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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. The Mission is also a great neighborhood for getting away from the heavily visited tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf , plus it's a popular stop on many of the city's best walking tours .

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. Getting to Union Square via public transportation is much easier than driving. The attraction sits just blocks from Market Street, a hub for all types of public transportation including the bus, Muni Metro and BART. Union Square is only two blocks from the Market St. & 3rd St. Muni Station and about four blocks from the Powell Street BART Station. Union Square can be visited all hours of the day and night for free. For more information on Union Square, visit the attraction's website .

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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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

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 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

Katrin Engel / EyeEm / Getty Images

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

Caroline Purser / Getty Images

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

Planning a trip to the Golden City? Here are some of the top things to do in San Francisco.

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.

Walk or bike over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

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.

Find fresh air at the Presidio.

The Presidio , a one-time military post now transformed into 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, which opened in 2022, connect the main post of the former military base to the Crissy Field waterfront and offer some of the best 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.

xavierarnau/Getty Images

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 Park , a site dedicated to remembering the gay men persecuted in Europe during World War II.

Do anything but drive on JFK Promenade.

Before 2022, JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park was car-free only on weekends. Then, San Francisco voters elected to make the road permanently pedestrian-only. Now 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 very easy to hop onto one within walking distance from some 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 at kiosks around the city and cost $8 for a one-way ride.

Ferry over to Alcatraz.

Kelly Griffin/Travel + Leisure

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 the middle of San Francisco Bay, housed some of the nation’s most notorious criminals (some of whom tried to escape by swimming across the treacherous waters). The prison is so famous it even made its way to the big screen with movies like "Bird Man of Alcatraz" and "The Rock." 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 one in North America. Spanning 30 square blocks, the neighborhood is its own little bustling metropolis. Come to 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 .

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 and be ready to catch a foul ball (or homer) if you need to, and perhaps a stadium seat for added cush for your tush.

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 the perfect place to find a moment of solitude amid the trees, and it's an ideal spot to stroll hand-in-hand with the one you love while vacationing in San Francisco. The trail is paved and rated easy to moderate. It takes only about 30 minutes to walk it.

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 Roman ruin 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, a meeting place, or your next Instagram shoot.

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 hidden gem at TreasureFest.

San Francisco is home to some seriously stellar vintage shopping, but there is perhaps no better spot to find a few unique items than at TreasureFest . Formerly known as Treasure Island Flea, the open-air market includes clothing, antiques, handmade products, and more. There are plenty of food trucks on hand to feed the hungry masses as well. Check the website for a schedule and locations as this flea is open only a few weekends each year.

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 while on the water for seals and other sea life, too. You can book an hour-long tour with the Blue and Gold Fleet or an adventurous 90-minute excursion by inflatable raft with Bay Voyager . There are many boat tours to choose from.

Build something new at the Exploratorium.

The Exploratorium is a museum and a "public learning laboratory" that allows anyone to become a mad scientist. Visitors can use the tools available to become active explorers and create whatever they pull from their imaginations. Unsurprisingly, the place is a hit among children, but you can attend child-free during the museum's adult-only Thursday evenings. 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 sweet snacks at the Donut Farm to frothy beers offered by Fort Point Beer Co . If you're lucky, you'll even visit on a market day — Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays — when local purveyors descend on the space to sell their goods straight from the farms (or straight from the studio).

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, December 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.

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 the more than 1,000 that line the streets.

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 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 in San Francisco 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. The museum 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 highest grossing 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 closes out the season with sweet folk sounds.

Listen to the ocean at the Wave Organ.

pikappa/Getty Images

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 regarding prehistoric fossils, spotting colorful marine life, and learning all things natural history at this Golden Gate Park museum. The California Academy of Sciences is more than just a collection of exhibits — housing 46 million specimens, no less — 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.

A 125-year-old church in the Fillmore District has been transformed into a funky disco skating rink. "Rolligion" is the new foundation of this formerly holy institution. At the aptly named Church of 8 Wheels , you can rent skates, take a lesson, watch performances, or take to the floor during an open skate session to test your coordination.

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 sit and savor a glass of wine at Bodega North Beach .

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 Chinese furniture. Arrive after 5 p.m. on any Thursday and you'll get half off the admission price. Or, go on the first Sunday of the month for free.

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 at Waldo Point Harbor to admire the elaborate houseboats.

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

DanHenson1/Getty Images

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.

Shop for vintage 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, 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), but the real stars of the neighborhood may be the Four Seasons houses – a stunning quartet of Queen Annes at the corner of Waller and Masonic designed to represent winter, spring, summer, and autumn.

Take your clam chowder in a bread bowl.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

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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The best attractions in San Francisco to put on your bucket list

These amazing attractions in San Francisco showcase the city’s unique history and incredible beauty

Don’t be fooled by San Francisco’s relatively compact size—just seven miles wide by seven miles long—as this Northern California city packs in a ton of attractions. San Francisco is home to an impressive collection of museums , natural wonders , parks and historic buildings. (Plus, despite the hills, it’s actually a quite walkable city.)

From a city park that’s 20 percent larger than New York’s Central Park to an iconic modern art museum to beloved local sports teams, here are the must-see attractions you won’t want to miss while you’re in the City by the Bay.

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

Best San Francisco attractions

1.  golden gate bridge.

• Things to do

When people think of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is usually the first thing that comes to mind and for good reason. The iconic suspension bridge is famous for its Art Deco elements, 746-foot tall towers and distinct International Orange color (which would have been black-and-yellow stripes had the Navy had its way when it was completed in 1937)—and it’s just as stunning when glistening in the sunlight as it is when peeking out of the fog. There’s nothing quite like walking over the bridge, which pedestrians can do between 5am and 6:30pm/9pm depending on the season. But it’s also impressive when viewed from afar;  Crissy Field ,  Fort Point ,  Baker Beach  and the Marin Headlands all offer excellent vantage points to take pictures and help keep its status as the most photographed bridge in the world.

2.  Alcatraz Island

• Walks and tours
• San Francisco

One of the most famous prisons in the world, the rocky island of Alcatraz was once home to well-known criminals like Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, Robert “The Birdman” Stroud and other convicts who were considered violent, dangerous or escape risks. Converted from a lighthouse station to a military prison and then a federal prison in 1934, these days “The Rock” is one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist attractions with tours frequently selling out weeks in advance.

It’s worth planning ahead, though, in order to be able to take a quick ferry ride to the island where you can take a self-guided audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards sharing stories about escape plans and prison riots, or opt for a professionally guided tour where you’ll explore less traveled areas. For a more intimate and slightly creepy experience, take a night tour, which includes a guided boat tour around the island, as well as behind-the-scenes tours that aren’t offered during the day.

3.  Crissy Field

Transformed in 2001 from a defunct Army airstrip to an ecologically rich shoreline national park, this 100-acre waterfront offers spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the Marin Headlands. You’ll enjoy easy hiking, beaches, beautiful picnic areas and wild open spaces like Crissy Marsh, where you can birdwatch. You can walk or ride the Bay Trail all the way to Fort Point  at the foot of the bridge, a masonry seacoast fortification built just before the Civil War. On foggy days, make a pit stop at the Warming Hut for hot beverages, organic soups and sandwiches, and one of the best selections of unique San Francisco souvenirs around. If you’re eager for more activities along the route, check out the Movement climbing gym in a former airplane hangar, or bring a kite and get it soaring.

4.  California Academy of Sciences

This unique attraction in San Francisco features an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest and a natural history museum all in one place. Inside the California Academy of Sciences lies the “world’s largest all-digital planetarium,” so there’s no doubt you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to your visit here. From Claude, the American alligator with albinism, to the African penguin exhibit, there’s also plenty to see in the aquarium. It’s an ideal day out for the whole family—just don’t forget the snacks.

5.  Ferry Building Marketplace

• Markets and fairs

A visit to the historic Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street offers something for everyone, especially those looking to indulge in some of the city’s most delicious food. Go on Tuesday or Thursday from 10am to 2pm or Saturday from 8am to 2pm to experience a huge  farmers’ market  where regional farmers and ranchers sell vegetables, flowers, meats and other small-batch bites. Then head inside to shop for artisanal products from merchants like Acme Bread Company, Donut Farm, El Porteño Empanadas, Far West Fungi and Heath Ceramics. Finally, no visit to the Ferry Building is complete without a meal at one of the food stalls or restaurants, like the popular Hog Island Oyster Company or beloved burger spot Gott’s Roadside.

6.  Golden Gate Park

• Golden Gate Park

Twenty percent larger than New York’s Central Park and just as iconic, Golden Gate Park is 1000+ acres of rolling hills, groves of trees, gardens and hidden treasures. Stretching from the “Panhandle”—the long, skinny section of the park that once served as an experimental planting area—to the edge of Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park contains a number of San Francisco’s best landmarks including the Japanese Tea Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers (a Victorian-era glass greenhouse) and the ultra-green, ultra-brainy Academy of Science. Recreational options in the park include hiking trails, a disk golf course and bocce ball courts. Kids will go crazy for the enchanting playground at Koret Children’s Quarter and its century-old carousel.

7.  Mission Dolores

• Event spaces
• Mission Dolores

The sixth of 21 California missions built along El Camino Real (the King’s Highway), Mission Dolores has withstood two major earthquakes (in 1906 and 1989) to take the title of San Francisco’s oldest building. The old church is all that remains of the original 1776 Catholic compound, but almost everything in the interior is original, including beautifully repainted redwood ceiling beams and ornate Spanish-style altars. At the mission you’ll also find historic gardens and a cemetery which holds the remains of some 5,000 Miwok, Ohlone and other First Californians, including many who built the mission, as well as notable Spanish settlers and the first Mexican governor.

8.  Fisherman’s Wharf

• Fisherman's Wharf

Yes, Fisherman’s Wharf caters almost entirely to the city’s out-of-town visitors but there are good reasons for even the most hardened San Francisco resident to come here—including the charming vintage arcade Musée Mécanique , the USS Pampanito World War II submarine and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park’s fleet of restored vintage sailing ships. At Pier 39, visit the vocal and adorable sea lions, ride the merry-go-round or shop for classic San Francisco gifts, candy and fudge. When you’ve had enough harbor excitement, indulge in clam chowder in a bread bowl or a seafood dinner at one of the historic restaurants just feet from where commercial fishermen bring in their daily catch. Afterward, treat yourself to a decadent dessert at Ghirardelli Square , home of the famed chocolatier.

9.  Presidio Tunnel Tops

San Francisco’s newest park,  Presidio Tunnel Tops  is comprised of 14 acres of national parkland built over Highway 101, connecting the main lawn of the Presidio to Crissy Field. The park was designed by the team that created New York City’s High Line. Featuring scenic overlooks, trails and picnic areas, you’ll find a perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge from every angle. 

10.  Barbary Coast

Once the land of the lawless where gambling, vigilante justice and prostitution reigned, today’s Barbary Coast, though considerably less raucous, still feels reminisent of its early days. Overlapping the neighborhoods of Jackson Square, North Beach and Chinatown, a meander down the Barbary Coast Trail places you at the doorstep of a number of historical sites including Beat-era hangouts  City Lights Bookstore and Vesuvio Cafe , as well as Saints Peter and Paul Church where Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe were photographed in 1954 after getting hitched at City Hall. If you’re on the lookout for something a little more adult, a number of strip clubs and other mature entertainments continue to carry the torch. 

11.  Coit Tower

• North Beach

Added to the San Francisco skyline in 1933, this monumental love letter to the city remains a welcome sight for people traveling westbound across the Bay Bridge. Named for Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy eccentric whose $118,000 bequest to the city resulted in the slender Art Deco tower’s construction, it stands 210 feet tall on Telegraph Hill. At the top is the tower’s observation deck with amazing 360-degree views of San Francisco and the bay. An interior rotunda at its base is covered in Depression-era WPA murals depicting not-so-subtle socialist images in scenes of California agriculture and industry painted by more than two dozen artists, some of whom were disciples of famed Mexican muralist Diego Rivera.

12.  San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

• Art and design
• Yerba Buena
• price 2 of 4

Opened in 1935, SFMOMA was the first West Coast museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Located in SoMA, the museum features more than 32,000 works, from interactive exhibits to an entire floor dedicated to photography, to mural commissions. Don’t miss the 30-foot-tall living wall—the largest of its kind in the U.S.—featuring 19,000 plants.

13.  Cable Cars

In a city of hills, cable cars were once one of the most efficient ways to get around town. Invented here a century and a half ago, these days the cable cars are a National Historic Landmark still in operation with three remaining lines. Two of the lines, the Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde, connect downtown with Fisherman’s Wharf and are therefore the most popular with tourists who line up at the cable car turnaround at Powell and Market streets. Of those two, the Powell-Hyde is the most impressive, offering views of the bay and Alcatraz. The California line goes up and over Nob Hill, which is thrilling because of the steep route. Stop by the Cable Car Museum on Mason Street to learn more about the history of this unique form of transport and to get a glimpse of the giant underground workings that power the cars.

14.  Alamo Square

• Alamo Square

San Francisco boasts hundreds of Painted Ladies: fancy, turreted Victorian and Edwardian homes featuring three or more paint colors. You’ll want to swing by one row of seven that are so recognizable they’re called the “Seven Sisters” (or sometimes “Postcard Row”). The houses of 710 to 720 Steiner Street at the corner of Hayes Street have appeared in many movies, ads and television shows, including the ’90s juggernaut Full House . You can’t enter any of the Painted Ladies since real people live in them, but you can get a great view and photo from the windy east-facing hillside of Alamo Square Park across the street.

15.  Chinatown

San Francisco is home to a large, historic enclave of Chinese immigrants. The Chinatown neighborhood centered around Grant Avenue and Stockton Street boasts a thriving array of shops, restaurants and storied buildings rich in life and history. Head through the ornate Gateway to Chinatown at the corner of Bush Street and Grant Avenue with its three portals and explore the many colorful alleyways, including Ross Alley, which is home to the  Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory , and Waverly Place, which has some beautiful buildings, including Tin How Temple . After, stop for food at one of the many fantastic restaurants and bakeries, like Good Mong Kok Bakery , Z & Y Restaurant  and Wong Lee Bakery with its glorious egg tarts.

16.  Angel Island State Park

Though Angel Island is clearly visible in the Bay, it remains one of San Francisco’s hidden gems, which makes spending the day there (or even camping overnight) that much more special. The island (accessible only by ferry) has a fascinating and important history, notably the time from 1910 to 1940 when it was an immigration station where many Chinese immigrants were detained thanks to the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. Today you can still see the poems they carved into the walls of the barracks where they were forced to live. This state park was also once home to a Nike missile base. Take a guided open-air tram or jump on a Segway to explore the island. In addition, Angel Island also offers spectacular hikes, including a five-mile loop from Ayala Cove that takes you to the top of Mount Caroline Livermore, the highest point of the island at 788 feet. Enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in views of Alcatraz, the San Francisco skyline, and three bridges: the Bay, Golden Gate and Richmond-San Rafael.

17.  San Francisco Zoo

Whether or not you’ve got kids—or big kids—in tow, there’s no place quite like the zoo and the San Francisco Zoo is a particular corker. Situated in the southwestern corner of the city, this 100-acre space is home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered and rescued animals. Highlights include the meerkat habitat, three-acre African savanna and expansive lemur forest. Combine your visit with a walk along Ocean Beach.

18.  Land’s End

• Outer Richmond

When the fog is on the move, Land’s End can truly feel like the edge of the world. Until it was covered by a landslide in 1925, the Cliff House Steam Rail line carried visitors from town out to the coast to swim at the Sutro Baths or have a meal at various incarnations of the scenic Cliff House. Today you’ll find only ruins of the railroad and former baths, begging to be explored. Watch surfers here at Ocean Beach (but beware the treacherous riptides) then walk east on the popular Coastal Trail to take in some of the best water views in the city and find the hidden labyrinth at Eagle Point.

19.  Salesforce Park

We’re big fans of rooftop gardens, and this 5.4-acre public park atop the Salesforce Transit Center provides a unique place to catch your breath. Salesforce Park’s “living roof” has grassy lawns, an amphitheater, a children’s play area and a sinuous walking trail. The park stretches for nearly four blocks and boasts 600 trees and 16,000 plants in 13 areas with interpretive signs representing different botanical regions of the world. An interactive public art installation,  Bus Fountain , features 247 miniature geysers that are timed to spray with the coming and going of buses on the street 70 feet below.

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52 Essential Things To Do In San Francisco At Least Once In Your Life

If you're looking for the best things to do in San Francisco, here's your ultimate guide to SF's famous tourist attractions , restaurants, and citywide events.

