san francisco day visit

San Francisco 1 Day Itinerary: Best of the City in 24 Hours

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: May 17, 2023

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As a local in the San Francisco Bay Area for the better part of two decades, I always recommend that visitors come and stay awhile. The city of San Francisco has dozens of museums, historical sites, outdoor excursions, vistas, and weird and wonderful attractions to visit. Day trips from San Francisco from Muir Woods to Wine Country offer even more unique and memorable adventures.

San Francisco is certainly a destination worthy of a week or more of your travel time. But sometimes you just don’t have that kind of time!

Luckily, there is so much that can be accomplished in a single day in San Francisco, even with kids in tow. Here is how to get a taste of the City by the Bay’s many flavors in just 24 hours with this step-by-step San Francisco 1 day itinerary for all types of travelers.

Best of all, many of the offerings in this itinerary are entirely free to see! All you’ll really have to pay is for some form of transportation between each attraction and a little food along the way.

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

Top Tips for San Francisco in a Day

The key to a successful visit to San Francisco in a single day is to stick close to downtown. While there are so many worthy attractions farther afield (particularly in Golden Gate Park), you will simply lose too much time in transit hopping all over the city. Sticking to the iconic inner neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf , and Union Square will allow you sample a diverse offering of attractions with minimal time wasted.

While San Francisco has ample public transit, it can sometimes be a bit slow or just not easily serve where you need to be. As the founding city for both Uber and Lyft , ridesharing services are alive and well in San Francisco. And they are pretty inexpensive for the distances a tourist will need to cover. If you only have a day, paying to take a few Lyft and Uber rides is often well worth it for the time saved, especially if multiple people are traveling together.

Related : Complete Guide to Transit in San Francisco

You can also do this itinerary with a car of your own, but parking in some neighborhoods is a challenge unless you pay the big bucks for garages. If you have babies and toddlers too little for Lyft and Uber without a car seat, I’ve indicated public transit alternatives when available. (But do check out my guide to travel-friendly car seats and boosters , because purchasing one of those products may make ridesharing possible even with little ones!)

1 Day San Francisco Itinerary Step-by-Step

First Stop: Presidio Tunnel Tops & Golden Gate Bridge Views

Location : 210 Lincoln Blvd.

Start your morning with a view of the Golden Gate. Head into the Presidio to the new-in-2022 Presidio Tunnel Tops to see the majestic bridge from a closer vista. Presidio Tunnel Tops is a unique attraction where a green space was built atop the Presidio Parkway tunnels to reclaim more natural space in the urban environment.

If you are traveling with kids, make sure to leave a few minutes to explore the amazing playgrounds and open spaces. Depending on the day, you may even be able to grab quick coffee and breakfast pastry to fuel up for your sightseeing adventures (there’s usually a food truck serving coffee that opens at 9am on weekends and other food vendors at 10am daily).

Mornings in San Francisco are sometimes quite foggy during certain times of year. Watch the weather to make sure you at least have enough visibility to see the bridge. But don’t let the weather dissuade you from starting here unless the fog is truly pea soup thick. Often mild and moderate fog and clouds billowing around the bridge’s reddish orange spires make for even better photographs than on a perfectly clear day.

Second Stop: Palace of Fine Arts

Location : 3601 Lyon Street

From Presidio Tunnel Tops, it’s a very easy 15 minute stroll to the Palace of Fine Arts. En route, you may want to pass by the Lucasfilm Building in the Letterman Digital Art Center. There, a fountain featuring a statue of Yoda is located – sure to be a hit and a memorable photo opportunity for any Star Wars fan in the family.

The Palace of Fine Arts is a magnificent structure built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition held in the city, an event that was instrumental to the rebirth of San Francisco after the devastation of the 1906 earthquake. It was intended to be a temporary attraction but its display of Greek and Roman architecture and rotunda proved to be so popular that it was rebuilt using more durable materials to become the permanent landmark that still stands today. Watch the swans in the reflecting pool or use it as a backdrop for some photos.

Third Stop: Alamo Square

Location : Steiner Street between Hayes & Grove Streets

Can you really go to San Francisco without getting a photograph of the world’s most photographed Victorians? No way. Grab a quick Uber or Lyft from the Palace of Fine Arts up and over a few hills (about a 10 minute drive) where you will find the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square. Yes, these are the buildings that have a starring role in the credits of the 1980s sitcom Full House .

