san francisco best tourist attractions

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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The 24 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

By Kimberley Lovato and Carey Jones

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.

Caitlin Morton

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

The Legion of Honor Museum Arrow

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

San Francisco Cable Cars Arrow

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

Lands End Trail Arrow

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

California Academy of Sciences Arrow

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

Sutro Baths Arrow

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

Chinatown Arrow

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

Alcatraz Island Arrow

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

Ferry Building Arrow

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

Mission District Street Art Arrow

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

Angel Island Arrow

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

City Lights Booksellers and Publishers Arrow

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

The Presidio Arrow

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

Tiburon Arrow

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

Park Life Store and Gallery Arrow

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

Asian Art Museum Arrow

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

Japanese Tea Garden Arrow

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

Marrakech Magic Theater Arrow

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

Golden Gate Ferry San Francisco-Sausalito Arrow

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

Amoeba Music San Francisco Arrow

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

San Francisco Crosstown Trail Arrow

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

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The 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

Stretch those calves, because boy are you about to get those steps in! This Northern Californian city boasts more than 50 inclines and they're so steep that you can't see the other side of the street from the bottom of most of them. But don't let that put you off. Given San Francisco's position at the tip of a peninsula, it's actually very walkable. In fact, it's only seven miles wide and seven deep, so you can easily take it in on foot. Of course, if you'd rather not, there's the Muni (public transport network), bikes and three cable cars. Parking is nigh on impossible, so don't bother with the wagon.

Plan your days right, and you can tick off all these top attractions, from the Golden Gate in the north to the beautiful Bay in the east and everything in between. The city has Michelin-starred dining and hole-in-the-wall winners alike, as well as museums , surprising architecture, sports teams, and diverse neighborhoods. You might even feel an earthquake while you’re here (there are hundreds of small ones each year). Here’s our pick of the unmissable bits of San Francisco to put on your bucket list—whether you're a tourist or a local. Enjoy.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best  things to do in San Francisco

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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 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), is 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 warm 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 spoilt 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 Charles Phan’s favored Vietnamese restaurant the Slanted Door, the popular Hog Island Oyster Company, or beloved burger spot Gott’s Roadside.

6.  Golden Gate Park

• Golden Gate Park

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 visitors but there are good reasons for even the most hardened San Francisco resident to visit—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.  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. 

10.  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.

11.  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.

12.  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.

13.  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.

14.  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 5-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.

15.  San Francisco Zoo

Whether or not you've got kids—or big kids—in tow, there's no place quite like the zoo and 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.

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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

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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

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

Catch a Game at Oracle Park

TripSavvy / Melissa Zink

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

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge

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

Take a Tour of Alcatraz

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

Explore Chinatown

 TripSavvy / Melissa Zink

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

Stroll Through Golden Gate Park

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

Buy Local at the Ferry Building

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

Visit One of the City’s Many Museums

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

Walk Along Pier 39

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

Ride a Cable Car

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

Take in the View at Twin Peaks

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

Celebrate the LGBTQ+ Community in the Castro

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

Eat Pasta in North Beach

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

Relax at the Japanese Tea Garden

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

Have a Picnic at the Presidio

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

Go Thrifting at Haight and Ashbury

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

Watch the Sunset at Baker Beach

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

Admire the Murals in the Mission

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

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San Francisco Attractions: 25 Must See During Your Stay

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: February 12, 2024

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, its historic cable cars, and one of the crookedest streets in the world, Lombard Street.

Other highlights on my list of the top 25 must see 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 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. This old prison complex was originally opened in the mid-1850s as a US military fort. In the early 1900s, it was turned into a military prison. Finally, in 1934, it became a maximum-security federal penitentiary.

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

The last federal prisoner left Alcatraz in 1963 as the prison shut its doors. In 1973, the island opened to the public for tours.

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.

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.

>>  Read about the day tour

>>  Find out more about the night tour

You can also save on your visit by buying a combo tour. They include tickets to Alcatraz as well as an additional tour or activity. These are just some of my top picks.

2. Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is another one of the most visited 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 eastern side of the bridge has a large sidewalk for pedestrians ( find my walking tips here ). It opens just before sunrise each morning and closes after dark each night.

Either before or after your walk on the bridge, make sure to 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 about it.

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

You can also get great views of our famous bridge on one of these SF cruises. These are just a few of the best-selling options.

3. Cable Cars

Another one of the must see (and must ride!) San Francisco 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 different cable car lines running through the city. 

Today, there are still four lines running that service three cable car routes. Two of them run from Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square.

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

>>  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 are looking for some of the best views of downtown San Francisco and the surrounding areas, then head to the top of Twin Peaks. This outdoor, free SF attraction features two hills which tower 922 feet above sea level.

The two hills are located in the center of San Francisco, so that you can see all the way 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 all around.

>>  More tips to visit

>>  Additional free attractions in San Francisco

What to Wear in SF by Month

Not sure what to pack for your 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 a must visit for modern art lovers. This top-rated museum is home to more than 30,000 pieces of art 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 attractions, and you will find it in the South of Market (SOMA) district. If you don't have time to visit the entire museum, make sure to 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 make sure to check it out.

>> Find tickets for your visit

>>  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. It was originally built for the 1916 Panama Pacific Exposition, an important 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 completely rebuilt in 1965.

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 just to spend time relaxing on the lawn.

You can stop by during the day or at night when it's beautifully lit.

>>  Details about the Palace of Fine Arts and 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 San Francisco attractions, the crazy-cornered Lombard Street!

This street features 8 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 attraction are from the bottom of it at Leavenworth and Lombard Streets. If you plan to drive, make sure to arrive as early as you can in the morning as there is often an hour or longer wait to drive down it.

Insider's Secret : You will find a second crooked street in San Francisco on Vermont Street in the Potrero Hill District. It has 5 full and two half turns between 20th and 22nd Street.

It's not as colorful or famous as Lombard Street, but it's one of our little-known hidden gems. 

>> More tips about 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 a variety of fun things to do, including the 7D Experience, a mirror maze, and free kids shows. It's also home to 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 so 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 attractions. It is actually 4 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!). 

I typically plan to 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

>>  Check for skip the line ticket availability

10. Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is an incredible park, and you will find almost a dozen attractions and activities here. This 1,000+ acre man-made park is home to many other top San Francisco attractions, including the California Academy of Sciences, the Conservatory of Flowers, and the  Botanical Gardens .

It's also where you will 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 go for a run or head out for a long walk. There are so many wonderful San Francisco attractions inside it 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, and you can pick up maps and find a full range of fun things to do here.

>>  Best things to do in Golden Gate Park

11. Street Art & Murals

One of the reasons San Francisco is such a beautiful place to visit is because we have more than 1,000 pieces of street art and murals. You will find these beautiful pieces of art both 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 pieces

>>  Where to find all three Diego Rivera frescos

>>  Tips to find the best works in the Mission

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 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 right 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 San Francisco attractions. 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 does offer this tour of his ), 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.

>> More about visiting Alamo Square

>> History, details, and 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 district is spread out 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 location is Grant Avenue. As you enter this shopping district from Union Square at Bush Street, you will start by walking under the Dragon Gate (also sometimes referred to as the Chinatown Gate).

You will then be greeted with a flurry of activity. 

The biggest draw to Chinatown is its inexpensive shops. Many of them line up along Grant Avenue. 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 also find ancient temples, a history museum, and some delicious dim sum restaurants.

>> Find out more on this guided walking tour

>>  What to see and do in Chinatown

>>  Where to find the Chinatown temples and 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 a lot of them change constantly, so you will have a new experience every time you visit it.

>> Pick up your tickets in advance

>>  Tips to visit the Exploratorium

16. Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden is another one of the highly rated San Francisco attractions. You will find it inside Golden Gate Park.

This five-acre attraction in San Francisco originally 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.

Some of the Japanese Tea Garden highlights include the arched drum bridge, pagodas, and the Zen garden. I also love spending some 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 all throughout the city. The city has almost 50 named hills, and many of them 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 San Francisco attractions are sure to 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 makes for 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, as well as 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 a chance 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. This colorful district is full of history and always has interesting activities.

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. If so, make sure to check out some of the famous spots in it and around the district.

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. 

>>  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. This is one of two San Francisco attractions that require you to take a ferry if you want to visit them. The other being the more famous, or infamous, Alcatraz Island.

Angel Island was just a sleepy island used by locals for fishing and hunting for many thousands of years. In the mid-1800s, the federal government seized the land to use it to help protect the bay from intruders. It was used as an army base and later as an immigration detention center.

Today, top activities include hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. 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 in the 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 that sits high on the hill near North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf and wondered what it was. It is the one-of-a-kind Coit Tower.

Money for the tower was gifted to the city of San Francisco by a local woman named of Lillie Hitchcock Coit. She was a well-known and controversial San Francisco resident from the late 1800s to early 1900s.

She was fascinated by firefighters and became an official mascot of local Knickerbocker Engine Company Number 5. When she died, she left a considerable sum of her estate to the city, which they used to build Coit Tower.

There are two draws to this San Francisco attraction: The first being 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. It is something you will never forget since it has a 360-degree view of San Francisco. There are 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 of these 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 together are known as the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

You will find the de Young just across the street from the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. It's 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 here is focused on ancient and European art. Highlights in this museum include works from Auguste Rodin, Claude Monet, and an interesting piece by Pablo Picasso. 

You will want to make sure to plan your visit in advance, because if you want to enter both museums on one ticket, you must visit each of them 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 now home to Ghirardelli chocolate stores, boutique shops, and several restaurants.

This location became a chocolate factory in 1893. Most people don't realize this, but it was the only location that made our famous Ghirardelli Chocolates for many decades. As interest in these chocolates increased, Ghirardelli expanded the factory and moved it just outside the San Francisco city limits.

Today, you can 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 as well as a detailed history about 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 attractions is the Presidio. This old army base is full of fun things to do.

Some of my favorites include hiking the Coastal Trail, hanging out at Baker Beach, and checking out the Disney Museum. Other top attractions here 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 San Francisco Attractions

Family & kid friendly things to do.

Are you visiting with the entire family? Here, you will discover lists with some of the best kid and family-friendly San Francisco attractions.

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 SF 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 attractions, tours, and museums will give you a wealth of ideas for your stay. 

They include visits to the most popular spots around town, as well as 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 to be then at one of these San Francisco beaches. 

Enjoy a picnic lunch or relax while taking in the views of the amazing 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

Top Five Military History Sights

Do you love visiting military history sites and ships? Here, you will find a list of SF's top five military history sites. The SF Bay Area has been a critical military area for hundreds of years. Several sites were built here in order 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 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 all of 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 both 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 of the most haunted SF places.

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

Learn More : Haunted SF

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

SF Cemeteries

If you love visiting old cemeteries, then you will love what you will 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 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 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, then click the link below for a full schedule for all of the significant SF attraction during the holidays. This will help you plan your visits during your stay.

Learn More : SF Holiday Attraction Schedules

More San Francisco Attractions

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

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

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

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

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

Come join the fun here !

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60 Things to Do in San Francisco, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Haight-Ashbury, the birthplace of hippie culture

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. SFMOMA, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

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

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

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

16. North Beach, the Little Italy neighborhood in SF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you fancy a quiet day, Sausalito, which is across the bay and very close to the Golden Gate Bridge, is one of the places to visit in San Francisco.

A colony of bohemians and artists decided to build floating houses from old boats and establish their community there. Now Sausalito is the place of choice for celebrities seeking tranquility away from the vibrant city of San Francisco.

22. Chinatown, the oldest Chinese community in North America

Chinatown in San Francisco is the neighborhood that houses the second largest Chinese community in the United States and is the oldest in North America. Its colorful facades, temples, restaurants, and shops make it another must-see in San Francisco.

