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San Francisco   Travel Guide

30 Top-Rated Things to Do in San Francisco

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

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

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

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

Golden Gate Park Golden Gate Park free

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

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

Coit Tower Coit Tower

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

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

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Lands End Lands End free

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

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

Golden Gate Bridge Golden Gate Bridge free

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

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

Ferry Building Marketplace Ferry Building Marketplace free

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

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

Alcatraz Alcatraz

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

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

California Academy of Sciences California Academy of Sciences

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

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

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Palace of Fine Arts Palace of Fine Arts free

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

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

Hayes Valley Hayes Valley free

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

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

Dolores Park Dolores Park free

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

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

The Mission The Mission free

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

The Mission has attracted San Francisco's young bohemian crowd in the past decade, but its history is rooted in Hispanic heritage. After all, its namesake is the city’s oldest building, Mission Dolores. This is the place that introduced the burrito to the wider world, so be sure to check out Latinx-owned businesses like La Taqueria, Taqueria La Cumbre and El Farolito for some tasty eats loved by both locals and travelers alike. The Mission is also a great neighborhood for getting away from the heavily visited tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf , plus it's a popular stop on many of the city's best walking tours .

San Francisco's Chinatown San Francisco's Chinatown free

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

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

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Haight-Ashbury Haight-Ashbury free

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

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

Ocean Beach Ocean Beach free

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

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

Muir Woods National Monument Muir Woods National Monument

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

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

Japantown Japantown free

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

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

Cable Cars Cable Cars

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

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

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Presidio Heights Presidio Heights free

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

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

Oracle Park Oracle Park

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

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

Baker Beach Baker Beach free

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

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

Yerba Buena Gardens Yerba Buena Gardens free

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

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

Twin Peaks Twin Peaks free

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

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

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North Beach North Beach free

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

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

Union Square Union Square free

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

Travelers appreciated the abundance of amenities that surround Union Square. There are plenty of hotels as well as dining options left and right. Union Square is pretty well-known, however, for its shopping, with many calling the area a "shopper’s paradise." Just blocks away, travelers will find everything from Neiman Marcus to Sephora. Getting to Union Square via public transportation is much easier than driving. The attraction sits just blocks from Market Street, a hub for all types of public transportation including the bus, Muni Metro and BART. Union Square is only two blocks from the Market St. & 3rd St. Muni Station and about four blocks from the Powell Street BART Station. Union Square can be visited all hours of the day and night for free. For more information on Union Square, visit the attraction's website .

Japanese Tea Garden Japanese Tea Garden

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

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

Angel Island State Park Angel Island State Park

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

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

Fisherman's Wharf Fisherman's Wharf free

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

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

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Ghirardelli Square Ghirardelli Square free

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

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

The Exploratorium The Exploratorium

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

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

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The 24 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

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

Read our complete San Francisco guide here .

Golden Gate Bridge Arrow

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

Edible Excursions: Japantown Food Tour Arrow

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

Muir Woods National Monument Arrow

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

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Arrow

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

The Legion of Honor Museum Arrow

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

San Francisco Cable Cars Arrow

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

Lands End Trail Arrow

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

California Academy of Sciences Arrow

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

Sutro Baths Arrow

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

Chinatown Arrow

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

Alcatraz Island Arrow

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

Ferry Building  Arrow

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

Mission District Street Art Arrow

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

Angel Island Arrow

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

City Lights Booksellers and Publishers Arrow

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

The Presidio Arrow

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

Tiburon Arrow

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

Park Life Store and Gallery Arrow

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

Asian Art Museum Arrow

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

Japanese Tea Garden Arrow

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

Marrakech Magic Theater Arrow

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

Golden Gate Ferry San Francisco-Sausalito Arrow

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

Amoeba Music San Francisco Arrow

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

San Francisco Crosstown Trail Arrow

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

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The 16 best things to do in San Francisco

Feb 5, 2024 • 9 min read

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

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

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

1. Admire the Golden Gate Bridge from these vantage points

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

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

2. Explore the attractions of Golden Gate Park

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

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

3. Photograph the Mission’s 400+ street murals

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

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

4. Browse the iconic City Lights Books

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

5. Jump on a cable car – and hold tight

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

6. Be inspired at the Asian Art Museum

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

7. Savor California food culture at the Ferry Building

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

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

8. Tour Alcatraz, the notorious island prison

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

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

9. Duck down the backstreets of Chinatown

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

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

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

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

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

11. Go over the rainbow in the Castro

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

12. Take in the city panorama from Coit Tower

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

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

13. Hear the sea lions bark at Pier 39

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

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

14. Get hands-on with science at the Exploratorium

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

15. Play vintage amusements at Musée Mécanique

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

16. Sip a cocktail at a Barbary Coast bar

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

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

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The 20 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

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

Visit the Palace of Fine Arts

Robert Mackinlay / Getty Images

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

Take a Day Trip to Muir Woods

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

Cruise the Bay

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

Written By: The Planet D

United States

Updated On: February 9, 2024

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

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

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in San Francisco

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

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

Getting Around SF

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

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

1. Ride the Cable Cars

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

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

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

2. Cable Car Museum

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

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

3. Walk Lombard Street

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

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

4. Walk The Golden Gate Bridge

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

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

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

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

5. Baker Beach

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

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

6. Alcatraz Island

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

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

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

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

7. Fisherman’s Wharf

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

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

8. Visit San Francisco’s Chinatown

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

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

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

9. See the Painted Ladies

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

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

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

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

10. Golden Gate Park – De Young Museum

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

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

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

11. Spot the bison at Golden Gate Park

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

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

12. Japanese Tea Garden – Golden Gate Park

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

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

13. Take a San Francisco Bay boat tour

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

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

14. California Academy of Sciences

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

15. Palace of Fine Arts

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

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

16. Have breakfast at North Beach

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

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

17. Wander the Mission District

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

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

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

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

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

18. City Lights Bookstore

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

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

19. Go Shopping at Treasurefest

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

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

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

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

20. Hayes Valley

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

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

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

21. Shop at Haight Ashbury

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

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

22. See the Parrotts Coit Tower

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

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

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

23. Ferry Building Marketplace

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

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

24. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

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

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

25. Asian Art Museum

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

26. San Francisco Botanical Garden

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

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

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

27. Lands End Lookout

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

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

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

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

28. Angel Island

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

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

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

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

29. Mission Dolores Park

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

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

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

30. Watch a Giants game at Oracle Park

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

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

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

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

31. Hike Up Twin Peaks

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

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

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

32. Visit the Buena Vista Cafe

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

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

33. Attend the Stern Grove Festival

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

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

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

How to Get to San Francisco

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

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

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

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

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

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

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

Questions People Also Ask About San Francisco

Is 2 Days Enough for San Francisco?

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

What is the Number One Attraction in San Francisco?

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

How Can I Spend a Few Days in San Francisco?

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

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

What is San Francisco Popular For?

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

Where to Stay in San Francisco

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

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

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

Plan your trip to California with these travel guides.

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

Travel Planning Resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for sharing this wonderful article.

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

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

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

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

San Francisco is a city filled with iconic American landmarks, fascinating history, must-try culinary delights from cioppino to Ghirardelli chocolate, diverse cultures, and quintessential California nature. Even the people who live there couldn't get bored with all there is to see and do in the bustling and beautiful West Coast metropolis.

The next time you find yourself planning a trip to the Golden City (soon, we hope), allow this list of things to do in San Francisco to inspire your itinerary.

Walk or bike over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

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

Find fresh air at the Presidio.

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

Take in the view from the Presidio Tunnel Tops.

The Presidio Tunnel Tops provide green space above a six-lane highway. The 14 acres of parklands, which opened in 2022, connect the main post of the former military base to the Crissy Field waterfront and offer some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge (you can even reserve one of the picnic tables with the best view for an unforgettable experience). There are also plenty of opportunities for recreation and learning, such as weekend campfire talks led by National Park Service rangers.

Admire art that pushes boundaries.

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

Feel a sense of pride in the Castro.

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

Do anything but drive on JFK Promenade.

Before 2022, JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park was car-free only on weekends. Then, San Francisco voters elected to make the road permanently pedestrian-only. Now you can walk it, bike it, skate it, or make your way along it any way you want without having to worry about traffic. On the route, you'll be treated to art installations, chairs set up for kicking back, and public pianos.

Travel by cable car.

San Francisco is a famously hilly city. Unless you're hoping to get a major leg workout, it may be beneficial to get around on public transportation. The city's celebrated cable car system, an attraction in itself, has been transporting people around the city since 1873. Plus, it's very easy to hop onto one within walking distance from some of the city's best hotels . The cable cars remain both an excellent mode of transit and a super Instagrammable experience you must try. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks around the city and cost $8 for a one-way ride.

Ferry over to Alcatraz.

Kelly Griffin/Travel + Leisure

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

Tour North America's oldest Chinatown.

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

Watch the Giants play at Oracle Park.

Rooting for the home team in San Francisco means cheering on the Giants at Oracle Park . Baseball fanatics will want to sit in the 100s, close to the field, but the upper deck at this waterfront stadium offers stunning views of the bay. Seriously, this is where sitting in the nosebleeds can really pay off. Just bring a glove and be ready to catch a foul ball (or homer) if you need to, and perhaps a stadium seat for added cush for your tush.

Walk down Lovers' Lane.

For an outdoor treat, take a quiet stroll down Lovers' Lane , the oldest footpath through the Presidio. The roughly half-mile trail is the perfect place to find a moment of solitude amid the trees, and it's an ideal spot to stroll hand-in-hand with the one you love while vacationing in San Francisco. The trail is paved and rated easy to moderate. It takes only about 30 minutes to walk it.

Stand in awe at the Palace of Fine Arts.

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

Picnic at Alamo Square Park.

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

Flip through Beat classics at City Lights Bookstore.

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

Find a hidden gem at TreasureFest.

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

Cruise the bay.

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

Build something new at the Exploratorium.

The Exploratorium is a museum and a "public learning laboratory" that allows anyone to become a mad scientist. Visitors can use the tools available to become active explorers and create whatever they pull from their imaginations. Unsurprisingly, the place is a hit among children, but you can attend child-free during the museum's adult-only Thursday evenings. Otherwise, go anytime to learn from regular speakers and interact with the exhibits.

Lose yourself in art at SFMOMA.

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

Grab a snack at the Ferry Building.

Looking to get a tasty treat? Head to the historic Ferry Building , a marketplace offering local delights from sweet snacks at the Donut Farm to frothy beers offered by Fort Point Beer Co . If you're lucky, you'll even visit on a market day — Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays — when local purveyors descend on the space to sell their goods straight from the farms (or straight from the studio).

Stop and smell the flowers at San Francisco Botanical Garden.

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

Sip a tiki drink in the Tonga Room.

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

Tour the Mission Murals.

Get out and see some fabulous street art for free with a self-guided tour of the Mission Murals. The best way to view them is by taking a stroll down Caledonia Alley, Clarion Alley, Balmy Alley, and Horace Alley, though really, you can just walk around the area and find your own favorite mural out of the more than 1,000 that line the streets.

Have afternoon tea at the Palace Hotel.

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

Peruse a dispensary.

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

Climb the Filbert Street Steps.

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

Take in a San Francisco Symphony performance.

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

Get an Irish coffee at Buena Vista.

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

Indulge at Ghirardelli Square.

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

Stroll the Japanese Tea Garden.

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

Drive down the "crookedest street in the world."

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

Spot sea lions at Pier 39.

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

Get nostalgic at the Walt Disney Family Museum.

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

Attend an outdoor music festival.

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

Listen to the ocean at the Wave Organ.

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

Peruse the exhibits at the California Academy of Sciences.

Kids and adults alike can easily lose an afternoon regarding prehistoric fossils, spotting colorful marine life, and learning all things natural history at this Golden Gate Park museum. The California Academy of Sciences is more than just a collection of exhibits — housing 46 million specimens, no less — it's also an interactive lab where children can touch a real condor wing, practice insect collecting, and get their hands wet building a model boat and testing it on the winding Riveropolis.

Get groovy at an old-school roller disco.

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

Eat your way through Little Italy.

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

See masterpieces old and new at the Asian Art Museum.

Thousands of artworks from Asia and by Asian artists live in this museum , one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world. Here, you'll find a permanent collection with masterpieces dating back to the fourth century, as well as rotating exhibits showcasing anything from kimono couture to Chinese furniture. Arrive after 5 p.m. on any Thursday and you'll get half off the admission price. Or, go on the first Sunday of the month for free.

Experience Sausalito's small-town charm.

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

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

DanHenson1/Getty Images

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

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

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

Shop for vintage in Haight-Ashbury.

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

Take your clam chowder in a bread bowl.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

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

Related Articles

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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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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• Things to Do
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• SF Bay Area
• Cruises from SF
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• Games & Puzzles

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Downtown San Francisco: 18 Things to See & Do in this Popular District

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: June 17, 2024

Downtown San Francisco is a loosely defined area that includes the Financial District and parts of Union Square, the Tenderloin, Chinatown, and South of Market (SoMa).

This area has quite a few fun things to do and see, which makes it a must-visit location while you are on your vacation here. 

Top picks include museums, concerts, and theater performances. You will also find some of the best hotels, restaurants, and nightlife options. 

It's centrally located, which makes it easy to get from here to all of SF's top attractions and other neighborhoods around the city.

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

18 Things to Do in Downtown San Francisco

Downtown San Francisco covers an area of about two miles by two miles. It's the heart of the city and you will find loads of things to do and enjoy when you come to this fun area. Here are 18 of my favorites.

1. Union Square

You will find quite a bit to do in and near Union Square . This one-square-block plaza is the center piece for this thriving district. One of the biggest draws to this district is the shopping .

You will find more than a dozen high-end shops lined up along the plaza including everything from Louis Vuitton to Apple. This is great because if you have problems with your phone or computer while on vacation, this is the best location to help you fix it.

On the streets nearby, you will find additional high-end shopping, but you will also find some bargains too. H&M and Zara both have a big presence near Union Square. 

This area has one of the highest concentrations of hotels with options from the large chains such as Marriott and Hyatt to boutique options such as the Inn at Union Square and the Hotel Nikko.

2. Evening Ghost Tour

Downtown San Francisco has quite an interesting history, and this tour is a must for those wanting to know more about its darker side. No, you won't see any ghosts on this tour, but you will learn all about the unruly characters that got a little too rowdy in Union Square and Nob Hill over the years.

This 60-minute walking tour takes you back in time as you hear stories of haunted hotels, streets, and clubs. Your guide will also tell you about what happened during the times of the Gold Rush and following the tragic 1906 earthquake.

The tour runs several nights a week. 

Visit GetYourGuide.com to learn more and get dates for upcoming tours .

3. Curran Theatre

The Curran Theatre is a historic gem just a few blocks west of Union Square. This downtown San Francisco theater offers three to four large productions each year. They also feature unique performances for the holidays and other special events.