(Note: If you are using public transportation on this itinerary, it may be wise to skip this stop as it takes you a bit out of the way with fewer transit connections. If you skip Alamo Square, it’s easy to take the 28 or 30 Muni bus lines from near the Palace of Fine Arts and arrive within three blocks of the next stop, Lombard Street.)

Fourth Stop: Lombard Street

Location: Corner of Lombard Street & Hyde Street

Another short Uber or Lyft ride from Alamo Square will deliver you next to Russian Hill and Lombard Street (direct your driver to the corner of Lombard and Hyde). Walk down the sidewalk steps of the famed “crookedest street in the world” and get some photos at the bottom.

If you are arriving by rideshare, you may even be able to negotiate a car ride down the switchbacks with your driver. The line builds for Lombard Street later in the day, so mornings are an ideal time to see the street with fewer people and less traffic back up.

Fifth Stop: Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39

Location : 100 Jefferson St (& Blocks Surrounding Taylor Street & Jefferson Street)

From the bottom of Lombard Street, it’s just a 10 minute walk along Leavenworth Street (downhill!) to Fisherman’s Wharf . Head north in the direction of the water – you can’t miss it. Then turn right on Jefferson to walk along the waterfront. If you want to swing by Ghirardelli Square en route for a chocolate break, that requires only about two blocks of backtracking.

Even though the Wharf can be criticized as a tourist trap, there are a few things worthy of doing on a short visit. Watch the strange street performers and snap your selfie at the famous ship’s wheel sign on Taylor and Jefferson.

If you are getting hungry at this point, plan for lunch at Boudin Bakery (160 Jefferson St.) where you can enjoy San Francisco sourdough. The classic dish every first timer must order is clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. Lines can be long during peak tourist season during the lunch rush, but the experience is well worth the wait.

Finish your tour of Fisherman’s Wharf at Pier 39 (Beach Street & The Embarcadero). There, you will spot San Francisco’s sea lions sunning themselves on the docks and get a glimpse of Alcatraz out in the bay. If you are touring with children, be sure to take a few extra minutes to ride the double-decker carousel at the end of the pier too.

Sixth Stop: Cable Car Ride & Chinatown Gate

Location : Grant Avenue & Bush Street

Now it’s time for that cable car ride you’ve probably been waiting for! It’s $8 per person as of May 2023 so it doesn’t come cheap. The Powell/Mason cable car route originates at the corner of Taylor and Bay near Fisherman’s Wharf. You can purchase a ticket from the kiosk at the origination point of this line. Or save time and purchase fares on the MuniMobile app on your smartphone for the whole family.

Take the cable car to Powell and Bush Street, where you will hop off for a view of the famous San Francisco Chinatown Gate. The gate is just two blocks east down Bush at Grant Avenue. If you have time to wander a few blocks in to San Francisco’s Chinatown up Grant, you’ll get a distinct flavor of one of San Francisco’s many diverse neighborhoods. I highly recommend stopping in any of the small dim sum restaurants and sampling a few bites for a snack.

Seventh Stop: Window Shopping in Union Square

Location : 333 Post Street

From the Chinatown Gate, walk south on Grant for two blocks and turn right on Post Street to visit San Francisco’s shopping district, Union Square. The flagship Macy’s department store looming large over the square is rivaled only by the original New York location. Numerous boutiques and pricey designers have a presence here as well. Take some time to window shop and see the square itself.

If you happen to be visiting San Francisco during Christmas time , go ice skating at the pop-up rink that appears in Union Square each winter. Also visit the lobby of the Westin St. Francis (335 Powell Street) on the square to view the castle of suites that the hotel’s pastry chef makes each year.

Eighth Stop: The Ferry Building

Location : 1 Ferry Building (Corner of the Embarcadero & Market Street)

From Union Square, walk two blocks south to Market Street where you can take the other historic street car in the city, the F-Market. Take it heading east towards the water. Your destination is the Ferry Building on the waterfront. The fare is $3 cash which can be paid to the driver upon boarding in exact change. Alternatively, use your MuniMobile app again for easier management for the whole family as well as for a discount (MuniMobile’s fare is $2.50 for this same ride).

The Ferry Building has a thriving farmer’s market and many specialty food and other shops. If you have kids (or adults) in need of a pick-me-up, definitely grab an ice cream cone at Humphry Slocombe.

