San Fransico has numerous issues to do, from strolling throughout the Golden Gate Bridge to driving its iconic cable vehicles. Dive into Alcatraz Island’s wealthy historical past, really feel the Mission Murals’ inventive pulse, and indulge within the legendary Irish Espresso on the Buena Vista Cafe.
Whether or not you’re purchasing at Union Sq. or marveling on the inventive masterpieces within the SFMOMA, the city offers something for each traveler. Be a part of us as we information you thru the highest issues to do in San Francisco.
Finest Issues to Do in San Francisco
There isn’t any doubt that visiting San Francisco shall be an American vacation you’ll bear in mind for years to come back. I do know we did!
San Francisco is likely one of the best cities in California if not probably the greatest cities within the US, and planning a visit there’s so thrilling. Whether or not you wander by San Francisco’s Chinatown or wish to discover one of the best spot to view the enduring skyline at sundown, this information has all one of the best issues to do in San Francisco.
Getting Round SF
After we first visited San Francisco, we purchased a hop-on hop-off bus ticket, and it was an effective way to see all the main San Francisco points of interest in a short while.
Book private your airport transfer to make touchdown on the airport simpler. Get pleasure from a personal switch on to your downtown SF Resort. Town is simple to navigate, particularly in the event you keep someplace central. For a greater thought of the place to remain, try our information on where to stay in San Francisco.
1. Trip the Cable Vehicles
San Francisco’s cable vehicles are legendary, and no journey could be full with out hopping on one and doing a city tour. This tour is an effective way to see the town’s high highlights, together with Union Sq., Chinatown, Nob Hill, The Italian Quarter, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Details here.
Cable automotive rides are thought-about an icon of the town, and it’s best to take a trip only for the expertise whereas visiting. Plus, driving its cable vehicles is the easiest way to sort out San Francisco’s steep hills. You’ll discover most points of interest in the course of San Francisco.
You don’t must take a tour to trip the cable vehicles; they’re a part of the town’s transportation. One of the simplest ways to get round San Francisco is on foot or public transport. Town’s public transport system known as Muni. You possibly can pay per particular person trip or buy a Muni Passport, which additionally provides you limitless rides on all public transportation for a one-three or seven-day interval.
2. Cable Automobile Museum
Visiting the Cable Automobile Museum gives an perception into the town’s particular transportation system. Location is essential, and the museum takes the ‘location, location, location’ motto significantly. The museum overlooks the pulley system, and guests can wander outdoors onto the deck to watch the behind-the-scenes motion of its well-known cable vehicles.
The exhibit covers the whole lot from outdated classic vehicles from the 1870s to mechanical shows and historic artifacts like black-and-white pictures
3. Stroll Lombard Road
Lombard Road is named the “crookedest road on the earth” and options eight hairpin turns. It was designed within the Nineteen Twenties when the vehicles of that point lacked the ability to make it up the steepest of hills.
To go to Lombard Road for your self, you’ll be able to stroll or drive. If you’re strolling, contemplate strolling down Lombard Road fairly than up – belief us, your legs will thanks. The road weaves by the neighborhood of Russian Hill, which is filled with steep hills. Learn extra: 16 Great Hikes in San Francisco, California
4. Stroll The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is likely one of the most iconic landmarks in your entire world. Whether or not staying for twenty-four hours, 72 hours, or two weeks, the Golden Gate Bridge shall be on the high of your itinerary.
The Golden Gate Bridge was constructed to attach the town to Marin County throughout the Golden Gate Strait, and in the present day, strolling throughout is likely one of the hottest issues to do. The stroll begins at Vista Level. One of the simplest ways to go throughout the Golden Gate Bridge is on a guided tour. This guided bike tour is a 3-hour tour taking you throughout the bridge and to different high San Francisco points of interest.
The long-lasting bridge is a large a part of the town skyline. The Bay space across the bridge is so widespread that it’s now thought-about a nationwide park. The world known as Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space and is filled with completely different viewpoints and mountain climbing trails.
