palace along with the surrounding archways and columns. Time your visit to coincide with an arts event to bring your experience to the next level.

9. Chinatown

Outside of New York, no American city has a larger and more vibrant Chinatown than San Francisco. At the center of this is the biggest Chinese New Year Parade outside of Asia.


The experience starts at Dragon’s Gate where the atmosphere changes at the drop of a hat. Immediately, a thoroughfare of vibrant pagoda-topped buildings welcomes you with open arms.


Visitors can take their picks between mouthwatering eateries, temples, and historic squares. At the forefront is Waverly Place, lined with flowing flags, ornate temples, and local haunts.

Extending off Waverly Place are backstreets and narrow alleys where the smell of dim sum floats through and the unexpected should be, well, expected.

8. Alamo Square

San Francisco offers travelers some gorgeous architecture to go along with its iconic steep, rolling hills. Both of those qualities combine to make Alamo Square a worthy destination.


Pack your picnic basket full of goodies, a blanket, and some yard games for the restless souls and enjoy the green expanse of Alamo Square. This isn’t your average picnic spot, however. 
 With your prize patch of grass secured, kick back and enjoy beautiful skyline views. At the forefront of this view are the famous Painted Ladies. These are a collection of Victorian and Edwardian homes that have each been painted in three or more colors.

7. Transamerica Pyramid

At 853 feet tall, the Transamerica Pyramid is the second tallest building in San Francisco behind onto the Salesforce Tower. Yet, it turns more heads that any other skyscraper in the city.


The Transamerica Pyramid is just that, a four-sided obelisk rising to a sharp point, like an Egyptian Pyramid stretched towards the sky. It’s a captivating site that draws together San Fran’s Financial District. The best place to admire the unique design is from yet another skyscraper, the Coit Tower.


However, unlike other major towers, there is no observation deck. Visitors can instead explore the lobby’s visitor center, which offers a live video feed from the tippy top.

6. Lombard Street

No place in San Francisco illustrates the city’s unique geography better than Lombard Street. The famous thoroughfare winds like a snake down yet another steep hill. On either side are millionaire mansions that hark back to the Victorian era and curved gardens landscaped to the hilt.


In total, there are eight switchbacks that meander down Lombard Street. From the summit of the iconic street, you’ll be afforded with picture-perfect views down towards the Northern Waterfront and Coit Tower.


Visitors have the choice to walk up and down Lombard Street, a journey that is sure to put a bead of sweat on your forehead and lead in your legs. But it gives you time to smell to roses and enjoy the gardens. Otherwise, try your hand at one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco and drive down the switchbacks.

5. Golden Gate Park

If you’re looking to take in some patented California sunshine while in San Fran, Golden Gate Park is the place to go. Once a collection of rolling dunes, the lush landscape and cultural creations leave few reminders of its humble beginnings.


Golden Gate Park harbors a collection of winding walking paths, glorious lawns, over 5,000 unique plants and several museums. Whether you’re looking for a cute date or gathering with family, the wide open lawns are great for a picnic. Meanwhile, the de Young Museum, Steinhart Aquarium, and the California Academy of Sciences promise to invigorate the senses.


To explore, bring your walking shoes or sign up for a bike rental and set out upon the 6.3 mile Golden Gate Park Loop.

4. Cable Cars

There’s perhaps nothing as timeless in San Francisco as the cable car. These rickety vehicles have withstood the test of time, transporting locals around the city since the second half of the 19th century.


Back then, without seat belts, San Franciscans would grip tight as the cable cars made their way down the city’s notoriously steep hills. Today, cars may reign supreme, but this old-fashioned mode of transport is the best way to see the city.


Take your pick between the Powell-Hyde and the Powell-Mason routes to discover some of the best attractions in San Francisco, the way locals have for 150 years. The destinations include Fisherman’s Wharf, the exciting Lombard Street, Nob Hill, and the Ferry Building.

3. Alcatraz

Often referred to as The Rock, the small island of Alcatraz served as a lighthouse, a military fortification, and as a prison. It was home to some of the most notorious criminals of the time including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Surrounded by the freezing water of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz was believed to be inescapable.

The most famous attempt was carried out by Frank Morris, and brothers John and Clarence Anglin using an inflatable raft made from several stolen raincoats. In 1963, it was closed by JFK. Before that fateful day, it housed over 1,500 prisoners, each living in tight 10×4 feet cells.

Today, the island is a popular San Francisco tourist attraction and a historic site. It is operated by the National Park Service and is open to tours.