After sampling its wares, you could make the Ferry Building your dinner destination for the end of the evening. For a nicer dinner, make a reservation at the Slanted Door. The restaurant offers a modern take on Vietnamese food and has been one of San Francisco’s best restaurants for more than 20 years. ( Editor’s Note : the Slanted Door is closed for renovations in 2023. For another fine dining option with water views, Waterbar a few blocks south is always an excellent choice.)

If you would prefer a quicker and more casual bite, try Gott’s Roadside. Gott’s is a classic greasy spoon founded in Napa County’s St. Helena with a distinct California twist: locally sourced ingredients, a wine and beer list, and unique dishes like Ahi Poke tacos served alongside burgers and shakes.

Ninth Stop: A Night at the Theater

Location : Various (most are in Union Square or Civic Center areas)

Not tired yet? For a late night out with older kids or without kids, San Francisco’s theater scene is alive and well. Check out the shows offered by BroadwaySF (usually at the Orpheum or Golden Gate Theaters) or the American Conservatory Theater (ACT). There’s also the San Francisco Symphony, the San Francisco Ballet, and so much more depending on the night and time of year.

From the Ferry Building, you have transportation choices galore to all of the major theaters, most of which are clustered near Union Square or Civic Center. Hop on either BART, Muni, or the F-Market streetcar headed up Market Street. Most theaters are located a few blocks from this route. Unfortunately, most theaters are in areas of the city where safety may be a concern, so avoid traveling solo after dark and exercise reasonable precautions as you would in any major city.

Where to Stay in San Francisco for One Night

At some point, you must sleep after a day as jam-packed as this one. Luckily, San Francisco has a number of iconic hotels with fascinating histories.

If you only have a night, I recommend splurging on more luxurious accommodations that are part of the city’s rich history like the Fairmont San Francisco in Nob Hill or the Westin St. Francis in Union Square. Both will provide memorable accommodations with San Francisco style.

If you want to stay near where this itinerary starts in the Presidio, two more lodging options to consider are the Lodge at the Presidio (newer property with room types that work for all traveler types including families) or the Inn at the Presidio (more historic property likely better for couples).

Be sure to check out my complete guide to family-friendly hotels in San Francisco that has even more lodging ideas for the City by the Bay!

Need more San Francisco travel advice? Check out these related articles:

• Best things to do in San Francisco with kids
• Free things to do in San Francisco with kids
• National parks in the San Francisco Bay Area
• Flying to San Francisco: Guide to All Bay Area Airports

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Christina Gregory

Sunday 20th of September 2020

Excellent article. Details for for stops I didn’t think of. Thanks for taking the time to help me plan my trip. ?

Monday 9th of December 2019

I really love to visit San-francisco.

Tuesday 19th of November 2019

was exactly looking for this!! :)

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• One Day in SF

One Day in San Francisco: 10 Fun Things to Do on a Short 24-Hour Visit

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: August 24, 2024

Do you only have one day in San Francisco? With just a day—or even a half day—in San Francisco, you can still squeeze in quite a bit of what the City by the Bay has to offer.

If you're wondering how to spend a day in San Francisco, my list below includes 10 of the best things to do while you are here.

You can visit some must-see SF attractions by strolling across the Golden Gate Bridge, touring Alcatraz, or cruising around the bay. Foodies will love our tasting tours, and art lovers will enjoy our top-rated museums.

Read on for tips on what to do in San Francisco for a day.

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

1. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge

If you only have one day in San Francisco, you'll want to visit the city's best-known landmark: the big, beautiful Golden Gate Bridge.

This bright orange architectural masterpiece made history in 1937 as the longest suspension bridge ever built, crossing a straight once believed impossible to cross. 

Now, it connects SF to the quaint waterfront towns, Muir Woods, and wine country to the north and is a very popular tourist attraction, whether you visit on foot, by car, by bike, or on a boat passing underneath it. 

>> Read more about the Golden Gate Bridge's history and tips to visit

>> Get great tips for walking the bridge

2. Explore Alcatraz Island

For many visitors, a trip to Alcatraz is the obvious choice for their one day in San Francisco because it's so famous.

This ex-federal prison has been featured in many movies and TV shows for its unique setup and is often referred to as "The Rock," since it's basically a large rock in the middle of the bay from which any prisoner would have to swim 1.5 miles in frigid waters to escape to shore. 

When you ferry over and take a tour of the grounds, you'll learn about its history, notorious prisoners, and escape attempts.

>> How to book your tour to Alcatraz

>> Tips on how far in advance to book Alcatraz and other top SF attractions

3. Wander Through the California Academy of Sciences

With just a day in San Francisco, you won't have time to check out all of our incredible museums, but one that's definitely worth making time for is the California Academy of Sciences. 