I recommend accessing Chinatown through the Dragon Gate at Grant Avenue. Once there, you have to visit Portsmouth Square , where the flag of the United States was first raised in 1846.

You can also book this tour to get to know the history, culture, and gastronomy of this neighborhood.

23. Eat chocolate in Ghirardelli Square, something to do in San Francisco

This is my favorite recommendation: eat chocolate in Ghirardelli Square . There used to be a chocolate factory in this square, and, today, it is a very lively place full of restaurants and shops. Visiting the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company , a paradise for chocolate lovers and people with sweet tooths, is one of the best things to do in SF, California.

In the Ghirardelli store, you’ll find all kinds of products made with delicious chocolate. This is undoubtedly the best thing to do in San Francisco.

24. Oakland Bay Bridge, an attraction to visit in SF

The San Francisco Bay Bridge, or Oakland Bay Bridge, links the city of San Francisco with Oakland via Yerba Buena Island , which connects to Treasure Island , an artificial island.

Although the Golden Gate Bridge is the best known and famous bridge, Oakland Bay Bridge is the longest bridge and an important place to visit in San Francisco . In addition, Oakland Bay Bridge was built half a year before the Golden Gate Bridge, making it the oldest in the city.

This bridge is very important for the city of S,F and it is estimated that more than 250,000 vehicles cross it daily.

25. Coit Tower, one of the nicest views over San Francisco

Visiting the Coit Tower , on Telegraph Hill, is another thing to do in San Francisco. It was built in 1933 and is 200 feet high, making it a perfect lookout point in San Francisco . The Coit Tower was designed by Arthur Brown and Henry Howard in an Art Deco style and using unpainted, reinforced concrete. In addition, it has fresco murals by 27 artists.

The funds for its construction came from Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who, after her death, left a third of her assets to the city to be used for its beautification.

26. Palace of Fine Arts, an architectural landmark to visit in San Francisco

The Palace of Fine Arts was built in 1915 to house the 1915 Universal Exposition and has a design inspired by Greek and Roman classicism.

At first, this building was going to be demolished after the exhibition, but many locals asked that it be preserved due to its beauty. As it was built with flimsy materials, in 1964, it was almost completely demolished to be rebuilt using appropriate materials this time. Thanks to its beauty and historical value, it is a place of interest in San Francisco . Also, the palace is surrounded by a lake, which makes it even more beautiful.

Today there are numerous events and celebrations in this palace. It also has a theater and restaurants.

27. Asian Art Museum, the largest museum of Asian art in the world

The San Francisco Asian Art Museum has more than 2,400 objects from Asia, some of which are more than 6,000 years old. If you don’t know what to see in San Francisco if it rains , I recommend this museum. If you like Asian art, visit it regardless of the weather.

On the ground floor are the temporary exhibitions, the restaurant, and the museum shop. On the second floor, there are decorative elements, such as vases, animal figures, and objects that were used in religious ceremonies and funeral rituals. And finally, on the third floor, sculptures of wood, stone, and bronze are exhibited.

28. Muir Woods National Monument, a beautiful place to go near SF

Muir Woods was originally acquired by William Kent, a businessman, and his wife to protect an area of high natural value. Later, part of the land was donated to the government to become a national park.

The park offers numerous hiking trails surrounded by redwoods , making it one of the best places to see near San Francisco .

If you can’t drive there, I recommend booking this day trip , which also gives you the opportunity to get to know Sausalito .

29. Japanese Tea Garden, a spectacular place to visit in SF

The Hagiwara Japanese Garden or Hagiwara Tea Garden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in San Francisco . This 2-acre Japanese garden is the oldest of its style in the United States. It is located within Golden Gate Park .

It was built as part of the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894 and became a small world of ponds, trails, Japanese plants, sculptures, and bridges. To me, it’s a very beautiful and peaceful place that invites you to relax. Also, it has a teahouse that I recommend you visit.

30. Bridge to Bridge Cruise, an essential tour to take in San Francisco

I recommend booking a bridge-to-bridge cruise , as going under the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge is one of the best things to do in San Francisco .

The boat departs from Pier 43 of Fisherman’s Wharf, and during the tour, you’ll see North Beach, Hyde Street Pier, the National Maritime Park, Marina District, and the Presidio Hills. After passing under the stunning Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge, you will pass near Marin Headlands, a wild reserve, and go around Alcatraz prison.

If you’re interested in this tour, the best option is this one .

31. Ocean Beach, the quietest beach in SF, California

Ocean Beach is one of the most beautiful and quiet beaches in San Francisco. If you’re going to spend a few days in the city and want to go to the beach, enjoying Ocean Beach is one of the best things to do in San Francisco .

This is a quiet beach with no crowds, something that I always value. You can take a dip, sunbathe, stroll along the shore, or even enjoy several water activities, such as surfing.

32. Yerba Buena Gardens, another quiet place to visit in San Francisco

Yerba Buena Gardens is another great place to go in San Francisco.

In and around the gardens you can see things like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial , behind the waterfall at the Esplanade Gardens; the Charles Looff carousel , a hand-carved historical piece; and several museums and important buildings, such as the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and the Moscone Convention Center . There is also a skating rink and a bowling center.

33. Walt Disney Family Museum, one of the coolest things to see in SF

If you’re looking for something to do in San Francisco with kids , I recommend visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum .

This museum covers the life and work of Walt Disney, explains what Disney’s beginnings were like, and shows how a visionary man gave life to a gigantic empire. Clothes, archive footage from old movies, photographs, and even a Disneyland model are exhibited.

If you want to visit, this museum is in Presidio Park and you can get your ticket here .

34. California Academy of Sciences, the museum with the most Californian history

The California Academy of Sciences is an amazing museum with 150 years of history and a fun thing to do in San Francisco if it rains .

It’s a unique museum that features the world’s largest digital planetarium, a huge aquarium, a living ceiling filled with wildflowers, and a colony of African penguins. Even if I prefer to see wild animals in their habitat, I understand that there are people who may be interested in this attraction.

For information on schedules and tickets, you can check here .

35. The Castro, one of the first gay neighborhoods in the United States

Castro , the neighborhood where the largest LGBTQ community in the city is concentrated, is another place to visit in San Francisco . You’ll know you’re in Castro when you see rainbow flags in shops and on terraces.

I recommend visiting the Castro Theater , a place where old films are shown, the famous Hot Cookie bakery, and the LGBT History Museum .

SF is the world’s most LGBT-friendly city, so booking a guided tour like this to learn more about the history of the neighborhood is one of the best activities in San Francisco .

36. Baker Beach, a popular beach in the Bay Area, SF

If you’re looking for a must-do in San Francisco , another place that I recommend is Baker Beach , a 0.62-mile long beach where you can picnic and barbecue. It is quite a popular place with San Francisco families and groups of friends.

What stands out the most is that this beach begins at the southern part of the Golden Gate Bridge , so you get incredible views of the bridge, especially at sunset. It’s a place to visit in San Francisco that can’t be missing from your list.

37. San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum

The Botanical Garden of San Francisco ( San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum ) is the largest botanical garden on the West Coast of the United States and one of the best places to visit in San Francisco .

37. San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum, an urban oasis

This space, of about 23 hectares, is located within Golden Gate Park and is home to more than 7,500 plant species.

The garden is divided into different areas: Mediterranean, Southeast Asia Cloud Forest, High Elevation Palms, and others. Each one has plants from the region it represents.

38. The Painted Ladies, the famous Victorian houses of San Francisco

You probably know the Painted Ladies , in Alamo Square , from the the Full House series, starring the Olsen twins. These beautiful family houses were built between 1849 and 1945 in an Edwardian and Victorian style.

Many of these houses were painted in quite striking colors, such as orange, yellow, and red. The best-known ones are the Painted Ladies from 710 to 720 Steiner Street . Although there are more houses of this style in the area, these are a favorite for tourists.

If you want my advice, I suggest visiting them at sunset, when there is an interesting play of colors and light. In short, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco, regardless of whether you liked or followed Full House .

39. Lands End, one of the best hikes to do in San Francisco

Lands End is a strip of rocky shoreline within Golden Gate Park , between Lincoln Park and the Sutro District. This is another of the many things to see in San Francisco, USA that I recommend, as it’s a very beautiful and interesting place.

This area is littered with wrecks and has a monument to the USS San Francisco submarine. You can find many hiking trails here that run alongside the Ferries & Cliff House Railway and the cliffs.

Sutro Bath Ruins , another place to visit in San Francisco, is next to Lands End. This old complex of public saltwater pools was once the largest in the world.

40. Mission District, a must see place in San Francisco

Among all the places of interest in San Francisco, I’d highlight Mission District, as it’s a colorful neighborhood where you can eat very well. If you want to enjoy this charming neighborhood, I recommend you take a guided tour or visit it on a Sunday, when there’s lots of activity.

The tour begins with a coffee and some donuts made with natural ingredients. Next, you’ll head to Balmy Avenue , where the murals tell the stories of Latino immigrants. Then, you’ll wander among the flavors of tacos and street vendors to arrive at Clarion Alley , where there is another interesting collection of street art. Although there are around 200 murals in the neighborhood, the best known are Women’s Building, Clarion Alley Street Art, Precita Eyes Muralists, and Balmy Alley.

Finally, you can visit several second-hand stores and the Mission Dolores church .

As you can see, it’s a tour full of art and food. Can you think of anything better to do in San Francisco ?

41. Church of 8 wheels, a peculiar place to go in SF

The Church of 8 Wheels is one of the most peculiar places to see in San Francisco . In what was once a church, you can now skate and enjoy music at the same time.

Church of 8 Wheels is a nightclub where different events and musical shows are held for people of all ages who share a passion for skating.

This is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do in San Francisco if you like to skate. There is no place like it in the world.

42. Musée Mécanique, the most curious museum in San Francisco

The Musée Mécanique is another of the tourist spots of San Francisco and I recommend it, especially to those who are fans of arcade games. This museum exhibits a private collection of old coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade artifacts.

The owner, Edward Galland Zelinsky, started collecting these devices in 1933, and, nowadays, he has over 300.

Among the rarities that can be found at the Musée Mécanique is a red motorcycle called the “Steam Flyer” from 1912 . This piece is perhaps the only one that exists in the world.

Here, you’ll be able to see everything from turn-of-the-century hand cranked music boxes to modern video arcade games, so it’s a great place to go in San Francisco.

43. 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, a colorful place to visit in San Francisco

The mosaic on the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps is well worth a visit. Inspired by the Rio de Janeiro staircase, Colette Crutcher, a mosaic designer, and Aileen Barr, a ceramicist, joined forces to carry out this project with the help of more than 300 volunteers.

To decorate these stairs, each panel was created separately, for a total of 163 panels, one for each step. They used 2,000 handmade tiles and 75,000 mosaic fragments, stained glass, and mirrors. The result is a must-see in San Francisco .

44. Eat at the Atelier Crenn, a unique experience in San Francisco

Although I’ll admit that eating at the Atelier Crenn is not cheap, it’s definitely something amazing to do in San Francisco, especially if you appreciate gastronomy. Its chef, Dominique Crenn , was the first woman in the United States to receive 2 Michelin stars for creating art with her dishes.

She was inspired by her father’s workshop, where her love for art and good cuisine led her to combine both worlds to offer a unique gastronomic experience. An authentic gift for all five senses.

45. Walk in Crissy Field, something nice to do in San Francisco

Crissy Field once functioned as an airfield and was later transformed into a public park. It’s a place to visit in San Francisco to walk and disconnect, as well as see incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge .

The park offers activities for young people and open spaces for the elderly. If you feel like disconnecting from busy San Francisco, this is your place.

46. Marin Headlands, another interesting hike in SF, California

Marin Headlands is north of the Golden Gate Bridge and is a mountainous area that’s perfect for hiking, another activity to do in San Francisco that I love.