Built in 1922, the Curran is a medium sized venue with around 1,600 seats. The types of shows you can expect at this theater include Dear Evan Hansen , Harry Potter and the Cursed Child , and The Jungle .

You will find it at 445 Geary Street. 

4. Museum of Modern Art 

San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art is one of our most popular art museums . This recently renovated treasure features more than 30,000 pieces in their collection.

You will get the chance to see famed pieces from artists such as Georgia O'Keefe, Frida Kahlo, and Diego Rivera. You will also see works from Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, and Pablo Picasso. 

With their newly added space, the SF MOMA also has plenty of room for more than a dozen traveling exhibits at once. They show pieces from artists such as Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, Louise Bourgeois, and many others.

The SFMOMA is located at 151 3rd Street in the heart of the SOMA district.

>>  Find a schedule of upcoming exhibits here and at museums all around SF .

>> Find tickets in advance

5. Ferry Building

The Ferry Building along the Embarcadero is another one of the fun things to do in downtown San Francisco. This historic building mainly served as a ferry terminal for years for those commuting into SF from Marin or the East Bay and back. 

Today it plays double duty as a gourmet food lover's paradise. The halls are lined with wonderful restaurants and several shops selling fresh bread, award winning wines, and the best local cheese that you will never forget. 

You can stroll the halls on your own or learn all about its goodies for sale during a food walking tour. You will sample your way through the Ferry Building as you learn all about its history, the food you are tasting, and more.

This tour runs a couple of days a week on the days when the farmer's market sets up in front. Find the upcoming schedule and ticketing details here .

It's easy to find the Ferry Building where Market Street meets the Embarcadero, as you'll see its 245-foot clock tower sticking up along the waterfront.

6. The Punchline Comedy Club

If you love comedy, then head over to The Punchline Comedy Club . This downtown San Francisco establishment welcomes comedians from all around the world. Most nights of the week they have at least one comedian on stage and often more. 

Some of the people you might get a chance to see include Will Durst, Dan St. Germain, and Greg Proops. See a schedule of upcoming shows below.

You'll find this club at 444 Battery Street. 

>> Additional comedy shows around SF

7. Salesforce Tower and Park

The relatively new (2018) Salesforce Tower is a wonderful addition to downtown San Francisco. This 61-story building is now the tallest in all of SF and offers a stunning lookout point from their top floor.

Pre-pandemic, the Ohana Floor, as it's also known, was open to the public one Saturday a month with four different tour times each day. You had to register far in advance, as they booked up early. And if you managed to grab a spot, you got 1 hour to check out the amazing views, which include the Golden Gate Bridge , the Pacific Ocean , and Alcatraz Island .

Currently, this tour is not offered to the public, but you can  sign up for their "notify me" e-mail to find out when they announce new dates.

In addition, right outside of this glimmering skyscraper, you'll find Salesforce Park, a four-block-long living roof where anyone is free to walk around, enjoy the gardens, fountains, children's play area, and more. There is even a one-way glass gondola that will take you from the ground floor up to the 4th-floor park for free!

8. Downtown Breweries

You will also find several fantastic breweries in downtown San Francisco. Here are just a few of my favorites. 

• Bartlett Hall : This craft beer and gastropub is a great place to stop when exploring Union Square. They have American dishes and some great happy hour specials . 242 O'Farrell Street. 
• 21st Amendment Brewpub : This is an old-school San Francisco brewery near the ballpark. It's the perfect stop before or after a Giants game or when you are exploring the South of Market District . They also have tasty burgers and a number of other amazing American dishes on their menu. 563 2nd Street.

>> More great breweries around SF

9. San Francisco Centre

If you plan to do a little shopping while you are here, you will love the variety of shops inside the San Francisco Centre. You will find everything from shoes to clothing to gifts for yourself or loved ones.

One of the largest stores at this downtown San Francisco shopping center is Bloomingdales. Other top picks include American Eagle, H&M, Foot Locker, and others. You can also pick up some Ghirardelli Chocolates or enjoy a casual lunch in their downstairs food court. 

You will find it at 865 Market Street.

>> More places to shop around SF

10. Cable Cars

Downtown San Francisco is also where you will find all three of our cable cars . Two of the three depart from Powell near Market Street. The Powell/Hyde line takes you up and over Nob Hill with a final stop in Fisherman's Wharf .

The Powell/Mason line takes you through North Beach with a final stop three blocks south of the Fisherman's Wharf area.

The third line runs east-west along California Street. You can pick it up at California and Drumm Street. It will take you up to Nob Hill and all the way to the corner of California and Van Ness.

11. Walking Tour of Union Square and Chinatown

Visit two of San Francisco's top districts on this 2.5-hour walking tour, which highlights their contrasting art and architecture. 

You'll find out about the colorful hearts around Union Square and local works by Salvador Dali and Frank Lloyd Wright.

You'll then head over to Chinatown, where you will learn about the history and culture of the oldest Chinatown in the US. You'll find out how it has changed over time and admire some of its beautiful street art.

Both morning and afternoon tours are available. It runs most days of the week. Visit Viator to learn more and check for ticket availability . 

12. Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

Another cool thing to see in downtown San Francisco is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory . This quick stop is a fun place to visit and gives you a glimpse into the world of yesterday. You will see how fortune cookies are made and will even get a chance to buy some of their delicious treats.

It's located at 56 Ross Alley in Chinatown.

>> Explore even more of Chinatown on this fun guided walking tour

13. Chinese Temples

Another must-see in downtown San Francisco is one of the historic Chinese temples in Chinatown . Most feature historic altars and gorgeous décor. My three favorites include the Kong Chow Temple, the Tin How Temple, and the Ma Tsu Temple.

The Kong Chow Temple still has ancient artifacts even though it relocated to its current location in 1977. The Tin How Temple was built in the mid-1800s. The final temple is quite a bit newer but offers vibrant colors and newer altars.

14. Contemporary Jewish Museum

The Contemporary Jewish Museum is a great place to see art relating to the Jewish Culture and learn more about the San Francisco Jewish community. They offer a handful of permanent exhibits, but most of their space is dedicated to temporary exhibits featuring Jewish artists from around the world.

Exhibits include everything from paintings to sculptures to works about Jewish history and culture. 

Their new building opened in 2008 with a design inspired by the Hebrew phrase l’chaim (“to life”). Make sure to spend time not only admiring the exhibits but also taking a close look at the structure of the museum itself.

>> Use the Go San Francisco Pass for admission to this museum and many others

15. Dragon Gate

You cannot miss the Dragon Gate, which is the official entry point into Chinatown. This downtown San Francisco attraction features a traditional green tiled top with two dragons on the top of it. 

There are also detailed columns with Chinese writing on the sides. Once you step inside, make sure to also check out the light posts throughout the district. The first set is just a few steps inside the gates.

They have similar detail and they are worth taking some time to view and even photograph.

16. Museum of the African Diaspora

The Museum of the African Diaspora is another great find in the downtown San Francisco district. The museum tells the story of the African Diaspora through hands-on exhibits, audio recordings, and videos. 

When you visit this museum, you'll learn about and celebrate Black cultures around the world. It isn't like a typical museum with artifacts throughout, but rather an interactive learning experience with hands-on displays.

17. Concerts at August Hall

If you are looking for some live music in downtown San Francisco, head over to August Hall at 420 Mason Street. They offer live music several times each month. 

The building opened in the mid-1890s as a Victorian Playhouse by August Headman. It then became a USO club called the Stage Door, which premiered Alfred Hitchcock's film Vertigo .

If you haven't seen the movie, you will definitely want to, as you can see what August Hall looked like back in the day.

18. Rincon Center Murals

Step into the old Rincon Post Office for a look at more than 20 historic murals. Completed in 1948, these murals caused quite the controversy during their time. They were created by an artist that had never visited San Francisco, but created the murals based on what he thought the area was all about. 

The murals walk through SF's history from before the Gold Rush all the way to the pre-WWII era. You will see scenes with the building of the Golden Gate Bridge and other interesting figures from that time. 

The murals are free to visit and worth spending some time admiring for those who love history and interesting art.

>> Additional places to find murals and street art around SF

Where to Stay in Downtown San Francisco

Downtown San Francisco has the largest concentration of hotels in the city. You will find everything from five-star beauties to budget-friendly gems. Here are just a few of my top picks.

Westin St. Francis : 4-star hotel in the heart of downtown San Francisco in Union Square. You will find a couple of lovely restaurants inside the hotel and a great wine tasting room. It's the only hotel right on the square. 335 Powell Street.  Learn more and check for availability

Omni San Francisco Hotel : Another 4-star hotel in the Financial District, located right on the California Cable Car line. Walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and several attractions. 500 California Street.  Find more details and booking information

Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA : 4-star hotel in the SoMa district, really close to the SF Museum of Modern Art, the SF Cable Car turnaround on Powell, and the San Francisco Centre. 50 Third Street.  Find more details and availability and reviews .

Find additional lodging recommendations for downtown SF .

How to Get to Downtown San Francisco

Public transit.

Public transit is the best way to get around downtown San Francisco. You will find a variety of options that take you to places all around the city. Here are a few popular routes.

F Streetcar : This will take you all the way to Fisherman's Wharf. It's a slow ride but worth your while, as it takes you past top attractions along the way including the Ferry Building, Alcatraz Landing (where you grab the ferries to Alcatraz), then Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. You can get on the streetcar at stops along Market Street.

Cable Cars : All three cable cars have terminals in downtown San Francisco. You can take the Powell/Hyde or the Powell/Mason line north all the way to Fisherman's Wharf, or the California line west past Nob Hill.

Buses : There are numerous Muni buses that come through this area. Popular routes include the 30 to Chinatown, the 6 or 7 to Haight-Ashbury, and the 5 to Golden Gate Park.

Light Rail : You can also take the light rail trains. All of the trains run through downtown San Francisco (underground). You can take them to Oracle Park, which is home to the San Francisco Giants' baseball team and other events, Ocean Beach, the Civic Center, the Dogpatch, and other places around SF.

Driving & Parking

If you plan to drive, you will find quite a few parking options. It can be a hectic part of town, so make sure to stay alert as there are pedestrians and scooters all around the downtown San Francisco area.

Here are a few places to park:

Sutter-Stockton : The Sutter-Stockton Garage is a great option for those heading to the Financial District or Union Square. It's one of the largest garages in the area and well located next to several districts. 444 Stockton Street.

Union Square Garage : The Union Square Garage is my top pick for those visiting the Union Square area. It's a medium-sized garage underneath Union Square Plaza. It's great if you plan to go shopping or grab dinner in this district. 333 Post Street.

5th and Mission Garage : The garage at 5th Street and Mission is great for those heading over to the San Francisco Centre, Yerba Buena Gardens, or other places in the SoMa district. It's a huge parking facility that is easy to find and has plenty of places to park on most days. 833 Mission Street. 

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

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

Places to See

Golden Gate Bridge

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

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

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

Alcatraz Island

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

Palace of Fine Arts

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

The Painted Ladies

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

Chinatown San Francisco

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

Where to Eat

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

Roundhouse Cafe

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

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

Ghirardelli Square

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

Foreign Cinema

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

Things to Do

Take a Waymo Everywhere You Go

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

Play with Dogs at the Conservatory of Flowers

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

Get Vintage Photo Booth Pictures at Photoworks

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

Enjoy the Nightlife and Go Dancing at White Rabbit

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

Pair your Trip with an Escape to Napa Valley

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Home » North America » San Francisco

35 BEST Places to Visit in San Francisco (2024)

Often called one of the most beautiful cities in the world, San Francisco should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s also becoming known as one of the best food destinations in the US and has more incredible sites and activities then you could ever see or do on a short trip! So, if you want to spend some time in a beautiful, multicultural city where you can find any type of food at every price point, this is where you should visit.

San Francisco may have everything, but that comes at a price, quite literally. This is one of the most expensive cities in the US, which is why a lot of travelers avoid this area. But if you’re careful and plan your trip with your budget in mind, you’ll find a wealth of things to do and eat in this city without breaking your bank account.

To help you have the trip of your dreams in San Francisco without spending all of your hard-earned cash, here’s a guide to everything you can do at every price point.

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These are the best places to visit in san francisco, faq on the best places to visit in san francisco, final thoughts on the coolest places to visit in san francisco.

Nob Hill and Union Square

I was deciding between these two neighborhoods in San Francisco for first-time visitors, and just decided to include both. They are right next to each other, and equally great areas in San Francisco for first-timers, but they have completely different atmospheres.

• Sample gourmet delicacies from around the world at the Ferry Building
• See free summertime cultural performances at the square
• Discover quirky museums, like the Museum of Ice Cream and the Kiosk Museum

You may be asking yourself but where is the best place to stay to make the most of my time and see all 35 attractions??? The answer is…well…everywhere. There are just too many colosally characterful neighbourhoods in this city. We have tried to break it down for you, though, based on interests and experiences you can have while staying in each one. Check out where to stay in San Fransciso and then continue on down this list!

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H #1 – The Golden Gate Bridge – One of the most amazing places in San Francisco!

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• Absolutely iconic, one of the most famous bridges in the world.
• A great place to take photographs.
• You can also bike or walk across the bridge and take in the city.

Why it’s so awesome : The Golden Gate Bridge is probably the most famous bridge in the world and top of your San Francisco itinerary for good reason. It’s more than 1.7 miles long and more than 12,000 cars drive across it every day. There’s also a pedestrian path and one for bikes, so no matter how you want to experience this landmark, it’s easy to do.

What to do there : Take photos of course! The view from the Golden Gate Bridge is absolutely amazing and it’s the most popular place for photography shots in the city. Take the pedestrian path if you want to get the whole experience or take a bike across and stop off where the city looks its best.

#2 – Fisherman’s Wharf – Cool place to see in San Francisco with friends!

• This area has an amazing vibe and community that you absolutely must experience for yourself!
• Some of the best restaurants in the city are here.
• You can also take tours throughout the area which will help you discover places known only to the locals.

Why it’s so awesome : Bright and colorful, lively and welcoming, this area is the perfect place to spend an afternoon soaking up the vibes and enjoying the city and its people. It’s one of the most popular spots in San Francisco, so it’s the perfect place to people watch, and there’s no end to photo ops and interesting sights in this area.

What to do there : While you’re on the Waterfront, make sure you eat some fresh seafood. You can find everything here from fresh crab to fish that’s just been pulled from the ocean and the food is absolutely first-rate. And if you don’t like seafood, take a tour through the area on a Segway, on foot, or on a boat, to discover some options that you wouldn’t have found on your own. Or better yet, stay in a VRBO nearby so you can enjoy all the great food options in Fisherman’s wharf for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

#3 – Alcatraz Island

• If you’ve seen prison movies, chances are that you’ve seen shots of this location!
• One of the most famous prisons in the US.
• The site is mostly still intact, which makes for an interesting if slightly creepy tour.

Why it’s so awesome : Alcatraz is located half a mile off the shore of San Francisco and it was a federal prison between 1933 and 1963 and a military prison before that. The inmates at this prison were the worst of the worst, prisoners who had made trouble at other locations and were shipped to Alcatraz as punishment. Because of this, the prison was once home to some of the most notorious criminals in recent history including Al Capone and Robert Franklin Stroud.

