Discover 40 things to do in San Francisco, a city celebrated worldwide for its iconic landmarks, liberal spirit, and culinary excellence.
This guide offers a captivating journey through the Golden City’s colorful bridges, globally renowned eateries, and attractions.
Ready your pen and paper to curate your ultimate San Francisco bucket list. If you have something to add, please let us know in the comments.
Let’s start with the most famous tourist attractions.
1. Golden Gate Bridge
Crossing the strait of the Golden Gate from San Francisco’s Presidio to the Marin headlands is the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge.
Known for its ‘International Orange Color”, this place is wonderful to walk, bike and spend quality time with friends and family.
Experiencing this bridge is truly one of the best things to do in San Francisco!
2. San Francisco Cable Cars
The experience of cable cars in San Francisco is timeless.
With people hanging off the sides of the car and the brake man and conductor cracking jokes with the passengers, the $8 ride is a must try.
And a pro tip: best photos on the car are from the front-left side and on the outside runner.
3. Alcatraz Prison
Once the home to the country’s most dangerous criminals, Alcatraz Prison has now been reopened as a public museum.
Many films including the X-men have been shot here. And you can do the audio tour or the night tour to make things even spookier.
4. Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
No San Francisco’s Bucket List is complete without heading over to Fisherman’s Wharf and its famous Pier 39.
This place is filled with shops, seafood restaurants, a video arcade, street performances and the Aquarium of Bay. Most importantly, you can watch wild sea lions sunbathing on the piers.
5. Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square encompasses an entire block of 19th-century brick structures.
In the 1960’s, it was transformed into restaurants and shops. The buildings are organized around a “square”, with a mermaid fountain and places to sit.
Plus, if you are a chocolate fan then the Ghirardelli’s Chocolate factory is a must for your sugar cravings.
6. Lombard Street
It is the crookedest street in the world with 8 sharp turns to enable cars downhill.
Surrounded by Russian Hill mansions and perfectly manicured landscaping, it is also one of the city’s most scenic streets.
Do remember to wind down Lombard Street.
7. Chinatown
Welcome to the largest Chinatown outside Asia.
A tourist hotspot that offers iconic Dragon’s Gate, delicious Chinese restaurants, buzzling streets and ornate temples.
On Chinese New Year, you can see the Chinese Lantern Festival with a typical American Parade.
8. Japantown
If you want to explore other cultures, Japantown is one of the best things to do in San Francisco.
It is a six block area that includes sushi bars, ramen restaurants, karaoke bars and Asian-style day spas. Don’t forget to visit the Peace Plaza that holds spectacular cultural events.
9. Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies, a picturesque collection of Victorian row houses, are visible from Alamo Park, offering an ideal backdrop for your Instagram photos.
Across the street, the park provides a serene spot to relax and enjoy the view of these charming, pastel-colored homes.
10. San Francisco’s Ferry Building
Make the most of your trip by venturing out to discover the Ferry Building.
This historic landmark is a hub for Bay Area culture. It has also been revolutionized into a gourmet food emporium and farmers market.
Also be sure to stop by Humphry Slocombe for the famous Secret Breakfast Ice Cream.
11. Ocean Beach
Beaches are a hallmark of San Francisco and the first one on the list is the Ocean Beach.
It is a wide expanse of sand and dunes that faces the Pacific Ocean. You can feel the cool breezes and hear the sounds of crashing surf.
A treat for nature lovers.
12. Baker Beach
Perfect for Instagram photos and relaxing strolls on the beach.
At sunset the atmosphere is stunning with the view of the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge.
13. Crissy Field East Beach
This sandy beach is a place where you can bike, jog and fling tennis balls into the bay for your dogs.
Kiteboarders and windsurfers can also take off from the beach to catch the relentless breeze. An ideal place for barbecue and kite flying as well.
14. Pacifica State Beach
The last beach on our list is the Pacifica State Beach: a beautiful slice of heaven.
Perfect for surfing and laying on the beach. A Taco Bell is nearby so you can get your drinks and food easily.
15. Golden Gate Park
The bucket list would be incomplete without outdoors and urban parks.
And one cannot shy away from the Golden Gate Park. An incredible park with so much to offer ranging from multiple lakes and beautiful meadows to fascinating museums and lush-green sports fields.
Don’t forget to visit the Japanese tea garden.
16. Mission Dolores Park
A soothing place to spend a sunny afternoon.
A park with a vibe where you’ll find people playing frisbee, jamming out and observing the skyline of San Francisco.
17. Angel Island State Park
Angel Island is the largest island in San Francisco Bay and the entire island is included in the State Park.
A ferry ride will take you to this magnificent picnic spot. You can also do the tram ride to see the rest of the island.
18. Billy Goat Hill
If you want to enjoy the view of the whole city, Billy Goat Hill is a gem.
There is also a cool rope swing available at the top that flies 300 feet above the skyline. A perfect moment and one of the best things to do in San Francisco!