It’s nearly impossible to capture all the best things to do in San Francisco, and there are more than a few activities that stand out. Whether you’re a tourist wanting to see the sights or a local looking for new ideas, we’re sure these recommendations will help point you in the right direction. How many have you tried?

Of course, we have a few other lists that could help expand on this one. Be sure to check out our list of free things to do , things to do on a rainy day , things to do alone , things to do with kids , and things to do this weekend in San Francisco , just to name a few.

1. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge receives over 10 million visits a year and is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. The 1.7-mile-long suspension bridge was built in  1937 and has remained a symbol of world-class engineering and local pride ever since. Many visitors like to bike  across the bridge to Sausalito, and then take a ferry back. You could also sail underneath the bridge on a scenic boat ride.

2. Have an unforgettable time at Outside Lands

Outside Lands is the country’s largest independently-owned music festival, taking place every year in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The festival began in 2008 and is managed by Another Planet Entertainment, Superfly Presents, and Starr Hill Presents. Get ready for headliners The Killers, Sturgill Simpson, Jungle, Tyler, The Creator, and more.

🗓️ Dates : Aug. 9-11, 2024

3. Spend a perfect day at Golden Gate Park

At 1,017 acres, Golden Gate Park is one of the largest public parks in the world. Any trip to the park is different in its own special way, whether you want to bike down JFK Drive or have a picnic in the East Meadow. Some popular stops include the Japanese Tea Garden , SF Botanical Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, bison paddock , Stow Lake, AIDS Memorial Grove, and the Dutch Windmill .

4. Get inspired at the Exploratorium

The Exploratorium isn’t your average museum experience – in fact, they’ve been making their own interactive exhibits since 1969! Explore and play with over 650 fun exhibits including the mysterious Fog Bridge . This is one of the most fun things to do in San Francisco for kids, but be sure to check out their Thursday After Dark events for adults.

5. Greet the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf

The SF waterfront is a fun and lively place to visit, albeit a little touristy. You could see the sights at Pier 39 , strike a pose at Umbrella Alley , visit sea creatures at Aquarium of the Bay, and play vintage arcade games at Musée Mécanique . Don’t forget to tour the historic boats at Hyde Street Pier for a fun trip back in time. You can also set sail on a boat cruise for a memorable day on the water.

6. Stuff your face at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana

This San Francisco staple is one of the city’s most famous pizza places , helmed by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani. Order from dozens of pizzas ranging from Sicilian to classic American to coal-fired. Take a culinary tour around the Italian neighborhood of North Beach while you’re at it.

7. Walk through the Eliasson tunnel at SFMOMA

SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art) is easily one of SF’s most famous museums with a frequent rotation of large- and small-scale art exhibitions from both local and international artists. One of the most-photographed is Olafur Eliasson’s One-Way Colour Tunnel , which feels like stepping into a kaleidoscope. The museum grants free admission to Bay Area residents on the first Thursday of every month from 1-8pm.

8. Catch a free concert at Stern Grove Festival

Stern Grove Festival has hosted free summer concerts for 87 years, making it the oldest outdoor music festival in the Bay Area. Headliners have included everyone from Grammy winners to rising stars, and this year’s lineup is absolutely fantastic with greats including Chaka Khan and Tegan and Sara. You can bet on the series recurring on Sundays between June and August.

🗓️ Dates : Sundays June 23-Aug 18, 2024

9. Explore the CA Academy of Sciences’ indoor rainforest

With some of the most advanced research facilities in the world, this famous SF museum is capable of putting together some seriously fascinating and creative exhibits including a four-story indoor rainforest aflutter with free-flying birds and butterflies. You’ll want to spare about half a day to catch a show at the state-of-the-art planetarium, step onto the massive living roof, and visit the comprehensive natural history museum.

10. Attend a free outdoor movie screening courtesy of Sundown Cinema

Sundown Cinema presents an exciting lineup of free movie screenings in local parks every summer and fall. There are four movies left on the schedule for this year, happening through October. Here’s the schedule.

• 6:00pm on Friday, August 2 at The Ferry Building – Barbie
• 5:30pm on September 6 at Duboce Park – SF’s Lost Landscapes: Found Home Movies
• 5:00pm on Friday, October 4 at India Basin Waterfront – The Princess and the Frog
• 5:00pm on Friday, October 18 at Jerry Garcia Amphitheater – The Nightmare Before Christmas (costume contest)

11. Bring a group of friends to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a completely free and noncommercial music festival that takes place in Golden Gate Park every year at the end of September. With over 50 food vendors and 6 stages, this is a real treat that’s totally iconic to the city. It all started in 2001 when SF venture capitalist Warren Hellman founded it as a “Strictly Bluegrass,” a bluegrass-only event that has since evolved to showcase all sorts of genres.

🗓️ Dates : Oct. 4-6, 2024

12. Catch the view from the de Young Museum’s observation deck

The  de Young Museum  has been one of SF’s most iconic  fine art museums since it was founded in 1895. The building features a  144-foot observation tower offering 360-degree views of Golden Gate Park, and it’s free for the public to visit whether or not they hold a museum ticket. Their collections include African art, arts of the Americas, oceanic art, photography, and textiles. Bay Area residents can enjoy free admission every Saturday, and the general public can get in for free on the first Tuesday of every month.

13. Have a bonfire at Ocean Beach

This stunning beach along the west coast of the city is perfect for bonfires (March through October) or for windy sunset beach walks along the coast. Look for the historic Cliff House and Camera Obscura up on the bluffs. Be advised that beaches in San Francisco are unsafe for swimming due to powerful sneaker waves and rip currents.

14. Take a tour of Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island is an essential part of San Francisco’s history, most famously serving as a federal prison from 1934-1963 housing the likes of Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. It was later the site of a  Native American civil rights movement before becoming part of the Golden Gate Recreation Area in 1972. The audio tour is one of the best things to do in San Francisco for tourists, but even locals will have plenty to learn on a visit to this historic island.

15. Ride a cable car

SF’s cable cars are the only moving national landmark in the United States, dating back to 1873. There are 2 types of historic cable cars in service in San Francisco today:  12 California cars , which are larger and may be operated from both ends; and  28 Powell cars , which are slightly smaller and operational from one end only. You can learn more about the cable cars at SF’s free Cable Car Museum .

16. Sip on an Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista

Buena Vista Cafe is credited as the first and arguably the most famous place to serve Irish Coffee in the US starting back in 1952. The famous cafe serves up to 2,000 Irish Coffees per day in an elegant performance, using freshly-brewed coffee, sugar, and Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey topped with freshly whipped cream. If you’re spending time in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood it’s a non-negotiable stop.

17. Discover the Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts was built as a temporary exhibition space for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition . When the fair ended, prominent philanthropist Phoebe Hearst helped to preserve the beloved Palace structure and saved it from demolition. The structure is designed to depict a decaying Roman ruin, featuring a 162-tall rotunda and large colonnades. Many visitors to the Palace enjoy taking a picnic to eat on the grass surrounding the lagoon.

18. Drink tea and enjoy the view in the Japanese Tea Garden

The  Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, dating back to 1894 when it debuted as a “Japanese Village” at the California Midwinter International Exposition. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing cup of tea and Japanese refreshments in the tea house, or visit during March and April to catch the cherry blossoms . The  five-tiered wooden pagoda recently underwent a $2M renovation and the garden is looking better than ever.

19. Attend a candlelight concert in a stunning SF venue

Candlelight is present in  over 100 major cities worldwide, and we’re lucky to enjoy these captivating classical concerts at the magnificent International Art Museum of America and St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco . Listen to talented musicians perform works by iconic singers and composers including Coldplay, Schubert, and Joe Hisaishi while surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles.

20. Go vintage shopping in Haight-Ashbury

Whether you’ve come to admire the historic Victorian houses or grab a drink on your way to Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury has something for everyone. Essential stops include the tie-dye paradise that is Love on Haight , Amoeba Music, and the gorgeous Four Seasons Houses , but it’s also worth simply wandering down the street to take in the eclectic neighborhood as a whole.

21. Cover your ears during Fleet Week

San Francisco Fleet Week has been a fixture on the Bay Area cultural calendar since 1981. The Air Show is Fleet Week’s most highly anticipated event, where the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform a choreographed show between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. The best viewing is at Pier 39, Crissy Field, and Aquatic Park, but you’ll hear it from just about anywhere in the city.

🗓️ Dates : Oct. 7-14, 2024

22. Check out the floating rooftop paradise that is Salesforce Park

San Francisco’s  Salesforce Park  is an amazing modern marvel in the Financial District. The verdant oasis rests 70 feet above the street atop the Salesforce Transit Center, and it’s completely  free and open for the public to visit at any time. It also hosts a collection of free events  every week including yoga classes, bootcamps, live music, bird walks, and garden tours.

23. Dance all night at DNA Lounge

This all-ages nightclub in SF has brought an exciting lineup of DJ sets, concerts, drag shows , and more since 1985. Explore two stages, four floors, and seven bars throughout the massive space in SoMa, and get your late-night food fix at their attached pizza restaurant and cafe.

24. See the view from Coit Tower

This simple white tower has embellished San Francisco’s iconic skyline since 1933. , when Lille Hitchcock Coit left a bequest upon her death “for the purpose of adding to the beauty of the city I have always loved.” Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the 212-foot-high tower and marvel at 360° views of San Francisco including Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Transamerica Pyramid, and Lombard Street. Don’t forget to tour the Depression-era frescoes inside the base, which were painted by PWAP artists commissioned by the U.S. Government.

25. Take a lap around the Ferry Building

SF’s Ferry Building is a center for events, pop-ups, a farmers’ market, and countless excellent merchants who sell their wares daily in the building’s many stalls. Their expansive  outdoor dining area has excellent views of the Bay and it’s a fun spot for grab-and-go food. This is also one of the more famous historic buildings in San Francisco, as it was built in 1898 and survived both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes with minimal damage.

26. Drive down Lombard Street

This famous red-brick street in Russian Hill attracts 2 million tourists per year. The iconic street features 8 sharp turns in a 1-block stretch, surrounded by lush landscaping and always teeming with cars and foot traffic. You can take the Powell/Hyde cable cr to the top of Lombard, but don’t forget to see one of the city’s best views a block away at Hyde and Chestnut.

27. Visit the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square

This line of Queen Anne Victorian homes is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The houses were built between 1892 and 1896 and have been featured in movies such as  Mrs. Doubtfire  (1993) and television shows like  Full House (1987-1995). You’ll find that the homes are perfectly placed against a dramatic backdrop of the San Francisco skyline, and “postcard row” is now one of the most-photographed views in SF.

28. Check out the new Presidio Tunnel Tops waterfront park

The highly-anticipated Presidio Tunnel Tops Park opened in 2022, connecting the Presidio’s Main Post with Crissy Field through a series of bluff landscapes and pathways. Explore nearly 200,000 native and drought-tolerant plants , lounge on the giant grassy amphitheater-style Presidio Steps, or take your kids to the 2-acre Outpost play area. Keep an eye out for NPS ranger talks, public art installations, and weekly events.

29. Take a candlelight tour of Fort Point

Fort Point National Historic Site was instrumental in protecting California’s coast during the Civil War. It’s worth a visit any time of day, but these candlelight tours are a next-level way to truly immerse yourself in the site’s history. Each guest will get a hand-held lantern for the 90-minute tour led by a park ranger, which takes you through all four levels of the historic fort including the roof.

30. Eat a Mission burrito at Dolores Park

This popular 16-acre green space is the city’s favorite spot for people watching, catching up with friends, and enjoying amazing views. Take a walk around the Mission District , grab a burrito from nearby El Faro or La Cumbre , and enjoy an afternoon on the grass.

31. Head to Ocean Beach for NorCal’s biggest sandcastle competition

The  Leap Sandcastle Classic  is a favorite at Ocean Beach every year, drawing thousands of people for the ultimate sandcastle contest. You can watch teams build absolutely enormous sand sculptures while enjoying  live music, performances, and local food trucks. 2024 details are still TBA, but the event usually happens in October.

🗓️ Date : Oct. 26, 2024

32. Order a juicy steak at the House of Prime Rib

This old-school English restaurant is one of the top-rated restaurants in the city , and for good reason. Find high-quality prime rib to enjoy alongside excellent wines and cocktails, set against a cozy backdrop of traditional decor and jolly fireplaces.

33. Taste fresh California produce at a weekend farmers market

If you live in the Bay Area, you know that we have access to some of the best produce in the country. That’s why farmers markets are a must for countless SF residents who enjoy getting their food from local sources. Some of our favorites are the Alemany Farmers Market , the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market , and the Heart of the City Farmers Market .

34. Check out the view from Twin Peaks

These 2 adjacent peaks in the city stand 922 feet tall, making them second only to Mt. Davidson. The park itself is 64 acres, and you can see breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay by hiking the 0.7 mile trail network to the top. You can also simply visit via a laidback drive, which makes for a quick and rewarding trip to one of the best sunset spots in the city.

35. Attend a film soundtrack concert by SF Symphony

San Francisco Symphony has an absolutely stellar lineup of concerts all year long, but one of our favorites will always be the Film Series . Watch screenings of classic movies to the music of a live orchestra at these unforgettable performances.

36. Go whale-watching in and around SF

California’s coastline is the perfect spot to catch several whale migration seasons – gray whales from January through April, orcas between February and May, and humpbacks between April and December. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for elephant seals!

37. Take a day trip to Muir Woods

We’re extremely lucky to live so close to the largest and tallest trees in the world. These old-growth coastal redwoods are breathtaking, and most have been there between 600 and 800 years.

Some of our other favorite day trips from SF include Napa Valley, Filoli Estate & Gardens , and Bolinas .

38. Snag a frangipane croissant at Tartine

Tartine has been a San Francisco staple forever! They’re well-known for their excellent breads , but the pastries themselves receive the same amount of careful attention. Take home a loaf of their classic country levain bread, or opt for the extra soft whole-grain porridge loaf or the Danish-style rye. Whether you stop by for a tasty sit-down meal or picking up a fresh sourdough to go, the iconic SF bakery is a must in the Inner Sunst and the Mission.

39. Walk on the Castro District’s rainbow crosswalk

SF’s historically gay neighborhood is world-famous with essential stops including the Castro Theater and the Rainbow Honor Walk . Don’t forget to take a pic on the rainbow crosswalk at 18th and Castro Street, and save the date for the Castro Street Fair in October.

40. Get a pic at Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line at the Presidio

The city of San Francisco began at the Presidio in 1776 when Spain established a military fort there. World-renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line is a beautiful sculpture winding through the eucalyptus trees, but there’s no shortage of hidden gems. Leave plenty of time to explore the 1,500-acre park, with plenty of hidden gems including Lobos Valley Overlook, the Pet Cemetery, and Mountain Lake.

41. Hike the Lands End Trail

The Sutro Baths at Lands End are one of San Francisco’s largest historical relics. Make the 3.4-mile hike out there and you’ll find the remnants of an enormous public bathhouse that accommodated up to 10,000 people back in the late 1890s. See more of our favorite local hikes here.

42. Devour a plate of cioppino at Scoma’s

Scoma’s has been serving some of the best seafood in SF at Pier 47 for half a century. It even has its own fishing boat for crabs and salmon, meaning you’re guaranteed the freshest catch from local waters. Try their “Lazy Man’s” Cioppino or the lunchtime Fisherman’s Special.

43. Get lost in SF Botanical Garden

The San Francisco Botanical Garden is a beautiful, relaxing green space with  7,700 types of plants across 55 acres and i t’s free to visit for all SF residents. Some events to look out for include magnolia season from January-March and Flower Piano in September.

44. Explore SF’s most famous mural collections

Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley each house vibrant, diverse displays of murals by mostly local artists . Some of these masterpieces go back decades into Bay Area history, meaning you can pinpoint certain social movements, artistic styles, and more.  Discover more of our favorite public art pieces here.

45. Take a slippery ride down the Seward Street Slides

Thrill-seeking adults and children have enjoyed these legendary concrete slides near the Castro since the 1970s. They were designed by a 14-year old girl named Kim Clark, who grew up nearby. The super steep slides will get your heart racing, especially if you bring cardboard for an extra smooth ride. Find them in Seward Mini Park, and heads up that it’s closed on Mondays.

46. Sip on a mai tai at the Tonga Room

The Fairmont Hotel’s Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar is one of the longest continually running tiki bars in the U.S.  They serve a mix of classic and original tiki cocktails, including the “1944 Mai Tai” which is particularly tasty when enjoyed next to the restaurant’s indoor lagoon . Settle into the kitschy tropical paradise for a lively experience that’s one of the most legendary things to do in San Francisco.

47. Check out the view from Sutro Heights Park

Sutro Heights Park dates back over 140 years, but it’s still one of the most underrated parks in San Francisco. The south-facing lookout point has some of the best views of Ocean Beach and the Great Highway, and it’s an unbeatable sunset spot.

48. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience

The enormous and newly renovated  Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Store reopened even bigger and better in 2022. Customers can enjoy the world’s largest Pick and Mix as well as limitless sundaes, milkshakes, coffees, hot cocoa, and plenty more. Make sure you leave plenty of time to explore Ghirardelli Square, an iconic SF shopping center with all sorts of fun stores and restaurants to try.

49. Join a raucous crowd of runners at Bay to Breakers

This wild, energetic footrace through SF’s most iconic neighborhoods has been a local staple for over 100 years and just keeps getting better. Get ready to run, walk, or dance your way to the finish line while enjoying  live music along the route  and plenty of unforgettable costumes. Save the date for this year’s race on May 19, 2024.

50. Cheer on the Giants at Oracle Park

SF’s iconic baseball stadium Oracle Park is located right on the waterfront in SoMa. You can join a year-round tour to see the stadium up close or grab tickets to cheer on the Giants at a home game between March and September. Baseball season brings tens of thousands of people to the neighborhood every year, so if you’re not sure where to grab a bite nearby, be sure to read our Oracle Park dining guide .

51. Experience a yoga session like no other at Grace Cathedral

Hundreds of people flock to  Yoga on the Labyrinth at Grace Cathedral for a spiritual experience like no other. The session is a gentle Hatha yoga practice accompanied by live music in one of the most beautiful buildings in SF. For $15 you can join a graceful yoga class open to all ages and abilities led by well-known local yoga teacher Darren Main.

52. Bike around the perimeter of Angel Island

Take the ferry from Pier 41 and rent a bike on Angel Island for great views of the Bay, Mt. Tamalpais, and more. The Angel Island Perimeter Loop is 5.9 miles long and pretty flat, save for a few inclines. Plan to stop for photo ops and pack a lunch to enjoy on Perles Beach. If you want to take the experience up a notch, you can even camp on Angel Island as long as you reserve about 6 months in advance.

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San Fran-tastic Adventures: A Guide to the Golden City’s Must-See Spots

San Francisco is a city where iconic landmarks meet hidden gems, offering an eclectic mix of experiences that cater to every kind of traveler. Whether you're strolling across the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, exploring lively neighborhoods, or indulging in the city's renowned culinary scene, San Francisco is a playground of culture, history, and endless adventures. Join us as we uncover the must-see spots, tastiest bites, and most memorable activities that will make your visit to the Golden City truly unforgettable.

Places to See

Golden Gate Bridge

If you haven’t snapped a photo of the Golden Gate Bridge , did you even really go to San Francisco? Strolling or driving across this iconic bridge is essential! The Golden Gate Bridge is a symbol of American ingenuity and resolve, having been constructed during the Great Depression. Today, this beloved international symbol and true engineering marvel carries about 40 million vehicles a year and serves not only as a vital transportation link but also as a major travel destination for millions of visitors from around the world.

Pier 39 is where San Francisco meets the bay—a bustling waterfront filled with endless attractions and activities. With so many fun and unique shops to explore, like Lefty’s San Francisco (a store focused on products specially designed for left-handed people), The San Francisco Sock Market (every type of sock imaginable), and Fairy Tales (a whimsical shop filled with mystic myths and magical gifts), Pier 39 offers a truly engaging shopping experience. There are also countless waterfront dining options, plus pit stops for snacks like pretzels, hot dogs, and my personal choice—Mrs. Fields Cookies! If you’re looking for entertainment, Pier 39 has it all: carnival-themed rides, escape rooms, boat charters, and, for animal lovers like me, the Aquarium of the Bay. Don’t forget to visit Pier 39’s K-Dock to watch the sea lions bask in the sun (or hilariously push each other off the dock).

For those looking to connect with nature, Muir Woods is an experience you simply can’t miss. This beautiful national monument offers a peaceful stroll among ancient coast redwoods, where you can marvel at their towering presence and explore a variety of plant and animal life. Since its protection in 1908, Muir Woods has been a place of both history and natural beauty, evolving from its early days of tourism and the Mount Tamalpais Mill Valley Scenic Railway to a modern era focused on conservation and preservation. Take a hike and enjoy the serene beauty of these majestic woods, where nature’s wonders are on full display.

Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and immerse yourself in the intriguing history of American incarceration, justice, and shared humanity. This small island has worn many hats over the years: a fort, a military prison, and a maximum-security federal penitentiary. In 1969, it became a symbol of resistance when the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months, advocating for freedom and Native American civil rights. I found the tour to be both thought-provoking and deeply engaging—an experience that I highly recommend to anyone visiting San Francisco.

Palace of Fine Arts

For those who appreciate architecture and art, the Palace of Fine Arts is a highlight. Following the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire, San Francisco built this stunning structure to showcase its resilience to the world. With its Greco-Roman rotunda, colonnades, immaculately planted grounds, lagoon, and spacious exhibition center and theater, the Palace of Fine Arts is a true San Francisco treasure. Keep an eye on their website for upcoming events or performances, as the theater hosts everything from ballets and comedy shows to music performances.

The Painted Ladies

Among San Francisco’s most beloved landmarks are the Painted Ladies. These pastel-colored, Victorian homes along the eastern side of Alamo Square Park are some of the most admired and photographed sights in the city. Known as "postcard row" for their scenic beauty, these iconic homes offer a glimpse of old San Francisco, with the gleaming downtown skyline serving as a stunning backdrop. The Painted Ladies have been featured in countless stories set in San Francisco, perhaps most famously in the beloved TV show Full House .

Chinatown San Francisco

No visit to San Francisco is complete without exploring the energetic and historic Chinatown , the largest of its kind outside Asia and the oldest in North America. As you stroll through the streets, you'll be captivated by the rich cultural heritage that infuses every corner—from the ornate architecture of the Dragon Gate to the lively markets filled with exotic goods and traditional foods. Chinatown is a sensory delight, offering everything from authentic dim sum to handcrafted souvenirs. Be sure to stop by the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where you can watch fortune cookies being made by hand and even create your own personalized messages.

Where to Eat

Of course, we had to stop at the most talked-about spot in California— In-N-Out . Famous for their classic burgers and fries, it was a stop we simply had to make. A few of us decided to be adventurous and ordered the infamous “Flying Dutchman” Burger—a bunless creation featuring a patty with cheese and grilled onions. Though it was a bit messy to eat and didn’t quite win me over, it was certainly an interesting experience. We also tried the “Animal Style” fries, loaded with chili, grilled onions, melted cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. As a lover of loaded fries, I found them quite satisfying. While In-N-Out may be somewhat overhyped, it's undeniably a California rite of passage—one you have to experience at least once.

Roundhouse Cafe

Who could resist a meal with a view—especially when it’s a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge? The Roundhouse Cafe is the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch, offering a delicious selection of pastries, salads, soups, and sandwiches. On breezy San Francisco days, warm up with a beverage from Equator Coffee while you take in the sights. Originally opened as a diner in 1938, the Roundhouse Cafe still retains its historic charm, with a photo on display to remind visitors of its legacy. Renovated in 2012 for the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, this timeless cafe remains a cherished place to enjoy a meal with an unforgettable view.

Did you know that San Francisco is renowned for its sourdough bread? If not, you’ll be glad to learn it now! Boudin , the city’s legendary bakery, crafts some of the freshest and most delicious sourdough you’ll ever taste. At Boudin at the Wharf, their flagship restaurant, you can even watch the bakers in action as they handcraft each batch. While you’re there, you absolutely must try a soup served in a sourdough bread bowl. Every option is delightful, but to truly savor the best of San Francisco, I highly recommend the clam chowder—it’s the perfect marriage of fresh seafood and this iconic sourdough.

Ghirardelli Square

Ice cream, ice cream, we all scream for ice cream! A visit to Ghirardelli Square isn’t complete without stopping by "The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop" to indulge in their world-famous hot fudge sundae. I treated myself to the Ocean Beach Sea Salt Caramel Sundae, a decadent delight featuring caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, handmade dark chocolate fudge, whipped cream, sea salt, and topped off with a dark chocolate sea salt caramel square. It was absolutely divine! I recommend opting for the mini size—it's still plenty indulgent and perfectly portioned for a sweet treat.

Foreign Cinema

For an elevated and unique luxury dining experience, Foreign Cinema is a must-visit. This one-of-a-kind restaurant combines Californian-Mediterranean cuisine with the enchantment of outdoor movie screenings. During our visit, the 1950 film Gunfighter was playing in the heated outdoor courtyard. I tried the Grilled Wagyu Akaushi bavette and Wild King Salmon with English pea purée and shaved summer squash. The food was exceptional—the meat was tender, and the salmon was fresh and flavorful. The ambiance of the restaurant matched the quality of the food perfectly. We even took some fun photos with vintage movie posters and an old-time camera projector, adding a unique touch to our dining experience.

Things to Do

Take a Waymo Everywhere You Go

San Francisco is at the forefront of innovation, being home to self-driving cars. During your visit, why not skip the usual Uber rides and try something new? Download the “ Waymo ” app, and let a driverless car pick you up wherever you are. It was a novelty for us, and while it provided plenty of laughs, it also felt remarkably safe, sustainable, and accessible. Plus, you get to choose your own music and enjoy the ride to your next destination in style.

Play with Dogs at the Conservatory of Flowers

The Conservatory of Flowers at the Gardens of Golden Gate Park houses one of the most rare and exotic plant collections you’ll ever see. The colorful, blooming flowers planted in every corner are awe-inspiring and a pleasure to enjoy. As we relaxed in the park, we were delighted to see locals bringing their pets to run around and play fetch on the lush green lawns. Making a few furry friends along the way gave us an automatic serotonin boost and added an extra layer of joy to our visit. Whether you’re bringing your own pup to join the fun or simply enjoying the sight of happy dogs at play, this charming experience is a must-add to your San Francisco itinerary.

Get Vintage Photo Booth Pictures at Photoworks

Looking to capture all the unforgettable moments from your trip? Make your way to Photoworks , where you can step into a vintage photo booth that transports you back in time, creating strips of images with a nostalgic charm that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before. The photos are printed wet, straight from the machine, adding an authentic touch that requires a moment to let them dry. While there might be a line outside the store, the experience is truly worth the wait, offering a unique and timeless keepsake from your San Francisco adventure.

Enjoy the Nightlife and Go Dancing at White Rabbit

San Francisco’s nightlife often leans towards a laid-back, bar-hopping scene, but if you’re like me and love to dance the night away, White Rabbit is the place to be. This lively club boasts a DJ and a pulsating dance floor, where we enjoyed a memorable evening of music and fun. White Rabbit blends casual sophistication with a stylish, living-room-inspired ambiance, offering a carefully curated selection of no-fuss cocktails, fine beer and wine, and an impressive array of spirits. Nestled in the trendy Triangle area of Cow Hollow, this hotspot comes alive from Wednesday to Saturday with live music, featuring everything from rock and hip-hop to funk, making it the perfect destination for a night of spirited revelry.

Pair your Trip with an Escape to Napa Valley

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33 Awesome Things to do in San Francisco for First-Time Visitors

Written By: The Planet D

United States

Updated On: February 9, 2024

San Fransico has countless things to do, from walking across the Golden Gate Bridge to riding its iconic cable cars. Dive into Alcatraz Island’s rich history, feel the Mission Murals’ artistic pulse, and indulge in the legendary Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe.

Whether you’re shopping at Union Square or marveling at the artistic masterpieces in the SFMOMA, the city offers something for every traveler. Join us as we guide you through the top things to do in San Francisco.

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in San Francisco

There is no doubt that visiting San Francisco will be an American vacation you’ll remember for years to come. I know we did!

San Francisco is one of the best cities in California if not one of the best cities in the US, and planning a trip there is so exciting. Whether you wander through San Francisco’s Chinatown or want to find the best spot to view the iconic skyline at sunset, this guide has all the best things to do in San Francisco.

Getting Around SF

When we first visited San Francisco, we bought a hop-on hop-off bus ticket, and it was a great way to see all the major San Francisco attractions in a short time.

Book private your airport transfer to make landing at the airport easier. Enjoy a private transfer directly to your downtown SF Hotel. The city is straightforward to navigate, especially if you stay somewhere central. For a better idea of where to stay, check out our guide on where to stay in San Francisco .

1. Ride the Cable Cars

San Francisco’s cable cars are legendary, and no trip would be complete without hopping on one and doing a city tour. This tour is a great way to see the city’s top highlights, including Union Square, Chinatown, Nob Hill, The Italian Quarter, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Details here.

Cable car rides are considered an icon of the city, and you should take a ride just for the experience while visiting. Plus, riding its cable cars is the best way to tackle San Francisco’s steep hills. You’ll find most attractions in the middle of San Francisco.

You don’t need to take a tour to ride the cable cars; they are part of the city’s transportation. The best way to get around San Francisco is on foot or public transport. The city’s public transport system is called Muni. You can pay per individual ride or purchase a Muni Passport, which also gives you unlimited rides on all public transportation for a one-three or seven-day period.

2. Cable Car Museum

Visiting the Cable Car Museum offers an insight into the city’s special transportation system. Location is key, and the museum takes the ‘location, location, location’ motto seriously. The museum overlooks the pulley system, and visitors can wander outside onto the deck to observe the behind-the-scenes action of its famous cable cars.

The exhibit covers everything from old vintage cars from the 1870s to mechanical displays and historical artifacts like black-and-white photographs

3. Walk Lombard Street

Lombard Street is known as the “crookedest street in the world” and features eight hairpin turns. It was designed in the 1920s when the cars of that time lacked the power to make it up the steepest of hills.

To visit Lombard Street for yourself, you can walk or drive. If you are walking, consider walking down Lombard Street rather than up – trust us, your legs will thank you. The street weaves through the neighborhood of Russian Hill, which is full of steep hills. Read more: 16 Great Hikes in San Francisco, California

4. Walk The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the entire world. Whether staying for 24 hours,  72 hours , or two weeks, the Golden Gate Bridge will be at the top of your itinerary.

The Golden Gate Bridge was built to connect the city to Marin County across the Golden Gate Strait, and today, walking across is one of the most popular things to do. The walk starts at Vista Point. The best way to go across the Golden Gate Bridge is on a guided tour. This guided bike tour is a 3-hour tour taking you across the bridge and to other top San Francisco attractions.

The iconic bridge is a massive part of the city skyline. The Bay area around the bridge is so popular that it is now considered a national park. The area is called Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is full of different viewpoints and hiking trails.

To experience the Golden Gate Bridge walk across it on the pedestrian footpath and head to viewpoints for a panoramic view. Marin Headlands is the best place to watch the sunset, while Fort Point is the best shot for dawn and sunrise.

5. Baker Beach

Baker Beach is a quiet, one-mile-long beach that is serene and brilliant for a beach walk or a dip in the sea. It also has one of the city’s best views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, which spans the bay perpendicular to the beach. Even in the harsh midday light, you’ll be blown away by the view. Prepare to be wowed entirely at sunset and stay long enough to watch the bridge and city light up.

The beach gets crowded (you can’t keep good things a secret for long), but don’t let that stop you from visiting. If anything, the crowds make Baker Beach a bit safer to visit – especially at sunset in low-level lighting. To get there, take the 29 Sunset bus or taxi, uber or Lyft. Parking is limited.

6. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a national historic landmark and is over a century old. The notorious island was once one of the world’s most high-security jails. Alcatraz housed famous inmates such as Al Capone and Billy Cook – the Killer.

You can visit the island and tour the prison, including the cell block.

The prison closed in 1963, and since then, it has become one of the US’s best historical and cultural attractions. If you love dark history, it is one of the best places to visit in San Francisco.

There are independent exhibits to discover, audio tours, and a guided walking tour on certain days. The prison is still in excellent condition, and wandering the cell corridors is an eerie glimpse into the island’s pre-1960s life. This highly-rated tour includes a self-guided audio tour of Alcatraz Island. Details here.

7. Fisherman’s Wharf

What would a trip to San Francisco be without spotting the famous California sea lions? If you head down to Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll find Pier 39, the favorite spot of a large colony of sea lions. They first appeared in 1989 and haven’t left since.

This is probably the most touristy area of the city, but it is also the perfect place to visit if it’s your first time in the city. Here, you’ll also find the famous San Francisco clam chowder,  tickets for Alcatraz , and tourist experiences like  Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and The San Francisco Dungeon.

8. Visit San Francisco’s Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is North America’s Oldest Chinatown and is a must-visit. The entrance is easy to find and is marked by a striking Dragon Gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Street.

This neighborhood of activity and flurry covers 30 square blocks where you can immerse in Asian culture, eat dim sum, do some shopping, and take in its bustling atmosphere.