What to do there: Alcatraz prison is now a popular tourist attraction and almost everyone who visits the city spends some time exploring the yards and cells. This is a creepy remnant of one of humanity’s more brutal faces and it’s a creepy but fascinating look at an often-ignored part of modern life.

#4 – Union Square – A great place to visit in San Francisco at night

• One of the best shopping areas in San Francisco.
• You’ll find everything from high-end designer shops to quirky options, so make sure you bring your credit cards!
• The food and cafes in this area are amazing.

Why it’s so awesome : If you want great food, amazing shopping options and nightlife then this is the area to visit. Union Square has everything, which is why it’s so popular among tourists and locals alike. It also contains a number of art galleries if you get sick of shopping and want to add some culture to your visit, so make sure you check them out.

What to do there : Shop until you drop. Wander in and out of the stores and marvel at the prices. Backpacking in San Francisco won’t be cheap, and the high-end boutiques will confirm that for you yet again, but the high-end variety also makes the window shopping amazing.

Stop off for lunch at one of the many great restaurants and then spend the afternoon at an art gallery looking at the Masters. With this combination, you’ll have the perfect day! And if you’ve still got the energy, hang around to check out Union Square’s amazing nightlife. There are some great hostels located around the area for you to make the most of those late-night bar crawls if that is your thing.

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#5 – Chinatown

• There are four Chinatowns in this city, and the one on Grant Avenue is the biggest outside of Asia and the oldest in the US.
• Draws more visitors each year than the Golden Gate Bridge.
• If you like Chinese food, then you’ll find the best of the best here.

Why it’s so awesome : In this area, you’ll find an interesting history, great Chinese food and a sprawling Chinatown that includes two hospitals and a variety of parks. This is one of the most popular areas in San Francisco and it’s well worth spending some time there while you’re in the city. The food is incredible, the best you’ll probably find outside of Asia, and the streets are so colorful that people-watching is an absolute pleasure.

What to do there : Try the food! You can’t come to this area and not try as much as possible of the many food options. If you have time, you can even take a walking food tour . So make sure you spend some time wandering from shop to shop and trying everything. The shopping is also amazing, if a little quirky, so check out the shops once you’re full and see if you can find something to take home as a souvenir!

#6 – Golden Gate Park – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in San Francisco

• Great for photographers.
• The park includes a lot of varied spaces like monuments, playgrounds and lakes.
• A beautiful, natural area in the middle of the city.

Why it’s so awesome : The Golden Gate Park stretches across 1017 acres and contains a variety of different landscapes. It’s the perfect place to get in some exercise, have a picnic, or just sit and enjoy the natural landscape and clean air. The park also holds some of the most interesting events in the city, so make sure you check out what’s on while you’re visiting!

What to do there : Make sure you take some time to wander and explore while you’re in the park. Have a picnic, gather some friends together and play games, or just sit and watch the world go by. More than 13 million people visit the park every year, so it’s the perfect place for people watching. It’s also a prime spot for weddings, which just proves how beautiful the park really is!

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#7 – San Francisco Museum of Art

• One of the most stylish art galleries in the world.
• The building was originally designed by Mario Botta.
• The ground floor is free to the public.

Why it’s so awesome : This building was recently renovated and the renovation added nearly 170, 000 square feet to display art in, which nearly tripled the size of the space. It has a permanent collection as well as 16 special galleries and even there are even some pieces of art that were specially commissioned for the new layout.

What to do there : If you love art, then the SF MOMA should be on your bucket list. You can see the huge ground floor space completely free of charge, but make sure you check out the special exhibitions as well.

#8 – Brown Sugar Kitchen

• The best place to enjoy soul food.
• There are now two convenient locations in the city where you can enjoy this uniquely American cuisine.

Why it’s so awesome : This restaurant is famous in the city and now there’s a new location as well. If you enjoy the sights, tastes and smells of soul food, then this restaurant is a must-visit. Owned by Tanya Holland, the restaurant is the best place to enjoy organic, seasonal and locally produced favorites. And the new location, located in the Ferry Building, offers lighter fare if you’re looking for a great tasting snack.

What to do there: Soul food is unique and the food this restaurant creates changes according to the seasons, so you’ll have to wing it. But if you get the chance, make sure you try some of the favorites such as the cornmeal waffles, buttermilk chicken or shrimp gumbo.

#9 – The Painted Ladies

• Made famous in movies and TV shows.
• A great place to take some photographs.
• There are hundreds of these types of buildings in the area, but the most famous are in NoPa and you’ve probably already seen them on television.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’ve ever seen the picture of a row of brightly colored houses of three or more colors then chances are that you were looking at the painted ladies. These buildings were built in the Victorian and Edwardian styles and they’ve been captured in more than 70 movies and TV shows.

What to do there : Explore the neighborhood! Although there is one particular row of houses that is most famous, the Cole Valley, Lower Haight and Haight-Ashbury neighborhoods boast hundreds of these bright buildings. So if you find yourself with some extra time, make sure you go for a walk and take in as many examples of this old style of architecture as you can!

#10 – Palace of Fine Arts

• An interesting and historic structure.
• Quite literally looks like it belongs to a long-gone age.
• You’ll get some of the most amazing photos from this site.

Why it’s so awesome : Designed by architect Bernard Maybeck, this structure is built in a Greco-Roman style that really stands out in the modern world. It’s like being on a movie set, and you can look across the pond at swans gliding lazily in front of the structure like the last two thousand years never happened.

What to do there : This is the type of place where you’ll just want to relax and take in the beauty. The surroundings are gorgeous and perfect for a stroll. They’re also perfect for weddings, so you know that any photo you take will be amazing. But if you want to avoid the weddings and get photos that are a little more unique, try visiting this spot at night, when the spotlights make everything glow.

#11 – The California Academy of Sciences – An awesome place to visit in San Francisco for half a day!

• For science geeks and anyone interested in the world around them.
• A fantastic place to take the kids!
• This would make for a good afternoon outing if you want to get out of the sun.

Why it’s so awesome : If you love science then you’ll love this place because it includes so many different areas and types of scientific exhibits. You can spend a whole afternoon here just taking in the exhibits and no matter how restless your friends or kids are, they’ll definitely find something to enthrall them!

What to do there : Well, it depends on what you want to learn about. The Morrison Planetarium is a favorite because it’s state of the art and never fails to inspire. There’s also a four-story living rainforest in the museum, with birds, butterflies and some lush tropical plants for you to explore. The ‘Living roof’ in particular, home to more than 1.7 million plants, is a sight you’ll never forget.

#12 – AT & T Park

• See the San Francisco Giants in the flesh!
• A great weekend activity for the whole family or for people on their own.

Why it’s so awesome : Sitting amongst a huge group of people who are all there for the same reason is amazing. The energy is just electric and when you add in the amazing view of the Bay from the seats, the tasty food treats, and the fact that you’re in one of the world’s best-known stadiums, you’re almost guaranteed to have an afternoon you’ll never forget!

What to do there : If you’re visiting San Francisco in the right season, make sure you catch a game if you can. There’s nothing quite like being in a big crowd all cheering for the same thing. Even if you don’t like sports, that kind of atmosphere is inspiring. And even better is the view of the San Francisco Bay you’ll enjoy from the stadium seats. The food is a big part of the experience too, so make sure you eat some of the city’s famous junk food treats such as chocolate sundaes, Caribbean barbeque or garlic fries.

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#13 – Exploratorium – One of the more unique places to visit in San Francisco!

• For kids and for anyone who has kept their sense of adventure.
• A great place to learn more about the world in new ways.
• Perfect for families and groups.

Why it’s so awesome : The Exploratorium is a massive museum that will enthrall even the most science-hating visitor. Located on the Embarcadero waterfront, this museum explores science through exhibits that encourage play and experimentation. Everything in this building is a little different than you would expect, from storage lockers that sing to a movie that’s also a clock. So if you enjoy the unexpected, then this is the place for you.

What to do there : Most of the exhibits in this museum change regularly, but some of them stay over the long term. Make sure you check out the ‘fog bridge’ designed by artist Fujiko Jakaya, the toothpick diorama of San Francisco and the Tactile Dome, a sensory deprivation maze. And if you get tired of all the play, go upstairs to the second floor where you can get a great view of the city from the Bay Observatory and have lunch at the Seaglass restaurant, where you’ll enjoy sustainable seafood dishes.

#14 – The Mission Murals

• A good way to learn more about San Francisco’s multicultural population.
• You’ll see some great examples of modern art.
• Make sure you take lots of photos!

Why it’s so awesome : The Mission District has lots of alleys and buildings that are decorated with more than 200 murals. These murals mostly reflect the neighborhood’s Latino heritage and delve into deep subjects like social justice. Artists like Susan Cervantes and the Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center have ensured that these art pieces are concentrated in specific areas so they’re easy to see all at once.

What to do there : There are several streets where you can enjoy these outdoor galleries including Caledonia Alley at 15th Street, Osage Alley at 25th Street, Balmy Alley on 24th Street, Horace Alley on 25th Street, Clarion Alley at Valencia Street, and Cypress and Lilac Alleys on 26th Street. So make sure you allocate a whole morning or an afternoon to just walk around and marvel at the expression and the messages.

#15 – The Castro Theater

• An iconic building where you can sing along to your favorite musicals.
• A chance to get dressed up as your favorite character.

Why it’s so awesome : The Castro Theater has become the best place to watch musicals while dressed up as your favorite characters. And as if that wasn’t enough, the theater shows the best musicals ever made and has singalong sessions during the show! There’s no room for embarrassment here and having a bad voice is no excuse. With all the noise and laughter, nobody will hear your voice anyway!

What to do there : If you have a favorite musical character, or just want to dress up as a Disney princess, then this is the place to do it. Make sure you check out what shows are on at the Castro while you’re in the city and be prepared for singalongs, goodie bags with props, and general hilarity. The theater even holds family-friendly matinees as well as later shows with alcohol, so make sure you choose the right screening!

#16 – Presidio – A must visit place to visit in San Francisco on the weekend!

• A former military base that’s recently been put to much better use!
• Gorgeous natural surroundings.
• A great place to take pictures in nature.

Why it’s so awesome : This site started out as a military base, but it’s used for much more peaceful activities these days. On Sunday afternoons between March and October, Off the Grid takes over the Main Parade Grounds and packs it with food vendors, games, live music, yoga and everything else fun in the world. And on Thursday nights they go a step further and add cocktails and firepits to the mix.

What to do there : If you’re in San Francisco at the right time of year then make sure you visit the Parade grounds for all the fun and madness. Eat great food, play some games, and stretch out with some yoga. But even if you aren’t there between March and October it’s still a beautiful spot. This site boasts more than 2 square miles of trees and amazing views, so make sure you come ready to walk and take some photos!

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#17 – Coit Tower

• Built in 1933 as a monument to the city itself.
• The tower’s observation deck has 360-degree views of the city and the Bay.
• At the base, there’s a rotunda with murals from the depression era.

Why it’s so awesome: This tower is a much-loved part of the San Francisco skyline and welcomes travelers who are moving westbound across the Bay Bridge. It was built in 1933 and stands 180 feet tall on Telegraph Hill. The views that this tower offers are incredible, some of the best you’ll see while you’re in the city so take lots of photos. And if you spend some time with the murals at the base, you’ll get a quick and sobering view into a more serious part of the city’s history.

What to do there: Obviously you need to spend some time on the observation deck taking in the views. They’re spectacular from that vantage point, and you’ll get some amazing photos. But make sure you check out the murals at the base too. They were created by more than two dozen artists during the Depression-era and depict strongly socialist images that are both fascinating and striking.

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#18 – Pier 39

• A highly unusual corner of the city!
• A chance to see some wildlife inside a huge, modern city.

Why it’s so awesome : Pier 39 is right in the middle of the city and is not the kind of place where you would expect to see wild animals outside of a zoo. And yet they’re here. After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, this dock suddenly became home to a large group of Californian sea lions. Nobody really understands why, but they’ve been returning to the Pier for 30 years and appear to enjoy their surroundings. And you’ll enjoy watching their antics too.

What to do there : Don’t disturb the seals or try to touch them. Despite their location, they are wild animals and won’t take kindly to being disturbed. Instead, just watch the group and their interactions as they frolic on the wooden walkway. If you want to learn more about them, a naturalist will be on-site as long as the weather is reasonable between 11 and 4 every day to answer any questions you might have.

#19 – Angel Island – A must visit place to visit in San Francisco on the weekend!

• A chance to get out of the city and into nature.
• An important historical spot.
• The outdoor activities are amazing!

Why it’s so awesome : If you want to take an easy day trip out of San Francisco then Angel Island should be on your list. It has everything from a fascinating and sometimes tragic history to incredible nature spots. Angel Island was once the US Immigration Station where Chinese immigrants were held on their way into the US. During your trip to Angel Island, you can experience this history in sometimes tragic living color. And once you’re ready for something happier, make sure you take advantage of the many opportunities for nature activities on the island.

What to do there : While you’re there, make sure you tour the US Immigration Station. More than a million Chinese immigrants were processed through this station between 1910 and 1940 and some of them were held for years in the barracks, where you can see their poetry carved into the walls. Once you’re done with this slice of history, make sure you take advantage of the outdoor activities. Have a picnic at one of the many sites, bike the Perimeter trail, or hike up Mount Livermore. You’ll get fitter and be able to see some amazing views too!

#20 – The Audium

• An unusual quirk on live theater.
• Not for the faint hearted or for people with sensitive ears.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’ve been to the theater before then you probably think you’ve seen everything they have to offer. But you haven’t seen this, or not seen it as the case may be. This theater specializes in sound. During the show, you’ll be sitting in the dark while waves and sculptures of sound are emitted from the 176 speakers. The speed and movement of the sounds are incredible, and this is an experience that’s really hard to describe. So you’ll just have to experience it.

What to do there : This theater has only 49 seats so make sure you get a ticket in plenty of time and don’t miss out.  And then, just sit in the darkness and let the sound do its work. It’s truly one of the strangest experiences you’ll ever have, and it will change the way you think about sound and music.

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#21 – The Filbert Street Steps – An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in San Francisco!

• A non-touristy activity that will allow you to see some of the most spectacular views of San Francisco.
• You’ll get some exercise while you explore.
• Not for anyone who has trouble with stairs or isn’t reasonably fit.

Why it’s so awesome : Hidden away in San Francisco, there are more than 400 different stairways that connect the 42 hills in the city. Some of them were built more than a hundred years ago and when you explore these stairs, you’ll see some of the most incredible views in the city. Each set of stairs is different, from mosaic tiled stairs between 15th and 16th avenue to a leafy, secret garden set of stairs on Macondray Lane. The Filbert Street steps are one of the best, and traversing this pathway will be well worth the effort.