Because it houses a four-story living rainforest, an aquarium, a planetarium, and a natural history museum all under one signature eco-roof, it's like visiting four museums in one, each with unique exhibits for adults and children alike.

Fun and interactive, visiting this museum in Golden Gate Park is a truly memorable experience.

>> Buy skip-the-line tickets in advance to save time at the door

>> See photos and learn more details about the museum

Are you spending the day in San Francisco TODAY? If you are coming on a whim for a day trip to San Francisco, chances are you don’t have tickets for the most popular attractions , including the Cal Academy of Sciences. Make sure to check out my page on what needs to be booked in advance and tips on what to do if tickets are sold out .

4. Enjoy the SF Museum of Modern Art

If you love admiring paintings and sculptures by renowned artists like Henri Matisse and Diego Rivera, you're in luck because San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art offers 10 floors and over 30,000 pieces for you to enjoy.

Some ongoing exhibits include "Freeform: Experiencing Abstraction" and "German Art After 1960." 

The sleek new design of the building is in itself a work of art, and a cool feature is the free art-filled public spaces on Floors 1 and 2. You don't need tickets to visit these.

Plus, its central location across from the Yerba Buena Gardens in the SOMA neighborhood makes it a convenient stop on your day trip in San Francisco.

>> Find out more about what you can see at the SF MOMA

5. Sample Some of Our Amazing Cuisines

Another must-do with just 1 day in San Francisco is to try the food the locals love.

Thanks to the great ethnic diversity in this city, you'll find excellent options in every cuisine, including Chinese, French, Mediterranean, Mexican, Thai, and Italian, as well as good quality, fresh American cuisine. 

If you're wondering where to eat on your one day in San Francisco, you can choose from our fine dining, international, vegetarian, and seafood restaurants, or head to one of our gourmet food trucks.

The links below will give you the best recommendations for where to eat, depending on what you're in the mood for or what neighborhood you're in.

>>  My guide to finding the best food in San Francisco

>> Check out top food walking tours for a sampling of cuisines all around town

6. Ride the Cable Cars

A trip to San Francisco is only complete with a fun ride on one of our historic cable cars. These iconic vehicles climb the steep city streets and take you around the eastern side of SF.

Two take you on an exciting trip between Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf . Each one offers a unique route through SF.

The third takes you up the steep California Street hill and to the Nob Hill district .

>> Find out more about what to expect when riding our cable cars

Fun Fact : Besides the cable cars, another way locals managed to navigate the steep streets in San Francisco was by creating curves in the road, like the eight brick-lined switchbacks found on our famously crooked Lombard Street .

7. Cruise the SF Bay

When looking for what to do in San Francisco for a day, many folks will naturally gravitate toward the water.

Enjoy beautiful views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the SF skyline from one of our bay cruises. There are many tours offered daily, and you can choose by duration, price, and other special amenities. 

Some take you sailing, others offer brunch or a sunset toast, and others will take you under both SF bridges (the Golden Gate and the Bay Bridge ). Read about the different tour packages in the link below, and get ready to enjoy SF's lovely sea breeze! 

This is one of my favorite ways to see San Francisco in a day. 

>> Learn about the five best cruises on the bay

Top Cruises You Might Enjoy

Are you looking for ways to spend one day in San Francisco with kids ? Check out my list of top 25+ family-friendly activities.

8. Take a City Tour

If you only have one day in San Francisco and want to see all the top sights, taking a half-day city tour is a great way to pack it all in and still have time to explore a bit on your own. 

This option is thorough and convenient, as your driver-guide will take you from Golden Gate Park to our  famous Victorian homes , the Golden Gate Bridge, the  Palace of Fine Arts , Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown , North Beach  (SF's Little Italy), and Twin Peaks for a panoramic view.

Each tour lasts 3.5 hours and starts in the morning at 8:30 am. You will cover a lot of ground in a short time. This is perfect for visitors looking for quick things to do with only a few hours in San Francisco.

If you are able to spend the whole day in the city, this tour will give you plenty of time to enjoy other activities on your one afternoon in San Francisco.

>> Find details about this half-day San Francisco tour for groups of 3 or more  

More Great City Tours

9. discover our hidden gems.

Maybe you've already seen most of the major tourist attractions in San Francisco and want to spend your day off the beaten path.