Take a culinary tour for an immersive experience through the neighborhood sampling authentic Chinese food as you stroll the narrow streets indulging in dim sum, tea, fortune cookies, and more.

9. See the Painted Ladies

Ready to meet some movie stars? The Painted Ladies are a row of Victorian houses frequently used as film sets in movies and television series – Most Notably Full House. But Full House isn’t the only name you’ll recognize. Mrs. Doubtifre was also the setting of these beautiful ladies.

You can book this San Francisco Movie tour that will take you to iconic locations that have been seen on the big screen. More than 50 famous movies have been filmed in San Francisco, and this 3-hour adventure features the Painted ladies and more!

The pastel-colored houses are located in the neighborhood of Alamo Square Park. And while you cannot enter the Painted Ladies since they are private residences, you can snap plenty of photographs from the outside.

Alamo Square Park is located across the street from the Painted Ladies and has beautiful views of the houses, city and bay. The park is just off the Hayes Street and Scott Street intersect, easily accessible by bus from the city center. The Hop on Hop off Bus also stops in this area.

10. Golden Gate Park – De Young Museum

Golden Gate Park spans 1000 acres with museums, manicured gardens, and tourist attractions. It warrants a full day to see all of its attractions. From horseback riding to bike rentals, it’s easy to spend a day enjoying everything the park has to offer.

A treasure of Golden Gate Park is the De Young Museum, a fine art museum. If you want your art gallery fix, this museum is one of the best things to do.

The museum is packed with modern art and historical treasures. You could view a 13th-century wood sculpture one minute and The Obama Portraits Tour the next. De Young Museum is fast-paced and encourages quick thinking, encompassing American art and art from Africa and Oceania.

11. Spot the bison at Golden Gate Park

Another cool thing to see in Golden Gate Park is its bison herd at Bison Paddock. The animals are cared for by the San Francisco Zoo, and the paddock is open for members of the public to spot the bison over the fence line. If you are visiting Golden Gate Park, why not make a detour?

The first bison was brought to Golden Gate Park in 1891 to recreate the Wild West and aid conservation attempts. Thanks to conservation efforts, bison are no longer under threat of extinction.

12. Japanese Tea Garden – Golden Gate Park

Fancy a relaxing walk? Walking through the Japanese Garden is one of the most serene outdoor activities in San Francisco. It is also the oldest public Japanese garden in the US. Make sure to stop at the tea house.

Located in the heart of Golden Gate Park, it is a beautiful place to visit in central San Francisco to enjoy the serenity of a Japanese garden. It is trendy in the springtime when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. But even in winter, the garden has a calming charm.

13. Take a San Francisco Bay boat tour

On a boat tour , you’ll pass many attractions, including the SF Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. You could choose a sunset catamaran tour with dinner or a daytime sightseeing cruise with informative commentary. This Golden Gate Bay Cruise  also includes the hippy enclave of Sausalito. Make sure to keep an eye out for dolphins and whales.

A great way to explore the top San Francisco attractions is to purchase a San Francisco Explorer Pass. Choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions and tours. More details here .

14. California Academy of Sciences

Think science museum, and then magnify it by a hundred. The California Academy of Sciences is an incredible museum containing an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum worthy of spending a whole day (if not two). You can book tickets ahead of time , including entry to all in one day at the California Academy of Sciences.

15. Palace of Fine Arts

Don’t miss going to the Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina District of San Francisco – We captured this beauty at sunset. The Palace is the only remaining structure from the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition.

With its Greek-style colonnades and soaring central rotunda, the Palace of Fine Arts is stunning and has been featured in several movies. The architecture’s grandeur and scale make is a picturesque place to relax and have a picnic.

16. Have breakfast at North Beach

North Beach is San Francisco’s ‘Little Italy,’ and the hospitality is second to none. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Europe with the al fresco retro dining. The area has plenty of Italian restaurants, and it is one of the best places in San Francisco for nightlife. The local favorites for breakfast are Nob Hill Café, Caffe Macaroni, and Tosca Café.

Or you can take a stroll as you enjoy authentic Italian Gelato while shopping for books at City Lights Bookstore and Publishing or visiting the Beat Museum.

17. Wander the Mission District

The Mission District is renowned for its spectacular Mission Murals. The best places to see the Mission murals are along Clarion Alley, Caledonia Alley, Balmy Alley, and Horace Alley

As you wander through the neighborhood, you’ll encounter walls and alleys transformed into dynamic canvases, showcasing stunning murals that tell stories of heritage, struggle, and community.

The main thoroughfares of the Mission District are Mission Street and Valencia Street, known for its diverse array of restaurants and shops. Visitors will find vintage clothing stores second-hand records and bookstores most notably Quarius Records, Dog Eared Books, and Borderlands Books.

Plus, the Mission District is recognized as an emerging hotspot for shopping, dining, and nightlife.

This walking tour is an immersive cultural journey that offers a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of the city. The area is also known for its second-hand records and bookstores it is a treasure trove of nostalgia with stores like A

18. City Lights Bookstore

Speaking of Bookstores, City Lights Bookstore is a San Francisco Institution specializing in world literature, the arts, and progressive politics. It was founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin, who left two years later.

The store gained fame following the obscenity trial of Ferlinghetti for publishing Allen Ginsberg’s influential collection “Howl and Other Poels. In 2001, City Lights was designated an official historic landmark.

19. Go Shopping at Treasurefest

TreasureFest, formerly known as Treasure Island Flea Market, is held on the last full weekend of every month. This lively event transforms Treasure Island into an eclectic hub of indie crafts, antiques, and live music.

Launched in 2011 by San Franciscans Angie and Charles Ansanelli, the festival was designed to foster community involvement and highlight local talent.

With over 400 local vendors, shoppers will find vintage goods, handmade crafts, and unique antiques, all set against the scenic backdrop of the San Francisco Bay.

Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food trucks, interactive DIY workshops, and live music, creating an immersive experience that encapsulates the spirit of San Francisco. The event’s pet-friendly atmosphere, themed markets, and variety of culinary options make it a delightful destination for all types of travelers.

20. Hayes Valley

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, Hayes Valley is a vibrant neighborhood known for its trendy boutiques, exquisite dining, and dynamic art scene. Stroll along Hayes Street to discover a diverse selection of fashion-forward shops and specialty stores, perfect for unique finds.

Food enthusiasts can savor various culinary delights, from cozy cafés to upscale restaurants serving global cuisines. The area is also a cultural hub, home to the San Francisco Jazz Center and a stone’s throw from the renowned SF Symphony and Opera.

Don’t miss the Proxy, an outdoor space hosting film screenings and food trucks, offering a taste of the local community spirit.

21. Shop at Haight Ashbury

Haight-Ashbury became famous primarily due to its role as a central hub of the hippie counterculture in the 1950s and 1960s. By the mid-1960s, it had become a center for the hippie movement.

Today, Haight Ashbury is known for its unique boutiques, distinctive restaurants, vintage and retro-themed shops, like the famous Amoeba Records and Booksmith. The area is also known for its concentration of Victorian homes, colorful murals, galleries, and art spaces.

22. See the Parrotts Coit Tower

Coit Tower is a 210-foot building offering panoramic views over the San Francisco skyline, plus a home for an estimated flock of 400-plus parrots. The parrots don’t just live in the tower; they are all over the Telegraph Hill neighborhood.

You can climb to the top of the tower for a reasonable entrance price and see the whole city on a clear day. You’ll be able to spot Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, plus all the skyscrapers and skyline landmarks.

The tower was built in the 1930s yet remains one of the best viewpoints in SF. You may also want to read: The Ultimate San Francisco Photography Guide

23. Ferry Building Marketplace

Ferry Building is an indoor artisan food market. If you want to grab breakfast or lunch on the go, you really can’t find anywhere better. Once a significant public transport building, it is now a place for local vendors and farmers to sell their organic and handmade produce.

The market advocates for regional and traditional production – building a strong sense of community while preserving local history and lifestyles. Grab a cup of Joe at Blue Bottle Coffee and enjoy perusing the shops. The Saturday Farmers Market is the best time to visit.

24. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Step into the World of Wonder at SFMOMA: A San Francisco Must-See for Art Aficionados. As one of the city’s premier destinations, SFMOMA is home to a staggering array of over 33,000 artworks, encompassing a diverse range of modern and contemporary pieces.

From awe-inspiring installations to thought-provoking paintings and sculptures, the museum presents works by illustrious artists like Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol.

25. Asian Art Museum

For those who love the fine arts, the Asian Art Museum contains over 18,000 Asian artworks and is one of the world’s greatest collections. The exhibitions are dynamic and exciting, using a variety of mediums, including video, classic canvases, and gemstones.

26. San Francisco Botanical Garden

Visiting the San Francisco Botanical Garden is a lovely way to escape the city. The 55-acre garden has 8,000 flower varieties, including native and international plants. Visitors can explore from a succulent garden to a towering Redwood grove, passing by African calla lilies.

You’ll find the Great Meadow & Fountain Plaza and Redwood Grove in the gardens. The botanical garden’s Redwood Grove offers a glimpse of these majestic trees for those who can’t visit the Redwood National Forest or John Muir Woods.

Plus, the garden has the largest collection of Magnolia trees outside of China, with the best viewing time from mid-December through March.

27. Lands End Lookout

This area is called Lands End because it is located literally at the end of all land to the west, as its cliffs end at the base of the Pacific Ocean. Here, you’ll find Ocean Beach, where advanced surfers show off their skills.

Its waves are notoriously huge and unsuitable for swimmers due to dangerous currents but sunbathers can safely watch the action from the shore. On a clear day, the hikers can see far into the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Marin Headlands to the north, and the Golden Gate Bridge to the east.

The historic Sutro Baths and Park at the Lands End Main Parking Lot will also be found. The Sutro Baths are one of the best places for photography, where you’ll find San Francisco’s Heart. A rock formation in the shape of a heart.

Besides the Sutro Baths, other viewpoints include the Eastern Coastal Trail Lookout, Lands End Labyrinth, and Dead Man’s Point.

28. Angel Island

Angel Island is one of our favorite San Francisco things to do. The island was once an immigration station (not unlike Ellis Island in New York ), and a military base. Visiting here offers a beautiful 360-degree view of the city and the Bay Area.

The island is now a state park bursting with trails, greenery, and San Francisco’s history. It is the second largest island in SF Bay and is conveniently located, making it a fantastic day trip.

It has plenty of natural beauty as well as historical buildings to explore. The island is a perfect option if you want an excursion from the CBD.

To visit, catch a ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf. You can then choose to explore independently or purchase a guided walking tour.

29. Mission Dolores Park

This 16-acre park is one of the most popular parks in San Francisco. It has everything: a soccer field, tennis courts, a basketball court, and frequent cultural events.

It has amazing views of the bay, and the park has somewhat of a cultural and historical stamp. Mission Dolores Park has multiple monuments, such as the Mexico Liberty Bell and Miguel Hidalgo Statue.

And, with all the cultural events like festivals and music performances, it is worth checking to see if anything of interest coincides with your visit. Who knows? Maybe you’ll strike lucky. Plus, the atmosphere will be second to none, even if you don’t know any performers.

30. Watch a Giants game at Oracle Park

What is more American than baseball? The San Francisco Giants are a leading baseball team in the Major League with a fierce following across the US.

Whether or not you are a sports fan, watching a baseball game at Oracle Park is one of the most exciting and atmospheric things to do in SF.

A baseball game is a fantastic way to appreciate the American (and San Franciscan) spirit.

The major league baseball season typically runs from April to October, longer if they make the playoffs. It is worth checking to see if a game coincides with your visit or considering it when booking your trip.

31. Hike Up Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks is one of the best hiking trails in the city for spectacular city views of the bay. It is a heavily trafficked loop trail, and you can drive or cycle up to the lookout.

It is the second-highest peak in San Francisco (922-foot tall ) that overlooks the entire Bay Area and the city’s landmarks.

The hike feels far away from the city, with forest trails, eucalyptus trees, rocky outcrops, wooden walkways and dirt paths taking you up to Eureka Peak and Noe Peak.

32. Visit the Buena Vista Cafe

As the birthplace of the American version of Irish Coffee, the Buena Vista Cafe offers a delightful blend of rich coffee, smooth Irish whiskey, and creamy topping, creating an unforgettable taste sensation.

Savoring this famed beverage isn’t just about enjoying a drink; it’s about being part of a timeless San Francisco tradition. The cafe’s cozy, welcoming atmosphere and panoramic city views make for the perfect backdrop to enjoy this classic concoction.

33. Attend the Stern Grove Festival

The Stern Grove Festival is a series of free performing arts events held each summer. Established in 1938, it takes place in the picturesque Sigmund Stern Grove, a eucalyptus-wooded natural amphitheater about two miles south of Golden Gate Park. The festival spans a 33-acre site from 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard to 34th Avenue.

Since its inaugural concert on July 10, 1938, performed by the Bay Region Symphony of the Federal Music Project, the festival has featured various performances. In 1943, the San Francisco Ballet performed at the festival for the first time, becoming a regular in its summer lineup.

The festival underwent renovations in 2004, reopening its 68th season in June 2005.

How to Get to San Francisco

San Francisco sits in Northern California, about a six-hour drive north of Los Angeles. The city is easy to reach via air, rail, road, and sea. We visited San Francisco on a road trip and found driving a great way to get around. You can compare car rental prices here.

The main airport is the San Francisco International Airport, which is located 13 miles from downtown. To get downtown, you can take the airport shuttle busses, taxis, Uber, and Lyft.

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

Spring and fall are San Francisco’s two shoulder seasons. However, fall (September to November) has some of the warmest temperatures and fewest crowds – a win-win.

September is San Francisco’s warmest month and is perfect for walking around the city and exploring the best nearby  hiking trails.

San Francisco is a city that suits all seasons, but if you want the best experience we suggest visiting in the fall.

At the beginning of autumn, you’ll also find the most street fairs and markets in San Francisco. This season is full of life and activity and has the weather to match.

Questions People Also Ask About San Francisco

Is 2 Days Enough for San Francisco?

Two days in San Francisco can be sufficient to see some of its highlights, but it won’t allow for a comprehensive exploration of the city. With a well-planned itinerary, you can visit famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz Island.

What is the Number One Attraction in San Francisco?

The Golden Gate Bridge is often considered the number one attraction in San Francisco. This iconic suspension bridge is a marvel of modern engineering and offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and the city skyline.

How Can I Spend a Few Days in San Francisco?

A few days in San Francisco can be spent exploring a mix of its famous attractions and local experiences:

• Day 1: Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, explore the nearby Golden Gate Park, and see the Painted Ladies. Spend the evening in the vibrant neighborhoods of the Haight-Ashbury or the Mission District.
• Day 2: Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island in the morning. In the afternoon, visit Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. You could also explore Chinatown and Union Square.

What is San Francisco Popular For?

San Francisco is popular for its diverse culture, iconic landmarks, and beautiful natural scenery. It’s known for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, cable cars, and vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and Castro.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

We have an entire article breaking down the best neighborhoods and hotels for every budget and visitor. You can read it here. Where to Stay in San Francisco – A Guide To The Best Neighborhoods

• Fairmont Heritage Place  – Best Luxury 5-Star Hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf
• The St. Regis  –  Best Luxury SoMa Hotel
• JW Marriott Union Square  – Best Luxury Hotel
• Four Seasons  –  Best Luxury Hotel in San Francisco at Embarcadero

San Francisco is an incredible US holiday destination. The city is one of America’s most popular tourist destinations and has a mythical, legendary allure. With its world-class museums, fantastic shopping, and dining at everything from a sustainable seafood restaurant to enjoying one of the city’s famous festivals, San Francisco easily lives up to its huge reputation.

Plan your trip to California with these travel guides.

• 33 Best Day Trips From San Francisco
• 14 Best Boutique Hotels in San Francisco
• 16 Great Hikes in San Francisco, California
• 37 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles – By A Local
• 28 Best Beaches in California
• 20 Best Things to Do in Carmel by the Sea, California
• The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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4 thoughts on “33 Awesome Things to do in San Francisco for First-Time Visitors”

Thanks for sharing this wonderful article.

It’s too bad they are all tourist sports and super crowded. That’s why I always travel out of season

Thank you very much sir for telling us the Great information about the 29 Awesome things to do in summer.

23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Francisco

Written by Lisa Alexander and Lana Law Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Set along the ocean, with rolling hills and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and the jewel of Northern California. The city is full of history, great neighborhoods, parks , beaches , museums, entertainment options, and an astounding variety of restaurants.

Some of the most famous attractions are Alcatraz Island and Fisherman's Wharf, but the sightseeing possibilities here are extensive. San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest of its kind in North America and definitely worth visiting. For an exciting experience, hop on one of the historic cable cars and tour the city.

Discover more things to do with our list of the top tourist attractions in San Francisco.

