17 Must-See Attractions in San Francisco

San Francisco is Northern California’s cultural center and is home to some of the best-known tourist attractions in the U.S. The city’s iconic orange bridge and infamous prison island top every list of things to do — and rightly so — but countless other exciting attractions also deserve a spot on your travel itinerary.

Whether you want to explore historical highlights, feast on fabulous food, or get lost in nature, you can’t beat San Francisco. Here are the 17 must-see tourist attractions to check out on your trip to ‘Frisco’.

1. The Golden Gate Bridge

No trip to San Francisco is complete without a trip to see the Golden Gate Bridge. Choose from driving, walking, or cycling across the bridge for a closer look at this impressive feat of design and engineering. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the bridge, why not join the twice-weekly free walking tour?

2. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz is a notorious former federal prison located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. “The Rock” was home to some of the most infamous criminals in U.S. history, including Al Capone, and taking a guided tour is one of the most popular activities for tourists in SF. If you don’t want to tour the island, hop on a Bay cruise to see it from afar instead.

3. Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a fun place to spend an afternoon, and the main draw is undoubtedly the resident sea lions that call this part of the coast home. You can also enjoy incredible views of the city, Bay Bridge, and Angel Island from this spot.

While in the area, don’t miss PIER 39 and its two levels of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Aquarium of the Bay is also in Fisherman’s Wharf and is the perfect family-friendly activity.

4. Lombard Street

Take a trip to the Russian Hill neighborhood for a unique photo opportunity on Lombard Street. Often called ‘the most crooked street in the world,’ this steep street packs eight hairpin turns into a one-block section and is a dramatic site. If you can handle the climb, you’ll be rewarded with views of Coit Tower and San Francisco Bay from the top.

5. Golden Gate Park

There’s so much to do in this huge green space. Here are some of the highlights.

California Academy of Sciences

• Website: calacademy.org
• Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA

This museum packs in an aquarium, rainforest, planetarium, and natural history museum and is a fascinating place for inquisitive minds. With more than 46 million specimens in the natural history section alone, you can easily spend a full day learning and exploring here.

de Young Museum

• Website: famsf.org
• Address: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA

Combined with the Legion of Honor, deYoung makes up San Francisco’s largest public arts institution. It’s also SF’s oldest museum and combines art, architecture, and natural landscape that culture vultures will love.

Japanese Tea Garden

• Website: gggp.org/japanese-tea-garden
• Address: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA

The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest of its kind in the U.S. and has been charming visitors since 1894. Stroll among 3.5 acres of carefully manicured plants — if you happen to be there in March and April, be sure to watch out for the iconic flowering cherry trees.

San Francisco Botanical Garden

• Website: gggp.org/san-francisco-botanical-garden
• Address: 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA

This botanical garden boasts 55 acres of nature and is the Bay Area’s most peaceful spot for a picnic or an afternoon with a good book. Be sure to visit the Southeast Asian Cloud Forest, which was the first of its kind when it was introduced in the early 2000s.

6. Chinatown

• Website: gggp.org/japanese-tea-garden
• Address: Grant Avenue and Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA

San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the best-established Chinatowns in the country and is a true cultural and culinary delight. Wander the streets and alleys to seek out spicy noodles and juicy dim sum, and be sure to save room for freshly made fortune cookies. Don’t miss the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum, which is also located here.

7. The Presidio

• Website: presidio.gov
• Address: 210 Lincoln Blvd, San Francisco, CA

The Presidio was once a military post but has been transformed into a lush national park. There are a whopping 1,491 acres to explore, and whether you’re into hiking, history, or outdoor art galleries, you’ll find something to please you here.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is also located here and is a popular attraction for fans of the animation giant.

8. Sausalito

Sausalito is located in Marin County, just across the Golden Gate Strait, and makes a charming sightseeing day trip from SF. History buffs will especially love the Richardson Bay houseboat enclaves that were built by artists at the end of WWII. Head to the Marin Headlands at sunset for spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

9. The Ferry Building

• Website: ferrybuildingmarketplace.com
• Address: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA

The Ferry Building is a must-visit historic landmark with a rich history and a modern array of activities and attractions. The structure was originally built in 1898 as a central hub for ferries traversing the bay, and today it’s home to shops, food stalls, and restaurants. The weekly farmers’ markets attract locals and tourists looking for tasty eats and fresh produce to take home.