The cliffs here make the landscape surprising, although the most beautiful thing is viewing the Golden Gate Bridge with the city of San Francisco in the background. Plus, there are old military installations, making Marin Headlands a pretty interesting place to see in San Francisco.

47. M. H. de Young Memorial Museum in San Francisco

The M.H. de Young Memorial Museum is located in Golden Gate Park , a few feet from the California Academy of Sciences , and is a museum to visit in San Francisco if you’re interested in African and pre-Columbian art.

It opened in 1895 but was destroyed in 1989 by an earthquake and did not reopen until 2005. In this museum, you’ll find an exhibition of African art and art collections from the 19th and 20th centuries, including pre-Columbian works from Peru and Teotihuacan.

48. Conservatory of Flowers, a garden with rare and exotic plants

The Conservatory of Flowers is the oldest building in Golden Gate Park and was built in a Victorian style, making it one of the beautiful sights in San Francisco .

This greenhouse houses a large collection of exotic plants from the highlands and lowlands of the tropics, including carnivorous and aquatic plants.

49. Transamerica Pyramid, the second tallest skyscraper in San Francisco

The Transamerica Pyramid is an imposing pyramid-shaped skyscraper with 4 sides and is one of the most spectacular buildings to see in San Francisco .

The city’s susceptibility to earthquakes was taken into account for the building’s design and construction, and special reinforcements were added to the structure. In 1989, an earthquake of magnitude 7.1 on the Richter scale didn’t even damage it.

50. Legion of Honor, a museum of fine art in San Francisco

The Legion of Honor Museum is another must see in San Francisco, California . It was built in 1924 in memory of the 3,600 California soldiers who died in World War I.

50. Legion of Honor, a museum of fine art and decorative arts in San Francisco

Reminiscent of the Palace of the Legion of Honor in Paris, this museum has works by Fra Angelico, El Greco, Rubens, Rembrandt, Watteau, Claude Monet, and other internationally renowned artists. At the entrance of the museum, you can see the statue The Thinker by Auguste Rodin.

51. Point Bonita Lighthouse, a place of interest in San Francisco

Point Bonita Lighthouse , a beautiful place to go in San Francisco, California, is at the entrance of San Francisco Bay and close to the Golden Gate Bridge.

I recommend visiting it because of its interesting location between cliffs. Keep in mind that the lighthouse can only be accessed on Sundays and Mondays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. On the way to the lighthouse, you can visit the US Coast Guard Station Golden Gate.

52. Monterey and Carmel tour, the best activity to do in San Francisco

Some of the best places to visit around San Francisco are Carmel , with its historic center, boutiques, and galleries; and Monterey , where Cannery Row, a large sardine factory that was converted into one of the most touristy places in California, with luxury hotels and restaurants, is located.

Taking a trip to Camel and Monterey from San Francisco is worth it because you travel one of the most beautiful roads in the United States, the Pacific Coast Highway . On the way, you’ll visit unparalleled landscapes and cliffs that look out to the Pacific. For this experience alone, I think visiting Monterey and Carmel is something you shouldn’t miss in San Francisco.

If you don’t want to drive, you can book a day trip here .

53. Grace Cathedral, an important church in SF

Grace Cathedral is in Nob Hill . This beautiful cathedral, which was built between 1928 and 1964, is Gothic in style and closely resembles Notre Dame de Paris. It’s one of the most important religious monuments in San Francisco.

Many people feel that ceremonies acquire a special beauty in this place, especially with the music of the organ, which was added to the cathedral in 1934.

Whether you’re a believer or not, I think this is a very beautiful place to visit in San Francisco , United States.

54. Shakespeare Garden, the most beautiful themed garden in San Francisco

The Shakespeare Garden is another sight in San Francisco to see if you want to learn about all the plants that Shakespeare mentions in his works. Don’t worry if you haven’t read all his works or don’t know them well, since next to each plant is a plate with the quote from the work that mentions it.

This garden is within Golden Gate Park and is a highly sought-after venue for outdoor weddings.

55. Napa and Sonoma wine tasting, something great to do in San Francisco

A wine tour of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys is something you have to do near San Francisco . These two regions are known for their excellent wines. Although both are dedicated to making the same type of wine, each one has its own characteristics which make the wine different.

On this excursion , you’ll get to know some of the most important vineyards in Napa and Sonoma, in addition to participating in a wine tasting.

56. The Wave Organ, a mysterious and magical attraction to visit in SF

Something very special among the things to see in San Francisco is the incredible wave organ . It’s made of concrete with marble steps, and inside there are 35 organ pipes placed in a very specific way so that each one produces a different sound.

The movement of the waves and the sea breeze create a melody when the breeze enters the tubes. This melody is said to be the music of the sea. It’s very beautiful!

57. Seward Mini Park, an unusual and amusing place in SF

If you’re wondering what to do in San Francisco with kids , I recommend going to Seward Mini Park . This park, located between the houses on Seward Street, has unique concrete slides that will entertain both adults and kids.

Of course, to slide down them, you’ll need cardboard. Sometimes you can find some abandoned cardboard, but I recommend bringing your own just in case.

58. Angel Island, a place to visit around San Francisco

Angel Island was discovered by Juan de Ayala. First, it served as an observation and defense post, and later, it served as an immigration station.

Now, Angel Island is a place that offers very good views of San Francisco Bay and is the perfect place to enjoy various hiking trails. If you have time, it’s one of the best places to visit in and around San Francisco .

59. San Francisco City Hall, a historic attraction to see in SF

The San Francisco City Hall , with its 90-meter-high dome, will impress you with its grandeur. Although in 1906 it was destroyed by an earthquake and had to be rebuilt, it’s one of the main landmarks in San Francisco. Of course, the care put into each of its details makes this building the favorite of many couples for getting married.

Just for its beauty and grandeur, the City Hall is one of the main attractions in San Francisco .

60. The Embarcadero, another popular place to go in San Francisco

The Embarcadero is a historic dock distinguished by the Ferry Building tower , at the beginning of Market Street, one of San Francisco’s main streets.

The Embarcadero is also a place where there’s always a lot of activity, especially on weekends, due to the Farmer’s Market. At this market, you’ll find fresh fish, artisan cheeses, and other products, as well as restaurants. I recommend this market if you want to try the authentic local gastronomy of San Francisco. This is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in San Francisco if you want to enjoy the Bay Area’s food.

These are the 60 things to do in San Francisco that I recommend. I also want to share a map where you’ll find all these places, so you can start planning your trip now. You can download this tourist map of San Francisco and take it with you while you’re are visiting the city.

I hope this article has helped you. Now all you have to do is enjoy the city of San Francisco to the fullest!

Ascen Aynat

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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

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Discover the World

27 Top Tourist Attractions in San Francisco

By Jamie Gambetta · Last updated on April 4, 2024

Famous for its summer fogs and cable cars, San Francisco has long been a popular place to visit in California. Perched on a peninsula between the sparkling San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean, its many hills are home to delightfully diverse neighborhoods and stunning streetscapes.

Once a Spanish and Mexican mission, the fate of San Francisco changed once conquered by the United States. It was followed by a mad rush, a gold rush, that saw a virtual army of citizens and foreigners descend upon the west coast city in the hopes of striking it rich.

Today, San Francisco is a cosmopolitan metropolis at first, thanks to the hope of gold, the railroads and more recently, the rise of technology. Visitors will quickly fall in love with (and be frustrated by) the city’s steep streets, littered with historic cable cars that lead to equally celebrated waterfronts and wharves.

Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Bridge, are the two most well known tourist attractions in San Francisco, but it also has an array of museums, fascinating Victorian architecture and wonderful waterfront areas to explore.

Add in its unique culture, panoramic vistas, and fabulous food scene and it is no wonder that San Francisco is one of the most visited cities in the USA. Just don’t forget to bring warm clothing. The famous quote “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco” isn’t from Mark Twain but it is a pretty accurate statement of San Francisco’s weather.

Map of San Francisco

27. Ferry Building Marketplace

As San Francisco is such a ‘foodie’ city, no visit can be complete without stopping by the lively Ferry Building Marketplace on the Embarcadero. Inside its Beaux Arts building are around fifty food vendors, local farmers , and small restaurants that offer tasty treats and delicious dishes.

Since opening in 2003, the market has been a firm favorite with locals and tourists due to its wide variety of coffee shops, snack stands, and grocery stores selling artisan products from around the world.

It also hosts a fantastic farmers market three times a week which sells fresh produce and street food.

26. Angel Island State Park

From Pier 41 visitors can hop on a ferry and find themselves immersed in the stunning scenery and nature of Angel Island State Park in no time at all. On the half-hour boat ride you can enjoy divine views over the bay, and hiking, biking or rollerblading around the island.

Now protected as a park, the bay’s second-largest island has been used as everything, from a military base and missile site to immigration station and internment camp. As such, there are some interesting old forts and bunkers to explore with picnic areas and viewpoints.

25. Exploratorium

Also located alongside the Embarcadero is the Exploratorium, which offers a fun and fascinating look at how the world works. Popular with adults and children alike, the unique museum has over 600 interactive installations and hands-on exhibits that can keep you entertained for days.

Founded in 1969, it has expanded considerably and now has huge galleries dedicated to everything from light and sound to biology, engineering, and psychology. Thanks to all its activities, laboratories, and workshops, guests can engage with the fields of science and technology. In addition, the Exploratorium regularly hosts talks and cultural events.

24. Presidio

Another massive military base that was turned into a scenic park is the Presidio which occupies the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula. Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, it boasts attractive architecture, excellent outdoor activities, and epic views.

Once out-of-bounds to the public, it now has pockets of woods, rolling hills, and coastal bluffs that offer phenomenal views over Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. Visitor centres house interesting exhibits on its history and ecosystems, and you can also check out the old fort, batteries, and art projects.

23. Musee Mecanique

One of the most unique and unusual tourist attractions on the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf is the Musee Mecanique. Here you’ll find a huge collection of coin-operated arcade games—remarkably there are over 300 mechanical machines for you to play on.

Wandering around the museum is a nostalgic affair as you see antique slot machines and music boxes, alongside fortune tellers, peep shows and pinball machines. As well as testing your strength and having your fortune told, you can also watch historic moving dioramas, and try your luck at some classic carnival games.

22. Japanese Tea Garden

The gorgeous Japanese Tea Garden can be found within Golden Gate Park. Lovingly landscaped, its grounds are home to pretty ponds, a traditional tea house, and a towering pagoda.

The first Japanese garden established in the States, since 1894 it has delighted countless generations with its serene scenery, fantastic flowers, and soothing water features. While strolling its winding paths you’ll come across stone lanterns and sculptures with charming koi ponds, cherry blossoms, and a lovely Zen garden.

21. de Young Museum

Also located in Golden Gate Park is the marvelous de Young Museum with an incredible collection of artworks from all around the world. Its innumerable paintings, sculptures and photos are a treat to peruse, but the building itself is just as impressive due to its distinctive design and large observation tower.

Founded in 1895, the fine arts museum encompasses over 27,000 anthropological artifacts and art pieces from Africa, Asia, and Oceania. While some of its galleries display colorful textiles and costumes, others focus on European paintings or American decorative art objects. The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibits and concerts.

20. Legion of Honor Museum

Nestled in the northwest of the peninsula is the magnificent Legion of Honor Museum, which lies amidst the nature of Lincoln Park. Housed within its beautiful neo-classical building is an eclectic collection of artworks that spans over 6,000 years of art history.

While strolling about its grand galleries you’ll come across everything, from influential comics and soundscapes to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rodin, and Monet among others. Founded in 1924, it contains more than 90,000 works, with the museum offering spectacular views over the city’s skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge from its grounds.

19. San Francisco Botanical Garden

Lying alongside both the Japanese Tea Garden and de Young Museum is the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Boasting a collection of colorful flowers, plants and trees, its tranquil paths are a delight to walk along and have different areas and ecosystems for you to explore.

