Welcome to the vibrant city of things to do in San Francisco, where the possibilities for exploration and excitement are endless. With a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, there are countless things to do in San Francisco that cater to every taste and interest.
Start your adventure by exploring the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most recognizable landmarks globally, offering breathtaking views of the city and the bay. Capture the perfect photo and immerse yourself in the engineering marvel that spans the strait. It's a must-see on any list of things to do in San Francisco.
For a taste of history, head to Alcatraz Island, home to the infamous former prison. Take a ferry ride to this historic site and tour the cells that once housed notorious criminals like Al Capone. The audio-guided tour provides a gripping narrative, making it one of the most engaging things to do in San Francisco for history buffs.
San Francisco is also a haven for art enthusiasts. Explore the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) to witness an extensive collection of contemporary and modern art. The diverse exhibits and installations make this museum a standout among things to do in San Francisco for art lovers.
Things to Do in San Francisco
Nature lovers will find solace in Golden Gate Park, a sprawling urban oasis that offers a myriad of activities. Stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden, visit the California Academy of Sciences, or simply enjoy a picnic amidst the lush greenery. Golden Gate Park unquestionably tops the list of things to do in San Francisco for those seeking outdoor recreation.
Take a ride on the iconic cable cars, an experience synonymous with San Francisco. These historic vehicles provide a unique way to explore the city's hilly terrain while offering stunning views. Riding the cable cars is not just a mode of transportation; it's an essential activity on any list of things to do in San Francisco.
For a taste of local culture, explore the vibrant neighborhoods such as Chinatown and the Mission District. These areas boast diverse culinary delights, quirky shops, and colorful street art. Exploring these neighborhoods is undoubtedly one of the most authentic things to do in San Francisco.
Complete your San Francisco experience with a visit to Fisherman's Wharf. Indulge in fresh seafood, watch the sea lions at Pier 39, and soak in the lively atmosphere. It's a waterfront destination that encapsulates the city's maritime charm, making it a quintessential inclusion in any roundup of things to do in San Francisco.
Walk or bike over the Golden Gate Bridge.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FAQ
Q1: What are some popular tourist attractions in San Francisco?
A1: The popular tourist attractions in San Francisco include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and the Painted Ladies.
Q2: How can I reach Alcatraz Island?
A2: To reach Alcatraz Island, you can take a ferry from Pier 33, located at the northern waterfront of San Francisco. It's advisable to book tickets in advance due to high demand.
Q3: What is the best time to visit San Francisco?
A3: The best time to visit San Francisco is during the fall, from September to November, when the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds. Spring is also a good time with blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures.
Q4: Are there any free attractions in San Francisco?
A4: Yes, some free attractions in San Francisco include the Golden Gate Park, the Cable Car Museum, Lombard Street, and exploring neighborhoods like Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury.
Q5: Where can I find the best views of the city?
A5: For the best views of San Francisco, you can visit Twin Peaks, Coit Tower, or take a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Each offers breathtaking panoramas of the city and its iconic landmarks.
Conclusion: San Francisco offers an array of experiences that cater to every interest. From iconic landmarks to cultural neighborhoods, outdoor adventures to art exploration, the city has it all. So, whether you're a history buff, art enthusiast, or nature lover, the diverse range of things to do in San Francisco ensures that there's always something captivating waiting for you in the City by the Bay.
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