2. Fisherman’s Wharf

One of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf runs all the way from Pier 39 through to Municipal Pier at the end of Aquatic Park. For over a century its historic waterfront was the hub of San Francisco’s fishing fleet and is still famous for having some of the best seafood restaurants in the city.

Other tourist attractions at the wharf include museums, souvenir stores, historical buildings, scenic vistas over the Bay and the famous sea lions at Pier 39.

Abuzz with activity from dawn to dusk, San Fran’s Fisherman’s Wharf combines culture, cuisine, and atmosphere into one. If you’re feeling peckish while in Frisco, Fisherman’s Wharf will leave you satisfied and smiling thanks to its range of mouthwatering foods, from fresh fish and crab to international treats.

1. Golden Gate Bridge

There is no sight more iconic in San Francisco than the Golden Gate Bridge. Stretching across the Golden Strait, the majestic bridge, at 1.7 miles long, is a captivating sight.


Whether you’re admiring it from the Presidio of San Francisco or from the Marin Headlands, the stunning piece of architecture promises to be a highlight of your local experience. The bridge is eternally busy, whether that be car, bike, or foot traffic. But crossing the strait, which combines the waters of San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, is a must-do.


From the bridge, not only to you have a closeup of the spectacular construction but also gorgeous downtown views. Come at sunrise or sunset, to see the golden bridge shimmer under the sun’s low light.

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July 14, 2015 at 9:35 am

I love visiting the cities and checking out some of the cool and fun places to explore in the city. On my blog are some of my favorite hangouts when I visit San Francisco and want to do something different and local.

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10 Must See SF Tourist Attractions to Visit

San Francisco is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Known for its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and bustling city life, it is no wonder that millions of people visit this city every year. With so many tourist attractions and activities, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 must-see SF tourist attractions to visit. From famous tourist spots with history to hidden gems that only locals know about, we’ll cover it all. We’ll also explore the reality of these tourist spots versus expectations and compare them to lesser-known local spots. So if you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, be sure to check out our list of must-see tourist attractions and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

• Golden Gate Bridge
• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Alcatraz Island
• Golden Gate Park
• Painted Ladies
• Haight-Ashbury
• The Presidio

1. Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. The bridge spans 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County. The bridge’s distinctive orange color, sweeping views of the city and the bay, and impressive engineering make it a must-visit attraction. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge, or simply admire it from the many viewpoints around the city.

Local SF Hot Tips for the Golden Gate Bridge

• Dress in layers: The weather around the Golden Gate Bridge can be quite unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to dress in layers so you can easily adjust your clothing according to the temperature.
• Start early or visit during off-peak hours: The Golden Gate Bridge is a popular tourist attraction and can get crowded, especially during peak hours. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or during off-peak hours.
• Take public transportation: Parking near the Golden Gate Bridge can be difficult, and you may have to pay a hefty fee for it. Consider taking public transportation, such as a bus or a ferry, to get to the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center: The Welcome Center offers a lot of information about the bridge, as well as exhibits and a gift shop. It’s a great place to start your visit and learn about the history of the Golden Gate Bridge.

2. Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a bustling neighborhood on the waterfront that’s packed with restaurants, souvenir shops, and tourist attractions. Highlights include the historic Pier 39, which is home to a large sea lion colony, as well as the Aquarium of the Bay, Madame Tussauds wax museum, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Local SF Hot Tips for Fisherman’s Wharf

• Visit early in the morning: Fisherman’s Wharf can get crowded, especially during peak hours. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting early in the morning.
• Watch the sea lions: The sea lions at Pier 39 are a popular attraction, and you can watch them sunbathe and play. Be sure to take some photos and enjoy the sights and sounds.
• Check out the street performers: Fisherman’s Wharf has a lot of street performers, from musicians to magicians. It’s a fun way to spend some time and enjoy the local talent.
• Take a boat tour: There are many boat tours available at Fisherman’s Wharf that offer great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco Bay. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
• Explore the nearby neighborhoods: Fisherman’s Wharf is located near some great neighborhoods, such as North Beach and Chinatown. Take some time to explore these areas and experience the local culture and food.
• Dress in layers: The weather in San Francisco can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to dress in layers. Bring a jacket or sweater, even if it’s sunny when you leave your hotel.

3. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that’s now a National Park and popular tourist attraction. The island is located in the middle of San Francisco Bay and can only be reached by ferry. Visitors can explore the prison cells, learn about the island’s history, and enjoy stunning views of the city and the bay.