Since opening in 1940, the garden’s grounds have expanded considerably and now contain nearly 9,000 kinds of plants from all around the world. As such, you can be strolling amidst savanna and succulents one minute, and then suddenly find yourself surrounded by tropical trees and cloud rainforest the next.

The superb San Francisco Museum of Modern Art occupies a striking modern building, not far from Union Square. While its unique architecture makes for a stunning sight, its interior is equally rewarding with impressive exhibits and artworks wherever you look.

In total, the SFMOMA displays over 33,000 art pieces across seven floors with its main focus being modern and contemporary art. As well as paintings and photos, its galleries contain digital art, industrial designs, and interactive media installations. Artists such as Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Henri Matisse count among its biggest names.

17. Lands End

Occupying the northwest corner of the peninsula are the windswept coastal cliffs of Lands End. Aside from its outstanding views over Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean, the park also has numerous hiking trails and historic sights.

Dotted about its bleak shores you can spy the sites of various shipwrecks and the ruins of the Sutro Baths. The Hidden Labyrinth art installation is also well worth stopping by. After exploring its delightful beaches, coves, and cliffs, visitors can enjoy a coffee at its cafe while watching the sun set spectacularly over the ocean.

16. Coit Tower

Another attraction in San Francisco that boasts some of the best views in town is the incredible Coit Tower, which is perched atop Telegraph Hill. From the top of the slender white tower you can enjoy breathtaking panoramas over the bay, city, and sites such as Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Built in 1933, it boasts exquisite Art Deco architecture with colorful frescoes in the American Social Realism style coating its interior. Located in Pioneer Park, the 210 foot-high tower is now a National Historic Landmark and iconic part of the city’s skyline, having been depicted in countless films and TV shows.

15. Cable Car Museum

One of San Francisco’s most famous features is its charming old cable cars that lend the city such a distinctive look and feel. Aside from simply riding up and down its steep streets in one, visitors can learn all about the history and technology behind the streetcar system at this magnificent museum.

In addition to interesting exhibits, old photos and mechanical displays, the Cable Car Museum also showcases vintage streetcars that date to the 1870s. As it offers such a fascinating look into the inner workings of the transport system, the museum has long been a popular tourist drawcard and can be found in the affluent Nob Hill neighborhood.

14. Walt Disney Family Museum

Yet another of the Presidio’s many enticing attractions is the delightful Walt Disney Family Museum that delves into the life and legacy of the famous filmmaker. Here you’ll learn about Disney’s achievements and genre-defining animations with amazing memorabilia, film clips, and even awards, on show.

Opened in 2009, the museum and its large collection of early drawings and designs, music clips, and models sprawls over three historic buildings in the center of the park. As it looks at everything, from his early childhood and career to his iconic creations and the construction of Disneyland, it is a must-visit for any Disney aficionado.

13. California Academy of Sciences

One of the biggest and best museums in the States, the California Academy of Sciences contains a staggering 46 million specimens with incredible artifacts, animals and exhibits. Located in Golden Gate Park, the massive natural history museum boasts an aquarium and planetarium, as well as its own indoor rainforest.

Established in 1853, the academy’s captivating collection now resides within a majestic modern building that even has its own living green roof. Inside is a treat to explore as you wander past shark lagoons and coral reefs, before emerging in galleries full of fossils and minerals. One of its main highlights is the enormous rainforest exhibit which houses over 1,600 live animals, plants, and amphibians.

12. Twin Peaks

If you’re after yet more awe-inspiring views over San Francisco then it is well worth heading to the two towering Twin Peaks that lie near the geographic center of the city. The bare and uninhabited hills offer breathtaking panoramas with sunset a particularly special time of day to visit.

Reaching around 925 feet in height, the Twin Peaks are protected as part of a park with lovely nature and wildlife coating their slopes. While you can just simply drive to their summit, there are also some nice hiking trails to wander along that again offer some epic views.

11. Oracle Park

Home to Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants, the atmospheric Oracle Park can be found in the city’s South Beach neighborhood. While watching a game is an exciting and unforgettable affair, the ballpark is also widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in the States due to its picture-perfect setting.

Opened in 2000, the stadium exhibits some fine architecture with most seats offering divine views out over the bay. Discover famous features, such as the giant glove sculpture and coca-cola bottle slide, while there is also a wall of fame, cafe, and gift shop to stop by. Thanks to its exhilarating atmosphere and great games, visiting Oracle Park is one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco.

10. Palace of Fine Arts

In 1915, San Francisco played host to the Panama Pacific Exposition. At the time, the city built several structures to welcome almost 19 million visitors. The last of these buildings is the spectacular Palace of Fine Arts.


A palace indeed, this art gallery is now a member of the National Register of Historic Places. It stands on the edge of a shimmering lake, where ducks and snow white swans roam and old-growth trees dot the shoreline.


You could spend hours admiring the elegant neoclassical facade of the Beaux arts palace along with the surrounding archways and columns. Time your visit to coincide with an arts event to bring your experience to the next level.

9. Chinatown

Outside of New York, no American city has a larger and more vibrant Chinatown than San Francisco. At the center of this is the biggest Chinese New Year Parade outside of Asia.


The experience starts at Dragon’s Gate where the atmosphere changes at the drop of a hat. Immediately, a thoroughfare of vibrant pagoda-topped buildings welcomes you with open arms.


Visitors can take their picks between mouthwatering eateries, temples, and historic squares. At the forefront is Waverly Place, lined with flowing flags, ornate temples, and local haunts.

Extending off Waverly Place are backstreets and narrow alleys where the smell of dim sum floats through and the unexpected should be, well, expected.

8. Alamo Square

San Francisco offers travelers some gorgeous architecture to go along with its iconic steep, rolling hills. Both of those qualities combine to make Alamo Square a worthy destination.


Pack your picnic basket full of goodies, a blanket, and some yard games for the restless souls and enjoy the green expanse of Alamo Square. This isn’t your average picnic spot, however. 
 With your prize patch of grass secured, kick back and enjoy beautiful skyline views. At the forefront of this view are the famous Painted Ladies. These are a collection of Victorian and Edwardian homes that have each been painted in three or more colors.

7. Transamerica Pyramid

At 853 feet tall, the Transamerica Pyramid is the second tallest building in San Francisco behind onto the Salesforce Tower. Yet, it turns more heads that any other skyscraper in the city.


The Transamerica Pyramid is just that, a four-sided obelisk rising to a sharp point, like an Egyptian Pyramid stretched towards the sky. It’s a captivating site that draws together San Fran’s Financial District. The best place to admire the unique design is from yet another skyscraper, the Coit Tower.


However, unlike other major towers, there is no observation deck. Visitors can instead explore the lobby’s visitor center, which offers a live video feed from the tippy top.

6. Lombard Street

No place in San Francisco illustrates the city’s unique geography better than Lombard Street. The famous thoroughfare winds like a snake down yet another steep hill. On either side are millionaire mansions that hark back to the Victorian era and curved gardens landscaped to the hilt.


In total, there are eight switchbacks that meander down Lombard Street. From the summit of the iconic street, you’ll be afforded with picture-perfect views down towards the Northern Waterfront and Coit Tower.


Visitors have the choice to walk up and down Lombard Street, a journey that is sure to put a bead of sweat on your forehead and lead in your legs. But it gives you time to smell to roses and enjoy the gardens. Otherwise, try your hand at one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco and drive down the switchbacks.

5. Golden Gate Park

If you’re looking to take in some patented California sunshine while in San Fran, Golden Gate Park is the place to go. Once a collection of rolling dunes, the lush landscape and cultural creations leave few reminders of its humble beginnings.


Golden Gate Park harbors a collection of winding walking paths, glorious lawns, over 5,000 unique plants and several museums. Whether you’re looking for a cute date or gathering with family, the wide open lawns are great for a picnic. Meanwhile, the de Young Museum, Steinhart Aquarium, and the California Academy of Sciences promise to invigorate the senses.


To explore, bring your walking shoes or sign up for a bike rental and set out upon the 6.3 mile Golden Gate Park Loop.

4. Cable Cars

There’s perhaps nothing as timeless in San Francisco as the cable car. These rickety vehicles have withstood the test of time, transporting locals around the city since the second half of the 19th century.


Back then, without seat belts, San Franciscans would grip tight as the cable cars made their way down the city’s notoriously steep hills. Today, cars may reign supreme, but this old-fashioned mode of transport is the best way to see the city.


Take your pick between the Powell-Hyde and the Powell-Mason routes to discover some of the best attractions in San Francisco, the way locals have for 150 years. The destinations include Fisherman’s Wharf, the exciting Lombard Street, Nob Hill, and the Ferry Building.

3. Alcatraz

Often referred to as The Rock, the small island of Alcatraz served as a lighthouse, a military fortification, and as a prison. It was home to some of the most notorious criminals of the time including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Surrounded by the freezing water of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz was believed to be inescapable.

The most famous attempt was carried out by Frank Morris, and brothers John and Clarence Anglin using an inflatable raft made from several stolen raincoats. In 1963, it was closed by JFK. Before that fateful day, it housed over 1,500 prisoners, each living in tight 10×4 feet cells.

Today, the island is a popular San Francisco tourist attraction and a historic site. It is operated by the National Park Service and is open to tours.

2. Fisherman’s Wharf

One of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf runs all the way from Pier 39 through to Municipal Pier at the end of Aquatic Park. For over a century its historic waterfront was the hub of San Francisco’s fishing fleet and is still famous for having some of the best seafood restaurants in the city.

Other tourist attractions at the wharf include museums, souvenir stores, historical buildings, scenic vistas over the Bay and the famous sea lions at Pier 39.

Abuzz with activity from dawn to dusk, San Fran’s Fisherman’s Wharf combines culture, cuisine, and atmosphere into one. If you’re feeling peckish while in Frisco, Fisherman’s Wharf will leave you satisfied and smiling thanks to its range of mouthwatering foods, from fresh fish and crab to international treats.

1. Golden Gate Bridge

There is no sight more iconic in San Francisco than the Golden Gate Bridge. Stretching across the Golden Strait, the majestic bridge, at 1.7 miles long, is a captivating sight.


Whether you’re admiring it from the Presidio of San Francisco or from the Marin Headlands, the stunning piece of architecture promises to be a highlight of your local experience. The bridge is eternally busy, whether that be car, bike, or foot traffic. But crossing the strait, which combines the waters of San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, is a must-do.


From the bridge, not only to you have a closeup of the spectacular construction but also gorgeous downtown views. Come at sunrise or sunset, to see the golden bridge shimmer under the sun’s low light.

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Things to Do in San Francisco: A Guide to Fun (2024)

W elcome to the enchanting city by the bay, where every street corner whispers tales of diversity, landmarks beckon with storied histories, and breathtaking scenery leaves you awe-inspired. San Francisco, a city like no other, is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, a treasure trove of landmarks, and a masterpiece of nature’s beauty.

Picture yourself strolling along the bustling streets, the aroma of freshly baked sourdough bread wafting from corner bakeries, and the eclectic mix of languages and laughter filling the air. You’re not just visiting a city; you’re embarking on an adventure through a melting pot of cultures that have woven themselves into the very fabric of this metropolis. You will be amazed at all the things to do in San Francisco for people of all ages.

But it’s not just the diverse culture that makes San Francisco a must-visit destination . The city boasts iconic landmarks that have graced postcards and inspired filmmakers for generations. From the majestic Golden Gate Bridge standing guard over the bay to the historic Alcatraz Island, where echoes of infamous inmates still resonate, there’s no shortage of stories etched into the cityscape.

Let’s not forget the scenery that will steal your heart – rolling hills dotted with colorful Victorian houses, the sparkling Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon, and the lush green spaces that invite you to relax and rejuvenate. San Francisco’s natural beauty is as captivating as its urban charm.

