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Perched on San Francisco Bay is the iconic city of San Francisco. As a lively hub of food, nature, and culture, there’s so much to see and do in this vibrant destination. If you’re planning a visit to the Golden Gate City and want to make the most of your time here, bookmark our list of the 23 best things to do in San Francisco.
1. Ride A Cable Car
San Francisco has been home to cable cars since the late 19th century and no visit is complete without taking a ride. There are three routes available that run through many of the city’s most popular neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Nob Hill, and Fisherman’s Wharf. A one-way ticket costs $8, and that more than pays for itself with endless Instagrammable photo opportunities.
2. See the Sealions at Fisherman’s Wharf
Head down to Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy a few hours exploring PIER 39, a charming waterfront marketplace. There’s plenty to do — visitors and locals alike flock here to shop, dine, and enjoy the fairground rides.
The most charming attraction, however, is the community of California sea lions that call the docks of PIER 39 home. If you don’t find the time to visit PIER 39, check out the live webcam instead.
3. Take a Cruise Around ‘The Rock’
Alcatraz Island is one of SF’s most famous attractions, and most visitors will spend time on ‘The Rock’ itself. For an alternative vantage point, opt for a cruise around Alcatraz instead. During the cruise, you’ll enjoy a ‘guided tour from a distance’ of the prison facility. Expect fascinating stories that guide you through American history via the lives of infamous inmates, including Al Capone and Billy Cook.
4. Check out a Free Festival
San Francisco is a rich cultural hub and as such, it’s home to an eclectic selection of free events and festivals throughout the year. The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is a family-friendly event that happens each summer in the Bay Area, and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Music Festival is worth checking out in Golden Gate Park if you happen to be in town during October.
The Stern Grove Festival is perhaps the best-known SF festival — this free event has been running since the 1930s and has seen world-class performers like Talib Kweli grace its stage.
5. Go On A Haunted Walking Tour
Explore SF on a walking tour with a difference by going ghost hunting. Learn about the dark past of the gold rush era, hear spooky stories about the city’s former residents, and see if you can spot any paranormal activity as your group walks through the city’s dark streets.
6. Picnic in Golden Gate Park
For a tranquil break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the gigantic Golden Gate Park for an al fresco lunch in the sun. There are plenty of areas in this lush park that make great picnic spots — the grassy slopes outside the Conservatory of Flowers and the open space outside the California Academy of Science are particularly popular (don’t miss the planetarium while you’re here).
The Japanese Tea Gardens are another can’t-miss area of the park (especially if you’re there in March and April when the cherry blossoms bloom), and the Botanical Gardens are ideal for an after-lunch stroll.
7. Uncover Your Inner Hippy
Haight-Ashbury is the center of San Francisco’s counterculture and is the best place to get a taste of what the city was like in the 60s. Spend an afternoon past colorful Victorian homes and hunting for vintage finds in the neighborhood’s many thrift stores.
8. See the Murals in The Mission District
The Mission District was founded in 1776 and is the city’s oldest neighborhood. One of the main draws of this area is the colorful murals that adorn many of its buildings. Don’t miss Dolores Park while you’re here — it spans 16 acres and is one of the most popular parks in SF.
9. Feast on Food from South of the Border
San Francisco is home to World-class Mexican food. Here are the best spots for a taco or two:
- Californios – serving elevated Mexican cuisine with two Michelin stars, Californios is taking Latin cooking to a whole new level
- Taqueria San Francisco – this spot has been serving authentic Mexican food since 1990 and claims to have the best tacos and burritos in the Mission District
- Flores – make reservations for this Michelin Bib Gourmand Award-winning Mexican restaurant on Union Street
10. Party with SF’s LGBTQ Community
San Francisco is home to the Castro District, which is said to be one of the U.S’s first gay neighborhoods. No matter your sexual orientation, you’ll love visiting this vibrant, eclectic, and welcoming neighborhood. Be sure to stop by the Twin Peaks bar which is a historic landmark for San Francisco’s LGBTQ residents.
11. Hike Among Towering Redwoods
Just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge is the gorgeous natural landscape of Muir Woods. This protected area encompasses 554 acres of incredible coastal redwoods that are as much as 800 years old and as tall as 76 meters.
This area of natural beauty is the perfect place for a hike — choose from the easy 2-mile-long ‘Main Trail’ or tackle one of the longer loops for more of a challenge.