What to do there : The Filbert Street Steps climb through tropical gardens and end up at the iconic Coit Tower. It’s a tiring climb, but take your time. Drink in the sights along the way, but also a lot of water. We want you to stay safe , hydrated and sprained ankle free while working those quads. When you reach the spectacular gardens and the view of the city at the end, take lots of photos!

#22 – Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze

• A dizzying and quirky activity for a slow afternoon.
• Great for kids and big kids too!

Why it’s so awesome : This mirror maze isn’t like the ones you probably remember from your childhood, instead, it’s more like a psychedelic fever dream. It’s located on Pier 39 and is a huge labyrinth lit with neon colors and filled with rave music and screaming, giggling customers. It’s actually like a piece of changing, glittering art that you can walk through, bump into, and marvel at!

What to do there : You don’t have to be a child to enjoy this maze, in fact, anyone who enjoys a laugh and a challenge will have fun. So, put aside your inhibitions and make your way through the labyrinth. Take some friends with you and be prepared to bump into them, literally, on your way. And once you’ve found your way through, try going through it backwards for an extra challenge!

#23 – The Wave Organ

• A musical instrument that is played by the ocean!
• A marvel of engineering and ingenuity.

Why it’s so awesome : The Wave Organ was built in 1986 by Peter Richards and is designed to amplify the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore. It uses repurposed materials for everything, even to make a trash can, and emits low, gurgling tones that are not unlike what you’ll hear when you put a shell to your ear.

What to do there : This is not a place to do anything. Instead, it’s a detached, oddly beautiful sanctuary close to the city where you can marvel at the sounds of the ocean and the ingenuity of man. There are some great views of iconic sites in San Francisco from parts of this attraction, but mostly you should take the chance to have a break from the noise of the city and listen to the song of the sea for a while.

#24 – Garden of Fragrance – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in San Francisco

• Located in the San Francisco Botanical Gardens.
• A great place to take a relaxing afternoon stroll.
• Make sure you take lots of photos and maybe even have a nap on the grass!

Why it’s so awesome : Cities don’t always smell the best. Between the pollution, cars, and too many people crammed too closely together they can be overwhelming. If you need a break from these smells, you’ll find the antidote in the Garden of Fragrance. Located in, this is a small garden that’s focused on plants that will delight your nose.

What to do there : This is the kind of area where you need to let go of the outside world and just enjoy. Smell is incredibly evocative, and it can change your mood and even bring back long-forgotten memories. And there are lots of great smells in this garden from lavender to rosemary and mint. And it’s beloved by animals too, so you’ll see lots of birds and small creatures enjoying the lush surroundings.

#25 – Institute of Illegal Images – Quite the quirky place in San Francisco!

• A museum that explores the seedier side of the city.
• A history lesson on art you’ll never forget!

Why it’s so awesome : San Francisco was once the biggest supplier of LSD in the world and this museum explores this history through the art that was created at the time. It contains samples of the drug and chemically inactive sheets of it dating from the sixties as well as examples of the artwork this era produced.

What to do there : This is a very specific and slightly controversial genre of art and it has landed the owner in court twice. Both times the judges ruled that the exhibits on display were not for use as drugs, they’re just a slightly unusual type of artwork and he was let go. So make sure you take the time to explore this side of San Francisco’s past and see how LSD influenced and inspired art of every genre from spiritual to whimsical and sometimes even close to demented!

#26 – Japanese Tea Garden

• A serene slice of another culture.
• Contains the oldest Japanese tea garden in the US.
• A place to rest and contemplate.

Why its so awesome : The tea house that’s at the center of this garden was built in 1894 as part of a Mid-Winter Fair. It was so popular that the tea house was preserved after the rest of the fair was cleared away and now it’s a popular part of the Golden Gate Park. Some parts of this garden have been the same since the 1800s and were designed by Japanese landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara.

What to do there : Japanese gardens are some of the most beautiful, unique and structured in the world. They’re designed for serenity and every plant and strip of grass works towards that aim. This garden is no different. Make sure you check out the Drum Bridge and spend some time exploring this five-acre garden. It’s the ideal place to relax and center your mind before you move on to all of the other activities in San Francisco.

#27 – The Peephole Cinema

• Quite literally only for the brave.
• One of the strangest, most interesting places in the city.

Why it’s so awesome : In a small alley, there’s a hole in the wall. This might not seem unusual, but this hole is deliberately made and it reveals something special. It’s actually a theater, and when you look through the hole you will see a constant stream of short silent films and animation. The creator, Laurie O’Brien, wanted a new way to showcase animation and other types of films, and she’s certainly done just that with this theater. She has also set up other locations in Brooklyn and Los Angeles, so make sure you check them out if these cities are part of your trip!

What to do there : This theater is easy to miss. Look for a sign with the name on it and a drawing of an eye. There aren’t any other signposts, either in the alley or outside of it, so most people come across this theater by accident. The films run day and night, so gather up your courage, make sure you have the right hole in the wall and have a look!

#28 – Ferry Building Marketplace – A must-see for foodies!

• One of the best places in the city for food!
• A public market where you’ll find everything from seafood to Japanese snacks and Mexican food.

Why it’s so awesome : The food at the Marketplace is absolutely incredible and there’s something for everyone here. No matter what food you enjoy or feel like you will find a stall, restaurant, grocery store or snack stop that has it. And it will all be good.

What to do there : Have a light breakfast and visit this site with an empty and rumbling stomach because you’ll want to have plenty of room to try everything. At this location, you can take groceries home and cook for yourself or eat in one of the stalls that also acts as a restaurant. And if you want a view with your meal, then pick up a to-go meal and eat along the waterfront. There’s nothing better for the appetite then looking out across the Bay.

#29 – The Cable Cars

• An iconic way to travel in San Francisco.
• Made famous in movies and even in songs!
• A historic and slightly noisy alternative to buses and trains.

Why it’s so awesome: The cable cars in San Francisco are one of the most iconic images of this city and they’ve been featured in movies and TV shows ever since these things were invented. These cable cars are the last of their kind in the states and were invented as an alternative to the horse and buggy, which were incredibly dangerous on San Francisco’s steep streets!

What to do there : Take a photo, because the cable cars are iconic, and you can’t say that you’ve been to the city if you don’t have a picture of them. And then go for a ride. The cable cars are rarely used by locals because they only traverse a small area. But tourists love them and sometimes you just have to act like a tourist and do what everyone else is doing!

#30 – Muir Woods National Monument – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in San Francisco

• A chance to see redwoods up close.
• A beautiful natural area that’s a blast from the past.

Why it’s so awesome : Redwoods are an important part of California’s landscape but unfortunately, they’re been cleared so extensively that it’s actually becoming rare to find them. But Muir Woods is a place where you can experience the awe of staring up at these massive trees just a short trip from the city.

What to do there : The largest tree in Muir Woods is around 258 feet tall and the average age of the trees is between 600 and 800 years, though this area contains trees that are far older. You’ll be able to learn more about these ancient giants during your trip to this national monument and have a nice break from the city at the same time. There are six miles of trails through Muir woods and some short hikes that can be completed in around half an hour. There are also a number of beaches on site if you get tired of the shade and the serenity and want to catch some sun. Just be warned that parking isn’t very good at this site, so make sure you get there early or organize alternative transport.

#31 – The Castro

• The heart of San Francisco’s gay culture.
• A colorful and friendly corner of the city.
• There is also some great architecture in this area.

Why it’s so awesome : San Francisco is known for its rich gay and lesbian culture and the Castro is the heart of that. In fact, there are some who argue that San Francisco is the gay capital of the world and there are good reasons for that. The first openly gay politician in the US, Harvey Milk, held office in the city in the 1970s and his human rights efforts have left a lasting impact on the city. And apart from the history, this area is bright, cheerful and friendly, with picturesque Victorian homes.

What to do there: This area has lots of things to see and do. You can sing along to a show at the Castro Theater, visit the GLBT Museum on 18th Street to learn more about the city’s history, and wander the streets looking at the buildings. And when you get hungry, the Castro has some of the best restaurants in the city as well as the best nightlife as well. So choose somewhere to eat and soak in the friendly atmosphere!

#32 – The City Lights Bookstore

• A slice of alternative history.
• The perfect place to pick up a masterpiece in an evocative and atmospheric environment.

Why it’s so awesome : Technology has driven most bookstores out of business but this one is holding strong. It’s a fixture in this neighborhood and the exterior of the store, a replica of a revolutionary mural from Mexico that was destroyed by military forces, reflects that. There are also art banners above the windows and signs telling you that your cell phone needs to be turned off if you’re going to enjoy your time in the shop. All of this creates an atmosphere that reflects its origins as a city landmark and once a hangout for Beat-era writers.

What to do there: This is a bookstore with a difference. You won’t find just best sellers here, instead, you can explore 3 floors of Beat-era writers and works released by independent publishers. You’ll find poetry, politics, fiction, philosophy and history here, all waiting for you atop creaking wooden floors.

#33 – The Filmore

• For music lovers of all kinds!
• The perfect place to explore a new music genre.

Why it’s so awesome : if you know anything about music, then you’ve probably heard the name of this club before. Everyone who’s anyone in the music industry either wants to play at the Filmore or has done so in the past. This most famous music hall showcases big stars as well as local acts. And it features every genre of music, so chances are that you’ll discover a new music love here!

What to do there : Make sure you check out a show at the Filmore while you’re in the city. It can be crowded, so get your tickets early and just enjoy whatever show they have on because it’s bound to be top quality. And make sure you head to the upper level to look at the collection of Rockstar posters on the walls too, you might see some old favorites there! At the end of the night, the staff members hand out collectible posters, so check out what’s available and snag yourself a souvenir while you’re there!

#34 – Long Now Orrey

• A quirky museum with a 10, 000-year clock!
• A monument to long term thinking.

Why it’s so awesome : This is a small museum that’s a monument to long-term thinking. It has a number of displays, but the centerpiece is the Orrery, an enormous planetary model that harks back to Renaissance times. Designed by Danny Hills and Alexander Rose, it was made in 2005 out of silver-colored alloys and shows all the planets that are visible to the naked eye from Earth. It moves twice a day, sending the earth around the sun in a visual representation of our solar system.

What to do there : If you enjoy learning more about the solar system then seeing this visual representation is a good way to do expand your knowledge. Most people have never experienced the natural cycles of the earth on this scale, so make sure you take the time to understand what it’s showing and what it represents. There are also smaller prototypes of this type of timepiece in the museum, so make sure you check them out as well.

#35 – The Grove – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in San Francisco

• The National AIDS Memorial located in the Golden Gate Park.
• A sad reminder of the loss and the fear that was rampant at this time in history.

Why it’s so awesome : This isn’t a site that’s awesome in the strictest sense, but it is incredibly important. The Grove exists so that all the people who died from AIDS aren’t forgotten. Their names are etched in the stone, a reminder of a sad and fearful time in recent history that isn’t often remembered or respected as it should be.

What to do there: Spend some time looking at the names. This seven-acre area of the Golden Gate Park is sobering in the midst of all that beauty. But it’s also a reminder of the pain and loss suffered by minority groups and of the importance of community and treating everyone with kindness and respect.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in San Francisco

Is San Francisco still a good place to visit?

San Francisco might’ve lost the title “most beautiful city in the world” but it’s still an incredible travel destination. There are so many stunning places to visit in San Francisco that you’ll struggle to fit everything in.

What places in San Francisco can you visit today?

To find out the best places to visit in San Antonio today, check out Klook ! Anything that’s on offer today will be listed there. For even more options, have a look at Airbnb experiences too.

What are the best places to visit in San Francisco at night?

Check out these epic places to visit in San Francisco at night: – Union Square – Palace of Fine Arts – The Castro

Are there any free places to visit in San Francisco?

These are some of the best free places to visit in San Francisco: – San Francisco Museum of Art – Fisherman’s Wharf – The Wave Organ

With its strong and varied culture, amazing scenery, and incredible food scene, it’s no wonder that San Francisco has become one of the most popular cities for tourists in the world. This city does have its problems, most of them to do with the skyrocketing cost of living, but it’s also an amazing and vibrant place to visit for a holiday. If you’re looking for things to do and places to eat to suit your budget, our list will help you narrow down your choices so you have the most amazing trip ever!

• Check out our  backpacking US   guide  for in-depth info for your trip.
• Use our where to Stay in San Francisco guide to plan your adventure.
• Check out all the epic things to do in Fremont while you’re visiting.
• A great way to see the country is by taking epic road trips around the US .

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Art Patterson

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The best day trips from San Francisco

From Big Sur to Sonoma, the best day trips from San Francisco include long and scenic drives

One of the best parts of living in, or visiting, San Francisco is the access to so many amazing day trips within a few hours' drive. Yes, there are so many  things to do in San Francisco  itself—but beyond its 7x7 radius, plenty of Northern California adventure beckons.

Iconic destinations that most people have heard of—such as Big Sur, Napa or Sonoma, and Carmel-by-the-Sea—are all doable in a day. But so are smaller towns that shouldn't be overlooked. Looking for a beach day? Nearby destinations, including Stinson Beach, Bolinas, and Half Moon Bay, are perfect places to catch rays. Is rugged coastal scenery more your thing? Keep driving up the coast north to the small town of Jenner. Want something a bit more off the beaten path? Check out the artsy town of Guerneville along the Russian River or Gold Country at the base of the Sierra Nevada foothills.

From the beach to the redwoods, to wine tasting and art gallery hopping, the magic of NorCal awaits with these best day trips from San Francisco. 

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in the Bay Area

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

Best day trips from San Francisco

1.  point reyes and tomales bay.

Distance from San Francisco:  1 hour 30 mins

With an enormous 71,000 acres of nature preserve on the Pacific Coast, Point Reyes is a dramatic windswept land populated by elephant seals, old-growth Douglas-fir forests, and a 145-year-old lighthouse. Start your trip at the  Bear Valley Visitor Center  to pick up trail maps, then make your way to Chimney Rock, where a five-minute walk from the parking lot takes you to a cliff's vantage point. If visiting between January and April, keep your eyes peeled for the Pacific gray whale migration, which passes just off the coast on the journey between Baja California and feeding grounds in Alaska. At the Tule Elk Reserve, hike or take a ranger-led tour to glimpse these majestic animals (July to September is the rutting season), or visit the historic Pierce Point Ranch at the trailhead. If you want a dip in the water, Heart’s Desire Beach in neighboring Tomales Bay has shallower and warmer waters than the open ocean.

Food options abound in nearby Point Reyes Station, a small rustic town at the mouth of the bay. Station House Cafe  is a long-standing eatery that serves up locally sourced fare with a lovely garden seating area .  Point Reyes Books  deserves a look-in while you’re here. This winsome little independent bookstore has respectable collections on wildlife and the environment and routinely hosts events involving the local artists’ community. Just up the bay, feast on classic oyster and Dungeness crab delights with a view at  Hog Island Oyster Company 's farm and the  Marshall Store .