I want to take you on a journey through this eclectic wonderland, unveiling the best activities, hidden gems, and insider tips to ensure your stay is nothing short of unforgettable. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, nature enthusiast, or just someone seeking adventure, San Francisco has something special in store for you.

Things to Do in San Francisco: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Attractions and Activities

So, grab your heartiest appetite and your most comfortable walking shoes because the City by the Bay is ready to enchant, inspire, and surprise you at every turn. Join us as we uncover the endless possibilities in our comprehensive exploration of “Things to Do in San Francisco: A Guide to Fun.” Your adventure begins now with these tourist attractions!

Iconic Landmarks

San Francisco is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world. Here are three must-see landmarks that you can’t miss on your trip to San Francisco:

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic symbol of San Francisco and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The bridge spans 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County. One of the best ways to experience the bridge is to walk or bike across it. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about its history and construction.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a former federal military prison that is now a national park . It is a small island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay and can only be reached by ferry. Visitors can take a guided tour of the prison and learn about its infamous inmates, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” The island also offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Since childhood, I have seen these iconic gems in the commercials that touted the favorite rice dish of San Franciscans – and still have that Rice-A-Roni jingle stuck in my head. It goes without saying that San Francisco is famous for its cable cars , which are a fun and unique way to explore the city.

This fun form of public transportation runs on three lines: the Powell-Hyde line, the Powell-Mason line, and the California line. You can hop on and off at various stops throughout the city, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and Chinatown.

Riding a cable car is a great way to experience the city’s hilly terrain and historic neighborhoods. And heck, what fun photos and TikTok reel opportunities as you go up and down those steep hills!

These three iconic landmarks are just a few of the many attractions that San Francisco has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler , you won’t want to miss these must-see sights.

Cultural Experiences

I adore that San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures, and there are many ways to experience the city’s diverse cultural offerings. Here are some must-see cultural experiences to add to your itinerary:

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and largest Chinatown in the United States. It is a vibrant neighborhood that is home to many shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory , where you can watch fortune cookies being made by hand.

You can also explore the alleyways and side streets to discover hidden gems like the  Tin How Temple and the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum . If you want the perfect memorable photo, take a selfie at the Dragon Gate.

Mission District Murals

I love street art and that put this on my list of great things to do in the city of San Francisco! The Mission District is known for its colorful street art murals. They reflect the neighborhood’s Latino heritage and social activism.

Take a walking tour to see some of the most iconic murals, like the Women’s Building Mural and the MaestraPeace Mural. You can also visit the Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center to learn more about the history and significance of the murals.

Japanese Tea Garden

Location: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive San Francisco

The  Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is a serene oasis that offers a glimpse into Japanese culture. It is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States and features traditional Japanese architecture, koi ponds, and a tea house. You can participate in a traditional tea ceremony or simply stroll through the garden and admire the beautiful scenery.

Ferry Building Marketplace

Location: One, Ferry Building, San Francisco

The Ferry Building Marketplace is a food lover’s paradise that showcases the best of San Francisco’s culinary scene. It is home to many artisanal food vendors, including Cowgirl Creamery, Acme Bread , and  Blue Bottle Coffee . You can sample local cheeses, fresh oysters, and gourmet chocolates while enjoying views of the San Francisco Bay. The marketplace is also a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, or food, San Francisco has something to offer every culture lover. Don’t miss these unique cultural experiences on your next visit to the city.

Outdoor Activities

San Francisco is known for its beautiful outdoor spaces and activities. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking to enjoy some fresh air, there’s something for everyone in the city. Here are some of the top outdoor activities to experience in San Francisco:

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors in San Francisco. This expansive park spans over 1,000 acres and offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Some of the top attractions within the park include:

• The Japanese Tea Garden : This tranquil garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States and features beautiful landscaping, koi ponds, and a tea house.
• The  de Young Museum : This art museum features a variety of exhibits and collections, as well as stunning views of the city from its observation tower.
• The California Academy of Sciences : This museum is home to a planetarium, aquarium, and natural history museum all in one, making it a great option for families.

The Presidio is a former military base turned national park that offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. Here are some of the top things to do in the Presidio:

• Hiking: The Presidio offers over 24 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. Some of the top trails include the Batteries to Bluffs Trail and the Ecology Trail.
• Beaches: The Presidio is home to several beautiful beaches, including Baker Beach and Marshall’s Beach, which offer stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
• The Walt Disney Family Museum : This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Walt Disney and features exhibits, screenings, and interactive experiences.

Ocean Beach

If you’re looking to enjoy some time by the ocean, Ocean Beach is the perfect destination. This long stretch of beach offers plenty of space to relax and take in the views. Some of the top activities to enjoy at Ocean Beach include:

• Surfing: Ocean Beach is known for its challenging surf conditions, making it a popular spot for experienced surfers.
• Bonfires: Visitors can enjoy a bonfire on the beach with a permit from the city.
• Sunset watching: The sunsets at Ocean Beach are some of the most beautiful in the city, making it a popular spot for photographers.

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Location: 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco

These botanical gardens are s a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city. This 55-acre garden features over 8,000 different plant species from around the world. Some of the top attractions within the garden include:

• The Redwood Grove: This section of the garden features towering redwood trees that are over 100 years old.
• The Succulent Garden: This garden features a variety of unique and colorful succulent plants.
• The Ancient Plant Garden: This garden features plants that have been around for millions of years, including ferns and cycads.

Overall, San Francisco offers a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to hike, relax on the beach, or explore a beautiful garden, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Museums and Galleries

San Francisco is home to numerous museums and galleries that cater to a wide range of interests. From modern art to science, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the top museums and galleries to check out during your visit:

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Location: 151 Third St San Francisco,

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum has an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by famous artists such as Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Frida Kahlo. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see. Be sure to check out the museum’s rooftop sculpture garden, which offers stunning views of the city.

De Young Museum

Location: Golden Gate Park 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive San Francisco

Located in Golden Gate Park, the  de Young Museum is a work of art inside and out. The museum’s collection includes American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, as well as art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The museum also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit. Don’t miss the observation tower, which offers panoramic views of San Francisco.

The Exploratorium

Location: Pier 15, (Embarcadero at Green, San Francisco

The  Exploratorium  is a hands-on science museum that’s fun for all ages. The museum’s exhibits explore a wide range of topics, from physics to biology to social science. Visitors can experiment with light and sound, learn about the human body, and even create their own art. The museum also hosts events and workshops throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit.

California Academy of Sciences

Location: 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco

The California Academy of Sciences  is a must-see destination in San Francisco. The museum is home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and world-class research and educational programs. Visitors can see penguins, butterflies, and even a living roof. The museum also hosts special events and exhibits throughout the year.

Walt Disney Family Museum

Location: 104 Montgomery Street in the Presidio   San Francisco

Located in the Presidio, the Walt Disney Family Museum is a must-visit for Disney fans. The museum tells the story of Walt Disney’s life and career, featuring artifacts, interactive exhibits, and original artwork. Visitors can learn about the creation of Mickey Mouse, the making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Disney’s impact on the entertainment industry. Don’t miss the museum’s theater, which screens classic Disney films.

Food and Drink

San Francisco is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, with a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences to choose from. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, classic Italian dishes, or craft beer , the city has something to offer every palate. Here are some of the top food and drink experiences to try during your visit:

Seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular destination for seafood lovers, offering a variety of restaurants and vendors serving up fresh catches from the nearby waters. One of the most iconic dishes to try is cioppino, a hearty seafood stew that originated in San Francisco. Sotto Mare is a local favorite for this dish, with a rich tomato-based broth filled with Dungeness crab parts, mussels, and other seafood.

If you’re in the mood for something fried, head to Alioto’s  or the  Crab Station for some crispy fish and chips or fried calamari. For a more casual experience, grab some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery or one of the many street vendors.

Dining in North Beach

North Beach is known as San Francisco’s Little Italy, with a wide range of Italian restaurants and cafes to choose from. One of the most popular spots is Tony’s Pizza Napoletana , which has won numerous awards for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. For pasta dishes, head to The Stinking Rose that offers classic Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, stop by Stella Pastry & Cafe for some cannoli or tiramisu. For a more upscale dining experience, consider booking a table at Cotogna  or Tosca Cafe , both of which offer a modern take on Italian cuisine.

Craft Breweries

San Francisco is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a variety of breweries and taprooms to choose from. One of the most popular spots is  21st Amendment Brewery , which offers a wide range of beers on tap, and Magnolia Brewing Company , which specializes in English-style ales.

For a more casual experience, head to one of the many taprooms in the city, such as Cellarmaker Brewing Company  or Fort Point Beer Company . Many of these spots offer outdoor seating and food trucks, making them a great place to relax and enjoy some local brews.

Shopping Destinations

San Francisco is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide range of shopping destinations to suit any taste and budget. Here are three of the best shopping destinations in the city:

Union Square

This is the heart of San Francisco’s shopping district , with a wide range of high-end and mid-range stores. This is where you’ll find the city’s largest collection of department stores, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s. If you’re looking for luxury brands, head to the boutiques on Maiden Lane, where you’ll find stores like Chanel, Prada, and Gucci.

Haight Street

Haight Street is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the best places for vintage and alternative fashion. This street was the epicenter of the 1960s counterculture movement, and today it’s home to a wide range of vintage clothing stores, record shops, and head shops. Some of the most popular stores on Haight Street include Wasteland, Amoeba Music, and Loved to Death.

The Castro is San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood, and it’s also home to a wide range of unique and eclectic stores. If you’re looking for quirky gifts or one-of-a-kind souvenirs, head to stores like Cliff’s Variety , which has been a neighborhood institution since 1936. Other popular stores in the area include  Books Inc ., which has a great selection of LGBTQ+ literature, and the Castro Theatre gift shop, which sells movie-themed merchandise.

No matter what your shopping preferences are, San Francisco has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands or vintage finds, you’re sure to find it in this vibrant and diverse city.

Nightlife and Entertainment

San Francisco is known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. From live music venues to comedy clubs and theater performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Live Music Venues

This town has a diverse music scene that caters to all tastes. Some of the most popular live music venues include The Fillmore, The Independent , and The Warfield Theatre . These venues feature a variety of music genres including rock, jazz, blues, and hip-hop. If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, check out the Great American Music Hall or the Rickshaw Stop.

Comedy Clubs

San Francisco has a thriving comedy scene with several comedy clubs to choose from. The Punch Line , Cobb’s Comedy Club , and The San Francisco Comedy Cellar are just a few of the popular comedy clubs in the city. These venues feature both local and national comedians, so you’re sure to find something that will make you laugh.

Theater Performances

This great spot is home to several world-class theaters that offer a variety of performances throughout the year.  The American Conservatory Theater , The Curran , and The Orpheum Theatre are just a few of the venues that feature Broadway shows, musicals, and plays. If you’re looking for something more experimental, check out The Magic Theatre or The Cutting Ball Theater .

Overall, San Francisco’s nightlife and entertainment scene is diverse and exciting. Whether you’re looking for live music, comedy, or theater performances, you’re sure to find something that will keep you entertained.

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco and want to see some of the city’s top attractions, consider purchasing a CityPASS. With a CityPASS, you’ll save money and time by gaining admission to some of the city’s most popular attractions.

CityPASS offers two different options for visitors to San Francisco: The CityPASS and the C3 pass. The CityPASS includes admission to four attractions: the California Academy of Sciences, the Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure, the Aquarium of the Bay, and either the Exploratorium or the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. With the CityPASS, you’ll save up to 46% on admission prices.

If you don’t have time to visit all of the attractions included in the CityPASS, consider purchasing the C3 pass instead. With the C3 pass, you’ll get one-time admission to three of the five attractions included in the CityPASS. You can choose from the California Academy of Sciences , the Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure , the Aquarium of the Bay , the Exploratorium , and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art .