12. Enjoy Breathtaking Views from Fort Point
Fort Point offers unique views of the Golden Gate Bridge and is the perfect place to spend a while appreciating this world-famous feat of engineering. While you’re there, be sure to join a free history talk or head off on a self-guided tour. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the free Junior Ranger Program.
13. Take a Day Trip to a Winery
California is home to many celebrated wineries, and some can be visited from San Francisco as a day trip. If you have time to spare, book a full-day tour that visits both Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
This will allow you to taste the very best of Northern California’s wines, and there might even be time for some shopping in Downtown Sonoma’s luxury boutiques.
14. Enjoy a Tasty Sunday Brunch
While you’re in town, treat yourself to a delicious brunch at Mama’s — an iconic establishment that started as an ice cream business in 1951 and has since expanded to serve an array of delicious dishes.
Expect a menu packed full of freshly baked bread and pastries, homemade jams, fresh salads, and the fluffiest omelets you’ve ever tasted. You’ll find Mama’s on North Beach’s Washington Park Square.
15. Enjoy a Slice of European Culture
Little Italy’s charming European-style boulevards and sidewalk cafes will have you believing you’ve switched continents. Come at lunchtime for a tasty Italian feast before discovering iconic architecture, including the Church of Saints Peter and Paul.
For the best view of the North Beach area, head up to Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill (accessed via Lombard Street). It’s especially beautiful at night, with the city lights sparkling below.
16. Party in San Francisco’s Coolest Neighborhoods
San Francisco is one of North America’s most vibrant cities and each neighborhood has unique nightlife to discover. Here are some of the best areas to let your hair down:
- Embarcadero – head here for a glass of wine from world-class spots, including the Barrel Room and the San Francisco Wine Society.
- Union Square – craft cocktails are the main draw of Union Square, and Pacific Cocktail is our go-to spot for creative drinks and excellent service.
- SoMa – with an eclectic mix of live music and DJ beats, this is the best place in the city to dance the night away.
17. Go on an Adventure in Presidio
Presidio is an incredible must-see national park with so much to see and do. Visitors can enjoy hikes with ocean and Golden Gate Bridge views, a busy program of nature and culture-based events, and lots of tasty eats at various cafes and food trucks. To make the most of your day at Presidio, check out the range of curated itineraries.
Lands End Lookout and Ocean Beach are both nearby, so if you’re feeling energetic, you can combine these three spots for a fantastic day out in nature.
18. Go Behind the Scenes at Oracle Park
Oracle Park is home to the San Francisco Giants baseball team, and watching a game while you’re in town is a great way to experience the passion of the team’s local fans.
For an extra-special hidden-gem activity, take a tour of the iconic sports facility. The daily guided tours take visitors behind the scenes to see the dugout, the press box, and a fantastic collection of World Series trophies and rings.
19. Dine on Dim Sum in Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown is home to some of the best Asian cuisine in the country, so don’t miss out on a steaming plate of dim sum while you’re visiting.
Work up an appetite by exploring the 24-block area before choosing a spot to fill up on one of Asia’s most popular dishes: steamed or fried dumplings. Be sure to leave room for dessert, though – Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory makes and sells its delicious Chinese treats on-site.
20. Immerse Yourself in the Art Scene
San Francisco is home to several of the best galleries on the West Coast and visitors can easily fill a day exploring them all. Start at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and take your time exploring the seven floors of international works.
Next, check out the Palace of Fine Arts — this historic venue was built in 1915 and now hosts a year-round program of exhibits, theater performances, and events.
The Museum of East Asian Art is home to one of the world’s best collections of Asian art, with more than 18,000 pieces on display. If you have time for one more gallery, make it the deYoung Museum where you can see American art from the 17th century through to the modern day.
21. Get Inquisitive at the Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is a collection of more than 650 interactive exhibits covering science, art, and human perception. Originally conceived by experimental physicist Frank Oppenheimer, this cutting-edge museum makes an exciting day out for kids and adults alike.
22. Take a Trip to Sausalito
Over in Marin County is the charming city of Sausalito. This picturesque area is just across the bridge and offers incredible vistas of the Bay Area. It also has its own unique bohemian culture and a vibrant art scene that makes for a relaxing day trip.
23. Shop at the Ferry Building Farmers Market
The Ferry Building is a historic landmark that is now well-known as one of the best places in the city to eat and shop. The Farmer’s Market held here is the main draw – more than 100 vendors gather every Saturday to sell fresh, local produce.
Discover San Francisco’s Charm
Whether this is your first or 50th visit to San Francisco, you’ll never run out of fun and exciting things to do. How will you spend your time in Frisco?