2.  Santa Cruz

Beyond the surf and boardwalk, the amusement park rides that Santa Cruz is best known for are mountain ranges,  treetop walks , butterflies, and indie bands. The adventurous should beeline for Mount Hermon, where you'll find all sorts of activities ranging from an ecology tour in the trees to a two-hour zipline, railroad riding, and Bigfoot hunting. Those who prefer to remain on terra firma (and are visiting during the colder months) should try to catch the impressive butterflies residing in the eucalyptus trees at Monarch Grove, in  Natural Bridges State Beach . Music lovers will be satisfied with a night at  Moe's Alley , where they regularly host local and international bands. 

3.  Big Sur

Distance from San Francisco:  2 hours 45 mins

With winding mountainside roads, sweeping beaches, and breathtaking sunsets, is it any wonder the Big Sur is the subject matter of so many songs? (The Thrills and Buckethead, we're looking at you.) Ok, so it is pushing it on the day trip scale from San Fran, but if you head out at the crack of dawn or thereabouts, the drive will be totally worth it. Plus, the high quality of relaxing and eating that can be done there is sure to send you back singing. Make your way in on Highway 1, lap up the crazy beautiful views, and beeline for the beach—Pfeiffer is the stretch of shoreline where you can see the arched rock that forms a stunning light tunnel at sunrise/set. Then, wander up to the vantage point at McWay Falls to admire the tropical island-like vibes before swanning off for lunch.

Sierra Mar, the restaurant at  Post Ranch Inn , offers a prix fixe lunch with a view of the Pacific. Or stop in at  Nepenthe  amid the trees for 'The Famous Ambrosiaburger'—a ground steak sandwich served on a French roll with housemade ambrosia sauce . Don't forget to stop in at the  Henry Miller Memorial Library , where they host a range of events, before heading back up the coast.

4.  Stinson Beach and Bolinas

Distance from San Francisco:  1 hour

For friendly, laidback beach vibes, venture north to Stinson Beach and Bolinas. These two points, which bookend Bolinas Bay, boast a rugged coastline, stretches of white sand, and water-based activities. Keen swimmers should look out for Bass Lake, a body of freshwater situated a short drive up Mesa Road followed by a near-three-mile hike (trust us, it is worth it).

Reenergize with some fresh seafood or pop into the hillside  Coast Cafe  for a chunky sandwich at lunch or something more substantial from their dinner menu. And if you're planning to have a swift one before driving back, try out  Smiley’s Schooner Saloon , which is popular with the locals and offers games and live music with your drink.

5.  Skyline Boulevard (Hwy 35) and Woodside

Distance from San Francisco:  45 mins

Escape into the cool blue mountains via Skyline Boulevard in Woodside, which offers nature trails, spectacular ocean and valley views, and wine-tasting without the traffic. When you reach town, you'll see a wooden cabin in a clearing at the intersection; this is  Alice’s Restaurant , the place to stop if you like to have your burgers and BBQ paired with the rumble of Harleys. Popular with bikers and cyclists plying the mountain roads, Alice’s offers breakfast until 2pm, Texas-style BBQ (brisket and pulled pork smoked in-house), and cheesy (literally and figuratively) motorbike-themed burgers. This is still the Bay Area, though, so the burgers are made with hormone- and antibiotic-free beef patties, and gluten-free beer is on the menu.

After lunch, continue southeast on Skyline. Ten minutes away is  Thomas Fogarty Winery —it is a short drive, so don’t miss the few unmarked vista points along the way—where you can catch panoramic views of the ocean across rolling hills. Try a flight of five signature wines in the winery's tasting room or buy a bottle, borrow some glasses, and sit out in the romantic wooden gazebo. For a different kind of unwinding, visit the  Jikoji Zen Center . Founded by Kobun Chino Otogawa, Steve Jobs’ mentor, the center welcomes visitors to meditate in its  zendos  or wander its tranquil grounds. From the front gate, it is a winding dirt track down to the main building, so make sure your suspension is in place. Ring the aging bronze bell at the entrance to let them know it is your first time.

6.  Sebastopol

Distance from San Francisco:  1 hour 15 mins

Sebastapol is still the authentic, laid-back Sonoma outpost it was a generation ago. Dive right in, beginning at  Aubergine Vintage Emporium . In this hangar-like space, you might pick up anything from a broken-in aviator jacket to a Soviet Army-issued canvas belt. Hidden behind the clothing racks are a cavernous live music venue and a bar with an open patio. If you’re of a spiritual rather than spirits bent, wander up to  Many Rivers Books & Tea , a cozy bookshop stacked high with New Age and philosophical tomes and figurines. In the tea shop at the back, pick up a bag of Monk’s Blend, a smooth malty mix of Assam, Darjeeling, Keemun, and Nilgiri. For a light lunch, head to The Barlow, a cluster of restored warehouses once home to an apple processing plant. Sit out on the patio at  Woodfour Brewing Company  and try one of their Belgian farmhouse-style sours, mashed and boiled in the copper-plated tanks right behind the bar. Snack on cheeses from Petaluma, bratwurst, or Miyagi oysters.

7.  Guerneville

Distance from San Francisco:  1 hour 30 mins

Guerneville has long been a warm-weather destination for San Franciscans looking to get out on the Russian River and enjoy the summer sun. Floating down the river or hitting the beach here is still a favorite pastime when the temps rise. However, with this small town adding more shops, restaurants and lodging, it's become more of a year-round destination, especially given its location to the redwoods of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, the coast, and wineries. Grab a bite at boon eat + drink , book a treatment at the indoor-outdoor  Spa at Dawn Ranch , and wrap  up your evening with a digestif at the  Hopmonk Tavern , a vast space with a red banquette bar, a concert venue, and a Tuscan-inspired garden strung with lights.

8.  Gold Country (Sierra Nevada Foothills)

Distance from San Francisco:  2 hours 30 mins 2 hours 30 mins

The Gold Rush pretty much jolted San Francisco (along with the rest of California) onto the world map, so a list of day trips would be incomplete without a visit to Gold Country. Much of it is further away than you’d want to travel in a day, but head to Columbia for a quick escape into the past. This historic town, set in the Sierra Nevada foothills, features shops and restaurants preserved to evoke the 1850s Gold Rush era.

Walk into  Parrott’s Blacksmith Shop  and get yourself a memento forged in their coal oven. For lunch, hit up  Columbia Kate’s Teahouse . Sit in a tiny red 1880s-style barn and enjoy rustic fare like chicken pot pie made from scratch or spinach and ricotta quiche. For a taste of old-style candy-making, visit  Nelson’s Columbia Candy Kitchen , which still makes their confections in copper kettles and cools them on 100-year-old marble-topped tables. On the way home, stop at Parrotts Ferry Bridge, under which ferries once carried passengers between mining towns, which offers dramatic views over New Melones Lake and the adjoining hills. 

9.  Jenner

Distance from San Francisco:  1 hour 45 mins

Tucked along the northern coast of Sonoma, Jenner-by-the-Sea is a tiny coastal hamlet perched high on a bluff, offering stunning views, plenty of outdoor activities and charming, independent businesses to explore. Lounge, picnic and watch for sea lions along Goat Rock Beach, challenge yourself to a seaside hike, kayak the waters or browse local art galleries and shops. There are two cute local inn options, Jenner Inn and River's End . If you're willing to drive a bit to the north, Timber Cove offers a renovated historic lodge with sweeping coastal views and a farm-to-table restaurant that's worth a trip up there for a meal alone. 

10.  Berkeley

Distance from San Francisco:  30 mins

Almost everyone has heard of Berkeley, even if they've never been there. This legendary university town is set in an incredibly beautiful location, perched on a hilltop with views of the bay looking west. To the east, there are lush green parks, redwood trees, and reservoirs. The campus itself is made up of tasteful, contemporary architecture incorporating the iconic Sather Tower. More commonly known as 'The Campanile' for its resemblance to the Campanile di San Marco in Venice, it stands 307ft tall, features clocks on its four faces, and affords jaw-dropping views of San Francisco Bay from its observation platform.

This university has featured prominently in recent American history, arguably more than any other. With its Bohemian counterculture, Berkeley gained a worldwide reputation for political activism in the 1960s with the Free Speech Movement, student protests, and rallies against the Vietnam War. Once you've soaked up some important history, wander around and explore the bookstores, quirky shops, and casual eateries that serve all kinds of ethnic cuisine and quick bites.

11.  Sonoma

Distance from San Francisco:  1 hour

A day trip to Sonoma to taste wine and explore is a favorite pastime for many San Franciscans. Located just 45 minutes to an hour north of SF, many locals prefer Sonoma over Napa for a more down-to-earth feel. While Sonoma County is large and sprawling, encompassing many towns, here we are referring to the actual town of Sonoma itself. Book some wine tastings in the area and then center the rest of your day around the historic Sonoma Plaza, which offers shopping, green space to relax and plenty of amazing restaurants, including longtime favorite Girl & the Fig . If you're looking to be pampered, head to the spa at the stunning Lodge at Sonoma .

12.  Pescadero and Half Moon Bay

Pescadero boasts stunning bluffs and sandy beaches next to a small country town with a laid-back main street. Start your day by exploring the  Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve , a 243-acre wetland habitat popular with hikers and bird watchers. Take the Butano Trail up to a picturesque iron bridge over the creek for a short, relaxed stroll. More intrepid hikers will enjoy the Sequoia Audubon Trail, which winds past coastal scrub and Great Blue Heron nesting sites up to a pretty eucalyptus grove. After your workout, head to Arcangeli Grocery in  Norm’s Market , where you can get made-to-order grilled sandwiches from the deli in the back. For dessert, amble down the street to the James Beard-anointed America’s Classic  Duarte’s Tavern  for a slice of their olallieberry pie. Afterward, head to  Downtown Local  for a cup of Sightglass coffee and browse their eclectic collection of vintage items, including two café racer motorbikes (look out for the 1949 Nimbus in the window).

End your day at  Pescadero State Beach ; park at the northernmost parking lot if you want long sandy beaches, or at the southernmost lot if you’d like to clamber over rocky outcrops, inspect tide pools, and watch the surf from the top of a sandstone bluff. As sunset approaches, join the locals in camping chairs and blankets on the sand. If you’re in the mood for pampering, head up the coast to Navio at the  Ritz-Carlton , score yourself a window table, and watch the sun set beyond the ocean over a glass of pinot noir.

13.  Point Lobos

Distance from San Francisco:  2 hours 30 mins

With miles of hiking trails across cliffs, coves, and forests, plus a rich marine habitat of giant kelp forests and darting sea lions, Point Lobos offers photographers, hikers, and scuba divers a great day out. Park by Cannery Point and start at the  Whaler’s Cabin , a museum on the site of a former whaling station displaying the personal effects and diaries belonging to the Chinese, Portuguese, and Japanese whalers who once lived here. You'll also see harpoons and learn the grisly process of harvesting blubber. Parts of humpback and gray whale skeletons lie somewhat gruesomely scattered outside.

If you’re oceanically inclined, the neighboring Whaler’s Cove is the place to scuba dive, kayak, or do some stand-up paddle boarding. Otherwise, find your way to Sea Lion Cove, where California sea lions and their pups can be spotted during the springtime pupping season, packing the beach nose to tail. A walk along the Sea Lion Point Trail will show you some of the best views of the reserve, with its characteristic lashing waves and craggy outcrops. Stop at Piney Woods for a picnic lunch with a view. Before you journey home, head to the famed tide pools on what is now called Weston Beach. Large sandstone slabs jut out of the ground, creating an awesome display of colors and patterns, all composed of sand that settled in underwater beds millions of years ago.

14.  Carmel

Distance from San Francisco:  2 hours 15 mins

Carmel’s Ocean Avenue and its environs are a great place to feel the European village vibe the town is famous for. A worthwhile stop is the elegant  Harrison Memorial Library , which occupies a building designed by Bernard Maybeck (École des Beaux-Arts alumnus and architect of San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts). The reading room captures the charm of the quintessential small-town library, with heavy tables flanked by tall windows. Outside, the flagstone courtyard is a pleasant place to sit back and people-watch. For a cultural stop and to sample works rooted in this historic artist colony, visit the  Weston Gallery . In addition to a vintage photography collection (including prints by Carmel’s own Edward Weston and Ansel Adams), the gallery also has regular exhibitions of contemporary work.

When hunger strikes, drop into  Casanova , a charming French restaurant with a trellised outdoor patio. The eponymous Ocean Avenue leads directly to the ocean, and Carmel Beach is a lovely spot to kick back with locals on the fine white sand. Dog walkers and couples stop by in the afternoon to enjoy the view from the sheltered cove. History buffs will appreciate a trip to  Carmel Mission , the second founded in Alta California. On the grounds is a shrine to Junípero Serra, a member of the Portolà expedition that brought the first European settlers to the Bay Area.

15.  Los Gatos

With its affluent tone and charming yet eclectic main street, Los Gatos weekends sees well-heeled locals having relaxed brunches or cruising boutique shops, all at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains. If Michelin-starred Manresa feels excessive for the day, drop in at  Manresa Bread  and take home a loaf of their signature sourdough levain. For lunch or an early dinner, stop at  Oak & Rye , a popular bistro with a wood-fired oven and a rye- and bourbon-laced cocktail list (best with the bistro's pretzel bread, made from two-year yeast grown in-house).

Bay Area history buffs shouldn’t miss a trip to Quicksilver Country nearby: Mercury was mined in New Almaden before the Gold Rush, and the New Almaden mines were the most valuable in the state, attracting Cornish, Chinese, and Mexican settlers. The  New Almaden Mining Museum  is housed in the Casa Grande, built in 1854 as the official residence of mining supervisors. If you’re feeling energetic, hike up to English Camp in the County Park next door for an aerial view of the remaining mine buildings.

16.  Tiburon and Angel Island

Distance from San Francisco:  40 mins by car, 20 mins by ferry

In Tiburon, you'll get that small-town vacation vibe less than an hour away from the city and with fewer tourists than in Sausalito. Rent a bike from  Demo Sport  and ride a segment of the Paradise Drive Loop (download a map from  marinbike.org ) or let serendipity take you past the town's pretty houses and impressive bay views. Hop on to the  Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry  and visit the museum at the  Angel Island Immigration Station , which documents the experiences of the many immigrants who crossed the Pacific Ocean, stopping first at the "Ellis Island of the West." Look out for poetry scrawled on the walls when the station was used as a detention center.

For lunch, we recommend a picnic at one of the many scenic spots scattered around the island. When you head to Tiburon, stop at  Luna Blu , a waterfront Italian restaurant serving English afternoon tea. Indulge in scones with Devonshire clotted cream, mixed berry jam, and traditional English cucumber sandwiches. Before you head home, take a leisurely stroll through Shoreline Park for a glimpse of the San Francisco lighting up the evening across the bay.

17.  Gilroy

Unlike the frenzied outlet shopping malls typically plonked near industrial parks and parking garages, Gilroy offers outlet bargains in more quaint surrounds. It's also famed for its farmstands and markets, where you can pick up all fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, juices, and preserves—not to mention the famed Gilroy garlic. Pop over to  Garlic World  on Monterey Road to immerse yourselves in all things vampire-repelling—from seasonings to dips to garlic-flavored almonds.