One of the best things about the CityPASS is that it allows you to skip the lines at many of the attractions. This can save you a lot of time, especially during peak tourist season. In addition, the CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days, so you can take your time exploring the city and its attractions.

Overall, if you’re planning to visit several of San Francisco’s top attractions, the CityPASS can be a great way to save money and time.

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Final Thoughts:

As we near the end of our journey through the captivating city of San Francisco, one thing becomes abundantly clear: this city is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered. From the rich tapestry of cultures that harmoniously coexist to the iconic landmarks that tell tales of bygone eras, and the natural beauty that will leave you breathless, San Francisco is a destination like no other.

We’ve explored the vibrant neighborhoods, savored delectable culinary delights, and marveled at the city’s architectural wonders. We’ve delved into its history, from the Gold Rush era to the counterculture movement, and we’ve reveled in the stunning scenery, from the fog-kissed Golden Gate Bridge to the tranquil serenity of Muir Woods .

But beyond the sights and sounds, it’s the spirit of San Francisco that truly sets it apart. It’s a city that embraces diversity, celebrates individuality, and welcomes all with open arms. It’s a place where you can be yourself, where the boundaries of tradition are challenged, and where creativity knows no bounds.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another adventure, San Francisco promises to surprise you, inspire you, and leave an indelible mark on your heart. It’s a city that invites you to explore, to dream, and to savor every moment.

As you wrap up your journey through the “City by the Bay,” take with you the memories of laughter in colorful neighborhoods, the taste of world-class cuisine, and the sense of wonder that comes from standing before iconic landmarks. And remember, this guide is just the beginning. San Francisco is a city of endless possibilities, and the best way to discover it is to step out and explore for yourself.

So, whether you’re gazing at the city lights from the summit of Twin Peaks or sipping artisan coffee in a quaint café, let San Francisco work its magic on you. It’s a city that thrives on curiosity, and in return, it offers an abundance of experiences that will stay with you long after your journey ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 20 things to do in san francisco.

San Francisco is a city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions. Some of the top things to do in San Francisco include visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Alcatraz Island, taking a cable car ride, visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, and checking out the Painted Ladies. Other popular activities include visiting the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, exploring Chinatown, and going on a food tour of the city.

What are some famous districts to visit in San Francisco?

San Francisco is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique character and charm. Some of the most famous districts to visit in San Francisco include Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, the Castro, and the Mission District. Each of these neighborhoods has its unique attractions, restaurants, and shops.

What shouldn’t I miss during my trip to San Francisco?

There are several things that you should not miss during your trip to San Francisco. These include visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Alcatraz Island, and taking a cable car ride. You should also check out Fisherman’s Wharf, the Painted Ladies , and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor . Don’t forget to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and try some of its famous cuisine.

Can I see San Francisco in 2 days?

While it’s impossible to see everything San Francisco has to offer in just two days, you can still experience many of the city’s top attractions. You can visit the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Fisherman’s Wharf, and take a cable car ride. You can also check out some of the city’s famous neighborhoods, such as Chinatown and the Mission District.

What is the number one attraction in San Francisco?

The Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the number one attraction in San Francisco. This iconic bridge is recognized worldwide and is a must-see when visiting the city. You can walk or bike across the bridge, take a boat tour underneath it, or simply admire it from a distance.

What are some easy things to do in San Francisco?

If you’re looking for some easy things to do in San Francisco, you can take a leisurely walk through Golden Gate Park, explore the Ferry Building Marketplace, or visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. You can also take a scenic drive down Lombard Street or enjoy a picnic in Dolores Park.

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Telegraph Hill Blvd., San Francisco, California

Visitors flock to Coit Tower to take in views of downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and other landmarks. With its perch in Pioneer Park atop Telegraph Hill, the 210-foot-high (64-meter-high) tower, built in 1933, offers some of the best panoramic photo ops in the city.

Coit Tower was built with money left to the city by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a philanthropist and firefighter groupie who wanted to beautify her city. Visiting the park at the base of the tower is free and still provides good views of San Francisco Bay, but if you want the ultimate vista, head up the elevator to the summit of the tower for a fee.

First, though, stop to admire the 1930s-era murals in the lobby that depict the history of California. Controversial when they were painted, the frescoes were part of President Roosevelt’s Public Works of Art Project. Some city tours include a drive-by of Coit Tower but most do not stop there, so look for a more specific tour such as a North Beach urban hike if you want time to visit.

Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk—it’s a steep climb to get to the base of the tower from any direction.

Restrooms are available.

Tickets for the tower can be purchased in advance if you wish to skip the line.

Docent-led tours are available on-site for small groups.

Taking public transportation or walking is recommended, as parking is very limited on Telegraph Hill and the only road to the top—Telegraph Hill Boulevard—can get backed up. MUNI bus 39 takes you right to the base of the tower, while the 45 and 30 go to Washington Square in North Beach a few blocks away. For a thigh-burning workout that gives you an up-close look at neighborhood homes, take the lovely Filbert Street Stairs.

Coit Tower can be quite crowded on summer weekends. To avoid the masses, visit early in the morning or at sunset for golden views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and remember that the area at the tower’s base can be accessed even when the tower itself is closed. Coit Tower is particularly popular on the Fourth of July, when the city puts on a fireworks display over the water, and during Fleet Week in October.

As you walk up to the base of the tower, watch for the local band of parrots who spend much of their time in the trees that surround the park. Made famous by the documentary The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill , the red and green birds are noisy but generally beloved.

Yes. An observation deck at the top of Coit Tower offers 360-degree views over San Francisco and the bay. A ticket is required to access via an elevator. However, when the 90-year-old elevator isn’t running, you must climb 13 flights of stairs (250 steps) to the top.

To reach the viewing observation deck at Coit Tower (without taking the elevator), visitors must walk up 13 flights of steps (250 steps). Visitors who plan to walk to Coit Tower will need to climb around 400 steps to reach Telegraph Hill Boulevard, and an additional 100 steps to reach Coit Tower.

Yes, you can park at Coit Tower during the week. However, parking spots at the lot on top are limited, and there may be a long line of cars during peak times. Visitors can take the Muni #39 bus or walk either via the Filbert Street stairs or the Greenwich Street stairs.

The first floor of Coit Tower is accessible to wheelchairs and offers a wheelchair ramp at the entrance. Although there is an elevator to the observation deck, it is not accessible as there are steps at the base and a short staircase between the elevator landing at the top and the observation deck.

The best time of day to visit Coit Tower to avoid the crowds is when it first opens, at 10am. Coit Tower is open from 10am to 6pm from April to October and 10am to 5pm from November to March. It’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Inside Coit Tower is a collection of fresco murals painted by around 25 artists depicting life in the 1930s. The observation deck offers sweeping 360-degree views of San Francisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. There are also several vista points near the base of the tower.

Things To Do Available ( 44 )

Holiday lights & sites lucky tuk tuk tour in san francisco.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

San Francisco: Private Open-Top Jeep City Highlights Tour

Duration: 2 hours

Private Group Tuk Tuk Tour of San Francisco at Night

Private 2 or 3 hour san francisco city tuk tuk tour w/ fun guide, san francisco night sailing tour with drinks.

Duration: 1 hour

Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour

Duration: 4 hours

San Francisco: Private Open-Top Jeep Sunset or Evening Tour

A private san francisco tour in a mini-coop convertible.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours

Half Day Shared Walking Tours in Historical San Francisco Pubs

San francisco north beach and chinatown - secret food tours.

Duration: 3 hours

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The Best Hotels in San Francisco

You’ll love these award-winning and editor-approved properties in the Bay Area.

Hotel Zephyr

San Francisco is perhaps best known as California’s home of technology. Along its city streets you'll find the offices of Airbnb, X, Instacart, and hundreds of others — not to mention Apple just a few miles outside of town. And though it's a hub for digital commerce, it's also a city filled with so much fantastic history, art, culture, and food — along with a vibrant LGBTQIA+ community — that even if you return over and over again, you'd likely never experience the same thing twice.

On a journey to Northern California's most famous city it's key to find the right accommodation to fit your travel style. Below we've rounded up 17 top-choice hotels — including plenty of World's Best Awards and It List winners — so you can find the right spot to call your NorCal home away from home.

Fairmont San Francisco Hotel

Incredible views and luxurious amenities come together here in one spectacular hotel.

It's a massive property with more than 600 rooms, so be prepared for crowds.

Located at the very top of Nob Hill, the Fairmont San Francisco is as elegant a hotel as they come. The hotel, which consistently makes its way onto T+L's World's Best Awards list, sports stunning interior architecture and panoramic views of both the city and the bay. And, guests can indulge in superb food and drinks at the famous Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, or have an charming afternoon tea service, depending on their vacation vibe.

The Details:

• Neighborhood: Nob Hill
• Distance From Airport: 14 miles from San Francisco International Airport
• Nearby Attractions: Grace Cathedral, Cable Car Museum, Union Square
• Accessibility: Offers wheelchair accessibility; additional accommodations available upon request
• Rates: Starting at $350 per night
• Parking: Garage parking ; valet parking available for an additional fee
• Pet Policy: Pets welcome with a deposit

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

It's got grandeur, grace, and luxury pouring out of every corner.

The premium experience comes at premium pricing, especially if you add in dining and spa services.

The Ritz-Carlton, in any city, is a good idea. But, the Ritz in San Francisco is an absolute must. The hotel, which was named in the 2022 World's Best Awards, is particularly loved by T+L readers for its personalized service. It's also a spot where travelers can find rather spacious accommodations, especially for a center city hotel, with rooms clocking in between 400- to 475-square-feet rooms and suites up to 1,980 square feet.

• Distance From Airport: 15 miles from San Francisco International Airport
• Nearby Attractions: Chinatown, Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf
• Accessibility: Fully accessible rooms are available
• Rates: Starting at $500 per night
• Parking: Garage and valet parking available
• Pet Policy: Pets are welcome with a non-refundable fee

Beacon Grand, a Union Square Hotel

Beacon Grand

Mid-century furnishings, color, and views make this hotel a visual delight.

Its location in the bustling Union Square area can make it noisy.

The Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel, is a prime example of mid-century modern renovations done right. The hotel, which made its way to T+L's 2023 It List, underwent a massive renovation during the pandemic, reopening in 2022 to significant fanfare. While the hotel is certainly gleaming with all its new refreshes — including a high-tech gym sporting several Peloton bikes — it still maintains plenty of authentic charm, including its original chandeliers, woodwork, and marble columns.

• Neighborhood: Union Square
• Nearby Attractions: Theatre District, SFMOMA, Golden Gate Theatre
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms are available
• Rates: Starting at $300 per night
• Parking: Valet parking service is available for an additional fee
• Pet Policy: Pets aren't just welcome here, they get their own personalized amenities at check-in too.

“The property reopened as the Beacon Grand in June 2022, with 418 fully renovated rooms and suites — some done up in clean navy and white, others with a custom San Francisco wallpaper featuring a pattern of cable cars, lighthouses, sourdough, and seals. The bar-restaurant above the lobby serves classic dishes with California ingredients (Brokaw avocados, Liberty duck) and an impressive list of barrel-aged batched cocktails; the dark-wood space hidden at the end of the mezzanine is now a library and whiskey tasting room. Plans for other culinary venues are in the works: the 21st-floor Starlite Room, once the glittering domain of San Francisco nightlife impresario Harry Denton, will eventually light up once again.”

– Hannah Walhout, Senior Editor

The Line San Francisco

The LINE SF

This hotel features sweeping views of the city at the swanky rooftop bar.

Its prime central location means it's on a busy block, a consideration if you’re looking for something more secluded.

