San Francisco is one of the most iconic cities in the world, known for its stunning bay views, historic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and rich culture. If you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more, the city offers a mix of history, adventure, and amazing food. Here’s a list of the top 10 things to do in San Francisco that should be on every traveler’s itinerary!

Things to Do in San Francisco

1. Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco’s most famous landmark and one of the most photographed bridges in the world.

Highlights:

• Walk or bike across the 1.7-mile-long bridge for stunning views of the bay.
• Visit Battery Spencer or Marin Headlands for postcard-perfect photos.
• Stop by Fort Point, a historic site beneath the bridge.

Pro Tip: Mornings are often foggy, so visit in the afternoon for clearer views.

2. Explore Alcatraz Island

Once home to America’s most notorious prison, Alcatraz Island is now a must-visit historical site in San Francisco.

Highlights:

• Take the Alcatraz Night Tour for an eerie experience.
• Walk through historic prison cells once occupied by criminals like Al Capone.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline from the island.

Pro Tip: Book tickets months in advance, as this is one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco.

3. Ride a Cable Car

San Francisco’s iconic cable cars have been running since 1873, making them the last manually operated cable car system in the world.

Highlights:

• Ride the Powell-Hyde Line for the best views of Lombard Street and Alcatraz.
• Stop at Nob Hill for classic San Francisco charm.
• Visit the Cable Car Museum to learn about their history.

Pro Tip: Buy a day pass to hop on and off at different stops without paying multiple fares.

4. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39

Fisherman’s Wharf is a lively waterfront area filled with seafood restaurants, street performers, and attractions.

Highlights:

• Watch the sea lions lounging at Pier 39.
• Try clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery.
• Visit the Musée Mécanique, a quirky arcade museum.

Pro Tip: This area is very touristy, so visit early in the morning for fewer crowds.

5. Drive or Walk Down Lombard Street

Known as the “Crookedest Street in the World,” Lombard Street is famous for its steep, winding curves lined with beautiful gardens.

Highlights:

• Drive down the famous zigzag section.
• Walk up for the best photo opportunities.
• Visit nearby Coit Tower for panoramic city views.

Pro Tip: If you want to avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or on a weekday.

6. Discover Golden Gate Park

Larger than Central Park in New York, Golden Gate Park is a beautiful urban oasis with gardens, museums, and outdoor activities.

Highlights:

• Visit the Japanese Tea Garden for a peaceful retreat.
• Explore the California Academy of Sciences, which includes a planetarium, rainforest, and aquarium.
• Rent a bike or go for a scenic walk through the park.

Pro Tip: The De Young Museum observation deck offers free city views!

7. Explore Chinatown – The Oldest in North America

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest and oldest in North America, offering a vibrant mix of history, culture, and food.

Highlights:

• Walk through Dragon’s Gate, the grand entrance to Chinatown.
• Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to see how fortune cookies are made.
• Try authentic dim sum at Good Mong Kok Bakery or Great Eastern Restaurant.

Pro Tip: Visit during Chinese New Year for amazing parades and festivities!

8. Take in the Views at Twin Peaks

For the best panoramic views of San Francisco, head to Twin Peaks, located 922 feet above sea level.

Highlights:

• Hike to the top for unobstructed 360-degree views of the city.
• Visit at night to see San Francisco illuminated.
• Watch the fog roll over the city on cooler days.

Pro Tip: It gets windy and chilly, so bring a jacket!

9. Visit The Mission District for Murals & Food

San Francisco’s Mission District is known for its colorful murals, vibrant culture, and amazing food.

Highlights:

• Walk through Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley to see stunning street art.
• Try a Mission-style burrito at La Taqueria or Taqueria El Farolito.
• Visit Mission Dolores Park for great views and people-watching.

Pro Tip: Come hungry, as the Mission District has some of the best food in San Francisco!

10. Take a Day Trip to Muir Woods

If you want a break from the city, Muir Woods National Monument is just 30 minutes away and home to towering redwood trees.

Highlights:

• Walk among ancient, 250-foot-tall redwoods.
• Enjoy peaceful hiking trails.
• Stop by Sausalito on the way back for a charming waterfront experience.