1. Golden Gate Bridge

2. alcatraz island, 3. fisherman's wharf, 4. ride the cable cars, 5. golden gate park, 6. chinatown, 7. legion of honor fine arts museum of san francisco, 8. palace of fine arts, 9. california academy of sciences, 10. san francisco museum of modern art, 11. de young fine arts museum of san francisco, 12. twin peaks, 13. asian art museum, 14. exploratorium, 15. golden gate national recreation area, 16. oracle park, 17. day trip to napa valley, 18. hike and picnic on angel island state park, 19. ghirardelli square, 20. high tea at a historic hotel, 21. walt disney family museum, 22. muir woods national monument, 23. coit tower, where to stay in san francisco for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to san francisco, san francisco, ca - climate chart.

The Golden Gate Bridge appears even more beautiful and impressive in real life than it looks in photos. It is the most photographed site in the city, with the orange structure backed by blue water, or in many cases, peaking through a dense layer of coastal fog. At night, the flood-lit structure is equally striking.

Connecting San Francisco with Marin County and other districts further north, the Golden Gate Bridge was, at one time, designated the greatest man-made sight in the United States by the U.S. Travel Service. Opened on May 28th, 1937, the bridge took four years to build and at the time of its completion, was the longest suspension bridge in the world, measuring approximately two miles in length.

If you want to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, the road is US Hwy 101 , or SR 1. On the east side of the bridge, a sidewalk is open to pedestrians. Bicycle access is allowed on both sides of the bridge.

The walk across the bridge begins at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center (near the Presidio GO shuttle bus drop-off point) and ends in Marin County with a panoramic viewpoint of San Francisco's cityscape.

Many locals enjoy biking across the bridge to the nearby waterfront town of Sausalito .

For a great view of the bridge, or for anyone interested in photographing the bridge, there are a number of ideal vantage points. From the San Francisco side, Nob Hill , an area known for its posh old mansions, offers some beautiful views over the bridge.

On the opposite side of the bridge, in Marin County, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is another good place to visit. Also, if you take a tour of Alcatraz Island, you will enjoy completely open views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the boat and island.

The former federal penitentiary, located on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, was one of America's most infamous prisons. It operated for almost thirty years, closing in 1963 and re-opening as a tourist attraction in 1973.

Some of America's most well-known criminals were incarcerated here, including Al Capone, "Machine-Gun" Kelly, and the "Birdman," who would later form the basis for the fictional movie The Birdman of Alcatraz .

In the course of its 30-year existence, the penitentiary received a total of 1,576 convicts. There were never more than 250 at any one time, even though therewere 450 cells measuring about 10ft by 4ft. At times the number of guards and staff was greater than the number of convicts. Alcatraz Island is also home to migrating birds.

You can visit Alcatraz on a guided tour (which includes round-trip ferry transportation from Pier 33). Choose from a daytime tour or an evening tour.

At the Alcatraz prison site, you are provided with an exceptional audio recording that offers a glimpse into life in the cellhouse, rather than just a historical list of the facts. The narration is even voiced by former inmates and guards of Alcatraz.

If you have just one day to explore San Francisco, try a combined Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour which covers Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Alcatraz regularly sells out, so booking in advance is strongly advised.

Locals call it a tourist trap, but visitors can't seem to resist. Fisherman's Wharf ranks as one of San Francisco's most popular tourist spots. The picturesque waterfront scenery and old-fashioned Italian fishing boats ( feluccas ), not to mention the fresh-caught Dungeness crab, make quite an impression!

Originally the "Little Italy" district of San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf is known for its shops, restaurants, and spectacular setting. Italian immigrants began to arrive in San Francisco in the 1860s and brought the waterfront to life with seafood commerce.

Some of the best seafood is served in the bay-view dining room of Scoma's restaurant. It's a great place for a gourmet dining experience. Or you could sample the local specialty of seafood stew at Cioppino's Restaurant just steps away from the waterfront.

Pier 39 is a hub of activity at Fisherman's Wharf. Be sure to go for a stroll here and check out the dozens of boutiques and eateries. The shops are very touristy (T-shirts, souvenirs, pretzels, chocolate-chip cookies), but the seafood restaurants give you a true taste of the city. You can also find authentic local sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery .

Tourists are not the only crowds you'll encounter at Pier 39. Local sea lions love this waterfront spot and are often found lounging on the Pier 39 docks. There's a viewing area where you can check them out. It's easy to find. You'll hear the sea lions barking from quite a distance!

From Pier 39, you can take a sightseeing cruise for spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay. You might also want to organize a fishing charter boat trip or hop on a whale-watching tour.

Some of the main attractions of Fisherman's Wharf are Madame Tussauds Wax Museum , the Musée Mécanique , Ripley's Believe it or Not! , and Ghirardelli Square . Restored 19th- and 20th-century ships line the waterfront at the Hyde Street Pier , which is now the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park .

• Fisherman's Wharf
• Ghirardelli Square
• The Cannery
• National Maritme Museum
• Maritime State Historic Park
• USS Pampanito
• Art Institute
• Telegraph Hill
• Coit Memorial Tower
• St Peters and Paul

Cable cars were introduced in 1873 to spare the horses from the city's grueling hills. Today, the few remaining cable cars are mainly a tourist attraction rather than a mode of transportation for local residents. Since 1964, these tram-like vehicles have had the unique distinction of being the only public transport system to be declared a National Historic Landmark .

Riding a cable car is an unforgettable tourist experience in San Francisco. It's an exhilarating way to take in the scenery. If you're standing on the open-air deck of a cable car, you'll feel the wind on your face. Anywhere you sit on a cable car, the noise of the brakes will surprise you.

Three sets of brakes are required to stop a cable car: A red lever operates the main brakes, a foot pedal controls the front brakes, and a really loud crank puts the rear brakes in action.

The Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde are the most scenic routes. These cable car lines will get you to tourist attractions such as Fisherman's Wharf , Ghirardelli Square , the Ferry Building , Nob Hill , and Lombard Street . The California line runs through the Financial District, Chinatown, and Nob Hill.

You can wait for a Powell-Mason or Powell-Hyde cable car at the cable car turntable (departure point), either at Powell & Market Street near Union Square or on Hyde Street near Aquatic Park, Ghirardelli Square, and Fisherman's Wharf. You can catch the California cable car at the Market & Drumm turntable in the Financial District.

Alternatively, you can hop on a cable car at any of the stops. Tickets can be purchased onboard the cable car.

If you are planning on more than a couple of rides or are going to be sightseeing for a few days, consider buying a pass.

Author's Tip: The Powell & Market and California Street cable car turntables (departure points) are in downtown San Francisco, in areas that could be described as gritty. You should be aware of your surroundings and watch your wallet/purse while in these areas.

You may want to avoid taking public transportation if you are going to the Powell & Market turntable. Some consider the Powell Street BART station to be San Francisco's worst example of a station (in a close tie with the Civic Center station). The Embarcadero BART station, near the Market & Drumm turntable, is cleaner and less gritty.

Official site: http://www.sfcablecar.com/

Golden Gate Park, home to gardens and museums, is a fabulous green space in the heart of San Francisco. Before development began in 1871, this was an area of arid dunes.

Today, the park has a network of walking trails and cycling paths, more than 5,000 different kinds of plants and dozens of species of trees, several lakes, bridle paths, and a buffalo paddock.

The main attractions include the de Young Fine Arts Museum, the California Academy of Sciences which houses a planetarium, rainforest, and the Steinhart Aquarium, the Japanese Tea Garden , and the San Francisco Botanical Garden .

Other favorite spots include Stow Lake where you can enjoy boating and picnics, the Conservatory of Flowers which dates to the Victorian era, and the Koret Children's Quarter which has an old-fashioned Herschell-Spillman carousel.

You could easily spend a couple of hours at Golden Gate Park or visit several times over a couple of days. The park is too large to cover it all on foot. If you want to see all of the highlights of Golden Gate Park, you will need a car or a bicycle to get around.

Bike rentals are available, and this can be a good way to explore the park, rather than trying to do everything on foot. Parkwide Bike Rentals offers bicycle rentals at two locations in Golden Gate Park (near the Music Concourse and at the corner of Stanyan & Haight streets); the bicycles are rented out for a full day of use. The company also leads guided bike tours.

Alternatively, try an organized 2.5-hour Segway Tour with a local guide, and hit all the major highlights.

You may have been to Chinatown in other cities, but San Francisco's Chinatown is a whole other realm. It is both the largest and oldest Chinatown in North America. Almost completely destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, Chinatown was rebuilt entirely in the Chinese style and was soon even more attractive than before the disaster.

Chinatown gives you a glimpse of Chinese immigrant culture in San Francisco, an important part of the local heritage. In this compact area (San Francisco's most densely populated neighborhood), you'll find traditional green tile-roofed buildings filled with small businesses, restaurants, dim sum places, houses of worship, herbal shops, tea houses, and boutiques that sell jade jewels, antiques, and souvenirs.

For delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine, try the award-winning Z & Y Restaurant (655 Jackson Street). This Michelin Bib Gourmand -rated restaurant has served two Chinese presidents and several Foreign Ministers as well as other distinguished guests (such as President Obama).

If you are traveling through San Francisco during an important Chinese holiday or event, you can expect to see an elaborate celebration. Chinese New Year celebrations are often considered the best in North America. The main street in Chinatown for tourists is Grant Avenue , with the Chinatown Gateway at Grant Avenue and Bush Street.

San Francisco City Guides offers guided walking tours of Chinatown led by knowledgeable locals, free of charge (donations recommended). The Chinatown tour takes you beyond the main street into the neighborhood's hidden alleyways, to visit a Taoist temple, a fortune cookie factory, and a park where you'll see Chinatown residents practicing tai chi and playing chess outside.

If you don't mind a little exercise, you can do your own walking tour beginning in Chinatown with the help of our San Francisco Walking Tour .

Discover an exquisite fine arts collection, displayed in a beautiful location: a dramatic Neoclassical building surrounded by a woodsy parkland near the ocean. Just outside the museum, you'll find a walking path with perfect outlooks onto the Golden Gate Bridge.

For a scenic hike, continue on the walking path until reaching the Land's End Trail . This winding cliffside trail in a wild, rugged terrain offers sweeping Pacific Ocean views.

The Legion of Honor was the gift of the socialite, philanthropist, and patron of the arts Alma de Bretteville Spreckels. Because of her love for all things Parisian, the museum was designed as a replica of the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris.

This museum is one of the top cultural attractions in San Francisco. The Legion of Honor 's permanent collection includes European decorative arts, sculptures, and paintings, along with antiquities from the Mediterranean and Near East. Admission to the Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museum also gives you same-day admission to the de Young Fine Arts Museum.

The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is the last remaining structure from the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition . Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Neoclassical building is beautifully situated on a lagoon that reflects the mirror image on the surface of the calm water, while ducks and geese drift by.

The palace has been restored, along with the grounds, and today hosts art exhibitions and cultural events. The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre primarily presents comedy performances.

Address: 3301 Lyon Street, San Francisco

The California Academy of Sciences , in Golden Gate Park , is an architectural marvel as well as a multifaceted museum. The exhibition space is voluminous and bright, thanks to walls that are largely made of glass allowing for natural light.

This state-of-the-art building features an eco-friendly design. The 2.5-acre Living Roof is covered with native plants, grassy fields, and seven "rolling hills" to match the natural surroundings. The roof also has solar panels to generate electricity, and the soil acts as natural insulation.

Inside is an incredible natural history museum, planetarium, aquarium, rainforest, gift shop, café, and restaurant. Both the café and restaurant offer plant-based options and California cuisine specialties prepared from local ingredients.

The Steinhart Aquarium includes some 60,000 live specimens and a 25-foot-deep coral reef. You can descend in a glass elevator to arrive at the aquarium. When you exit the elevator, look up through an acrylic tunnel to see fish swimming overhead in the freshwater mangrove forest.

The four-story-high Osher Rainforest houses tropical flora and fauna (birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects) within a temperature-regulated environment, beneath an enormous glass dome. The temperature is kept at 82 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. With the humidity, heat, and butterflies fluttering about, you might think you're walking through a real tropical rainforest. Look out for the poison-dart frogs and golden-silk orb-weaver spiders!

The Kimball Natural History Museum has skeletons of a T. rex and a blue whale, along with an exhibit of brilliant gems and minerals and exhibits about earthquakes, coastal fog, local marine mammals, and ancient redwood forests.

Little kids love the Natural History Museum's Tusher African Hall because it houses a colony of African penguins , part of a program to protect endangered species. It's fun to watch these small penguins waddle and splash about in their glass-enclosed area (which replicates their natural habitat). From time to time, the penguins jump or slide into a refreshing pool of water.

Address: 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

If you love modern art, be sure to visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in the SoMa District. SoMa is in downtown San Francisco next to Union Square and the Financial District.

The museum focuses on 20th-century art, in all forms, and the innovative and interesting exhibits are constantly changing. You will have plenty to admire during your visit, as the museum displays thousands of artworks within 170,000 square feet of exhibition space spread across 10 floors.

You can visit one section of the museum free of charge . This area includes 45,000 square feet of space. Here you'll find a Diego Riviera mural and an exhibit of paintings and sculptures dating from the early 20th century to the present. Some of the museum's highlights (such as Femme au chapeau by Henri Matisse, Frieda and Diego Rivera by Frida Kahlo, Lake George by Georgia O'Keeffe, and Mark Rothko's No. 14 ) are in the free-of-charge section. The rest of the museum requires a ticket.

The museum is housed in a modern, architecturally stunning building that was extensively renovated and expanded in 2016. The light and airy building is a pleasure to wander about.

Should you work up an appetite, you can stop for a bite to eat. A lunch menu is available at the museum's casual restaurant and at Café 5 in the museum's Sculpture Garden which features fabulous city views. There's also a coffee shop that serves coffee, tea, pastries, and desserts.

About the neighborhood: SoMa is a happening urban area but unfortunately has recently experienced some of San Francisco's urban issues. Still, you should visit the museum and the attractions near the SFMOMA: the Contemporary Jewish Museum , the Yerba Buena Gardens , the Metreon shopping center (which has a movie theater, restaurants, and casual eateries), and the Children's Creativity Museum , but there's no need to explore SoMa much further.

Address: 151 Third Street, San Francisco

While visiting Golden Gate Park, set aside some time to explore the de Young . This fine arts museum is one of the top cultural attractions in San Francisco. The collection covers a wide variety of exhibits from Mayan antiquities to 19th-century Hudson River landscape paintings.

While art and period interiors from North America feature strongly in the collection, many other exhibits from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Near East are of note. British art and folk art from Africa, America, and the Pacific Islands, are also well represented.

Admission to the de Young Fine Arts Museum includes free same-day admission to the Legion of Honor .

Address: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

These two uninhabited hills, more than 900 feet high, have one of the finest views out over the city and bay. Access is easy - you can drive to the north peak parking area, park your car, and soak up the amazing vista.

If you're outdoorsy, take a hike along trails over the north and south peaks. This is some of the best hiking in San Francisco . While up here, you may be forgiven for thinking these are the highest of San Francisco's 43 hills; however, that lofty distinction belongs to Mount Davidson, which is 33 feet higher.

The Twin Peaks are the only hills in San Francisco not to have been built over and remain in their original state. The Spaniards called them " Los pechos de la Chola " or the Breasts of the Indian Maiden. Even on warm days, strong, cool breezes blow in from the Pacific, especially in the late afternoon.

The Asian Art Museum is unquestionably one of the most important museums in San Francisco. The museum opened in 1966, with the basis of the collection coming from art collector Avery Brundage.

Brundage built up a private collection, which in 1959 he offered to the city of San Francisco "to bridge the gap between East and West." The museum building was constructed, and on his death in 1975 at the age of 88, the museum also received the rest of his collection of works of art in the form of a legacy.

Building on this, the museum has continued to amass various pieces and now contains an extensive collection of sculptures, paintings, bronzes, ceramics, jade carvings, and architectural fragments from Japan, Korea, China, India, Iran, and other Asian cultures. The works span more than 6,000 years.

Author's Tip: Try to avoid taking public transportation to the Civic Center BART station or walking around the Civic Center area, as this is a rough neighborhood of San Francisco.

Address: 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, California

If you are traveling with children or you are young at heart, you must visit the Exploratorium . This incredibly popular science museum is one of the most popular things to do with kids in San Francisco . It displays fascinating interactive science exhibits. Kids enjoy the hands-on learning experiences, which educate and entertain at the same time.

Children tend to rate this museum very highly because the exhibits are so much fun to check out. Adults also rave about the Exploratorium whether or not they have kids.