19. Twin Peaks
These are two prominent hills with an elevation of about 922 feet.
This place offers a 360 degree view of the city. From here, the sight of the sunset is just mind boggling.
20. Mount Davidson
This is the highest natural point in the city, so hike up and observe the sky with your own eyes.
It also gives you views of Twin Peaks and downtown from the top.
21. Coit Tower
This slim, white 210-foot concrete tower stands as a symbol of San Francisco’s skyline.
It gives a panoramic view of the city and the tower is a treat to watch on clear moonlight nights.
22. Legion of Honor
San Francisco is a hub for Museums, Monuments and Memorials, and if you are an art lover, Legion of Honor is a place for you.
The European art that the museum offers is spellbinding to say the least. 15-19th century paintings, Rodin collections and pottery will leave you in awe.
23. The Walt Disney Family Museum
We know that most of you are Disney fans.
So, if you want to relive nostalgia and know meticulous details about Walt Disney, this museum is a must on your bucket list.
A perfect place to geek out to all your favorite Disney movies.
24. USS Pampanito
USS Pampanito was a US Navy submarine, a relic of the Second World War. Now it’s a floating museum.
Several torpedoes are on display here and you can also see engine rooms. A fascinating experience to look into military gadgets.
25. Musée Mécanique
This museum is filled with arcade games from your childhood, pinball machines, photo booths, interactive and coin operated machines, and carnival like machines of all types.
The trip will definitely take you back to the time.
26. San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts
Admire this museum with 7 floors of highlights including works by Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol.
Along with permanent collections, the Museum holds rotating exhibitions.
27. The Exploratorium
A museum in the Golden City that depicts science, technology and arts.
It offers more than 600 exhibits where you can sharpen your scientific knowledge.
On every Thursday you can enjoy science with a cocktail at the Exploratorium’s ‘After Dark’ events, making it a unique blend of education and entertainment among the things to do in San Francisco.
28. The Palace of Fine Arts
Spend some time meandering through the serene palace and appreciate its captivating atmosphere.
This palace provides grand exhibitions for art work, and the pond located in front of this monumental structure adds to its beauty.
Don’t forget to take pictures of the swans and the ducks.
29. Haight-Ashbury
Known for its hippie counterculture, this district is filled with vintage finds and 60s nostalgia.
Take a Flower Power Walking Tour to learn how music shaped the vibrant 1960s San Francisco.
30. The Fillmore
A historic music venue in San Francisco which hosted performers like Pink Floyd, The Doors & Jimi Hendrix.
From concerts and food & drinks to chandeliers in the music hall, The Fillmore is a must to rock n roll.
31. The Wave Organ
An interactive acoustic sculpture from 1986, the Wave Organ is a cool place to walk and take snaps.
Place your ear to the different pipes to hear musical notes – activated by movement from the ocean’s waves! A hidden gem on your San Francisco bucket list and also one of the most unique places in California!
32. Oracle Park
A stunning stadium to watch baseball, enjoy the great views, eat yummy food, and even have a beer or cocktail.
The energy inside will be unprecedented.
33. The Castro Theatre
A movie palace where lots of special events take place.
The architecture is impressive with high domed ceilings and the true classic and historic movie theatre feel.
34. Lover’s Lane
For nature enthusiasts or romantics alike, venturing along this picturesque trail is one of the best things to do in San Francisco.
Surrounded by beautiful forest & cypress trees, the Lane is an escape from your busy and tiring routine.
35. Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze
Walk through these infinite hallways, endless circles & dead-ends of the most fascinating maze in San Francisco.
Kids will have fun looking at their reflections. And you will definitely get aesthetic pictures and Instagram stories.
36. Balmy Alley & Clarion Alley
You cannot visit San Francisco without stumbling upon its colorful, mural-filled alleyways.
Every single surface is painted. And these pieces have deeper meanings about modern politics, immigrants and gender issues.
The picturesque murals will give you goosebumps.
37. Union Square
Spend an afternoon exploring the shops around the main square, a premier shopping destination in the heart of the city.
You’ll find most of your favorite brands and much more. From upscale boutiques and great restaurants to fun bars & galleries, you can pretty much spend the entire day here.
38. The Palace Hotel
If you want a brunch or an afternoon tea, The Palace Hotel is for you.
An awe-inspiring crystal chandelier restaurant and the glass dome will give you a royal experience.
39. War Memorial Opera House
The War Memorial Opera House stands as a tribute to those from San Francisco who perished in World War I.
The building itself is rich in heritage. You can visit this place and enjoy orchestra, theatre plays and melodious music.
40. 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
Features stunning mosaic art across 163 steps, presenting a vivid tableau of turquoise waves, brilliant birds, and lively sea creatures of various types.
An aesthetic spot for your cool photos!
As San Francisco is in Northern California, you might also be interested in this list featuring the best things to do in the northern part of the Golden State!
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