This city is full of hidden treasures like mosaic staircases , vintage arcade games , quirky museums, wine tasting rooms and breweries , the oldest camera obscura in the US, and so much more. 

If you know where to look, you'll have a blast exploring these unique and lesser-known attractions while delving a little deeper into the history of San Francisco.

Follow the link below to check out my full list.

>> Discover 25 hidden gems in San Francisco

10. See a Show

Nearly every day of the year, you will find some show to attend in San Francisco. If you are a fan of the fine arts, check out the SF Ballet , Opera , and Symphony calendars.

You can also catch a stage play or Broadway musical at one of SF's many theaters. There is live music almost every night of the week in concert halls, cafes, or parks. You can even choose from comedy and circus shows.

In addition to live entertainment, San Francisco hosts many large trade shows and craft fairs , so you'll always have the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and souvenirs.

>> Find out what shows will be offered during your visit

Ideas to Make Your SF Vacation Unforgettable

Hop-on hop-off bus tour.

The best way to get around San Francisco is on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. It runs from 10 am to 6 pm and takes you directly from one attraction to another.

You can select from their 1-day or 2-day tour.  They also have a fantastic night tour.

The Big Bus Tour Company is the most popular and highly rated option.

Visit this site to learn more .

One-Hour Bay Cruise

Head out on the San Francisco Bay on this 60-minute Bay Cruise. See the Golden Gate Bridge from below, circle Alcatraz Island, and learn all about other local waterfront attractions.

Find more information and ticketing details .

Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour

The Coastal Redwoods near San Francisco are a must-see, and this half-day tour is the perfect way to explore them!

On this tour, you will head north to Muir Woods, where you will have time to check out this gorgeous national monument. On your way back, you will spend a little time in Sausalito.

Check for availability here .

Sample One-Day Itinerary

To make it easy for you to decide what to do in San Francisco in one day, I created this "Perfect Day" itinerary just for you.

This self-guided 1-day walking tour of San Francisco lets you be in charge as you hit the most popular attractions and grab delicious bites. 

I'll show you how to take a trail with beautiful views from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Palace of Fine Arts, bus to Fisherman's Wharf for seafood and other attractions, cruise to Alcatraz, and end the day with a fabulous dinner and drinks in North Beach. 

>> Get the details about how to spend the perfect day in SF

Just in case... If, by the end of your perfect day in San Francisco, you're so enamored that you want a San Francisco  itinerary for 2 days , I've got you covered! 

Best Places to Stay for One Night in San Francisco

If you plan to spend the night, make sure to check out these great deals.

Booking :  Find great deals all around San Francisco for your upcoming stay ! 

TripAdvisor :  What's the #1 hotel in San Francisco? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor !

VRBO : Besides hotels, you'll also find some great places to stay locally through VRBO. Book an apartment or a room and feel more like a local. Find some great places to stay on VRBO here . 

Not sure which part of town to stay in? Check out my tips for selecting the best district for your stay .

Other One-Day Sample Itineraries 

San Francisco is such a diverse city with so many distinct little pockets that, to get to know it well, you could spend a whole day in each one of its districts. 

All of the one-day itineraries I've put together for each neighborhood include a detailed walking route with a few alternative options so you can explore the best of each area without backtracking or having to take taxis to see what most interests you.

These include the obvious attractions, lesser-known gems, best museums, bars and restaurants, and more.

>> Check out these one-day self-guided tours of Chinatown, Pac Heights, the Mission, and more

Tourist for the Day in San Francisco: FAQ

Is San Francisco safe? As with any big city, you should always be aware of your surroundings. San Francisco crime consists mainly of car break-ins and pickpocketing, so always keep an eye on your belongings.

For more tips on how to visit and enjoy neighborhoods with a rougher reputation, read my page on SF safety . 

What is the San Francisco weather like? While people often like to quote Mark Twain for having said, "The coldest winter I've ever spent was a summer in San Francisco," we are fortunate to have mild temperatures year-round.

Depending on the season, you'll want to be prepared for fog and/or wind by wearing a layer or two, as the weather can vary throughout the day and from one district to another. Read more details here.

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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San Francisco   Travel Guide

1-day Itinerary in San Francisco

• 1-Day Itinerary
• All Things To Do
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Golden Gate Bridge Golden Gate Bridge free

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

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

Golden Gate Park Golden Gate Park free

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

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

California Academy of Sciences California Academy of Sciences

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

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

Twin Peaks Twin Peaks free

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

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

The Mission The Mission free

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

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

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