The Line San Francisco is as buzzy a spot as they come. The hotel lets all that SF magic in through floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the skyline, while its bright interiors celebrate the city with local works of art adorning every wall. It's also home to an exceptional — and highly local — food and beverage program that highlights Northern California cuisine, so guests never have to travel far for a taste of the city.

• Neighborhood: Mid-Market
• Distance From Airport: 13 miles from San Francisco International Airport
• Nearby Attractions: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Oracle Park
• Rates: Starting at $175 per night
• Parking: Valet parking available with an additional fee
• Pet Policy: The hotel is pet-friendly with no additional fees.

“Like its predecessors, The Line’s latest location, in San Francisco’s gritty Tenderloin neighborhood, is a celebration of creative communities. Vibrant and visually striking, the journey starts from check-in, where multimedia artist Sasinun Kladpetch’s concrete, moss, and glass found-art installation spans the lobby…But it’s the evenings when the hotel truly comes to life: sample the burrata with pickled gypsy peppers and wonton chips at the signature Tenderheart restaurant (chef Joe Hou’s imaginative cuisine is eclectic and flavorful). Then, head to the rooftop Rise Over Run, a glass solarium encircled by fire pits, for cocktails from bar master Danny Louie.”

– Lisa Cheng, T+L Contributor

1 Hotel San Francisco

Aubrie Pick

The hotel is one of the most dedicated out there to staying eco-conscious.

There is a noticeably heavy focus on sustainability here, but by no means do its sustainable practices mean you have to forgo luxury.

1 Hotel San Francisco is a testament to sustainability done right, seamlessly blending style and conservation into one epic space. The hotel prides itself on its use of local and reclaimed materials, including redwood lumber from the former San Francisco Bridge, and boasts living green elements throughout the building, helping guests get a literal breath of fresh air in every room. Guests here will sleep on organic linens, dine on local and sustainable cuisine, and unwind in its spa that specializes in – you guessed it – holistic treatments using organic ingredients.

• Neighborhood: Embarcadero
• Nearby Attractions: Ferry Building Marketplace, Exploratorium, Coit Tower
• Accessibility: The hotel is committed to accessibility and includes fully accessible rooms
• Rates: Starting at $400 per night
• Parking: Valet parking is available, but the hotel also offers a complimentary free parking package for one vehicle
• Pet Policy: The hotel is pet-friendly.

“This is one of the most unique hotels I've ever stayed at. Located right across from the iconic Ferry Building, it takes eco-friendliness and sustainability to the next level, with an emphasis on using clean energy and reclaimed and recycled materials. It's super vibey with wood and greenery everywhere and a natural color scheme – it creates an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city outside.” 

– Sophie Mendel, Commerce Editor

San Francisco Proper

Manolo Yllera

Kelly Wearstler interiors make this a sought-after high-design space.

Its Mid-Market location puts it in a busy area, but that's part of its charm.

The San Francisco Proper is another spot beloved by T+L readers, winning a place in 2023's World's Best Awards. The hotel, which got a refresh in 2017, is revered for its exquisite rooms, each designed by Kelly Wearstler. The hotel's common spaces are equally alluring, including its lobby lounge filled with eclectic furnishings, and its rooftop bar and restaurant Charmaine, where you can order a cocktail with a side of fantastic views.

• Nearby Attractions: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Asian Art Museum
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms available
• Rates: Starting at $250 per night
• Parking: Valet service available for an additional fee
• Pet Policy: Pets welcome with additional fees

Mansion on Sutter

It's inside an old-school Victorian building, making it feel like a home away from home.

It's a boutique hotel, meaning it lacks larger property amenities.

Mansion on Sutter has the ability to transport guests to a bygone era in San Francisco thanks to its meticulously preserved Victorian interiors. Here, guests can explore every ornate detail and antique in each room, all pulled from the Rosenson family's personal collection. The hotel also offers three of its rooms — The Dali Chamber, the Gallery Chamber, and the Wine Vault — for private dining and events.

• Neighborhood: Lower Pacific Heights
• Nearby Attractions: Lafayette Park, Japantown, Jefferson Square Park
• Accessibility: Due to the historic nature of the building, accessibility is a bit more difficult, but the hotel does offer accessible rooms.
• Parking: Limited on-site parking is available for an additional fee.
• Pet Policy: Pets are allowed for an additional fee.

St. Regis San Francisco

Jason Dewey

The St. Regis San Francisco exhibits the same high level of service you'd expect at any of the brand's hotels.

All that great service does come at a higher price point.

The St. Regis San Francisco is yet another beloved hotel of T+L readers, and it landed a spot on the 2023 World's Best Awards. It's known for its impeccable service, perfectly appointed rooms, and exclusive Remède Spa. Art enthusiasts will also appreciate the hotel's proximity to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the area's top-notch dining establishments. However, you don't even need to leave for a great meal as The St. Regis is home to its own fine dining establishment, Astra.

• Neighborhood: SoMa (South of Market)
• Nearby Attractions: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), Yerba Buena Gardens, Union Square
• Accessibility: The hotel is fully accessible, including accessible rooms, facilities, and assistance.
• Rates: Starting at $789 per night
• Parking: Self-parking and valet are both available.
• Pet Policy: Pets are welcome for an additional fee.

Parker Guest House

With just 21 rooms, Parker Guest House offers a cozy experience and loads of charm.

This boutique guest house's intimate nature may not suit those looking for the amenities of larger hotels.

Parker Guest House is a delightful escape for anyone looking for truly personalized service and no crowds. The hotel's intimate 21 rooms make you feel like you're sleeping over at a friend's house — a friend who will also make you a delicious breakfast. Guests can also mix and mingle in its sun-drenched parlor and library, and partake in its wine social hour, too.

• Neighborhood: Mission District
• Nearby Attractions: Dolores Park, Castro District, Valencia Street's boutique shops and restaurants
• Accessibility: Limited; guests should inquire directly with the guest house for specific accessibility needs.
• Rates: Starting at $219 per night
• Parking: Private parking is available for an additional charge.
• Pet Policy: Only service animals allowed

Nobu Palo Alto

Barbara Kraft

It delivers the perfect mix of luxury hospitality and world-renowned culinary excellence in one stay.

Its remote location makes it a bit more difficult to explore San Francisco.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, this hotel is ideal for discerning travelers who want luxury accommodations and the best dining all under one roof. Here, guests will sleep in Japanese-inspired rooms that come with yukata robes and Ikaati tea before they head downstairs to dine at the Nobu restaurant, where, yes, the miso cod is on the menu. The hotel also offers private dining for those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.

• Neighborhood: Downtown Palo Alto
• Distance From Airport: 18 miles from San Jose International Airport and 23 miles from San Francisco International Airport
• Nearby Attractions: Stanford University, Palo Alto Art Center, Googleplex
• Accessibility: The hotel has fully accessible rooms.
• Rates: Starting at $573 per night
• Parking: Valet parking is available with an additional charge.
• Pet Policy: No pets are permitted, other than service animals.

Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Its interiors are just as grand as you'd expect from a "palace."

The traditional luxury may not appeal to those looking for more modern amenities.

As a cherished landmark of San Francisco, the Palace Hotel doesn't shy away from its historic appearance. In fact, it leans all the way in. From its opulent lobby boasting massive chandeliers to oversized beds in every suite, and of course, its iconic Garden Court, it's a space that really does make every guest feel like a star.

• Neighborhood: Financial District
• Nearby Attractions: Union Square, SFMOMA, Ferry Building Marketplace
• Accessibility: The hotel offers accessible guest rooms.
• Pet Policy: Pets are welcome with an additional fee.

Hotel Zeppelin

It has a rebellious atmosphere with plenty of attitude.

The hotel's rock 'n' roll spirit and lively common areas may not suit those seeking a quieter environment.

Hotel Zeppelin is the perfect spot for anyone looking to celebrate San Francisco's counterculture. Its design pays homage to the city's rebellious past with seductive paint colors, record players in every room, and graffitied bathrooms. Guests can start the day at Zeppelin Café for a third-wave coffee fix, and end it at PLS on Post for a bite to eat and a tasty craft cocktail.

• Nearby Attractions: Union Square, Theatre District, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
• Accessibility: The hotel offers accessible rooms and facilities
• Rates: Starting at $144 per night
• Pet Policy: Pets are welcome with an additional fee

Hotel Zephyr will add a lighthearted energy and excellent views to your stay.

The hotel's quirky design elements may not fit those looking for a more traditional stay.

Located in the midst of San Francisco's famed Fisherman's Wharf, Hotel Zephyr is a family-friendly getaway that's ready to give everyone in your crew a warm welcome. Here, guests will find adorable maritime-inspired design across both its lobby and guest rooms, along with amenities galore, from a game room to an expansive outdoor space where guests can gather around communal fire pits.

• Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf
• Distance From Airport: 16 miles from San Francisco International Airport
• Nearby Attractions: Pier 39, Alcatraz Island, Ghirardelli Square
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms and amenities are available
• Rates: Starting at $149 per night
• Parking: On-site parking is available with an additional fee
• Pet Policy: Pets are allowed with an additional fee

Phoenix Hotel

Nick Simonite

The Phoenix Hotel boasts the cool-kid aesthetic that you'll only find in the Tenderloin.

The hotel's lively vibe can make it noisy during events.

The Phoenix Hotel is, bluntly, cooler than cool. It's a creative, funky, free-spirited space known for its mid-century architecture and colorful interiors. Its courtyard pool surrounded by murals is as far from traditional as you can get, but that's what makes it so special. And its affordable price point doesn't hurt, either.

• Neighborhood: Tenderloin
• Nearby Attractions: Civic Center, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Asian Art Museum
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms and facilities are available
• Rates: Starting at $159 per night
• Parking: On-site parking available for an additional fee

The Parsonage

The Parsonage offers an intimate experience in a beautiful historic building.

The traditional B&B model means you'll be closer to other guests, which might not suit those seeking extra privacy.

Embrace more of the city's history at this lovingly restored Victorian home-turned-bed and breakfast. With just five guest rooms, the hotel is romantic, charming, and oh-so-quaint. Wake up each day with a gourmet breakfast made just for you and served in the formal dining room, and for winter stays, consider booking a room with a fireplace so you can curl up with a glass of wine at night.

• Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
• Nearby Attractions: Opera House, Patricia's Green
• Accessibility: Due to the historic nature of the building, accessibility features are limited
• Rates: Starting at $600 per two-night stay (two-night minimum)
• Parking: Street parking; public parking options nearby
• Pet Policy: Not typically suited for pets, but inquiries are welcome.

Hotel Kabuki, a JdV by Hyatt Hotel

It’s so well designed that you’ll likely want to take every single piece of furniture home with you.

The hotel comes with a tranquil atmosphere, which may not be a great fit for those looking for a more lively stay.

Hotel Kabuki is a peaceful retreat that perfectly reflects its Japantown surroundings. Here, guests can immerse themselves in the Japanese garden, complete with a koi pond, and minimalist rooms. Though the coolest space here may be its massive gym, which comes with state-of-the-art equipment and 24/7 access.

• Neighborhood: Japantown
• Nearby Attractions: Japantown Peace Plaza, Fillmore Street, The Presidio, Palace of Fine Arts
• Accessibility: Accessible guest rooms are available.
• Parking: On-site parking available with an additional fee
• Pet Policy: Pets are welcome for an additional fee

Hotel Drisco

Hotel Drisco's turndown service is better than any we've ever seen.

The hotel's buttoned-up style may not fit every San Francisco traveler's desires.

Hotel Drisco is a sophisticated stay unlike any other. Here, guests can expect the finest in service throughout the day, but especially during its famed turndown service. That's when guests can request not only their linens turned down but also fresh chocolate-covered shortbread cookies delivered to their bedside, along with their choice of pillows from the pillow menu. There are even sound machines for those who need a little help getting to sleep.

• Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
• Distance From Airport: About 15 miles from San Francisco International Airport
• Nearby Attractions: Lafayette Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Crissy Field
• Parking: Complimentary street parking is available
• Pet Policy: Pets are not permitted except for service animals

Know Before You Go

San francisco can be very expensive.

San Francisco is well known for being one of the most expensive places in the world to live in and visit. If budgets are a concern, be sure to do a bit of planning ahead of your travels to pick the activities you want to splurge on and which you want to save on. Luckily, there are also plenty of free things to do in the city (like having a picnic in Mission Dolores Park), and many of the museums offer free entry days .

Pack layers and good walking shoes

San Francisco has year-round mild temperatures and is also famous for its fog — even in the middle of summer. Be sure to pack layers so you can stay comfortable throughout the day and make certain to pack a raincoat, just in case. While the city is big and sprawling, it’s also quite walkable, so be prepared to get your steps in. Packing a pair of great walking shoes is a must.

Make reservations everywhere

San Francisco's best restaurants fill up fast. If you have a particular spot in mind, make sure to book a table as early as possible. Many of the area's best restaurants take reservations right on their websites or through sites like Resy and OpenTable.

Don't leave anything valuable in your car

San Francisco is, unfortunately, experiencing heightened crime, and car break-ins are frequent. Do not leave any valuables in your car or leave anything — especially cash – visible in your vehicle while you’re out and about.

Don't skip public transit

San Francisco's nearly 150-year-old cable cars are most certainly a must-see and a must-ride. Get a full-day pass and ride as much as you want for just $13. Just look for the brown-and-white cable car sign posts to board, or board at the cable car turntables at the beginning and end of each route.

How We Chose These Hotels

Many of the hotels chosen for this story have earned T+L awards, including It List and World's Best Awards mentions. Several are also personal favorites of our editors. Writer Stacey Leasca also chose additional hotels based on research of top-ranked spots and her own personal experience. Stacey lived in California for more than a decade, traveling throughout the state as a journalist to showcase its best destinations. She also consulted family and friends living in and around San Francisco for their input. And finally, as with all our hotel roundups, editors ensure all hotel recommendations we make align with our core T+L Hotel Values .

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12 gorgeous San Francisco restaurants to take Mother’s Day to the next level

Whether they’re perched high on foggy hills or sitting on the dock of the bay, there are so many beautiful restaurants to choose from in San Francisco. 

A historic Chinatown banquet hall got a reboot but held onto souvenirs from its past life, including a striking wooden pergola. Live trees sway in the dining room at a family-owned Mexican American spot. At a MICHELIN-starred seafood restaurant, a prolific taxidermy collection fuels the lodge-inspired ambience.

These places serve exquisite views, drop-dead gorgeous interiors, and sensational food. Read on for a guide to the 12 most beautiful restaurants in San Francisco.

Empress by Boon (Chinatown)

Elegant Empress is a historic banquet hall that has offered city views above the lanterns of Chinatown since the 1960s. But when it reopened after a seven-year shutdown in 2021, design studio Atelier LLYS unveiled an ocean of blues, intricate lattices, and screens, all while preserving the original wooden pergola. Acclaimed chef Ho Chee Boon now serves an upscale tasting menu, still staying true to the restaurant’s Cantonese heritage, but with nods to his native Malaysia. 

Elena’s (West Portal)

Elena’s wows with high ceilings, tall mirrored arches, and a trio of live ficus trees that sway in the dining room. Co-owner Elena Duggan, who runs the atmospheric Mexican American restaurant with her brother, John Duggan, layered lots of neutrals, natural woods, and Calacatta Oro marble with gold veins. Don’t skip the crab enchilada combo plate, and while you wait for your food, try to spot the carved wooden angel wings, sourced from an abandoned tequila hacienda in Jalisco, Mexico. 

AKIKOS (SoMa)

Welcome to the sushi show. AKIKOS is the omakase authority in San Francisco and moved into a dazzling new home —a highrise in the East Cut—in 2023. The new digs are sleek and modern, complete with a “chef’s stage” bathed in golden light. Here, the sushi pros drop jewel-like bites such as soy-cured bluefin tuna nigiri, directly on the bar. Rest assured that even AKIKOS tables have a clear view of the action at the counter.

Che Fico (NoPa)

Che Fico is an old auto body shop turned Cali Italian star. Designed by Jon de la Cruz, the dining room is decked with exposed concrete, wood and steel beams, and red accents tricking out the tiled floors and leather booths. Diners can’t get enough of the plant-patterned wallpaper or the climate-controlled salumi room—an enticing preview of the Italian feast to come, which could include antipasti platters, fresh pasta, and Neapolitan pies topped with pineapple and fermented chiles.

Niku Steakhouse (Design District)

Everything about this MICHELIN-starred steakhouse is luxe, from its giant golden door to its dark wooden walls and plush leather chairs. A kappo-style counter complete with double grills is responsible for a top-notch Japanese American menu that includes Wagyu imperial tomahawks, pickled market vegetables, and Parker House rolls. If you’re considering a nightcap, choose from a wall of backlit whiskey bottles. 

Sobre Mesa (Oakland)

This cocktail lounge is the brainchild of Top Chef alum Nelson German, who dipped into his Dominican roots to create an Afro Caribbean hotspot that dishes up anchovy tostones and steak empanadas. Sobre Mesa is splashed in jungle-green paint and decorated with a tangle of live plants, plus a glowy leaf mural by local artist David Cho, along with other neon-electric accents that scream “party.”  

La Connessa (Potrero Hill)

The centerpiece at this ultra-modern trattoria is a big, beautiful bar that curves around its black-and-white tiled floors. The slate blue and walnut wood interiors, decked with brass hardware, are tributes to chic Milanese cafes. It’s a stylish backdrop for La Connessa’s flawless Italian classics, like swirls of lemon spaghetti and crispy chicken smashed under a brick. 

Leo’s Oyster Bar (FiDi)

Leo’s was into maximalist wallpaper and lush plants before they became ubiquitous in restaurants around the country. Ace designers Ken Fulk and Jon de la Cruz had fun designing this retro oyster bar, adorning it with playful accents like wallpaper splattered with palm leaves, a pink onyx bar, black-and-white floors, and frilly ferns. It’s an over-the-top aesthetic that can only be matched by the restaurant’s larger-than-life seafood tower—and the lobster roll, one of the city’s best.

Boulevard (Embarcadero)

Boulevard is a fabulous Belle Epoque-style dining room on the ground floor of the century-old Audiffred Building. The Californian restaurant, known for seasonal hits like a popular heritage pork chop and baked Pacific oysters, is yet another vision by Ken Fulk. The design whiz treated the historic space to a 2021 renovation and added peacock blues, soft velvets, and feather patterns. Luckily, he kept some of the most striking vintage touches, including iron lamps and hand-blown glass fixtures.

Miller & Lux (Mission Bay)

This super glam steakhouse by celeb chef Tyler Florence sits behind the spaceship-like Chase Center. Its two-floor, 7,000-square-foot interiors are a tribute to all things mid-century modern with extravagantly deep booths, twelve-sided columns, and hickory arches. Old-school carts roll though the dining room, serving dry-aged steak, Dover sole, and Caesar salad—tossed tableside, of course. 

Angler (Embarcadero)

MICHELIN-starred Angler channels a sophisticated fishing lodge and stands out for a live-fire open kitchen, exposed brick, and plenty of wood paneling. But it also shines for its walls, which are covered with a prolific taxidermy collection of stag heads and trophy fish. Expect a bold seafood-focused menu featuring diver scallops, Mount Lassen trout, and hot-fried frog legs with cardamom crème fraîche.

The Garden Court at Palace Hotel (SoMa)

This luxury hotel opened in 1875, when horses pulled carriages into its courtyard. It was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake, and today, its soaring atrium sits under a glass dome lined with marble columns and crystal chandeliers. Settle in for a regal brunch or tea—the menu is filled with daytime favorites like raspberry lemon crumble French toast and a wild smoked salmon and caviar omelet. 

Becky Duffett is a food writer living and eating in San Francisco. She was the deputy editor at Eater SF and has written for The New York Times , The San Francisco Chronicle , and Bon Appétit , among other places.

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9 Best Things to Do in Gulf Shores May 2024

9 best things to do in huntington beach may 2024, 9 best things to do in greenville may 2024.

7 Top Tourist Attractions in San Francisco 2024

San Francisco, a vibrant city nestled on the northern coast of California, has a rich tapestry woven from its maritime history, cultural diversity, and technological innovation. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the bustling neighborhoods of Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco offers a wealth of attractions for discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.

Top Tourist Attractions in San Francisco 2024

1. golden gate bridge.

The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic masterpiece of engineering, is a must-visit attraction in San Francisco. Spanning the entrance to San Francisco Bay, its massive steel cables and vibrant orange hue are a sight to behold. Take a stroll or bike ride across the bridge, reveling in the breathtaking views of the bay, Alcatraz Island, and the Marin Headlands.

2. Alcatraz Island

Delve into the infamous history of Alcatraz Island, once home to the infamous federal prison. Embark on a guided tour of the cell blocks, the mess hall, and the exercise yard, where notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud were once incarcerated. Learn about their stories and the island’s role in the American prison system.

3. Fisherman’s Wharf

Step into the lively atmosphere of Fisherman’s Wharf, a waterfront district brimming with charm. Admire the bobbing boats, visit the bustling Pier 39, where you can witness the playful antics of the famed sea lions. Indulge in delectable seafood dishes at the many restaurants or embark on a thrilling bay cruise.

4. Lombard Street

Prepare to be amazed by the winding curves of Lombard Street, often hailed as the “most crooked street in the world.” As you navigate its eight tight turns, soak in the charm of the Victorian houses lining the street. Capture unforgettable photographs of this unique and beloved San Francisco landmark.

5. Chinatown

Explore the vibrant heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in North America. Immerse yourself in a world of authentic Chinese cuisine, traditional shops, and cultural landmarks. Visit the intricately decorated temples, shop for trinkets and souvenirs, and savor the flavors of Chinese delicacies.

Experience the magic of Pier 39, a lively waterfront destination teeming with entertainment and attractions. Watch the antics of the playful sea lions, explore the interactive Aquarium of the Bay, and marvel at the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Indulge in shopping, dining, and family-friendly activities that will create lasting memories.

7. Presidio National Park

Escape the urban landscape within the serene embrace of Presidio National Park. This former military base boasts breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco Bay. Immerse yourself in nature with hiking trails, historic landmarks, and cultural exhibits that tell the story of San Francisco’s past and present.

Culture, Food, and Hotels

Beyond its iconic landmarks, San Francisco is renowned for its vibrant culture, culinary delights, and exceptional hotel accommodations. Immerse yourself in the city’s diverse arts scene, with renowned museums showcasing world-class exhibitions. Indulge in the eclectic dining options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual eateries serving every cuisine imaginable. For discerning travelers, San Francisco offers an array of luxurious hotels that cater to every taste and budget, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay.

Best Months to Visit

Plan your San Francisco adventure during the best months to visit, which fall between April and May or September and October. During these times, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, allowing for optimal exploration.

Getting Around

San Francisco offers convenient transportation options, including the iconic cable cars, buses, and a robust public transit system. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.

Local Cuisine

Savor the flavors of San Francisco’s culinary scene, renowned for its diversity and freshness. Delight in sourdough bread from local bakeries, indulge in fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, and explore the vibrant food trucks offering an array of cuisines.

A trip to San Francisco in 2024 promises an unforgettable adventure, where history, modernity, and culture seamlessly intertwine. Discover the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, delve into the past at Alcatraz Island, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Fisherman’s Wharf. The city’s rich culinary scene, exceptional hotel accommodations, and convenient transportation options ensure a remarkable experience for discerning travelers seeking the perfect urban getaway.

At WyandotteDaily, we love sharing information about travel destinations around the world, inspiring your next adventure.

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