The Top 10 Things To Do In San Francisco, CA
San Fran is a vibrant city full of many fun activities. Catch sight of the Golden Gate Bridge, attend a sports game, and visit the iconic Pier 39. Brave a trip to Alcatraz, go downtown for shopping or a walk through Chinatown, or visit one of the many museums or gardens the city has to offer. San Francisco is sure to excite!
#10 - Pier 39 - Fisherman’s Wharf
Visit the seaside with its cool ocean breeze, salty, fresh air, and plenty of fun things to do nearby! Not to mention the breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. And if you enjoy seafood this place is perfect for you! Walk along the water or take a bike ride! and tuck into the food stands to grab a Read Morebite, perhaps some crab cakes or clam chowder bowls along the way. The pier offers many other food options from grab-and-go to fine dining in all genres of food. Restaurants include Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co., Original Joe’s, Alioto’s Seafood, Cioppini’s Italian, the list goes on. We ate at Wipeout Bar and Grill for a nice lunch while enjoying the beautiful bay view. The energetic boardwalk also offers plenty of shopping! This ranges from touristy shops to cute boutiques, sports stores, beach gear, you name it! This is also where you can purchase tickets and take a short walk to hop aboard the boat that takes you to Alcatraz. Or nearby is a stretch of souvenir shops, Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, street performers, the Aquarium of the Bay, a Cartoon Museum, water excursions, and more. San Fran does offer a city Leisure Pass to bundle these attractions at a cheaper rate. No matter where you are staying in the city, you can access this area by walking, Uber, bike ride, trolley, or city bus...so you don’t have to drive and think about parking. Leave plenty of time to walk or cycle along the beachfront and see the historical ships and sites along your route. Take in the history of this iconic Wharf and the upbeat atmosphere surrounding you. Definitely make Ghiradhelli Square a stop while on this side of town for some decadent desserts! Great place to explore, take some great pictures, and take it all in!
#9 - Golden Gate Bridge
You can’t miss this architecturally magnificent historical landmark. Crossing over San Francisco Bay since 1937, this bridge is more than just a throughway. You can walk, ride a bike, or drive over the bridge to really feel its size and height. While here, visit the Golden Gate Bridge Park, cross over to the cute town of Read MoreSausalito, or even drive to the Redwoods for a hike.
#8 - Ghiradelli Square
Ready for a sweet treat? Make this a go-to dessert spot if you’re near Pier 39, The Golden Gate Bridge, or Lombard Street. Grab ice cream, floats, and of course chocolate! You can see firsthand how the chocolate gets prepared and there’s also a huge shop of pre-packaged treats and knick-knacks. There areRead Moreseveral photo opportunities as well! The square also includes restaurants and shops that offer a fun walk-through!
#7 - Coit Tower
Take a walk up the hill to climb this historical tower that presents amazing views! Built-in 1933, the tower was established at the bequest of the deceased local socialite Lillie Hitchcock Coit to add to the beauty of the city that she always loved. Lille’s special relationship with the firefighters of the city led to the tower Read Morebeing dedicated to the volunteer firemen who died while battling the city’s five major fires. The 210-foot tall tower offers panoramic views of the city and bay which makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. Time-specific tickets can be purchased on their official website or tickets can be purchased at the tower. You can expect a line if you purchase at the tower.
#6 - Giant’s Baseball Game at Oracle Park
Oracle Park, formally known as AT&T Park, formally known as SBC Park, formally known as Pacific Bell Park, is home to MLB’s San Francisco Giants. The ballpark lies along the San Francisco Bay, making it one of the most picturesque stadiums of Major League Baseball. The views, along with the food (hello garlic Read Morefries and wine bar), make it one of the best places to catch a baseball game in the country. Even as Dodger fans, we can admit that it’s a beautiful ballpark.