After all that garlic action, you might want to air it out before heading home. The rambling woodland of  Henry Coe State Park  is a fantastic place to do this; covering 250 miles of land, it's the largest in California.

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

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

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

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

1. Marin Headlands

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

🚗  By car: 20 minutes from San Francisco

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

2. UC Berkeley campus

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

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

3. Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

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

4. Devil’s Slide

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

🚗  By car: 25 minutes from San Francisco

5. Gerbode Valley

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

6. Filoli Estate & Gardens

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

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

🚗  By car: 30 minutes from San Francisco

7. Angel Island

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

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

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

8. Pulgas Water Temple

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

9. Sausalito

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

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

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

10. Muir Woods

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

🚗  By car: 40 minutes from San Francisco

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

11. Apple Park Visitor Center

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

🚗  By car: 50 minutes from San Francisco

12. Mount Tamalpais

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

🚗  By car: 1 hour from San Francisco

13. Cataract Falls

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

14. Winchester Mystery House

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

15. Bolinas

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

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

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

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

17. Napa Valley

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

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

18. Alamere Falls

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

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

19. Inverness Shipwreck

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

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

20. Wilder Ranch

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

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

21. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

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

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

22. Castello di Amorosa

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

23. The Birds filming locations

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

24. Capitola

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

25. Davenport

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

26. Carmel-By-The-Sea

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

🚗  By car: 2 hours from San Francisco

27. Pinnacles National Park

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

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

28. Calla Lily Valley

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

29. Amador City

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

30. Big Sur

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

🚗  By car: 3 hours from San Francisco

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

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10 Must See SF Tourist Attractions to Visit

San Francisco is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Known for its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and bustling city life, it is no wonder that millions of people visit this city every year. With so many tourist attractions and activities, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 must-see SF tourist attractions to visit. From famous tourist spots with history to hidden gems that only locals know about, we’ll cover it all. We’ll also explore the reality of these tourist spots versus expectations and compare them to lesser-known local spots. So if you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, be sure to check out our list of must-see tourist attractions and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

• Golden Gate Bridge
• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Alcatraz Island
• Golden Gate Park
• Painted Ladies
• Haight-Ashbury
• The Presidio

1. Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. The bridge spans 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County. The bridge’s distinctive orange color, sweeping views of the city and the bay, and impressive engineering make it a must-visit attraction. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge, or simply admire it from the many viewpoints around the city.

Local SF Hot Tips for the Golden Gate Bridge

• Dress in layers: The weather around the Golden Gate Bridge can be quite unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to dress in layers so you can easily adjust your clothing according to the temperature.
• Start early or visit during off-peak hours: The Golden Gate Bridge is a popular tourist attraction and can get crowded, especially during peak hours. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or during off-peak hours.
• Take public transportation: Parking near the Golden Gate Bridge can be difficult, and you may have to pay a hefty fee for it. Consider taking public transportation, such as a bus or a ferry, to get to the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center: The Welcome Center offers a lot of information about the bridge, as well as exhibits and a gift shop. It’s a great place to start your visit and learn about the history of the Golden Gate Bridge.

2. Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a bustling neighborhood on the waterfront that’s packed with restaurants, souvenir shops, and tourist attractions. Highlights include the historic Pier 39, which is home to a large sea lion colony, as well as the Aquarium of the Bay, Madame Tussauds wax museum, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Local SF Hot Tips for Fisherman’s Wharf

• Visit early in the morning: Fisherman’s Wharf can get crowded, especially during peak hours. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting early in the morning.
• Watch the sea lions: The sea lions at Pier 39 are a popular attraction, and you can watch them sunbathe and play. Be sure to take some photos and enjoy the sights and sounds.
• Check out the street performers: Fisherman’s Wharf has a lot of street performers, from musicians to magicians. It’s a fun way to spend some time and enjoy the local talent.
• Take a boat tour: There are many boat tours available at Fisherman’s Wharf that offer great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco Bay. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
• Explore the nearby neighborhoods: Fisherman’s Wharf is located near some great neighborhoods, such as North Beach and Chinatown. Take some time to explore these areas and experience the local culture and food.
• Dress in layers: The weather in San Francisco can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to dress in layers. Bring a jacket or sweater, even if it’s sunny when you leave your hotel.

3. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that’s now a National Park and popular tourist attraction. The island is located in the middle of San Francisco Bay and can only be reached by ferry. Visitors can explore the prison cells, learn about the island’s history, and enjoy stunning views of the city and the bay.

Local SF Hot Tips for Alcatraz Island

• Book tickets in advance: Alcatraz is a popular attraction, and tickets often sell out days or even weeks in advance. It’s recommended to book your tickets online in advance to secure your spot.
• Arrive early: The first ferry to Alcatraz leaves in the morning, and it’s recommended to arrive early to avoid the crowds. You can also take advantage of the early morning light for better photo opportunities. Dress in layers: The weather on Alcatraz Island can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to dress in layers. Bring a jacket or sweater, even if it’s sunny when you leave San Francisco.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Alcatraz involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to make your visit more enjoyable. Take the audio tour: The audio tour is included with your admission ticket and is a great way to learn about the history of Alcatraz. It’s available in many different languages and takes about 45 minutes.
• Explore the island: In addition to the main cell block, there are many other interesting areas to explore on the island, such as the gardens, the lighthouse, and the old military buildings. Stay for the sunset: The last ferry leaves Alcatraz in the evening, and it’s a great time to stay for the sunset. The views of San Francisco from the island are stunning, and you’ll get a unique perspective of the city.

4. Chinatown San Francisco

Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in the world. The neighborhood is packed with shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks, including the Dragon Gate, the Tin How Temple, and the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum.

Local SF Hot Tips for Chinatown

• Explore on foot: Chinatown is best explored on foot, as there are many interesting streets, alleyways, and shops to discover. Wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for some hills and staircases.
• Try the food: Chinatown has many great restaurants and food shops. Try some of the local specialties, such as dim sum, noodles, or boba tea. You can also find some great souvenirs, such as tea, spices, or Chinese sweets.
• Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory: This small factory is located in an alleyway and offers a unique glimpse into the making of fortune cookies. You can even try some freshly made cookies.
• Check out the murals: Chinatown has many beautiful murals, depicting the history and culture of the Chinese community in San Francisco. Look for them on the sides of buildings and in alleyways.
• Visit the Tin How Temple: This small temple is one of the oldest in Chinatown and is still in use today. You can take a tour and learn about the history and practices of the Chinese religion.
• Watch a parade: Chinatown hosts many parades throughout the year, especially during the Chinese New Year. Check the calendar for upcoming events and join in the festivities. Learn about the history: Chinatown has a rich history, dating back to the 1850s when Chinese immigrants first settled in the area. Visit the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum to learn more about the community and its contributions to San Francisco.

5. Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a massive urban park that covers over 1,000 acres in the heart of the city. The park is home to a range of attractions, including the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

Local SF Hot Tips for Golden Gate Park

• Rent a bike or a scooter: Golden Gate Park is quite large, and renting a bike or a scooter is a great way to explore it. There are many rental shops near the park, and you can find a bike path that goes around the entire park.
• Check out the Bison Paddock: The Bison Paddock is a unique attraction in the park, with a small herd of American bison. You can view them from a fence or take a guided tour. Watch a concert at the Spreckels Temple of Music: The Spreckels Temple of Music hosts free concerts on Sundays during the summer. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy some live music in the park.
• Relax in the park: Golden Gate Park is a beautiful and peaceful spot in the city, with many different areas to relax and enjoy nature. Bring a book, a picnic, or a frisbee, and spend some time in the great outdoors.

6. The Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies are a row of Victorian houses that are famous for their colorful facades and stunning architecture. The houses are located on Steiner Street and are a popular spot for photography and picnics.

Local SF Hot Tips for the Painted Ladies

• Choose the right time: The best time to visit the Painted Ladies is during the day when the sunlight is the strongest. This is usually midday when the sun is overhead, providing the best lighting for photos.
• Go early: The Painted Ladies are a popular attraction, and it can get crowded, especially on weekends. To avoid the crowds, go early in the morning or during the weekday.
• Take a picnic: The park across the street from the Painted Ladies is a great spot to have a picnic or relax with a book. Bring a blanket and some snacks and enjoy the beautiful views.
• Explore the neighborhood: The Painted Ladies are located in the Alamo Square neighborhood, which is known for its beautiful Victorian homes, boutique shops, and trendy restaurants. Take some time to explore the area and see more of the city’s unique architecture.

7. Haight-Ashbury

Haight-Ashbury is a neighborhood that’s known for its hippie culture and colorful past. The neighborhood is home to a range of vintage clothing shops, record stores, and restaurants, and is a great place to explore the city’s counterculture history.

Local SF Hot Tips for Haight-Ashbury

• Learn about the history: Haight-Ashbury is famous for its role in the 1960s counterculture movement. Take some time to learn about the history of the neighborhood and its significance in American history.
• Visit the shops: Haight-Ashbury is known for its eclectic and colorful shops, selling everything from vintage clothing to record albums to spiritual items. Take some time to explore the shops and find some unique souvenirs.
• Check out the street art: Haight-Ashbury is home to many beautiful and colorful murals and street art. Look for them on the sides of buildings and in alleyways.
• Visit the landmarks: Haight-Ashbury is home to several landmarks, such as the Red Victorian Bed & Breakfast, the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic, and Buena Vista Park. Take some time to explore the area and see these iconic spots.
• Try the food: Haight-Ashbury has many great restaurants and cafes, offering everything from vegan cuisine to classic American fare. Try some of the local specialties, such as falafel or avocado toast.
• Attend a festival or event: Haight-Ashbury hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Haight-Ashbury Street Fair and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. Check the calendar for upcoming events and join in the festivities.

8. Cable Cars San Francisco

Cable cars are a classic mode of transportation that has been in operation since the late 1800s. Visitors can ride cable cars up and down the city’s steep hills and enjoy stunning views of the city along the way.

Local SF Hot Tips for Cable Cars

• Plan ahead: Cable cars are a popular attraction in San Francisco, and they can get busy, especially during peak tourist season. Consider planning ahead and purchasing tickets in advance or going early in the day to avoid long lines.
• Choose the right route: San Francisco has three cable car lines: the Powell-Mason line, the Powell-Hyde line, and the California Street line. Each line has its own unique sights and attractions, so choose the route that interests you the most.
• Stand in the right place: When waiting for a cable car, stand in the designated area marked with a yellow line. This is where the cable car will stop, and standing elsewhere can be dangerous.
• Hold on tight: Cable cars are a unique mode of transportation and can be bumpy and steep. Hold on to the handrails or the poles inside the car to stay safe.
• Take in the sights: Riding a cable car is a great way to see some of San Francisco’s most iconic sights, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the city’s beautiful architecture. Be sure to look around and take it all in.
• Be courteous: Cable cars can get crowded, so be courteous to your fellow passengers. Offer your seat to someone who needs it, keep your belongings close, and be patient when boarding and exiting the car.
• Don’t forget to pay: Cable car fares are cash only and can be paid onboard the car. Make sure to have the exact fare ready or purchase a ticket in advance to avoid delays or inconvenience.

9. Coit Tower

Coit Tower is a 210-foot-tall tower that offers stunning views of the city and the bay. The tower was built in 1933 and is located on Telegraph Hill. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of San Francisco.

Local SF Hot Tips for Coit Tower

• Learn about the history: Coit Tower is a historic landmark in San Francisco, built in 1933 as a monument to the city’s firefighters. Take some time to learn about the tower’s history and significance in the city’s architecture and culture.
• Enjoy the views: Coit Tower offers stunning panoramic views of San Francisco and the bay area. Be sure to take the elevator to the top of the tower for the best views. Explore the murals: The interior of Coit Tower features beautiful murals painted by local artists during the Great Depression. Take some time to explore the murals and appreciate the art and history they represent.
• Plan for crowds: Coit Tower is a popular attraction, especially during peak tourist season. Consider visiting early in the day or on a weekday to avoid crowds and long lines.

10. The Presidio

The Presidio is a former military base that’s now a national park and recreation area. The park covers over 1,500 acres and is home to a range of attractions, including the Walt Disney Family Museum, the Presidio Golf Course, and Crissy Field, which offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Local SF Hot Tips for the Presidio

• Learn about the history: The Presidio is a former military base that has been transformed into a national park. Take some time to learn about the Presidio’s history and significance in San Francisco’s past and present.
• Explore the trails: The Presidio offers over 24 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Consider exploring some of the trails to experience the natural beauty of the park.
• Visit the cultural institutions: The Presidio is home to several cultural institutions, such as the Walt Disney Family Museum and the Presidio Officers’ Club. Consider visiting these institutions to learn more about the art, history, and culture of San Francisco and the Presidio.
• Enjoy the views: The Presidio offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the city skyline. Be sure to take in the views and appreciate the natural beauty of the park.
• Bring a picnic: The Presidio has many picnic areas, offering a great opportunity to enjoy a meal in a beautiful setting. Bring some food and drinks and relax in the park.
• Attend an event: The Presidio hosts many events throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts and film screenings. Check the calendar for upcoming events and join in the fun.

11 Bucket-List-Worthy Destinations For Families In Northern California

• Northern California offers a variety of family-friendly destinations, from the stunning Muir Woods National Monument to the beautiful city of San Francisco.
• Berkeley is a booming city with a downtown area filled with family-friendly attractions, such as the Bay Area Children's Theater and Berkeley Art Museum.
• Santa Cruz is a must-visit city with its famous boardwalk and beautiful stretches of sand, offering thrilling experiences for families, along with great shopping and dining options.

Northern California is one of the most beautiful places in the US for family getaways, thanks to having a stunning coastline, gorgeous nature, beautiful towns and cities, and some of the best family-friendly attractions. Every destination in this list offers something unique for everyone, and regardless of how many times one visits, they are always full of surprises.

Whether looking for a perfect day trip, weekend getaway, or planning to stick around for a longer period, this region never disappoints. Here are the bucket-list-worthy destinations for families in Northern California.

UPDATE: 2023/08/25 13:54 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Northern California Is The Perfect Vacation Destination For Families!

This article has been updated with a new stop in Northern California, as well as additional insight on each previously added section. Whether families want to spend time outdoors, inside a museum, on the road, or camping under the stars: NorCal is the spot to be this fall and beyond. Have so much fun!

Related: 10 Amazing Weekend Trips To Take In The Fall In California

Muir Woods National Monument

• This is a National Monument outside of San Francisco.
• Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908.

Something to see with the family in Northern California is the Muir Woods National Monument. Here, people can witness a part of California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area, north of San Francisco. It's known for its historic redwood trees, scenery, hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational seminars, all of which are accessible to guests free of charge. Admission to the entire National Monument is only $15, making this incredibly affordable for families.