To expertise the Golden Gate Bridge stroll throughout it on the pedestrian footpath and head to viewpoints for a panoramic view. Marin Headlands is one of the best place to look at the sundown, whereas Fort Level is one of the best shot for daybreak and dawn.
5. Baker Seaside
Baker Seaside is a quiet, one-mile-long seashore that’s serene and sensible for a seashore stroll or a dip within the sea. It additionally has one of many metropolis’s greatest views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, which spans the bay perpendicular to the seashore. Even within the harsh noon gentle, you’ll be blown away by the view. Put together to be wowed completely at sundown and keep lengthy sufficient to look at the bridge and metropolis gentle up.
The seashore will get crowded (you’ll be able to’t maintain good issues a secret for lengthy), however don’t let that cease you from visiting. If something, the crowds make Baker Seaside a bit safer to go to – particularly at sundown in low-level lighting. To get there, take the 29 Sundown bus or taxi, uber or Lyft. Parking is restricted.
6. Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a nationwide historic landmark and is over a century outdated. The infamous island was as soon as one of many world’s most high-security jails. Alcatraz housed well-known inmates equivalent to Al Capone and Billy Cook dinner – the Killer.
You possibly can go to the island and tour the jail, together with the cell block.
The jail closed in 1963, and since then, it has develop into one of many US’s greatest historic and cultural points of interest. In case you love darkish historical past, it is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in San Francisco.
There are unbiased reveals to find, audio excursions, and a guided strolling tour on sure days. The jail remains to be in wonderful situation, and wandering the cell corridors is an eerie glimpse into the island’s pre-Nineteen Sixties life. This highly-rated tour features a self-guided audio tour of Alcatraz Island. Details here.
7. Fisherman’s Wharf
What would a visit to San Francisco be with out recognizing the well-known California sea lions? In case you head all the way down to Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll discover Pier 39, the favourite spot of a big colony of sea lions. They first appeared in 1989 and haven’t left since.
This might be essentially the most touristy space of the town, however it is usually the right place to go to if it’s your first time within the metropolis. Right here, you’ll additionally discover the well-known San Francisco clam chowder, tickets for Alcatraz, and vacationer experiences like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and The San Francisco Dungeon.
8. Go to San Francisco’s Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown is North America’s Oldest Chinatown and is a must-visit. The doorway is straightforward to seek out and is marked by a placing Dragon Gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Road.
This neighborhood of exercise and flurry covers 30 sq. blocks the place you’ll be able to immerse in Asian tradition, eat dim sum, do some purchasing, and soak up its bustling environment.
Take a culinary tour for an immersive expertise by the neighborhood sampling genuine Chinese language meals as you stroll the slender streets indulging in dim sum, tea, fortune cookies, and extra.
9. See the Painted Women
Prepared to satisfy some film stars? The Painted Women are a row of Victorian homes ceaselessly used as movie units in motion pictures and tv sequence – Most Notably Full Home. However Full Home isn’t the one title you’ll acknowledge. Mrs. Doubtifre was additionally the setting of those lovely girls.
You possibly can ebook this San Francisco Movie tour that may take you to iconic places which have been seen on the massive display. Greater than 50 well-known motion pictures have been filmed in San Francisco, and this 3-hour journey options the Painted girls and extra!
The pastel-colored homes are situated within the neighborhood of Alamo Sq. Park. And when you can not enter the Painted Women since they’re non-public residences, you’ll be able to snap loads of pictures from the surface.
Alamo Sq. Park is situated throughout the road from the Painted Women and has lovely views of the homes, metropolis and bay. The park is simply off the Hayes Road and Scott Road intersect, simply accessible by bus from the town middle. The Hop on Hop off Bus additionally stops on this space.
10. Golden Gate Park – De Younger Museum
Golden Gate Park spans 1000 acres with museums, manicured gardens, and vacationer points of interest. It warrants a full day to see all of its points of interest. From horseback driving to bike leases, it’s simple to spend a day having fun with the whole lot the park has to supply.
A treasure of Golden Gate Park is the De Younger Museum, a high-quality artwork museum. If you need your artwork gallery repair, this museum is likely one of the greatest issues to do.