Pro Tip: Parking is limited, so book a shuttle or tour in advance.

Frequentlyy Asked Questions About Things to Do in San Francisco

1. What Are the Must-See Attractions in San Francisco?

Some of the top must-see attractions in San Francisco include:

• Golden Gate Bridge – Walk, bike, or drive across this world-famous bridge.
• Alcatraz Island – Take a ferry to explore the historic prison.
• Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39 – See the sea lions, enjoy fresh seafood, and visit fun attractions.
• Lombard Street – The famous “crookedest street in the world.”
• Chinatown – The largest and oldest Chinatown in North America.
• Golden Gate Park – A huge park with gardens, museums, and scenic trails.
• Twin Peaks – Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

2. What Are the Best Free Things to Do in San Francisco?

San Francisco offers plenty of free attractions:

• Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Visit Golden Gate Park and explore the Japanese Tea Garden (free before 10 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays).
• Explore the murals in the Mission District.
• Walk through Chinatown and visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.
• Relax at Baker Beach with views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Hike up Twin Peaks for stunning city views.
• Visit the Cable Car Museum to learn about San Francisco’s famous transportation system.

3. What Outdoor Activities Can I Do in San Francisco?

For those who love the outdoors, San Francisco has plenty of options:

• Hike Lands End Trail for scenic ocean views.
• Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito.
• Explore Alamo Square Park and see the Painted Ladies.
• Go kayaking or paddleboarding in the Bay.
• Visit Angel Island for hiking and historic sites.

4. What Are the Best Day Trips from San Francisco?

San Francisco is surrounded by amazing destinations:

• Muir Woods – Walk among ancient redwood trees (30 minutes away).
• Sausalito – A charming waterfront town with shops and restaurants.
• Napa Valley & Sonoma – Perfect for wine lovers (1–1.5 hours away).
• Monterey & Carmel – Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and scenic 17-Mile Drive (2 hours away).
• Santa Cruz – A fun beach town with a boardwalk (1.5 hours away).

5. When Is the Best Time to Visit San Francisco?

San Francisco has a mild climate year-round, but the best times to visit are:

• Spring (March-May) – Pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Fall (September-November) – Warmest temperatures and clear skies.
• Summer (June-August) – Cooler than expected due to fog, but still lively.

6. What Are the Best Places to Eat in San Francisco?

San Francisco is a foodie paradise with plenty of must-try dishes:

Best Restaurants & Local Favorites:

• Tadich Grill – Oldest restaurant in SF, famous for seafood.
• House of Prime Rib – A must-visit for steak lovers.
• Swan Oyster Depot – Iconic spot for fresh seafood.
• La Taqueria – Home of the famous Mission-style burrito.
• Zuni Café – Known for its roast chicken.

Best Local Foods to Try:

• Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl (Boudin Bakery).
• Mission Burrito (The Mission District has the best spots).
• Dungeness Crab (Fresh and delicious, especially at Fisherman’s Wharf).
• Dim Sum (Try Dragon Beaux or Yank Sing).

7. How Do I Get Around San Francisco?

San Francisco has several transportation options:

• Cable Cars – A fun and historic way to travel.
• Muni Buses & Light Rail – Public transit system covering the city.
• BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) – Best for travel between SF and nearby cities.
• Ferries – Take one to Alcatraz, Sausalito, or Oakland.
• Walking – Many attractions are close together, but be prepared for steep hills!
• Biking – Rent a bike to explore the city and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge.

8. What Are the Best Places for Shopping in San Francisco?

San Francisco offers a mix of luxury, local, and unique shopping spots:

• Union Square – The city’s main shopping district.
• Ferry Building Marketplace – Great for artisanal food, gifts, and souvenirs.
• Haight-Ashbury – Famous for vintage and retro shopping.
• Chinatown – Best place for unique souvenirs and gifts.
• Ghirardelli Square – A must-visit for chocolate lovers.

Final Thoughts

San Francisco is a city full of history, adventure, and culture. Whether you’re walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, eating in Chinatown, or exploring Alcatraz, there’s something for everyone.