The Ben Johnson and Dipsea trails climb a hillside for views of the treetops, the Pacific Ocean, and Mount Tamalpais in adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park, which may be perfect for those wanting a clear view of the area.

San Francisco

• San Francisco boasts countless museums, parks, and places for children.
• The city overlooks the stunning San Francisco Bay.

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and is full of iconic attractions for both kids and adults, making it one of the bucket-list-worthy destinations for families in Northern California. One of the top spots to not miss is the Aquarium of the Bay, which is positioned right in the middle of Pier 39, where families can reach it from any place in the city.

Adults and kids will enjoy seeing different animals and even have a chance to touch starfish or a stingray. Exploratorium is another family hotspot that offers educational experiences for children of all ages. Other places to check include the California Academy of Sciences, USS Pampanito, and Cable Cars & Museum.

Related: Safety In San Francisco: Tips For First-Time Visitors

• Located north of San Francisco.
• There is a booming downtown area and many family-friendly attractions.

Located just north of San Francisco, Berkeley is one of the top spots to visit with kids in Northern California. In the downtown area, families can spend time at the Bay Area Children’s Theater, where families can enjoy live kid-friendly shows. The Berkely Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is another top spot to see in downtown Berkely.

The Tiden Botanical Garden is home to impressive waterfalls, bridges, and trails that a whole family would fall in love with. The Berkely University Campus is also brimming with family-friendly attractions, including the Campanile Bell Tower and the Lawrence Hall of Science.

• The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is one of the main draws to this city.
• There is great shopping, food, and lodging in this coastal city.

Famous for its gorgeous boardwalk, Santa Cruz is one of the most amazing cities to explore in Northern California. Its boardwalk alone entices over three million visitors, thanks to its vintage rollercoasters that guarantee thrilling experiences to families seeking such kinds of adventures.

The boardwalk also boasts delicious restaurants, art galleries, and beautiful shops that vacationers can experience. Founded by the Spanish in 1791, Santa Cruz is home to some of the most stunning stretches of sand. Nature lovers can head to Yosemite National Park, which features unique rock formations.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

• This National Park is a great way to educate young kids and even adults.
• There is a junior ranger program hosted at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is among the underrated national parks in the US but is among the best places one can explore with kids on the West Coast. There is nothing as fun as witnessing a geothermal activity and actually strolling on a real volcano. Families make use of the park's campsites as they take time to see the park's natural beauty. Children can take part in Lassen Volcanic National Park’s junior ranger program. If you are looking for a perfect hidden gem that guarantees unforgettable family adventures in Northern California, this is it.

Related: Here's Why Lassen Volcanic National Park Is Worth Visiting In The Winter

Angel Island

• Angel Island makes for a nice day trip while in Northern California.
• Ferry rides are constant here, giving guests a new perspective of the area.

Angel Island is one of the top spots in Northern California to visit with kids. It is an excellent option for a day trip or a weekend getaway for families, guaranteed a fun-filled adventure for everyone. It offers outdoor activities, an incredible food scene, fascinating history, a perfect beach vacation, and of course, stunning scenery. A ferry ride offers a memorable experience for kids on their way to Angel Island.

One can choose to board from either San Francisco or Tiburon – and it's important to arrive early to not miss parking. Angel Island is home to hiking, camping, and plenty of sightseeing . So, a visit to this beautiful California place is always worth it.

• San Jose is known to be charming and incredibly family-friendly.
• There are historic sites, museums, parks, and even a zoo.

San Jose is one of the most charming cities in Northern California and is an excellent spot to explore as a family. Whether visiting the city with a toddler, an infant, a kid, or a teenager, this city has something that would suit the interests of everyone. There are plenty of magnificent parks, incredible historic sites, and numerous outdoor adventures. Kids can enjoy thrilling rides and other beautiful kid-friendly attractions in the amusement parks. Some of the top spots to visit include Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, Tech Interactive, and Winchester Mystery House.

• This is one of the more-visited Northern California cities and is the state capital.
• There is a zoo, countless parks, shopping, great food, and beautiful scenery.

Sacramento is one of the top tourist destinations in Northern California and a place no one would want to miss when visiting with kids. California’s capital is home to impressive museums, such as the California State Railroad Museum. Old Sacramento is another top spot to not miss in the city, thanks to having plenty of kid-friendly things to do, including strolling the wooden sidewalks, window-shopping at the candy and toy shops, and exploring the Gold Rush-era underground city. William Land Park, home to Sacramento Zoo, is also among the truly fun things to do in Sacramento with kids.

Related: The Ultimate Guide To Seeing Sacramento Like A Local

• Santa Rosa is well-regarded for its wineries and family-friendly attractions.
• There are children's museums, state parks, hiking trails, and endless scenery here.

Famous for its incredible wineries, Santa Rosa makes an excellent family getaway in Northern California. Families will enjoy the numerous exhibits that kids would enjoy, especially in museums like the Children's Museum of Sonoma County and the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

Families with older kids who are interested in exploring the area's wine scene can stroll through the nature trails in Annadel State Park. Families can also enjoy picnicking in the park. There are numerous walking tours that families can take to explore the hiking trails or the wine country. Kids will also enjoy perusing the Santa Rosa Plaza Mall during their visit.

• Water sports are especially fun here.
• Hiking, boating, swimming, and picnicking can all be at Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe is home to some of the best ski resorts in California , making it a popular spot for skiing in winter. There is plenty to enjoy around this place, including the beautiful scenery, perfect ski conditions, numerous kid-friendly activities, and delicious restaurants that serve some of the tastiest food in Northern California. Lake Tahoe is also located not far from the San Francisco Bay Area, making it one of the best day trips to not miss. Families can explore the scenery of Lake Tahoe through boating, swimming, or floating. Travelers can also explore Lake Tahoe hikes that will take them to the most scenic views .

Book a Lake Tahoe cruise to enjoy the area's scenery and some of the most beautiful sunsets while having a delicious dinner meal and listening to music.

Related: This Is What To Expect When Visiting Lake Tahoe In November (And Why You Should)

Yosemite Valley

• Yosemite is one of the nation's premier outdoor attractions.
• Children and families can learn about California's various ecosystems inside the park.

Yosemite Valley is one of the top spots in California to experience nature at its best. The valley features meadows, gorgeous cliffs, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in California. It's also one of the best places in Northern California for a family vacation; there are several family-friendly things to do in Yosemite (besides hiking) , including biking, climbing, wildlife watching, and floating.

The only drawback of visiting Yosemite Valley is crowded, especially during weekends. Whether taking kids to learn how to rock climb, chase the stunning falls, or watch impressive sunsets, Yosemite is one of the top US spring vacation destinations for nature lovers , but other seasons are also good to visit.

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• The 19 Best Pizzerias in San Francisco
• 12 of San Francisco’s Best Pasta Destinations
• The 15 Best Indian Restaurants in San Francisco

Head to one of these restaurants for a euphoric carb feast

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San Francisco is brimming with excellent Italian restaurants . But if you have your heart set on the city’s best noodles, it’s difficult to discern the best places to go when almost every spot in town has at least one pasta dish on the menu. This list highlights some of the better options for pasta, including classic Italian dishes or modern California takes.

The Italian Homemade Company

Despite ballooning to six locations — four in the Bay Area, plus one each in Chicago and Los Angeles — Italian Homemade Company remains a solid place for a meal. Available to eat in or take home, expect hearty, well-made pasta with sauce (plus flatbreads and salads). Pick a pasta, like fettuccine or pappardelle, and then choose a sauce, like pesto, bolognese, or butter and sage.

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The casual restaurant from the Quince team doesn’t disappoint, particularly in the pasta department. Don’t miss the rich and perfectly shaped agnolotti del plin, but really, really don’t miss the raviolo di ricotta, one of the most stunning pasta dishes in the city.

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Chef Nick Kelly’s restaurant centers classic Italian dishes with great ingredients, and it’s a great neighborhood spot. The seasonal menu will feature items such as the raviolini filled with Brentwood corn passatina or check out the favorite pappardelle with 10-hour bolognese.

Chef Matt Accarrino has been perfecting his pasta techniques at his cozy Lower Pac Heights restaurant for over a decade. His impressive variety of pasta is imprinted all over the menu, such as squid ink and saffron linguini and paprika pasta lasagna with peperonata. Those who want to try more of Accarrino’s pasta would do well to try the five-course pasta tasting menu on Wednesdays and Thursdays, otherwise go for whatever catches your eye on the a la carte menu or try out the restaurant’s four-course menu.

These Bay Area Restaurants Offer the Best Affordable Prix Fixe and Tasting Menus

Pasta Supply Co

Chef Anthony Strong’s Pasta Supply Co. is both a retail shop and a restaurant, making it an excellent stop for dinner whether you’re heading home to cook or would rather the team whip up a meal. Bring home a selection of pasta, which come in a wide range of shapes and sizes , with an accompanying sauce, or stay at the restaurant with a glass of wine and dishes such as sweet corn ravioli or ricotta cannelloni “blossom” — the restaurant’s squash blossom sugo.

Here, rustic Italian is served in a very bustling dining room overlooking Divisadero Street. Chef David Nayfeld’s obsession with handmade pasta has yielded excellent results, such as cappelletti with ricotta and Sun Blaze Ranch summer squash or spaghetti topped with Early Girl tomato pomodoro. Don’t skip dessert and an accompanying amaro.

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This Hayes Valley pasta spot has a long list of ever-changing pastas, like a seafood-laden paccheri or bucatini all’Amatriciana with guanciale, chiles, and pecorino. Shore up that carb feast with excellent small plates like duck liver mousse, or a margherita pizza.

Where to Find Fantastic Food and Drink Around Hayes Valley

Rich Table’s creative interpretation of Northern California cuisine draws in diners year after year, and while its pasta section typically spans just four dishes, it is worth paying close attention to. Expect stunners like the tonnarelli with sea urchin “cacio e pepe” with idiazabal cheese, a diner favorite. If you can't get reservations, grab a seat at the busy bar and slurp up your noodles with an excellent cocktail.

The 38 Essential Restaurants in San Francisco

Delfina has been going strong for over two decades , serving simple, excellent pasta from the very beginning. Diners can’t go wrong with the classic spaghetti pomodoro, or fazzoletti in pesto Genovese.

Flour + Water

Since it opened in 2012, this Mission dough destination has been a staple in the SF pasta scene. There are a variety of gorgeous stuffed pasta and toothsome noodles bathed in silky sauces — and there are no bad choices here. For the full experience, choose the pasta tasting menu which changes often but might include dishes like buckwheat and beef short rib cannelloni with sunchoke puree, roasted gold beets, and hazelnuts. (A vegetarian option is also available.)

If raw fish and fresh pasta are two of your favorite food groups, chef Daniel Evers’s Itria is your new favorite restaurant. There’s a healthy selection of crudo to start, then the menu gives way to fresh pasta items such as pappardelle with roasted pork sugo or rigatoni alla norma with smoked eggplant and ricotta salata.

Emmy's Spaghetti Shack

This boisterous Mission restaurant specializes in — you guessed it — spaghetti, with or without meatballs. Despite a recent change in ownership , management is keeping most of the menu intact, which means continuing the spaghetti special, as well as the lasagna and fettuccine with roasted garlic Alfredo.

25 Especially Child-Friendly Restaurants in San Francisco

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7 Last-Minute Escapes for Labor Day Weekend

If you’re still hoping to stretch out the last days of summer, there are places in North America that are not too hot, not too crowded and not necessarily that far away.

By Shannon Sims

It might sound like an impossible request: a last-minute Labor Day getaway with gorgeous weather and minimal crowds that you can squeeze into a long weekend. There are good reasons many destinations across North America won’t fit the bill. Wildfires are burning in some parts of the West, tropical disturbances are brewing in the Caribbean, the East Coast’s coastal retreats are packed, and much of the South is sweaty and oh so steamy. But if you’re still hoping to stretch out the last days of summer, there are places that are not too hot, not too crowded and not necessarily that far away.

Here are seven inspirations in North America for a Labor Day getaway.

North Carolina

Hike to magical waterfalls

Less than an hour’s drive from downtown Asheville, N.C., and covering 500,000-plus acres, Pisgah National Forest is a magical place to be immersed in nature. American goldfinches and Carolina chickadees sing high above waterfalls framed by lush green trees, and babbling streams pour down moss-covered rocks hiding salamanders, newts and crayfish.

During the summer, these wooded areas are chock-full of children at summer camp, and the trails are often busy with hikers. But by Labor Day, most of the kids have returned home, while the weather is often perfect, with average temperatures in the seventies. You have your pick of activities — bird-watching, fly fishing, waterfall dousing and hiking.

Easy trails can be found at the North Carolina Arboretum , but for a shaded, moderate hike to a waterfall in which you can douse, check out Catawba Falls Trail . For another moderate hike (but no swimming), there is Linville Gorge and Falls , nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians. Advanced hikers can summit the 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell , the highest peak in the Eastern United States, in Mount Mitchell State Park, which is surrounded by Pisgah Forest.

Later, make your way back to Asheville , where a robust restaurant and brewery scene offers a perfect setting for sharing stories of your day. Local favorites include Cúrate for upscale tapas, Chai Pani for Indian food and Wicked Weed Brewing for hoppy deliciousness.

See San Francisco’s best-loved sights

“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco,” may be a clichéd phrase, but anyone who has visited this California city during the summer most likely experienced fog, dank air and brisk wind. But September and October are San Francisco’s warmest and brightest months of the year.

A long weekend is just enough for first timers to sample the city’s best-known attractions. Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge . Board a cable car as it clangs up and down the city’s hills. Explore Alcatraz Island on a three-hour tour (book ahead). Take in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, which may be less chaotic with many children back in school. Watch a home game of the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park , right on the bay. Or check out the Presidio Tunnel Tops , a newly developed stretch of national park land featuring stunning panoramic views.

The city is a particularly special destination for those interested in L.G.B.T.Q. history. The GLBT Historical Society Museum , nicknamed the Queer Smithsonian, is a good place to start, as is a stroll through the Castro neighborhood or a stop at the Castro’s first gay bar, opened in 1963 as the Missouri Mule (now called Beaux).

Swim, fish, boat, then sip, at the Finger Lakes

One of the largest Finger Lakes in upstate New York, Keuka Lake stretches about 20 miles and draws visitors with clear-water swimming, paddling, kayaking and fishing. Labor Day marks the end of its high summer season.

Visitors can use picnic tables, playgrounds and swimming areas off sandy beaches at Keuka Lake State Park near Branchport or Red Jacket Park in the village of Penn Yan, on the lake’s northern end.

On its southern shores, the charming village of Hammondsport has cafes, shops and restaurants, many of which are clustered around the Pulteney Square Historic District .

Fishing is a big draw, with brown trout, yellow perch and more inhabiting the lake’s deep waters. You can buy your own fishing equipment at Jake’s Boat Livery , or get the professionals to do it by chartering a fishing expedition through Summit to Stream Adventures .

Don’t forget the wine: 20 vineyards are scattered around the lakeshore, with six part of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail . You can visit most wineries on your own or with a tour.