Local SF Hot Tips for Alcatraz Island

• Book tickets in advance: Alcatraz is a popular attraction, and tickets often sell out days or even weeks in advance. It’s recommended to book your tickets online in advance to secure your spot.
• Arrive early: The first ferry to Alcatraz leaves in the morning, and it’s recommended to arrive early to avoid the crowds. You can also take advantage of the early morning light for better photo opportunities. Dress in layers: The weather on Alcatraz Island can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to dress in layers. Bring a jacket or sweater, even if it’s sunny when you leave San Francisco.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Alcatraz involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to make your visit more enjoyable. Take the audio tour: The audio tour is included with your admission ticket and is a great way to learn about the history of Alcatraz. It’s available in many different languages and takes about 45 minutes.
• Explore the island: In addition to the main cell block, there are many other interesting areas to explore on the island, such as the gardens, the lighthouse, and the old military buildings. Stay for the sunset: The last ferry leaves Alcatraz in the evening, and it’s a great time to stay for the sunset. The views of San Francisco from the island are stunning, and you’ll get a unique perspective of the city.

4. Chinatown San Francisco

Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in the world. The neighborhood is packed with shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks, including the Dragon Gate, the Tin How Temple, and the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum.

Local SF Hot Tips for Chinatown

• Explore on foot: Chinatown is best explored on foot, as there are many interesting streets, alleyways, and shops to discover. Wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for some hills and staircases.
• Try the food: Chinatown has many great restaurants and food shops. Try some of the local specialties, such as dim sum, noodles, or boba tea. You can also find some great souvenirs, such as tea, spices, or Chinese sweets.
• Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory: This small factory is located in an alleyway and offers a unique glimpse into the making of fortune cookies. You can even try some freshly made cookies.
• Check out the murals: Chinatown has many beautiful murals, depicting the history and culture of the Chinese community in San Francisco. Look for them on the sides of buildings and in alleyways.
• Visit the Tin How Temple: This small temple is one of the oldest in Chinatown and is still in use today. You can take a tour and learn about the history and practices of the Chinese religion.
• Watch a parade: Chinatown hosts many parades throughout the year, especially during the Chinese New Year. Check the calendar for upcoming events and join in the festivities. Learn about the history: Chinatown has a rich history, dating back to the 1850s when Chinese immigrants first settled in the area. Visit the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum to learn more about the community and its contributions to San Francisco.

5. Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a massive urban park that covers over 1,000 acres in the heart of the city. The park is home to a range of attractions, including the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

Local SF Hot Tips for Golden Gate Park

• Rent a bike or a scooter: Golden Gate Park is quite large, and renting a bike or a scooter is a great way to explore it. There are many rental shops near the park, and you can find a bike path that goes around the entire park.
• Check out the Bison Paddock: The Bison Paddock is a unique attraction in the park, with a small herd of American bison. You can view them from a fence or take a guided tour. Watch a concert at the Spreckels Temple of Music: The Spreckels Temple of Music hosts free concerts on Sundays during the summer. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy some live music in the park.
• Relax in the park: Golden Gate Park is a beautiful and peaceful spot in the city, with many different areas to relax and enjoy nature. Bring a book, a picnic, or a frisbee, and spend some time in the great outdoors.

6. The Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies are a row of Victorian houses that are famous for their colorful facades and stunning architecture. The houses are located on Steiner Street and are a popular spot for photography and picnics.

Local SF Hot Tips for the Painted Ladies

• Choose the right time: The best time to visit the Painted Ladies is during the day when the sunlight is the strongest. This is usually midday when the sun is overhead, providing the best lighting for photos.
• Go early: The Painted Ladies are a popular attraction, and it can get crowded, especially on weekends. To avoid the crowds, go early in the morning or during the weekday.
• Take a picnic: The park across the street from the Painted Ladies is a great spot to have a picnic or relax with a book. Bring a blanket and some snacks and enjoy the beautiful views.
• Explore the neighborhood: The Painted Ladies are located in the Alamo Square neighborhood, which is known for its beautiful Victorian homes, boutique shops, and trendy restaurants. Take some time to explore the area and see more of the city’s unique architecture.

7. Haight-Ashbury

Haight-Ashbury is a neighborhood that’s known for its hippie culture and colorful past. The neighborhood is home to a range of vintage clothing shops, record stores, and restaurants, and is a great place to explore the city’s counterculture history.