For a top-notch dining experience, try the museum's Seaglass Restaurant which serves seasonal cuisine prepared from local organic ingredients. The sleek modern dining room looks out onto the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and Treasure Island. You may also enjoy your meal outside on the bay-view patio.

Address: Pier 15, San Francisco, California

Golden Gate National Recreation Area , not to be confused with Golden Gate Park, is a huge natural area located across the Golden Gate Bridge from downtown San Francisco. This 600-square-mile park in Marin County is a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve and a recreational area. It is also simply a beautiful place to enjoy nature and relax.

The park has walking trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and beautiful beach areas. Some of the beaches have fabulous views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The park is home to the historic Fort Baker , a former US Army post from the early 20th century.

Home of the San Francisco Giants, Oracle Park is a fun place to take in a baseball game while visiting the city. If you want to gaze out over the ballpark to the sublime view of the ocean, buy tickets along the 1st base or 3rd baselines or behind home plate.

If you don't have time to see a game, consider taking a 90-minute Oracle Park Ballpark Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at places off-limits to most people. You can step onto the field, sit in the dugout, check out the clubhouse, and learn about the historic moments that have taken place at the ballpark.

Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco

About a 1.5-hour drive from San Francisco are two gorgeous rural destinations: Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. These are the two best-known and largest grape-growing areas in California. Many people day trip to this area to enjoy the scenery and stop in at some of the sites along the way.

Top tourist attractions include the quaint town of Yountville , which has many excellent French restaurants, the historic town of Sonoma , and the spa destination of Calistoga where you can see Old Faithful Geyser. In Sonoma, be sure to visit the Sonoma State Historic Park which is partly in the downtown near the Plaza and also includes the historic Mission that was founded in 1823.

Many people visit Napa or Sonoma as a day trip or for a relaxing weekend getaway. You'll find many lovely resorts in the Napa Valley.

Both Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley are renowned for gastronomy. You'll find fine dining establishments as well as casual gourmet restaurants. Napa Valley is home to the Culinary Institute of America where you can take cooking classes and the famous three Michelin-starred restaurant The French Laundry in Yountville.

If you are looking for a non-touristy thing to do in San Francisco, take a 25-minute ferry ride from San Francisco to Angel Island State Park for a refreshing escape to nature. The largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay, Angel Island affords panoramic views of the surrounding bay.

You can enjoy the lovely scenery while hiking or biking on the well-groomed trails. It's possible to hike up to the island's summit, Mount Caroline Livermore , at 788 feet, where the views are sensational.

Relaxation is another reason to visit. The island has picnic areas, campsites, and several sandy beaches ideal for taking a walk or sunbathing. If you enjoy guided sightseeing tours, take a tram tour to see the island from an open-air vehicle. Tram tours include audio guides that share interesting commentary about the island.

Angel Island served as an Immigration Station from 1910 until 1940. You can visit the Angel Island Immigration Museum to learn more about the island's history and to see the barracks where immigrants were detained for weeks or months during an interrogation process.

Well designed for visitors, the island has day-use boat docks, bicycle rentals, and a café that is open daily during the high season and from Wednesday through Sunday during the low season. The café sells snacks, sandwiches, salads, and beverages.

To reach Angel Island , you can take the ferry from San Francisco Ferry Terminal. The Golden Gate Ferry company provides service daily year-round. Keep in mind that it can be expensive to park in this area of San Francisco, so it's best to get a taxi or ride to the San Francisco Ferry Terminal.

Alternatively, you can get to Angel Island from Marin County (north of San Francisco). The Angel Island Tiburon Ferry company runs ferries from Tiburon to Angel Island daily from early March through October; service is limited from November through February.

If you are traveling with a car, you could combine a visit to Angel Island with a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge and a stop in Tiburon. This takes longer if you are based in San Francisco, but it's an incredibly scenic drive and you avoid the hassle and the crowds taking the ferry from the San Francisco Ferry Terminal.

For a full-day outing, add Tiburon to your itinerary. This bayfront town has a charming downtown and an idyllic seaside setting. It's definitely worth visiting, especially if you want to have a meal at a waterfront restaurant with views. The vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco across the bay are spectacular.

When visiting the Fisherman's Wharf area, you must visit Ghirardelli Square . Overlooking the bay, this quaint shopping and dining complex occupies historic brick buildings: a former chocolate factory, a woolen mill, and a mustard company. The square was inaugurated in 1964 and is listed on the National Historic Register .

Today, Ghirardelli Square appeals to chocolate lovers and anyone with a sweet tooth. The main tourist attraction of the square is the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop . Here, you can indulge in a decadent hot fudge sundae or shop for Ghirardelli chocolate bars and candies.

Besides chocolate and ice cream, Ghirardelli Square offers an inviting ambiance, with its fountains and flowers, and splendid bay views. Take a stroll around the square as you browse the boutiques. On sunny days, you'll want to spend some time sitting on the outdoor terraces.

The dining options at Ghirardelli Square include an excellent dim sum restaurant, Palette Tea House (which requires advanced reservations), and McCormick & Kuleto's, an old-timey restaurant that specializes in seafood and steaks. If you're looking for stunning bay views, McCormick & Kuleto's does not disappoint. The dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

Steps away from Ghirardelli Square near the Hyde Street cable car turntable, you will find Aquatic Park Cove where there is a small beach. Aquatic Parc Cove is also home to the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Enjoy afternoon tea at one of San Francisco's landmark hotels, and you'll experience the refinement of another era.

Opened in 1907, the Fairmont San Francisco on Nob Hill delights guests with its opulent lobby and elegant ambiance. The Fairmont offers afternoon tea service on Saturday afternoons, in the lovely Neoclassical Laurel Court dining room. You will be treated to a choice of organic tea, house-made scones with clotted cream, gourmet finger sandwiches, macarons, and other desserts.

The Palace Hotel , in the downtown area near Market Street, is famous for its fancy afternoon tea service. This Gilded Age landmark has a magnificent glass-domed reception area, the Garden Court , where you may enjoy the Signature Tea on Saturday afternoons. It's a sophisticated affair, complete with fine china, sterling silver, and haute cuisine afternoon tea specialties.

If you love the original Disney cartoons or you're traveling with kids who love Disney stories, then make a beeline for the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. This unique museum is dedicated to chronicling the life and works of Walt Disney.

Exhibits showcase drawings, cartoons, and films created by Walt Disney and describe his worldwide business empire. Also on display are the numerous awards he won over his career, along with priceless sketches of Mickey Mouse.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is located in the Presidio National Park , which has picnic areas, a children's playground, beaches, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks including views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Take a 45-minute drive north of San Francisco to marvel over the magnificent ancient redwood forest at Muir Woods National Monument . At this serene and shady nature site, meandering paths wind their way alongside a babbling creek and beneath enormous old-growth redwood trees, some of which are nearly 260 feet high.

Until you visit, it's hard to appreciate the incredible sight of these stoic sentinels that have been living quietly in the forest for almost a thousand years.

To get a deeper understanding and to make the most of your visit, check out the Visitor Center , where you'll find fascinating exhibits and displays along with park staff who are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Note that to visit the park, you will need to reserve your parking space or shuttle tickets in advance. Plan ahead to secure a spot in this popular tourist attraction.

As you look up Telegraph Hill in San Francisco, you may notice the cylindrical tower that looks a little like the Leaning Tower of Pisa (without the lean). This is the Coit Tower. Completed in 1933, the tower stands 210 feet high and is one of the best places for panoramic views of the city.

From the top of the tower, the sights that lie before you include Lombard Street, Pier 39, the downtown skyscrapers, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz.

Inside the tower are wonderful murals painted in the early 1930s depicting views of daily life during the Depression. The tower is named after its benefactor, Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who was a wealthy and somewhat eccentric lady.

Nestled within charming gardens in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood, Coit Tower is open daily year-round except for a few holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and January 1st). Groups of four or more people may arrange to take a guided tour, for an additional fee, to learn about the murals.

Address: 1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard, San Francisco

If you'd like to visit the key tourist attractions on foot, the best place to stay is near Union Square or in the Nob Hill neighborhood, a short uphill walk from Union Square. You'll find plenty of upscale shops, restaurants, galleries, theaters, and hotels here. San Francisco's famous Chinatown and North Beach ("Little Italy"), with its bustling Italian restaurants and cafés, are just steps away from Union Square.

Union Square is a major transport hub, so it's easy to venture further afield to other attractions via cable car, bus, BART, or taxi.

Fisherman's Wharf is also a popular place to stay, with lively vacation vibes and picturesque bayfront scenery – especially for families who might prefer being in a safer neighborhood than the Union Square/downtown area. Below are some of the best places to stay in San Francisco for sightseeing.

Luxury Hotels:

• The five-star Four Season Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero is a sleek contemporary-style property on the top floors of a 48-story building. The plush guest rooms and suites feature incredible views of San Francisco Bay and the city skyline.
• A short walk from Union Square, the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco on Market Street in the SoMa neighborhood provides exceptional service and amenities. The hotel has recently renovated guest rooms and a trendy lounge/restaurant that specializes in California cuisine.
• Consider The Ritz-Carlton for posh accommodation on Nob Hill, the most exclusive neighborhood in San Francisco. Housed in a colonnaded Neoclassical building, this five-star hotel blends old-world elegance with modern amenities including a fitness center, concierge, sun terrace, and an award-winning restaurant.
• Chic contemporary style defines The St. Regis San Francisco , right in the heart of downtown San Francisco in the vibrant SoMa District. This five-star hotel boasts recently redecorated guest rooms, an up-to-date fitness center, a yoga & meditation room, and a fine-dining restaurant that serves seasonal cuisine. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is steps away, and the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) is next door.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Chancellor Hotel on Union Square offers excellent value in the heart of Union Square and treats guests to complimentary tea and cookies. This three-star hotel occupies a historic building that has been updated for today's travelers. The cable car runs right past the front of the hotel.
• The boutique three-star Cornell Hotel de France exudes Parisian style in a convenient location between Union Square and Nob Hill. The hotel dates from 1910 and is on the Register of Historic Places. The hotel has a restaurant on the premises which is renowned for its cozy ambiance and traditional French cuisine.
• In a salt-tinged setting by the water, the three-star Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf boasts a fantastic location. This hotel is a good choice for families seeking accommodations near Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman's Wharf.

Budget Hotels:

• If you're on a budget, try The Herbert Hotel in the heart of downtown. This two-star hotel offers excellent value a short walk from Union Square.
• Between Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square, the Castle Inn provides good value for the price, along with wonderful views. You can walk to Fisherman's Wharf in about 25 minutes and Union Square in 30 minutes.

Several interesting tours in San Francisco make exploring the city easy and hassle-free. Since San Francisco is a large city built on hills, with many uphill climbs and stairs, tours are an especially good idea for anyone with mobility issues.

Tours are also ideal if you have only a couple of days and want to see as much of the city as possible without the challenges of driving or trying to find parking. The following tours are some excellent options for saving time, seeing the sights, and exploring some of the areas outside the city. These also guarantee the lowest prices.

See the Sights :

• The best explore-at-your-own-pace sightseeing tour is the Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. This double-decker bus tour, with guided narration, allows you to get on and off at the major tourist spots and is a great way to get acquainted with the city while learning a little history and seeing the highlights.
• To add a splash of fun to your sightseeing and save your legs some extra walking, book a San Francisco Waterfront Segway Tour and cruise around Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and other popular areas.

Cruise the Bay :

• To get out on the water and enjoy the city skyline in the evening, hop on a San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise . This 1.5-hour cruise sails past Alcatraz Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge while the sun sets and the city lights begin to glow.

Get Out of the City :

• San Francisco lies within easy striking distance of some fantastic scenery. The Monterey, Carmel, 17-Mile Drive Tour treats you to an action-packed day. You will see the fabulous coastline, shop at Monterey's Cannery Row, see the charming seaside town of Carmel, and drive along the oceanfront 17-Mile Drive.
• Another very popular trip, offering a chance to see one of America's great national treasures, is a Tour to Yosemite National Park . This is a must for nature lovers who want to see the famous sites of El Capitan and Half Dome and walk among the Giant Sequoias of Sequoia Grove. This tour includes pick-up and drop-off from some San Francisco hotels.
• For a half-day tour that covers a little of everything, the Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Trip is a good mix of nature, sightseeing, and shopping. This tour is available in the morning or afternoon.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More on San Francisco: Plan out a free walking tour beginning in Chinatown with the help of our San Francisco Walking Tour . For families looking for activities to entertain children, see our article on San Francisco with Kids: Top Things to Do . If you're interested in some healthy dining options, have a read through our list of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco .

Exploring Northern California: San Francisco is the gateway to some of California's most amazing sites. In three or four hours you can be exploring the sites of Yosemite National Park or gazing out at Lake Tahoe . If you don't want to go that far, have a look at our top-rated day trips from San Francisco to see where you can get to in even less time.

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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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15 Must See Places in San Francisco – An Insider’s Guide

Are you wondering what the main things to do are in San Francisco and which places you really have to see?

San Francisco is one of the most popular American cities to visit. There are many iconic landmarks and must see places in San Francisco, making this city a great tourist destination.

San Fran, nicknamed “The City” by the locals, was built on money from the gold rush. It expanded quite rapidly and gave this town a rich history, no pun intended.

There are so many things to do and see in this city. I’ve been here for more than two years and still feel I haven’t experienced it all!

So, for this insider’s guide to San Francisco I narrowed it down and compiled a list of the 15 must-see places.

15 Must Visit Places in San Francisco

1. the golden gate bridge.

Could I really start this list anywhere else? When you think of SF, you think of the Golden Gate.

It’s often called one of the most beautiful bridges in the world, and it really is a place not to miss!

There are many locations to photograph this historical beauty from, but the best is across the bridge from the lookout. That way you can get the city in the photo too.

Tip: for an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge consider going on a Golden Gate Bay cruise .

For more information about the Golden Gate Bridge visit Goldengate.org

2. The Bay Bridge

The Bay Bridge is the bridge that leads from San Fran to Oakland and Berkeley.

The Golden Gate Bridge was made famous for being the largest suspension bridge of its time, but the Bay Bridge well surpasses that accomplishment.

There are actually two sections of this bridge, both connecting on Treasure Island. This is a great place to stop to photograph the city skyline and the bridges , and definitely a San Francisco must see!

Tip: if you want to admire both the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge from the water then check out this bridge to bridge cruise .

For more information about the Bay Bridge: Baybridgeinfo.org

3. Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is where you can get the freshest clam chowder .

There are also lots of fun activities to do here, like amusement rides and souvenir shopping.

And you can find an In-n-Out here, which is a very famous chain of fast-food restaurants!

For more information: Fishermanswharf.org

Pier 39 is another must visit place in San Francisco, and it’s within walking distance from Fisherman’s Wharf.

It’s where you’ll find the resident sea lions !

There are numerous shops and restaurants here, fun street performances and the area has a lively vibe.

San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay can be found here and the popular 7D Experience, which is a virtual roller coaster and video game combined.

Tip: you can buy skip-the-line tickets online for Aquarium of the Bay.

For more information about Pier 39: Pier39.com

5. Alcatraz

Alcatraz is the most famous prison and an absolute must-visit when in San Francisco.

The saying used to go “ If you were bad you went to prison, if you were bad in prison, you went to Alcatraz ”. Some of America’s worst criminals lived here on ‘the rock’.

Today it is a national park and open for tours.

Make sure to book your tickets far in advance , I’m talking weeks or even months. They sell out fast!

Tip: you can buy several combo tickets with a discount , combining an Alcatraz ticket with another fun activity.

For more information about Alcatraz: NPS.gov

6. Presidio Park

This park is an old naval base.

There are still many bunkers and buildings here today and there are a few nice trails that lead through the eucalyptus forests.

If I have any Disney fans out there, this is home to the permanent Walt Disney Museum .

Today many of the buildings are rented out to local businesses and as housing.

For more information about Presidio Park: NPS.gov

7. Twin Peaks

Trying to catch the best view of San Francisco ?

Twin Peaks is a top contender. Head up here just before sunset to see the city lights come alive.

For more information about Twin Peaks: sfrecpark.org

8. The Full House House

This row of houses was made world famous by the popular TV show Full House and is now a much-visited tourist attraction.

“What ever happened to the predictability?” I knew you were waiting for this one. All of the landmarks will work in your map by using its name, except this one. Alamo Square or the Painted Ladies is what you want to use.

Take a relaxing break on the field of Alamo Square with the locals.

The higher you climb, the better the view you’ll get.

9. The Sutro Baths

The Sutro Baths was once an old bathhouse, which Thomas Edison used to frequent.

The building no longer stands, but the ruins do. It is a gorgeous place to see the Pacific Ocean and to get in a little exercise. On the lower left of the sea wall is a small cave- check it out!