The museum is full of fashionable artwork and historic treasures. You may view a Thirteenth-century wooden sculpture one minute and The Obama Portraits Tour the following. De Younger Museum is fast-paced and encourages fast considering, encompassing American artwork and artwork from Africa and Oceania.
11. Spot the bison at Golden Gate Park
One other cool factor to see in Golden Gate Park is its bison herd at Bison Paddock. The animals are cared for by the San Francisco Zoo, and the paddock is open for members of the general public to identify the bison over the fence line. If you’re visiting Golden Gate Park, why not make a detour?
The primary bison was delivered to Golden Gate Park in 1891 to recreate the Wild West and support conservation makes an attempt. Because of conservation efforts, bison are now not underneath menace of extinction.
12. Japanese Tea Backyard – Golden Gate Park
Fancy a soothing stroll? Strolling by the Japanese Backyard is likely one of the most serene out of doors actions in San Francisco. Additionally it is the oldest public Japanese backyard within the US. Be certain that to cease on the tea home.
Situated within the coronary heart of Golden Gate Park, it’s a lovely place to go to in central San Francisco to benefit from the serenity of a Japanese backyard. It’s stylish within the springtime when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. However even in winter, the backyard has a relaxing appeal.
13. Take a San Francisco Bay boat tour
On a boat tour, you’ll go many points of interest, together with the SF Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. You may select a sundown catamaran tour with dinner or a daytime sightseeing cruise with informative commentary. This Golden Gate Bay Cruise additionally consists of the hippy enclave of Sausalito. Be certain that to maintain an eye fixed out for dolphins and whales.
A good way to discover the highest San Francisco points of interest is to buy a San Francisco Explorer Pass. Select 2, 3, 4, or 5 points of interest and excursions. More details here.
14. California Academy of Sciences
Assume science museum, after which enlarge it by 100. The California Academy of Sciences is an unimaginable museum containing an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and pure historical past museum worthy of spending a complete day (if not two). You can book tickets ahead of time, together with entry to all in in the future on the California Academy of Sciences.
15. Palace of Advantageous Arts
Don’t miss going to the Palace of Advantageous Arts within the Marina District of San Francisco – We captured this magnificence at sundown. The Palace is the one remaining construction from the 1915 Panama-Pacific Worldwide Exposition.
With its Greek-style colonnades and hovering central rotunda, the Palace of Advantageous Arts is beautiful and has been featured in a number of motion pictures. The structure’s grandeur and scale make is a picturesque place to loosen up and have a picnic.
16. Have breakfast at North Seaside
North Seaside is San Francisco’s ‘Little Italy,’ and the hospitality is second to none. You’ll really feel such as you’ve stepped into Europe with the al fresco retro eating. The world has loads of Italian eating places, and it is likely one of the greatest locations in San Francisco for nightlife. The native favorites for breakfast are Nob Hill Café, Caffe Macaroni, and Tosca Café.
Or you’ll be able to take a stroll as you get pleasure from genuine Italian Gelato whereas purchasing for books at Metropolis Lights Bookstore and Publishing or visiting the Beat Museum.
17. Wander the Mission District
The Mission District is famend for its spectacular Mission Murals. The most effective locations to see the Mission murals are alongside Clarion Alley, Caledonia Alley, Balmy Alley, and Horace Alley
As you wander by the neighborhood, you’ll encounter partitions and alleys remodeled into dynamic canvases, showcasing beautiful murals that inform tales of heritage, wrestle, and group.
The primary thoroughfares of the Mission District are Mission Road and Valencia Road, recognized for its numerous array of eating places and retailers. Guests will discover classic outfitters second-hand information and bookstores most notably Quarius Information, Canine Eared Books, and Borderlands Books.
Plus, the Mission District is acknowledged as an rising hotspot for purchasing, eating, and nightlife.