Keuka Lake is a one- to two-hour drive from airports in Rochester, Ithaca, Syracuse or Buffalo. The lake is about a five-hour drive from New York City.

Soak your stress away in alpine splendor

During Labor Day weekend, the I-70 corridor that connects Denver to the ski towns to the west, like Winter Park, Keystone and Breckenridge, can be bumper to bumper, especially getting back on Monday.

But nestled in the San Juan Mountains, about an hour’s drive from Telluride, is Ouray, an often overlooked gem for outdoor fun. Sure, there’s great hiking and canyoning, but there aren’t many towns where you can stroll down Main Street and stop into a boutique for shopping, a cafe for coffee and a hot springs for soaking. Ouray Hot Springs Pool is sulfur-free — in other words, no rotten-egg stink — and offers not just one pool but many: The family-friendly pools feature water slides, a volleyball net and a rolling log, while the adults-only soaking section is kept between 102 and 106 degrees.

Montrose Regional Airport , about an hour’s drive from Ouray, has direct flights to Chicago, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and Denver.

Sample delicious urban delights

You won’t scratch the surface of what Mexico City offers in a long weekend, so consider tossing away those checklists and instead soak up the atmosphere in one or two neighborhoods.

Start by signing up for the city’s bike share app, Ecobici , for an easy way to get around town. The Roma neighborhood, a favorite among travelers, has shaded, walkable streets; inviting plazas; and some of the city’s best restaurants. For a neighborhood with a tad fewer tourists, try La Condesa , a short bike ride from Roma and between the two lovely green spaces called Bosque de Chapultepec and Parque México . Shopaholics should visit Polanco , where the commercial thoroughfare Presidente Masaryk Avenue offers luxury stores.

Whichever neighborhood you pick to explore, you’ll be delighted by the quality and flavors of food offered at the city’s restaurants, food carts and 11,000-plus taco shops. Even if a corner spot looks shabby, it might be producing food that could rank among the best bites you’ve ever had. Look no further than Taquería El Califa de León, an unassuming taco stand that won a Michelin star this year , as an example of the culinary magic that lies around any given corner.

Nova Scotia

Time-travel in a 1700s fishing village

About 62 miles southwest of downtown Halifax along Nova Scotia’s South Shore, breezy Lunenburg is a fishing village with charm — and fresh seafood — to spare.

Old Town Lunenburg is considered by UNESCO as the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. Its colorful homes face tall ships moored in the harbor, transporting visitors back to the 1700s. Stroll around the area on your own, popping into local shops and restaurants, or sign up for a walking tour .

At the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic , part of the Nova Scotia Museum , you can experience what life was like in a fishing village throughout the centuries, from early Mi’kmaq communities to the arrival of Black Loyalists in 1783 to today. The museum is housed in an old fish processing plant, and the Old Fish Factory Restaurant now serves Nova Scotia lobster rolls on a wharf-side patio.

Fresh lobster is available year-round in Nova Scotia, so check out some stops on the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail . But don’t forget much of the Atlantic’s bounty: mussels, scallops, halibut, Arctic char, cod — even a seaweed called dulse — can be found on local menus.

Roam and ride in the sand dunes

The Great Lakes were made for summer, but the challenge is finding a spot that isn’t too crowded. Silver Lake Sand Dunes is a destination even many Michiganders don’t know about.

Located an hour-and-a-half drive from Grand Rapids on Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, the dunes comprise 2,000 acres and are part of Silver Lake State Park. Even though they are situated in the heart of the United States, the dunes will make you feel as if you’re roaming the sands of Arabia.

Activities at the park include swimming, canoeing and horseback riding along the beach, or hiking through the surrounding evergreen forests.

But a classic way to explore the dunes is through Mac Wood’s Dune Rides , a local company that for nearly a century has been taking visitors in open-top trucks for thrilling and informative rides through the sand.

While in the area, be sure to visit the Little Sable Point Lighthouse , an 1874 tower that was made more accessible to the public in 2010. Climb the tower and take in the lake, forests and dunes below.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this story included a photo caption that misstated the location of the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. It is in Centro district, not Polanco. It also misstated the location of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. The dunes are on Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, not western.

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Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

D enver: The city is undergoing a rebirth , with a newly refreshed Union Station and the gradual reopening of the mile-long, pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall to go along with views of the snow-capped Front Range.

Amtrak’s Empire Builder Route :  Most people who take the 4,000-mile journey from Chicago to Seattle will just watch the heartland whiz by. Our writer hopped off to explore six places you might otherwise miss .

Provincetown, Mass.:  Located at the tip of Cape Cod, P-town (as locals call it) has overlapping — and sometimes competing — identities : one of America’s oldest art colonies, nature preserve, thriving L.G.B.T.Q. resort and historic Portuguese fishing village.

Lake Como, Italy:  Stars like George Clooney frequent this scenic corner of northern Italy, but you might be surprised by how affordable it can be. Here’s an insider’s guide .

South of France:  Horses, bulls and birds of all types live among the pink marshes of the Camargue, a rugged landscape shaped  by the relentless push and pull of sea and river.

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We found the best prices on subtronics concert tickets.

Prepare your ears.

From August through November, Subtronics is taking his turntable to huge venues all over the United States.

While the 31-year-old dubstep icon won’t pop into New York on this run, he’ll come close when he headlines at Atlantic City, NJ’s The Pool After Dark Harrahs on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Subtronics is also slated to headline at a pair of festivals — Bridgeview, IL’s North Coast Music Festival and Boca Raton, FL’s Cyclops Cove — and conduct multi-night residencies in San Francisco and Tacoma .

Clearly, bass is alive and well.

And, if you want to go wild at a Subtronics show, tickets are available for all upcoming gigs.

At the time of publication, the lowest price we could find on Subtronics tickets was $79 before fees on Vivid Seats.

Curious how much it will cost you to go crazy at the concert closest to you?

Keep scrolling, bass heads.

We’ve got everything you need to know and more about Subtronics’ fall 2024 tour below.

All prices listed above are subject to fluctuation.

Subtronics tour schedule 2024

A complete calendar including all tour and festival dates, venues and links to the cheapest tickets available can be found here:

(Note: The New York Post confirmed all above prices at the publication time. All prices are in US dollars, subject to fluctuation and, if it isn’t noted, will include additional fees at checkout .)

Vivid Seats is a verified secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand. 

They offer a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and your tickets will be delivered prior to the event.

Still curious about Vivid Seats? You can find an article from their team about why the company is legit here .

Subtronics 2024 festival appearances

As mentioned above, Subtronics is lending his talents to a pair of major multi-day extravaganzas this year.

To make sure you’re in the loop, here’s a bit more information about each of them.

EDM icons on tour in 2024

Looking to bliss out at a show or two these next few months?

Here are six you won’t want to miss when they come to a city near you.

•  Charli XCX with Troye Sivan

•  Fred Again

•  Sofi Tukker

•  Massive Attack

•  Kaytranada

Who else is out and about? Take a look at our list of the 50 biggest concert tours in 2024 to find the show for you.

Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post

This article was written by Matt Levy , New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop

Review Highlights

“ Topped with chocolate chip cookie crumbles, whipped cream, hot fudge , and two mini caramel chocolate squares. ” in 272 reviews

“ Body: Location and Accessibility: The journey to Ghirardelli Square is as delightful as the treats that await you. ” in 210 reviews

“ The banana split was great, and I've had the enormous earthquake in the past which you can share with 4-6 people. ” in 116 reviews

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Ghirardelli Square

900 North Point

San Francisco, CA 94109

Russian Hill, Fisherman's Wharf

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Ghirardelli Chocolate Makes Life a Bite Better! Indulge in our World Famous Hot Fudge Sundaes, hot cocoas, premium chocolate gifts and more! …

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Do they take reservation for sitting for big group like 10?

At this time, we do not take reservations at our Ghirardelli shops. It is on a first come first sever basis.

Will the store ever return to serving their shakes in the tall glasses instead of the plastic cups? For example the job hill chill.

Hi Thomas, That is a great question. Currently we do not have any plans to go back to tall shake glasses.

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2982 reviews

Came here years ago as a kid to visit Ghirardelli square on field trips. You can imagine my anticipation coming here again after all these years to have one of their sundaes; it surely didn't disappoint. Let me just say the aroma when you walk into the shop is amazingggg. I am huge chocolate lover; so to smell the fresh hot fudge permeating through my nostrils I couldn't wait to get a taste. Ok so what did I get: I had their mini chocolate sundae and added a brownie on top and hot chocolate. My friend had their salted caramel hot chocolate. Mini hot chocolate sundae w/brownie 4/5 very tasty and the brownie I felt took this sundae up a notch. The hot fudge was good and the type of flavor you would expect out of a traditional sundae. Classic hot chocolate:5/5 I will say it's really hard to find good hot chocolate. But this here was by far the best I've had in yearssss. Most hot chocolates I've had tend to be more on watery side and the chocolate flavor usually is lacking. But this was made to perfection the rich chocolate and milk had a great balance in flavor. It wasn't too sweet which I thought it would be, it had right amount of milk and chocolate. Salted caramel hot chocolate:5/5 My friend agreed with my analysis of my hot chocolate in terms of flavor and balance. Whether your into traditional hot chocolate or prefer to go the non traditional route and kick things up a notch and like caramel both of these options will not disappoint. Service:5/5 Super friendly and fast, the checker was very nice and patient explaining and giving her recommendations. My friend bought a chocolate train which the checker was nice enough to wrap the gift up for her. Overall, Great experience and would definitely recommend this SF staple to anyone thinking about coming.

Classic hot chocolate and mini hot fudge sundae with added brownie on top. In baggy was souvenir.

Front entrance to chocolate parlor

This place is packed! Obviously the sundaes and everything are BOMB but damn, yall can't figure out the seating situation. People come from all over, and have to hover over someone to try and snatch seats before the next person. The ice cream is a SF staple they should make more space for the visitors. It makes for a better experience for out of towners. So I'd give. 5 on the dessert but like 2 on the actual place.

Happened to be in the area and I wanted a sweet treat so here I am. When I arrived, the line was pretty long, but it actually went by fast. I ordered the Mini World Famous. The ice cream was smooth and it came out really fast. This establishment is located in Ghirardelli Square. It is one of SF tourist attractions. As you would expect, this place tends to be a bit pricy. This area also is very lively. Also, parking here wasn't really an issue because there is an underground parking nearby.

Mini World Famous

Get a sweet treat at Ghirardelli! They have all kinds of sweet chocolate desserts. Line gets pretty long but it goes by quick. However, it is sometimes hard to get or find a seat right away. I also wouldn recommend their hot cocoa, it taste like it's just swiss hot cocoa packet, or watered down.

4+ famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop in the Ghirardelli Square. I'm pretty sure most people if not all have heard of the chocolates. I think they're known more for their ice cream sundae at this location, but I was really craving some hot chocolate. And I thought it was a perfect dessert after eating lunch in the same area. The space was really nice and the vibe was a little bit touristy, but in a very good way. I grew up in the bay area and didn't really appreciate the spot until I got older. The service here was really great. The cashiers were super friendly as were the people making the food. So glad I popped in to get a hot chocolate. I really enjoyed it!

See all photos from Brian V. for The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop

Golden gate is just perfect for someone who doesn't want to just indulge in chocolate. This has a pleasant combination of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice cream. Mind you- these ice- creams ain't that sugary. This dessert bowl's quantity is sufficient for two people. The staff is quick with their service and the bowl appeared infront of us in just few minutes. This place is crowded all the time and has a long yet fast-moving queue. They have a separate section for gifting purpose and one should explore that too.

Golden Gate- Banana spilt

I came here for one of the sundaes, and the last time I ate at the store was probably over 10 years ago. The place looks pretty different now, and I wasn't even sure if it was the right location. We got the world's famous hot fudge sundae and sat upstairs in the cable car-looking booths. Sitting outside of it was actually pretty cold because of the AC. They have an interesting tech setup where you put your beeper on the table, and the waiter brings you your sundae. Overall, the sundae was pretty good, with the chocolate being, of course, very good. However, the ice cream was a bit icy in parts, and I wished they used better quality ice cream. It's a bit expensive for a sundae, but it's an iconic SF experience.

World's Famous Hot Fudge Sundae

PROTIP: you can order just the ice cream. They have a small menu at the register with the prices of just the ice cream and the toppings as add ons. It adds up quick so I recommend you opt for their premade items unless you want to keep your ice cream very simple. They give you a device to place at your table and they bring out your order when it's ready. I was really disappointed by their waffle bowl. It was hard and made me regret upgrading to it. The ice cream itself is good.

See all photos from Fiona T. for The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop

I didn't think I would make it here during this trip, but on our last day in SF I really wanted ice cream or gelato, so we made our way to the Ghirardelli factory. The store is huge, but it's really like a whole compound, with other places to hang out within the area. You order at the register and opt to dine in or carry out. I kept it simple and ordered a hot fudge sundae, I was so excited to see that they had a nondairy version, so that's what I got. Not only was the ice cream nondairy, but so was the hot fudge and the whipped cream. Perfect! And it tasted really good. I got the mini size, and it was just enough. As expected, the prices were crazy high, but of course you're paying for the experience. As for the chocolate, I was really disappointed to see that they didn't have any special flavors or exclusive chocolate squares for that location. Everything I saw are the same flavors that you can buy all over the world, they just offer large quantities, and cute gift boxes. One thing I think you can do here is create custom chocolate pieces, which is their Chocolate Experience. I didn't bother to check into that or see how much it cost. It was fun to visit; happy I checked this off my list.

See all photos from Neema B. for The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop

Nestled just outside Fisherman's Wharf, in the heart of Ghirardelli Square, lies an iconic establishment that beckons chocolate aficionados from near and far. The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate, with its rich history and delectable offerings, promises an unforgettable culinary experience. Body: Location and Accessibility: The journey to Ghirardelli Square is as delightful as the treats that await you. A leisurely 5-10 minute walk along a flat trail leads you to this chocolate haven. As you approach, the intoxicating aroma of cocoa envelops you, heightening your anticipation. Efficient Service: Fear not if you encounter a queue; it dissipates swiftly. The staff efficiently manages the flow, ensuring minimal wait times. Upon reaching the counter, place your order, and you'll receive a numbered fob. Find a cozy spot at one of the tables, and your server will promptly deliver your indulgence. Ambiance: The Ghirardelli Chocolate experience extends beyond mere consumption. Venture upstairs or downstairs to discover distinct dining areas. Upstairs, large windows frame views of the bustling square, allowing natural light to dance upon your table. Downstairs, cozy nooks provide an intimate setting for savoring each morsel. Conclusion: The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate transcends mere confectionery; it's a symphony of flavors, textures, and memories. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a loyal patron, prepare to be enchanted by the artistry that unfolds within these walls. Remember, every bite at Ghirardelli is a celebration--a moment suspended in time, where cocoa whispers secrets and sweetness dances on your palate. Bon appétit!

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