10. San Francisco’s Best Neighborhoods

The sprawling metropolis of San Francisco is home to a diverse population that has created equally diverse neighborhoods over the years. Here are some of the best areas to add to your travel itinerary.

Nob Hill

Nob Hill is renowned for its air of wealth and is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the city. Spend a few hours strolling the steep streets to see old mansions, lush parks, and the Gothic Grace Cathedral. The Cable Car Museum is also located here.

Haight-Ashbury

Haight-Ashbury is the place to come if you want to see where the 1960s counterculture movement was born. The neighborhood still has a hippy vibe with dive bars, record shops, and thrift stores lining the streets. Don’t miss the Painted Ladies — a row of attractively colorful Victorian houses located here, and the unbeatable views from Twin Peaks can be found just to the south.

Mission District

The Mission District’s Latin roots can still be felt strongly today and this is the best place to come for Mexican food, craft cocktail lounges, and live music. Street art fans will enjoy wandering among colorful murals on the neighborhood’s buildings — Clarion Alley is the best place to start your DIY street art tour.

Telegraph Hill

Telegraph Hill is a peaceful area is on one of SF’s 44 hills and boasts enviable views of San Francisco. It also gives great access to neighboring North Beach where you’ll find lots of charming cafes to while away the hours.

Union Square

Union Square is the commercial hub of the city and provides an exciting glimpse into everyday San Francisco life. Many of the major hotels and department stores are here, plus plenty of upscale restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. Be sure to pass by the intersection of Powell and Market Streets to see the manual cable car turnaround.

11. The Exploratorium

• Website: exploratorium.edu
• Address: Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA

With more than 600 interactive exhibits, the Exploratorium is a dream day out for science, technology, and art-loving kids and adults alike. The museum was originally founded by physicist Frank Oppenheimer and was located in the Palace of Fine Arts before moving to its new home on SF’s waterfront.

12. Yosemite National Park

• Website: nps.gov/yose
• Address: Tioga Rd Hwy 120 & Hwy 140 Yosemite National Park, CA

This globally famous national park is just three hours from SF and is home to 1,200 square miles of valleys, waterfalls, sequoias, and meadows. Yosemite is also home to the iconic granite cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan, making it a haven for climbers.

13. San Francisco Zoo

• Website: sfzoo.org
• Address: Sloat Blvd & Upper Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA

Animal lovers will be completely charmed by the 2,000 endangered and rescued animals that call the San Francisco Zoo home. Comprising more than 250 species, you can expect to see exotic creatures, including gorillas, lemurs, giraffes, and penguins.

Events and educational events happen throughout the year at this Pacific Ocean-adjacent attraction, so check the website for the program before you visit.

14. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

• Website: sfmoma.org
• Address: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA

SFMOMA is one of the largest modern and contemporary art museums in the U.S. and features work by artists from all over the world. Visitors can expect to see photography, neon installations, paintings, and sculptures across seven floors.

15. Muir Woods

• Website: nps.gov/muwo
• Address: Mill Valley, CA

Muir Woods is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is famous for its huge redwood trees. There’s a great range of hiking trails for various levels of fitness, and each one promises tranquil moments and impressive views.

16. Lands End Lookout

• Website: parksconservancy.org/projects/lands-end-lookout
• Address: 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA

Also within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is Lands End. This exposed shoreline sits at the mouth of the Golden Gate and is home to a memorial to the USS San Francisco, a park-themed bookstore, and a cafe.

Ocean Beach’s 3.5 miles of white sand is also nearby if you’d like to make a day of it and soak up as much San Francisco sun as possible.

17. Oracle Park

• Website: mlb.com/giants/ballpark
• Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA

Oracle Park is San Francisco’s Major League ballpark and is a great place for visitors to experience the passion and excitement that locals have for their team, the San Francisco Giants. Try to catch a game while you’re in town for a sporting experience you won’t soon forget.

What Attractions Will You Visit First?

San Francisco is one of the most exciting American cities and there’s so much to see and do. With this guide to the city’s best attractions, you’re ready to plan a vacation you’ll never forget.