This walking tour is an immersive cultural journey that provides a novel glimpse into the center and soul of the town. The world can be recognized for its second-hand information and bookstores it’s a treasure trove of nostalgia with shops like A
18. Metropolis Lights Bookstore
Talking of Bookstores, Metropolis Lights Bookstore is a San Francisco Establishment specializing in world literature, the humanities, and progressive politics. It was based in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin, who left two years later.
The shop gained fame following the obscenity trial of Ferlinghetti for publishing Allen Ginsberg’s influential assortment “Howl and Different Poels. In 2001, Metropolis Lights was designated an official historic landmark.
TreasureFest, previously referred to as Treasure Island Flea Market, is held on the final full weekend of each month. This vigorous occasion transforms Treasure Island into an eclectic hub of indie crafts, antiques, and reside music.
Launched in 2011 by San Franciscans Angie and Charles Ansanelli, the competition was designed to foster group involvement and spotlight native expertise.
With over 400 native distributors, buyers will discover classic items, handmade crafts, and distinctive antiques, all set in opposition to the scenic backdrop of the San Francisco Bay.
Guests also can get pleasure from a wide range of meals vans, interactive DIY workshops, and reside music, creating an immersive expertise that encapsulates the spirit of San Francisco. The occasion’s pet-friendly environment, themed markets, and number of culinary choices make it a pleasant vacation spot for all sorts of vacationers.
20. Hayes Valley
Nestled within the coronary heart of San Francisco, Hayes Valley is a vibrant neighborhood recognized for its stylish boutiques, beautiful eating, and dynamic artwork scene. Stroll alongside Hayes Road to find a various choice of fashion-forward retailers and specialty shops, good for distinctive finds.
Meals fans can savor numerous culinary delights, from cozy cafés to upscale eating places serving international cuisines. The world can be a cultural hub, dwelling to the San Francisco Jazz Middle and a stone’s throw from the famend SF Symphony and Opera.
Don’t miss the Proxy, an out of doors area internet hosting movie screenings and meals vans, providing a style of the local people spirit.
21. Store at Haight Ashbury
Haight-Ashbury grew to become well-known primarily as a result of its position as a central hub of the hippie counterculture within the Nineteen Fifties and Nineteen Sixties. By the mid-Nineteen Sixties, it had develop into a middle for the hippie motion.
As we speak, Haight Ashbury is understood for its distinctive boutiques, distinctive eating places, classic and retro-themed retailers, just like the well-known Amoeba Information and Booksmith. The world can be recognized for its focus of Victorian properties, colourful murals, galleries, and artwork areas.
22. See the Parrotts Coit Tower
Coit Tower is a 210-foot constructing providing panoramic views over the San Francisco skyline, plus a house for an estimated flock of 400-plus parrots. The parrots don’t simply reside within the tower; they’re everywhere in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood.
You possibly can climb to the highest of the tower for an inexpensive entrance worth and see the entire metropolis on a transparent day. You’ll be capable to spot Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, plus all of the skyscrapers and skyline landmarks.
The tower was constructed within the Nineteen Thirties but stays probably the greatest viewpoints in SF. You may additionally wish to learn: The Ultimate San Francisco Photography Guide
23. Ferry Constructing Market
Ferry Constructing is an indoor artisan meals market. If you wish to seize breakfast or lunch on the go, you actually can’t discover anyplace higher. As soon as a major public transport constructing, it’s now a spot for native distributors and farmers to promote their natural and handmade produce.
The market advocates for regional and conventional manufacturing – constructing a powerful sense of group whereas preserving native historical past and existence. Seize a cup of Joe at Blue Bottle Espresso and luxuriate in perusing the retailers. The Saturday Farmers Market is one of the best time to go to.
24. San Francisco Museum of Fashionable Artwork
Step into the World of Surprise at SFMOMA: A San Francisco Should-See for Artwork Aficionados. As one of many metropolis’s premier locations, SFMOMA is dwelling to a staggering array of over 33,000 artworks, encompassing a various vary of contemporary and up to date items.
From awe-inspiring installations to thought-provoking work and sculptures, the museum presents works by illustrious artists like Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol.