For more information: NPS.gov

10. Coit Tower

Once an old lookout tower, now a small museum.

You are able to take a small elevator ride to the top for 360° views of San Francisco.

I know I’ve listed a few viewpoints, but its because they’re all amazing in their own way. Don’t pass this one up.

For more information: sfrecpark.org

11. Haight-Ashbury

Many famous rock and roll artists made it big singing on the streets of Haight-Ashbury, a district of San Francisco, in the 60s and 70s.

A lot of those bars are still open today and this area is definitely one of the must see places in San Francisco.

There is a lot of great local shopping on Haight as well.

12. Chinatown

This is my favorite Chinatown in the USA .

There are a lot of cool stores with Chinese goodies, Chinese architecture, and great Dim Sum- yum!

My favorite part about Chinatown is its local produce stands. They have an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables that I didn’t even know existed.

13. Transamerica Pyramid

Probably the most iconic building in the city’s skyline is the Transamerica Pyramid.

It’s pretty cool to see up close, but unfortunately they don’t offer any tours inside the building.

14. Lombard Street

Lombard Street is the self-proclaimed “Most Zigzagged Street in the World”.

The street is so steep that developers had to make it curvy in order to drive down it safely.

During the summer weekends they close it off to through traffic so go on a weekday and drive it yourself!

15. Golden Gate Park

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is comparable to Central Park in NYC – except, a little smaller.

There are great trails, open fields, sports centers, museums, gardens, lakes, Dutch windmills, and even a waterfall. Oh, and a herd of bison!

There is so much to do in this park , you could spend five days straight exploring this incredible place and still have plenty to do. But a simple drive through will bring you back to peace in the center of this large metropolis.

How to Explore San Francisco & See All the Must See Places

To visit all of these amazing landmarks and must see places in San Francisco, I highly suggest renting a car. 

Alternatively, you can use the Hop-On Hop-Off bus to see all the main sights.

Tip: if you plan to buy tickets for several tours or attractions in San Francisco, check out the San Francisco Explorer Pass . It can save you a lot of money on many of the main tours and attractions.

While there is plenty more to do and see in the city, you gotta make sure to check these 15 out.

Safe travels and enjoy San Francisco!

And if you want to see more than just the city, have you considered a San Francisco RV rental ?

• Interview With an Expat About Life in San Francisco
• What is California Famous For?
• An overview of all articles about California

And if you need a break from San Francisco, then I highly recommend visiting South Lake Tahoe for a few days!

Like this article with must see places in San Francisco? Pin it!

Featured image source: Getty Photography With special thanks for letting me use this incredible picture of a San Francisco must see!

This insider’s guide to San Francisco contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you.

26 thoughts on “15 Must See Places in San Francisco – An Insider’s Guide”

I love that you explained how Chinatown has a variety of produce stands that offer exotic fruits and vegetables. My family and I would like to visit San Francisco during our family vacation and want to buy groceries so that we can cook dinner in our hotel. We’ll be sure to visit Chinatown to purchase fresh vegetables for our meals.

That’s quite a comprehensive guide to Frisco. And the pictures are equally great. China town. Pier 39 and Lombard street are high on my list when I get a chance to visit San Fran.

Great tips. San Francisco is on my bucket list and this post is very useful. Another place I’ve heard is a must is the Japanese Garden.

Really enjoyed that thanks Nicole 🙂 I’ve yet to explore San Francisco but would love to visit the Sutro Baths, Twin Peaks and Golden Bridge! The traveller and photographer in me screams to those views!

Thanks for your recommendations a nice read

Thanks for sharing so much information. I will try to cover all the places mentioned by you when I visit San Francisco.

I love the Pier 39. Looks like the seals are really enjoying themselves. Alcatraz would be also an interesting visit. I heard you can also sleep there like a prisoner. After having lived there for two years, what have you liked the most in SF?

Hi Agnes, I haven’t heard of sleeping overnight- it may be a once a year type thing if so. But I do know they have night tours. They are only good in the winter when the sun sets early. Otherwise, it’s not even dark out during the “night tour”.

My favorite thing to do in SF is eat! haha I was never a foodie until I moved here. The food is incredible. My favorite places to go with guests however are Sutro Baths, Lombard Street, and Twin Peaks. I love watching my friend’s excitement over these landmarks. I also never get sick of photographing them! And of course- the sea lions. They’re my favorite animal! 🙂

The iconic Lombard Street. if you have ever played GTA San Andreas then this street is something you are going to find. 😀

I was hoping the Full House house was on this list…and there it was! I really would love to visit San Fran someday! Great list of things to do!!

These are definitely all must see places. And if you want to get away from the tourists – San Francisco has so much to offer! There are so many great neighborhoods to explore. We just took our daughter for the first time and even she loved the places that are off the beaten path.

This is a great guide with amazing photos! I love that the ‘Full House’ house is included! Well I guess now it’s the ‘Fuller House’ house. I LOVE that show and I just finished binge watching season 2 of the Netflix revival 🙂

I’ve always wanted to go here. I’ve been all over California but never to San Fran. Thanks for the alkatraz tip! I’m surprised they are booked for so far in advance. Also the Full House house! That’s awesome. Something someone in my generation has to see atleast once. Cheers!

San Francisco is one of the cities in the U.S. that I would love to visit especially to see the sea lions at Pier 39 and to hang out in the Haight-Ashbury district. The Painted Ladies are just so pretty and photogenic!

I went to San Fran a couple of years ago for the first time and had a wonderful stay although I didn’t even cover half of what’s on your list! I totally missed out on Pier 39 which is a shame and the twin peaks but I really loved visiting Alcatraz…you have a really great list!

San Francisco is one of the few US cities I still want to see. This list is a perfect guide of the important highlights to visit! How is the public transportation in this area? Are all these things relatively easy to get to? How long would you suggest for a visit?

Thanks Brianna! San Francisco really is worth visiting. Compared to most other cities in the US public transport here is really good. And especially when you are visiting as a tourist and have the time to yourself it works fine to explore anything in the city center. Just use Google, enter your destination, choose public transport and Google will show you exactly what to use and where. But, if you want to see anything outside of the city center, such as Twin Peaks, I highly recommend renting a car or using Uber. Uber is very affordable and will be a better option if you stay in the center since parking your rental car at your hotel will cost quite a bit extra.

I would recommend at least 3 full days in San Francisco to explore these must sees without feeling rushed.

Hi Brianna, You could spend as little as 3 days here and see it all. If you have more time, you’ll be able to see more outside the city, like Napa, Yosemite, Monterey, Lake Tahoe etc… Public transportation is good. The BART (subway) doesn’t go too deep into the city but our bus system (The Muni) is wonderful. You can get to all of these locations with public transportation easily, except Twin peaks. It’s a bit of a hike without a car.

San Fran! if it were not so expensive, I might actually want to live there. Lombard street and Twin peaks are places I want to visit.

I’ve only been to SF once, but really enjoyed it. This post brings so many memories – Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Chinatown… Really hope to have a chance this great place again one day!

Nice post. Thank you for sharing. I surely need to visit San Francisco one day.

Very nice this post. I´ve never been in San Francisco but i really want to visit, especially to see alcatraz, the golden gate bridge and that amazing street, lombard. I imagine it must be a special place, with a good culture life.

China town in San Fran is a must. I also love watching the kiteboarders battle the wind and do tricks in the bay. I have never been to Alcatraz but that is now on my list for when I return. I love checking out the coast in Pacifica too…a bit quieter and less crowded, though that water is FREEZING!

first i saw Golden Gate in a Bollywood movie since than i want to visit the place and here you have given me some more reason to visit San Francisco. Thanks

Cool blog post. I’ve never been interested in visiting San Francisco, but you’ve provided some inspiration. It seems like there’s a lot to do and see.

I haven’t been to San Francisco in years. I’ve done many of the things you listed (and they are great), but I’ve not heard of the Sutro Baths. That sounds like something right up my alley! Glad to know there are some new things to explore when I go back!

This is such an information packed guide for anyone planning to visit San Fran! I’ve bookmarked it for future reference. Thanks for writing this!

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17 Best Hikes in San Francisco to Tackle

Hikes in San Francisco may not be your first thought when thinking of the city, but you will be surprised at how many epic trails wind their way around the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Mount Tamalpais State Park, and even some in the city itself.

There are hikes for all abilities, taking you along cliffs, hidden waterfalls, up hills to incredible viewpoints, through forests of towering redwoods, and so much more. Let’s look at some of the best hikes in San Francisco!

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Table of Contents

1. Philosopher’s Way

2. corona heights trail, 3. twin peaks loop, 4. bay area ridge trail and the golden gate bridge to marin headlands, 5. rodeo beach to hill 88, 6. kirby cove, 7. point bonita lighthouse, 8. lands end trail, 9. batteries to bluffs trail, 10. crissy field and the palace of fine arts, 11. alamere falls via coast trail from palomarin trailhead, 12. chimney rock trail, 13. tomales point trail, 14. dipsea trail to steep ravine trail to matt davis loop trail, 15. verna dunshee trail and plank trail at mount tam east peak, 16. muir woods ben johnson to dipsea trail loop, 17. fern creek to camp eastwood to lost to canopy loop, hikes in san francisco with city views.

You don’t have to go far to get up high and take in the views!

Distance:  2.3 miles Type of Trail: Loop Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: 328 feet

The Philosopher’s Way Loop sits in McLaren Park and is well-marked, with plenty of parking and multiple starting points. Essentially, the trail loops around the park’s perimeter, built to inspire contemplation, with 17 ‘musing stations,’ a unique feature not commonly found in the trail system.

The stations are marked with rocks, and the area aims to highlight the interrelationships between the area’s ecology, geography, and history.

If you want to extend your mileage, plenty of other trails come off the loop to help explore the park further.

Distance:  0.6 miles Type of Trail: Loop Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 144 feet

Get some of the best views of the San Francisco cityscape on the short and sweet Corona Heights Trail . The trail allows you to enjoy the great outdoors while within the heart of the city.

Take the well-marked trail up to a 360-degree overlook of the incredibly scenic city. Although short, the course is fairly steep, with some dirt steps to help you up.

If you visit the trail in spring, you will be greeted with a sea of wildflowers around your feet, which adds to the appeal of this popular trail. Plenty of parking at the trailhead means you can easily slip this walk into a lunch break or between attractions without stress.

Distance:  2.1 miles Type of Trail: Out & Back Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: 272 feet

Take the hike up to the twin peaks if you are looking for hikes in San Francisco with a view!

The peak sits 922 feet in elevation and is at the geological center of the city. You’ll get some incredible views of the Bay Area and further afield. The peaks were once known as Los Pechos de la Choca, and to save you from translation, it means Breasts of the Maiden; hopefully, we don’t have to explain why!

You could start the hike from anywhere, not just the trailhead and wind around the peaks, giving you 360 views of the city stretching out around you. Although it is a bit of a climb, plenty of paved paths up to the summit make the going a little easier.

Distance:  1.7 miles Type of Trail: Point to Point Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: 239 feet

You can’t get much more of an iconic hike in San Francisco than one that takes you across the Golden Gate Bridge. Start this hike at the South Parking Lot and walk towards the bridge.

There may be fog, traffic noise, and many tourists, but you are walking across one of the most famous landmarks in the world!

As you walk north, take in the views of the Marin Headlands, and keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, and pelicans. On the way back across the bridge, the city’s views will blow you away.

If you are up for a bit more of a hike, walk down to Hendrik Point on the north side for a stroll around the batteries or the path down to Fort Point on the south side.

RELATED: 15 Best Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoints

Hikes in San Francisco’s GGNRA

About a half hour from San Francisco

This area is insanely massive and, if we’re being honest, confusing. But it does have some great hikes in San Francisco!

Don’t forget to read our full guide: Golden Gate National Recreation Area: What to Know

Distance:  4 miles Type of Trail: Out & Back Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 1043 feet

Follow the coastal trail from Rodeo Beach up and along the bluffs to start this trail. Slowly, as you make your way further inland, the cries of the gulls and the seals will begin to quiet as you climb.

Hill 88 towers above the beach, and as you make your way up, up, up, you will pass Battery Townsley and ascend Wolf Ridge, with a few additional spur trails taking you to viewpoints and other historical landmarks.

Around 50% of the trial is paved, and some stairs help you along some of the steeper parts. Once you reach the crest of the hill, on a clear day, you may be lucky enough to see as far as the Farallon Islands and Pedro Point.

Distance:  3 miles Type of Trail: Out & Back Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: 610 feet

Kirby Cove is a bit of a hidden gem and one of the best hikes in San Francisco, loved by locals and visitors alike.

To the North of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands, you can make your way down the hillside on the Kirby Cove hike, accompanied by views of San Francisco, down to the course brown sands of the neat little cove. You will pass Golden Gate Vista Point, a short side trail out to Battery Spencer and Kirby Cove campsite.

Kirby Cove itself is a great place to sit and relax, drink in the views of the bridge and city, stroll along the sand, admire Battery Kirby, and, if you are in the right place at the right time, take a ride on the iconic swing that only sometimes makes an appearance on the beach.

READ MORE: Kirby Cove—Everything You Need to Know!

Distance:  1 mile Type of Trail: Out & Back Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: 203 feet

Point Bonita is an incredible lighthouse in the Marin Headlands; getting there is half the fun.

Admire stunning ocean views and rugged cliffs as you take the Point Bonita Lighthouse hike from the parking lot and along this steep and winding trail. Admire the basalt rock formation, brightly colored wildflowers in the spring, and dramatic cliffs along the way.

This active lighthouse is rich in history, and when it is open, you can cross the suspension bridge to the rick that houses the light. There are a few interesting exhibits that will tell you more about the lighthouse’s history and some epic views of the cliffs.

READ MORE: The Point Bonita Lighthouse Trail in GGNRA

Distance:  3.4 miles Type of Trail: Loop Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 551 feet

One of the best hikes in San Francisco is the Lands End Trail. It has a little bit of everything. For a start, you will be able to take in the majestic Golden Gate Bridge from multiple different angles, but it also offers so much more than that.

You can also check out the Sutro Baths for some history, the USS San Francisco Memorial, and Mile Rock Lighthouse.

From Land’s End Point, you can take a short walk down to Mile Rock Beach before returning to the main trail and continuing on a magnificent cliff-top walk through both dark groves of cypress trees and wide-open grasslands.

Distance:  2.3 miles Type of Trail: Loop Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: 446 feet

The Batteries to Bluffs Trail is one of the more well-known trails for those hiking near San Francisco. You can’t get much better when it comes to views, with wide visits out over the Marin Headlands. The trail is short and sweet. You’ll twist and turn, climb and descend the coastal hills, passing wartime defensive structures along the way.

The best part is when you reach the beach, which offers jaw-dropping views of the Golden Gate Bridge . Be aware that there are 470 steps along the trail, both up and down, so it is a bit of a leg burner but well worth the effort.

Battery Crosby is the main attraction along the path, but you can always add on Battery West and Battery Godfrey if you need more history.

Distance:  3.9 miles Type of Trail: Loop Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: 32 feet

The vast open space of Chrissy Field is a wonder to walk around. You’ll find people from all walks of life walking, jogging, bird watching, cycling, and playing in the area before heading down to the beach to relax.

This hike offers one of the best ways to take it all in as you walk along the paved and dirt path. Views of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city will be with you every step of the way.

The detour to the Palace of Fine Arts is a highlight of the trail. The building is a work of art, with tall columns and a domed rotunda; you would be mistaken for thinking you have somehow ended up in Rome. Finish the hike back and rest on one of the best Golden Gates beaches in the area!

RELATED: 12 Stunning Golden Gate Beaches to Visit

Hikes in Point Reyes National Seashore

About one to two hours from San Francisco, depending

Don’t forget to read our full guides:

• 16 Things to Do in Point Reyes National Seashore
• 9 Must-Do Hikes in Point Reyes National Seashore
• 11 Stunning Beaches in Point Reyes Worth Visiting

Distance:  13.7 miles Type of Trail: Out & Back Difficulty: Hard Elevation Gain: 1,817 feet

This long but incredible trail takes you through the Philip Burton Wilderness Area to Alamere Falls .

You will encounter spectacular ocean views for most of the hike, where on a clear day, you can see the Farallon Islands, cross varying terrain, and pass some beautiful lakes such as Bass Lake, Pelican Lake, and Wildcat Lake.

Some people enjoy stopping and taking a dip in Bass Lake as a break from all the hiking!

When you finally reach Alamere Falls, you’ll realize why many people choose this journey. The hike takes you down to the bottom of the falls, where the water cascades down the 40-foot cliff onto the south end of Wildcat Beach.

Distance:  1.8 miles Type of Trail: Out & Back Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: 160 feet

The incredible Chimney Rock Trail is often overlooked, which means you have a good chance of having a much quieter hike compared to some of the other, more well-known trails for hiking near San Francisco.