Local SF Hot Tips for Haight-Ashbury

• Learn about the history: Haight-Ashbury is famous for its role in the 1960s counterculture movement. Take some time to learn about the history of the neighborhood and its significance in American history.
• Visit the shops: Haight-Ashbury is known for its eclectic and colorful shops, selling everything from vintage clothing to record albums to spiritual items. Take some time to explore the shops and find some unique souvenirs.
• Check out the street art: Haight-Ashbury is home to many beautiful and colorful murals and street art. Look for them on the sides of buildings and in alleyways.
• Visit the landmarks: Haight-Ashbury is home to several landmarks, such as the Red Victorian Bed & Breakfast, the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic, and Buena Vista Park. Take some time to explore the area and see these iconic spots.
• Try the food: Haight-Ashbury has many great restaurants and cafes, offering everything from vegan cuisine to classic American fare. Try some of the local specialties, such as falafel or avocado toast.
• Attend a festival or event: Haight-Ashbury hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Haight-Ashbury Street Fair and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. Check the calendar for upcoming events and join in the festivities.

8. Cable Cars San Francisco

Cable cars are a classic mode of transportation that has been in operation since the late 1800s. Visitors can ride cable cars up and down the city’s steep hills and enjoy stunning views of the city along the way.

Local SF Hot Tips for Cable Cars

• Plan ahead: Cable cars are a popular attraction in San Francisco, and they can get busy, especially during peak tourist season. Consider planning ahead and purchasing tickets in advance or going early in the day to avoid long lines.
• Choose the right route: San Francisco has three cable car lines: the Powell-Mason line, the Powell-Hyde line, and the California Street line. Each line has its own unique sights and attractions, so choose the route that interests you the most.
• Stand in the right place: When waiting for a cable car, stand in the designated area marked with a yellow line. This is where the cable car will stop, and standing elsewhere can be dangerous.
• Hold on tight: Cable cars are a unique mode of transportation and can be bumpy and steep. Hold on to the handrails or the poles inside the car to stay safe.
• Take in the sights: Riding a cable car is a great way to see some of San Francisco’s most iconic sights, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the city’s beautiful architecture. Be sure to look around and take it all in.
• Be courteous: Cable cars can get crowded, so be courteous to your fellow passengers. Offer your seat to someone who needs it, keep your belongings close, and be patient when boarding and exiting the car.
• Don’t forget to pay: Cable car fares are cash only and can be paid onboard the car. Make sure to have the exact fare ready or purchase a ticket in advance to avoid delays or inconvenience.

9. Coit Tower

Coit Tower is a 210-foot-tall tower that offers stunning views of the city and the bay. The tower was built in 1933 and is located on Telegraph Hill. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of San Francisco.

Local SF Hot Tips for Coit Tower

• Learn about the history: Coit Tower is a historic landmark in San Francisco, built in 1933 as a monument to the city’s firefighters. Take some time to learn about the tower’s history and significance in the city’s architecture and culture.
• Enjoy the views: Coit Tower offers stunning panoramic views of San Francisco and the bay area. Be sure to take the elevator to the top of the tower for the best views. Explore the murals: The interior of Coit Tower features beautiful murals painted by local artists during the Great Depression. Take some time to explore the murals and appreciate the art and history they represent.
• Plan for crowds: Coit Tower is a popular attraction, especially during peak tourist season. Consider visiting early in the day or on a weekday to avoid crowds and long lines.

10. The Presidio

The Presidio is a former military base that’s now a national park and recreation area. The park covers over 1,500 acres and is home to a range of attractions, including the Walt Disney Family Museum, the Presidio Golf Course, and Crissy Field, which offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Local SF Hot Tips for the Presidio

• Learn about the history: The Presidio is a former military base that has been transformed into a national park. Take some time to learn about the Presidio’s history and significance in San Francisco’s past and present.
• Explore the trails: The Presidio offers over 24 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Consider exploring some of the trails to experience the natural beauty of the park.
• Visit the cultural institutions: The Presidio is home to several cultural institutions, such as the Walt Disney Family Museum and the Presidio Officers’ Club. Consider visiting these institutions to learn more about the art, history, and culture of San Francisco and the Presidio.
• Enjoy the views: The Presidio offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the city skyline. Be sure to take in the views and appreciate the natural beauty of the park.
• Bring a picnic: The Presidio has many picnic areas, offering a great opportunity to enjoy a meal in a beautiful setting. Bring some food and drinks and relax in the park.
• Attend an event: The Presidio hosts many events throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts and film screenings. Check the calendar for upcoming events and join in the fun.