25. Asian Artwork Museum
For individuals who love the high-quality arts, the Asian Artwork Museum accommodates over 18,000 Asian artworks and is likely one of the world’s biggest collections. The exhibitions are dynamic and thrilling, utilizing a wide range of mediums, together with video, traditional canvases, and gem stones.
26. San Francisco Botanical Backyard
Visiting the San Francisco Botanical Backyard is a stunning technique to escape the town. The 55-acre backyard has 8,000 flower varieties, together with native and worldwide crops. Guests can discover from a succulent backyard to a towering Redwood grove, passing by African calla lilies.
You’ll discover the Nice Meadow & Fountain Plaza and Redwood Grove within the gardens. The botanical backyard’s Redwood Grove gives a glimpse of those majestic timber for many who can’t go to the Redwood Nationwide Forest or John Muir Woods.
Plus, the backyard has the most important assortment of Magnolia timber outdoors of China, with one of the best viewing time from mid-December by March.
27. Lands Finish Lookout
This space known as Lands Finish as a result of it’s situated actually on the finish of all land to the west, as its cliffs finish on the base of the Pacific Ocean. Right here, you’ll discover Ocean Seaside, the place superior surfers showcase their expertise.
Its waves are notoriously big and unsuitable for swimmers as a result of harmful currents however sunbathers can safely watch the motion from the shore. On a transparent day, the hikers can see far into the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Marin Headlands to the north, and the Golden Gate Bridge to the east.
The historic Sutro Baths and Park on the Lands Finish Predominant Parking Lot will even be discovered. The Sutro Baths are probably the greatest locations for images, the place you’ll discover San Francisco’s Coronary heart. A rock formation within the form of a coronary heart.
In addition to the Sutro Baths, different viewpoints embrace the Jap Coastal Path Lookout, Lands Finish Labyrinth, and Lifeless Man’s Level.
28. Angel Island
Angel Island is considered one of our favourite San Francisco issues to do. The island was as soon as an immigration station (not unlike Ellis Island in New York), and a army base. Visiting right here gives a fantastic 360-degree view of the town and the Bay Space.
The island is now a state park bursting with trails, greenery, and San Francisco’s historical past. It’s the second largest island in SF Bay and is conveniently situated, making it a implausible day journey.
It has loads of pure magnificence in addition to historic buildings to discover. The island is an ideal possibility if you need an tour from the CBD.
To go to, catch a ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf. You possibly can then select to discover independently or buy a guided strolling tour.
29. Mission Dolores Park
This 16-acre park is likely one of the hottest parks in San Francisco. It has the whole lot: a soccer subject, tennis courts, a basketball court docket, and frequent cultural occasions.
It has superb views of the bay, and the park has considerably of a cultural and historic stamp. Mission Dolores Park has a number of monuments, such because the Mexico Liberty Bell and Miguel Hidalgo Statue.
And, with all of the cultural occasions like festivals and music performances, it’s value checking to see if something of curiosity coincides along with your go to. Who is aware of? Possibly you’ll strike fortunate. Plus, the environment shall be second to none, even in the event you don’t know any performers.
30. Watch a Giants sport at Oracle Park
What’s extra American than baseball? The San Francisco Giants are a number one baseball workforce within the Main League with a fierce following throughout the US.
Whether or not or not you’re a sports activities fan, watching a baseball sport at Oracle Park is likely one of the most enjoyable and atmospheric issues to do in SF.
A baseball sport is a implausible technique to admire the American (and San Franciscan) spirit.
The foremost league baseball season usually runs from April to October, longer in the event that they make the playoffs. It’s value checking to see if a sport coincides along with your go to or contemplating it when reserving your journey.
31. Hike Up Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks is likely one of the greatest mountain climbing trails within the metropolis for spectacular metropolis views of the bay. It’s a closely trafficked loop path, and you may drive or cycle as much as the lookout.
It’s the second-highest peak in San Francisco (922-foot tall ) that overlooks your entire Bay Space and the town’s landmarks.
The hike feels far-off from the town, with forest trails, eucalyptus timber, rocky outcrops, wood walkways and filth paths taking you as much as Eureka Peak and Noe Peak.