The hike is a steady climb upwards, although it levels off towards the end, taking you along blustery grasslands along the bluffs, all the way out to the overlook of Chimney Rock, the elephant seals down below, and the famed old lifeboat station.

Tons of seabirds like gulls and black oystercatchers flock to the rocks below, and you have an incredible vantage point of Drakes Bay and the hulking shape of Mount Tamalpais.

READ MORE: Chimney Rock Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore

Distance:  9.5 miles Type of Trail: Out & Back Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet

It is worth braving the potential fog and wind to tackle the Tomales Point Trail. It is quite a long one, and there is a fair amount of elevation gain, but along the way, you can take in views of Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay and have a great chance of spotting some of the local wildlife from your lofty vantage point.

Part of the trail takes you through the Tule Elk Reserve, so your chances of spotting some of these majestic creatures are relatively high.

You can turn around at any point on the trail and still be satisfied with the incredible vistas, but we recommend making it to the tip of Tomales Point. However, be mindful of potential hazardous cliffs and unstable ground. If you time it right, you will be treated to a beautiful sunset on your way back.

More on the hikes we love in Point Reyes:

• Abbotts Lagoon Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore
• Chimney Rock Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore
• Point Reyes Lighthouse in Point Reyes National Seashore

Hikes in Mount Tamalpais

About one hour from San Francisco

If you want the most perfect blend of verdant forests to explore and epic coastal views, then hiking around Mount Tamalpais is the place to do it.

Don’t forget to read our full guide: Uncovering Mount Tamalpais State Park Near San Francisco

Distance:  6.7 miles Type of Trail: Loop Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 1,699 feet

This trail takes you to some of the best spots that Mount Tamalpais has to offer. Start the hike from the Pacific Ocean in Stinson Beach, climbing up the rolling hills to Pantoll Ranger Station.

The hike is unique and beautiful, with ocean views quickly replaced with steep, lush canyon walls covered in dense forests and giant redwood trees. It doesn’t stop there, as there are two spectacular waterfalls to enjoy as a bonus, one of which requires the climbing of a small ladder to view.

Distance:  1.3 miles Type of Trail: Loop Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 275 feet

This twisting trail is almost a double loop. Although you can do this hike in San Fransico in any order, you might as well get the climb out of the way first.

Park your car at the East Peak Parking Lot and start the short ascent up to Mount Tam East Peak; it is quick and sweet but not without a steep scramble.

After a few switchbacks, you’ll reach the summit, with incredible views of San Fran, the Richmond Bridge, and the rolling hills surrounding you.

Before heading back to your car, after heading back down, take the Verna Dunshee Trail that loops around the peak, complete with incredible viewing platforms, narrow bridges, and even the Gravity Railroad Museum.

RELATED: Uncovering Mount Tamalpais State Park Near San Francisco

Hikes in Muir Woods

This is one of the most incredible areas to go hiking in San Francisco! If you want to wander deep into redwood forests, this is the spot.

Don’t forget to read our full guide: 5 of The Best Hikes in Muir Woods

Distance: 4.1 miles Type of Trail: Loop Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 971 feet

Make your way through Muir Woods National Monument on this epic trail. The trail has the best of all aspects of the park.

You will start by hiking the Fern Creek and Hillside Trails, with the towering redwoods accompanying you most of the way. You won’t be able to get over the size of these trees when you see them for the first time.

Around the two-mile marker, you will join the Dipsea Trail, which is slightly different from the forest-filled start. This part of the Dipsea Trail offers glimpses of the surrounding landscapes.

At this stage, there is also a good chance you will have lost the crowds, so you can enjoy the trail without bumping into other hikers.

Distance:  3.9 miles Type of Trail: Loop Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 820 feet

Starting at the Muir Woods Visitor Center, this trail will take you through some of Muir Wood’s highlights as you navigate the loop of Fern Creek, Camp Eastwood, Lost, and Canopy Trails.

Throughout the loop, you will have plenty of opportunities to take in the majestic redwoods the park is known for, with shade to keep you cool on the hotter days.

If you prefer tackling the hills first, take the hike counterclockwise and enjoy a gradual descent on the way down. Hiking near San Francisco does not get much better than this.

RELATED: 5 of The Best Hikes in Muir Woods + Top Tips on How to Get Here

We hope this helped you plan which hikes in San Francisco to tackle!

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I embark on expeditions around the world but can't get enough of California or the PNW. I'm a VW nerd with a Bug and a Bus. You can probably find me surfing or snowboarding somewhere.

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San Francisco’s Hidden Gems For Sugar-Free Desserts

Published: August 26, 2024

by Cheryl Piatt

Craving something sweet but trying to cut down on sugar? San Francisco has plenty of sugar-free desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. From creamy, rich ice creams to decadent, moist cakes, the city offers a variety of options for those looking to indulge in healthier treats. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of the Mission District or taking a leisurely stroll through Golden Gate Park, you’ll find hidden gems offering delicious, sugar-free delights. Ready to discover where to find these tasty treats? Let’s dive into the best spots in San Francisco for sugar-free desserts that will leave you wanting more.

San Francisco's Hidden Gems for Sugar-Free Desserts

San Francisco, known for its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, also boasts a fantastic array of sugar-free dessert spots. Whether you're diabetic, on a keto diet, or just looking to cut down on sugar, these hidden gems offer delicious treats without the guilt.

Sugar-Free Ice Cream Havens

Craving ice cream but avoiding sugar? San Francisco has some delightful spots where you can indulge without worry.

Smitten Ice Cream Smitten Ice Cream offers a variety of sugar-free options made with fresh, local ingredients. Their creamy, churned-to-order ice cream ensures every bite is a treat.

Bi-Rite Creamery Bi-Rite Creamery's sugar-free flavors are a hit among locals. Using natural sweeteners, they craft delicious ice cream that doesn't compromise on taste.

Salt & Straw Known for their innovative flavors, Salt & Straw also caters to sugar-free needs. Their rotating menu often includes unique, sugar-free options.

Bakeries with Sugar-Free Delights

San Francisco's bakery scene is thriving, and several spots have embraced the sugar-free trend, offering delectable pastries and cakes.

Noe Valley Bakery Noe Valley Bakery serves up sugar-free muffins, cookies, and cakes. Their commitment to quality ingredients makes every bite satisfying.

Mariposa Baking Company Mariposa Baking Company specializes in gluten-free and sugar-free goodies. Their brownies and cupcakes are particularly popular.

Wholesome Bakery Wholesome Bakery focuses on healthy, sustainable treats. Their sugar-free selections include everything from cookies to tarts.

Sugar-Free Chocolate Shops

For chocolate lovers, these shops offer sugar-free options that are just as indulgent as their sugary counterparts.

Dandelion Chocolate Dandelion Chocolate crafts small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolates. Their sugar-free bars are rich and flavorful, perfect for any chocolate enthusiast.

See's Candies A San Francisco classic, See's Candies has a range of sugar-free chocolates. Their sugar-free peanut brittle is a must-try.

Recchiuti Confections Recchiuti Confections offers gourmet chocolates, including sugar-free varieties. Their dark chocolate truffles are a standout.

Sugar-Free Dessert Cafes

Sometimes, you just want to sit down with a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. These cafes offer sugar-free desserts that pair perfectly with your favorite beverage.

Cafe Flore Cafe Flore, a cozy spot in the Castro, has a selection of sugar-free pastries. Their almond flour cake is a crowd favorite.

Philz Coffee Known for their custom-blended coffee, Philz Coffee also offers sugar-free baked goods. Their zucchini bread is a delicious choice.

La Boulangerie de San Francisco La Boulangerie de San Francisco serves up French-inspired sugar-free pastries. Their sugar-free macarons are a delightful treat.

Sugar-Free Frozen Yogurt Spots

Frozen yogurt can be a refreshing alternative to ice cream. These places offer sugar-free options that are both tasty and healthy.

Yogurtland Yogurtland provides a variety of sugar-free frozen yogurt flavors. Their toppings bar allows for endless customization.

Loving Cup Loving Cup specializes in hand-churned frozen yogurt. Their sugar-free options are creamy and satisfying.

Fraiche Yogurt Fraiche Yogurt uses organic ingredients to create their sugar-free frozen yogurt. Their seasonal fruit toppings are a perfect match.

Sweet Endings in San Francisco

San Francisco offers a treasure trove of sugar-free desserts that cater to every taste. From the rich, creamy delights at Sugarless Bakery to the innovative treats at No Sugar Added Cafe , there's something for everyone. Healthy Sweets provides a guilt-free indulgence, while Naturally Sweet focuses on organic ingredients. Each spot brings its unique twist, ensuring you never miss out on flavor.

Exploring these hidden gems not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also supports local businesses dedicated to healthier options. Whether you're a local or just visiting, make sure to add these places to your must-visit list. Enjoying delicious desserts without the sugar rush has never been easier or more enjoyable. So next time you're in San Francisco, treat yourself to these delightful, sugar-free options. Your taste buds will thank you!

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Must-See Concerts in the Bay Area This Fall

Please try again

Charli XCX fans may have declared 2024 Brat summer, but since Bay Area weather stays nice through November — and Charli herself is playing San Francisco in October — the party is continuing well into fall.

Even if huge arena concerts aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other worthy shows in the autumn months: Smaller club gigs from up-and-coming acts, free outdoor concerts and a waterfront festival. Read on for must-see shows to add to your concert calendar.

Dock of the Bay Festival

Sept. 7, 2024 12:30-9:30 p.m. Mare Island Coal Sheds, Vallejo $120+

The Solano County waterfront, with its mix of natural and industrial terrain, makes for a special setting at Dock of the Bay. The music festival brings together original disco and funk acts like “ Boogie Nights ” hitmakers Heatwave, who’ve been sampled by everyone from Michael Jackson to Timbaland and Missy Elliott. They perform alongside The Commodores, who gave us the timeless classic “ Brick House ;” Average White Band of “ Pick Up the Pieces ” fame; and Lenny Williams, the balladeer behind soul classic “ Cause I Love You .”

Sept. 14, 2024 8 p.m. SAP Center, San Jose $92+

There’s no question that El Alfa is the king of Dominican dembow. With each new release , his raps seem to get more hyperactive, weirder and raunchier, with onomatopoeias and double entendres in the pocket of uptempo, percussion-heavy, tropical beats. There’s a reason why Spanish-speaking artists from all over the Western hemisphere — Cardi B, Kali Uchis, Bad Bunny, Wisin & Yandel and Jowell & Randy — have turned to him to inject their tracks with manic energy. Expect nothing less when he arrives stateside for a headlining show at San Jose’s SAP Center.

Portugal. The Man

With Snacktime Sept. 20, 2024 Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco Free

Continuing San Francisco’s streak of free concerts this year, Portugal. The Man brings their punchy, groove-laden rock to Civic Center Plaza, just outside of City Hall. The Portland band, best known for 2017’s inescapable “ Feel It Still ,” are currently touring in support of their catchy, psychedelic 2023 album Chris Black Changed My Life . Philly brass band Snacktime will get the dance party started with their uptempo jazz funk.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Oct. 4-6, 2024 Golden Gate Park, San Francisco Free

With concert tickets more expensive than ever, a free major festival like Hardly Strictly is truly a gift. Alternative rockers Sleater-Kinney are a huge draw at this year’s family-friendly event, which celebrates bluegrass, country, roots music and eclectic array of other genres in Golden Gate Park. Other standout acts include Nigerian-British electronic pop band Ibibio Sound Machine , Ukrainian folk experimentalists DakhaBrakha , original bluesman Bobby Rush and powerhouse soul singer Mavis Staples.

Omar Apollo

With Kevin Abstract Oct. 4, 2024 8 p.m. Greek Theatre, Berkeley $78+

Tender, touching and at times snarky, Omar Apollo’s expansive pop music blends eclectic influences — folk and new wave, R&B and trap — into something shimmeringly beautiful. The singer-songwriter and guitarist’s latest album God Said No takes us on a ride through desire, pettiness, longing and other complicated emotions that arise during a breakup. Apollo will take the stage at Berkeley’s Greek Theatre with Brockhampton’s Kevin Abstract, another artist pushing queer expression forward.

Shannon and the Clams

Oct. 19, 2024 8 p.m. Fox Theater, Oakland $43+

With The Moon Is in the Wrong Place , Oakland rockers Shannon and the Clams made an album about grief whose exuberance is an affirmation of love and life, written in the aftermath of frontwoman Shannon Shaw’s life-changing loss of her fiance, drummer Joe Haener. While grappling with the tragedy, the band transmuted restlessness, anger, sorrow and confusion into a high-energy blend of garage rock, country and psychedelia that’s made for the stage, especially a gorgeous room like the Fox.

Charli XCX & Troye Sivan

With Shygirl Oct. 20, 2024 7:30 p.m. Chase Center, San Francisco $196+

Charli XCX is so hot this year, even Kamala Harris wants to ride her lime-green Brat train to the White House. The U.K. pop star reconnected with her raver roots for her sixth studio album, and the result is a hedonistic yet profound listen that managed to explode into the mainstream while maintaining a solidly grimy, underground appeal. Shockingly honest tracks like “ Girl, so confusing ” — where Charli and Lorde squashed their beef on record while elucidating how misogyny messes with women’s minds — lend the album its emotional depth. At the Chase Center, Charli will whisk fans away into her 4 a.m. fantasy with “One of Your Girls” hitmaker Troye Sivan and fellow club kid Shygirl.

With Channel Tres and Lou Phelps Oct. 31, 2024 6:30 p.m. Greek Theatre, Berkeley $78+

It’s a shame hip-house only went mainstream for a few years in the mid-’90s — rapping over uptempo club beats just makes sense. Fortunately, Kaytranada and Channel Tres have revived the sound for a new generation. Hot off his new TIMELESS album (and an extremely lit Outside Lands appearance), Kaytranada will spin groove-laden beats that feature some of today’s brightest pop, R&B and rap talents, including PinkPantheress , Tinashe , Don Toliver and Lou Phelps , the latter of whom is opening the show. “Top Down” rapper Channel Tres promises a live set of dance-floor ready anthems. If you’re trying to turn up on Halloween, this is the place to be.

Nov. 5 and 6, 2024 7:30 p.m. Oakland Arena, Oakland $119+

K-pop band Seventeen is a powerhouse. The thirteen-member squad is incredibly versatile: They write and produce much of their own music, and choreograph big, epic live performances that have earned them legions of fans from China to the U.S. Sonically, they have range, too: standout tracks include the vibe-y and mystical R&B track “ Spell ” and “ Maestro ,” which showcases their hip-hop influence with a futuristic spin. Expect high-energy dance moves and otherworldly visuals two nights in a row at Oakland Arena.

DB.Boutabag

Nov. 8, 2024 8 p.m. The New Parish, Oakland $30+

The Bay has produced plenty of hip-hop greats, but some of the hottest young rappers out of Northern California currently hail from Stockton and Sacramento. South Sac’s DB.Boutabag is one of the leaders of that Central Valley scene, and his deadpan punchlines, gems of wisdom and ruthless roasts of his rivals have attracted an avid fan base that raps along bar for bar at his shows, from Salt Lake City to Boise to Oakland.

Nov. 29, 2024 7:30 p.m. Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco $83+

When it comes to Gen Z rappers dominating the charts, Atlanta’s Latto is definitely on the short list. After 2022’s roller disco-ready “ Big Energy ,” she followed up with 2023’s thrillingly aggressive diss track “ Put It On the Floor ” and this year’s “ Sunday Service ,” a cocky and laid-back cruising anthem that got a remix from hot girl-in-chief Megan Thee Stallion and fellow rising star Flo Milli. Yes, she puts her sex appeal out there, and behind her provocative image is a careful attention to craft in the booth and on the stage.

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10-foot python found during San Francisco Bay Area sideshow bust

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A 10-foot-long python was discovered in a vehicle during a bust of an illegal sideshow in the San Francisco Bay Area that attracted hundreds of people, authorities say.

The Vallejo Police Department said officials received multiple calls around 11:12 p.m. Friday of a sideshow involving roughly 500 vehicles in that bay area city. Drivers were blocking traffic, beaming lasers into the eyes of other motorists, and spinning their vehicles, according to a police statement.

The occupants of a Cadillac shined a laser into officers’ eyes, prompting the police to initiate a traffic stop, police said. But the driver led police on a 10-mile (16-kilometer) chase to the city of Hercules, where the driver and three occupants bailed out of the vehicle.

Inside the vehicle, police found the 10-foot (3-meter) python. The driver was arrested on multiple charges, including felony evading. The passengers received misdemeanor citations.

Vallejo is about 30 miles (5-0 kilometers) northeast of San Francisco.

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The Associated Press

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