#5 - Alcatraz
Take a ferry ride from Pier 33 across San Francisco Bay to visit this historical landmark. It is most notorious for having been a federal penitentiary that originated in 1934 and housed the likes of the famous Al Capone. It was later used as a military base and prison, as well as a site for the American Indian Read MoreOccupation. Take the guided audio tour to hear tales from prisoners and workers as you walk through the halls and cell houses of this abandoned prison. Visit the first lighthouse of the Pacific Coast and seabird colony that continue to keep watch over “The Rock”. We recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time online since the tours do sell out. Alcatraz Cruises is the official ticket provider for the National Park Service for this destination. Don’t forget to bring a sweater or a light jacket for the ride!
#4 - Ride the Old Cable Car
The city of San Francisco was once full of bustling cable cars transporting its citizens all over its boundary. They survived earthquakes and fires and would become a symbol of the city. Today, only a few lines are in operation, and can be a fun experience for the entire family. After grabbing a treat at Ghiradelli Read MoreSquare or visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, the cable car can take you to your next destination. The city’s cable cars are one of two National Historic Streetcar Landmarks still in operation. Taking a ride is a unique experience and a nice throwback to days past.
#3 - Painted Ladies
Nearly 50,000 Victorian and Edwardian-style homes were built in San Francisco between 1849 and 1915. Many were demolished to make way for modern designs, but the ones that remain between 710–720 Steiner Street are some of the most famous and most visited homes in the city. Also known as the Read MoreSeven Sisters, each home sports a unique color scheme. You may recognize the properties from TV or film, including being featured in the opening credits of the television series Full House. It’s a great spot to stop (hop-on hop-off tours have a stop nearby) for a minute to admire the architecture of yesteryear and snap a photo of one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
#2 - Lombard Street
Welcome to the “crookedest street in the world!” Two million people per year stop by this street to take in its unique design. Some visitors will take a rideshare and get dropped off right at the top. If you’re nearby (Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown) and feeling brave, you can take on the steep walk to the top. Walk Read Moreup and down the beautiful street and take in the Victorian architecture and pretty landscaping. Stop at the top for pictures of the amazing views and take photos upwards when you’re at the bottom!
#1 - Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is one of the greatest parks in the United States. It’s the third most visited park in the United States, it’s free to visit, and offers many different types of activities. You can visit the California Academy of Sciences Museum to learn about space, the sea, or history. You can stop by the de Young Museum to Read Moresee art collections from around the world. Or, you could explore rare and exotic plants at either the Conservatory of Flowers or the Japanese Tea Garden. At 1,017 acres of land, Golden Gate Park is actually 20% larger than NYC’s Central Park. It supports 19 different ecosystems containing over 2,000 plant and animal species. Make sure to stop by this park on your trip to try one of the aforementioned activities or simply enjoy a nice picnic.
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San Francisco Travel Frequently Asked Questions
What shouldn't you miss in San Francisco? All of the items on this list are worth visiting, but if this is your first visit to the city you definitely don’t want to miss Fisherman’s Wharf, seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, Read Moreand touring Alcatraz.
How many days do you need to do San Francisco? 3-4 days is probably best when visiting San Francisco. Everything is pretty close to each other in the city so knocking off things that are close (to each other will maximize the time you have.
Can you do San Francisco in 3 days? You can certainly do San Francisco in 3 days! You may not hit everything that you want to do/see but you will be able to squeeze in a lot of activities. It might feel a little rushed, especially if you’re trying to take in a sports event or concert, but there’s always next time!
Is San Francisco walkable for tourists? San Francisco is one of the most walkable cities in the United States. There are plenty of public transportation options such as the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to help you get around. Rental cars are necessary and parking will be expensive.
How not to look like a tourist in San Francisco? The key to fitting in in San Francisco is dressing the part (know the projected weather during your visit) and doing a quick study of a map of the area near your hotel and the public transportation options. Nothing makes you stand out like a tourist more than staring blankly at a transmit map or standing on a street corner unsure of which way leads to your destination.