32. Go to the Buena Vista Cafe
Because the birthplace of the American model of Irish Espresso, the Buena Vista Cafe gives a pleasant mix of wealthy espresso, clean Irish whiskey, and creamy topping, creating an unforgettable style sensation.
Savoring this famed beverage isn’t nearly having fun with a drink; it’s about being a part of a timeless San Francisco custom. The cafe’s cozy, welcoming environment and panoramic metropolis views make for the right backdrop to get pleasure from this traditional concoction.
33. Attend the Stern Grove Pageant
The Stern Grove Pageant is a sequence of free performing arts occasions held every summer season. Established in 1938, it takes place within the picturesque Sigmund Stern Grove, a eucalyptus-wooded pure amphitheater about two miles south of Golden Gate Park. The competition spans a 33-acre web site from nineteenth Avenue and Sloat Boulevard to thirty fourth Avenue.
Since its inaugural live performance on July 10, 1938, carried out by the Bay Area Symphony of the Federal Music Undertaking, the competition has featured numerous performances. In 1943, the San Francisco Ballet carried out on the competition for the primary time, turning into an everyday in its summer season lineup.
The competition underwent renovations in 2004, reopening its 68th season in June 2005.
How one can Get to San Francisco
San Francisco sits in Northern California, a few six-hour drive north of Los Angeles. Town is straightforward to succeed in by way of air, rail, highway, and sea. We visited San Francisco on a road trip and located driving an effective way to get round. You can compare car rental prices here.
The primary airport is the San Francisco Worldwide Airport, which is situated 13 miles from downtown. To get downtown, you’ll be able to take the airport shuttle busses, taxis, Uber, and Lyft.
Finest Time to Go to San Francisco
Spring and fall are San Francisco’s two shoulder seasons. Nevertheless, fall (September to November) has among the warmest temperatures and fewest crowds – a win-win.
September is San Francisco’s warmest month and is ideal for strolling across the metropolis and exploring one of the best close by hiking trails.
San Francisco is a metropolis that fits all seasons, however if you need one of the best expertise we recommend visiting within the fall.
In the beginning of autumn, you’ll additionally discover essentially the most road festivals and markets in San Francisco. This season is filled with life and exercise and has the climate to match.
Questions Folks Additionally Ask About San Francisco
Is 2 Days Sufficient for San Francisco?
Two days in San Francisco may be enough to see a few of its highlights, nevertheless it received’t permit for a complete exploration of the town. With a well-planned itinerary, you’ll be able to go to well-known landmarks such because the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz Island.
What’s the Quantity One Attraction in San Francisco?
The Golden Gate Bridge is commonly thought-about the primary attraction in San Francisco. This iconic suspension bridge is a marvel of contemporary engineering and gives breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and the town skyline.
How Can I Spend a Few Days in San Francisco?
Just a few days in San Francisco may be spent exploring a mixture of its well-known points of interest and native experiences:
- Day 1: Go to the Golden Gate Bridge, discover the close by Golden Gate Park, and see the Painted Women. Spend the night within the vibrant neighborhoods of the Haight-Ashbury or the Mission District.
- Day 2: Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island within the morning. Within the afternoon, go to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. You may additionally discover Chinatown and Union Sq..
What’s San Francisco Fashionable For?
San Francisco is widespread for its numerous tradition, iconic landmarks, and exquisite pure surroundings. It’s recognized for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, cable vehicles, and vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and Castro.
The place to Keep in San Francisco
Now we have a complete article breaking down one of the best neighborhoods and resorts for each funds and customer. You possibly can learn it right here. Where to Stay in San Francisco – A Guide To The Best Neighborhoods
San Francisco is an unimaginable US vacation vacation spot. Town is considered one of America’s hottest vacationer locations and has a legendary, legendary attract. With its world-class museums, implausible purchasing, and eating at the whole lot from a sustainable seafood restaurant to having fun with one of many metropolis’s well-known festivals, San Francisco simply lives as much as its big status.
