20 Best Things To Do in San Francisco

With its vibrant neighborhoods and spectacular bay views, San Francisco has a lot to offer to first-time and return visitors.  Becoming one of my favorite cities in California, I’ve returned several times to try new things. So whether you prefer the touristy areas or prefer to get away from the crowds, here is a list of the best things to do in San Francisco.

20 Best Things To Do in San Francisco

Avoid the crowds at Marshall’s Beach

Marshall’s Beach is one of my favorite places to visit in San Francisco!  It’s is a well-kept little secret that even some locals are not familiar with.  It’s also a photographer’s paradise at sunset.  For me, it was a secluded romantic spot, perfect for couples.  The views are phenomenal as you walk the trail and stairs down to the beach.  It’s best to go during low tide, or else you might get stuck trying to swim your way back.

Learn about Life in Prison at Alcatraz

One of the most interesting tours I’ve taken is the one at Alcatraz.  To start, the view of the city from the island is fascinating.  Second, you learn about inmates who tried to escape this prison without success. Third, you get to see their jail cells in the wards, including El Capone’s.

Enjoy the scenic boat ride there before learning about how the criminals held on The Rock when doing the audio tour.  Make sure to watch “Escape From Alcatraz” with Clint Eastwood before doing this tour.  Alcatraz is a San Francisco must!

Get a 360-degree view of the city at Twin Peaks

At Twin Peaks, there are incredible views of the city.  Fog usually disappears in the afternoon, allowing you to see the layout of the city.  Don’t forget your camera because it’s beautiful!

Be amazed by San Francisco’s beauty at the Coit Tower

This is another great place to view the city atop Telegraph Hill.  Here, the tower has lovely murals near the elevator.  Once at the top, you can see the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, the city, and the bay area. It has a complete 360-degree view.

Buy souvenirs at Chinatown

A city of its own, Chinatown is filled with restaurants, markets, museums, temples, and well-priced souvenir stores.   You can wander the streets under red lanterns and pass through the Dragon Gate on Grant Avenue.

Watch the seals at Pier 39

Pier 39 is a waterfront marketplace that includes restaurants, souvenir stores, and entertainment.  However, the pier is best well-known for watching cute seals that play and sleep on the floats laying around in the area.

Be a tourist at Fishermans Wharf

Tourist paradise.  Here you will find food, souvenirs, and street entertainment.  My favorite stop was Boudin, the sourdough bakery.

Be amazed by Lombard Street

Lombard Street, which is often referred to as “the most crooked street in the world,” is a stunning little street in San Francisco.  From the top, you can view the city.  From the bottom, you get a picturesque view of the street.  This place is quite popular, so if you want to photograph it, arrive early.

Walk or bike the Golden Gate Bridge

We all know the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the world.  Now imagine biking or walking across it!  The bridge has a pedestrian walkway and a bike lane for those who want to do so.

Take some great photographs at Battery Spencer

Battery Spencer is a popular spot to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge and that’s because this viewpoint is jaw-dropping.   On some days, it may be a beautiful foggy morning.  On other days, you can enjoy a fantastic sunrise. Either way, it’s a beautiful place to stop.

Indulge in delicious salted caramel ice cream at Ghirardelli Square

Salted Caramel Ice-Cream, Sea Salt Caramel Hot Cocoa, Ghirardelli Chocolate Brownie.  I’ll take them all!  Besides chocolate, you can also enjoy wine tasting, annual events, and boutique shopping.

Go shopping at Union Square

Union Square is the perfect place for serious shoppers!  You can find most major department stores and some exclusive designer stores.  For a great rooftop view, head to Cheesecake Factory at Macy’s.  Union Square is also a great area to stay at during your trip.  I recommend the Handlery Union Square Hotel because of its location and excellent service.

Bring back childhood memories at the Painted Ladies

If you grew up watching Full House in the ’90s, you will love seeing the Painted Ladies.  These beautiful Victorian homes are in front of Alamo Square.  They’re beautiful!  The best thing to do is take a small picnic to Alamo Square while enjoying the view of the Ladies and the city.

Take a nature walk at Golden Gate Park

Like Central Park in New York City, Golden Gate Park is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.  The park has museums to explore, various gardens to stroll through, and many trails to get your fitness of the day.  It’s definitely worth the visit when visiting the city.

Have a tranquil morning at the Japanese Garden

If you want to enjoy a peaceful morning, the Japanese Tea Garden is the perfect place.  With its winding paths, colorful atmosphere, and beautiful ponds and bridges, you will surely enjoy this nature walk.  It has free admission if you enter before 10 am on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday.   The garden is on the premises of Golden Gate Park.

Get familiar with plants at the Botanical Gardens

If you want to enjoy nature, head to the San Francisco Botanical Garden.  You can see redwoods, magnolias, or perennials during your stroll.  The garden is inside Golden Gate Park.

Ride a Cable Car

For $7, you can ride San Francisco’s famous cable cars.  If your legs are tired of walking all those San Francisco hills, this is a great option.  Plus, while riding it, you also get great views of the city.

Visit the Redwoods

The Redwoods are some of the tallest and oldest trees in California.  It’s an awesome feeling to walk amongst them and to see how tiny you are in comparison.  You can see the redwoods at Muir Woods or UC Berkeley University.

Go on a Cruise

Sailing by the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island is a fun activity in San Francisco.  Plus, you can enjoy the city and views of the Bay Bridge.  It was one of my favorite activities in the city.

Visit the Cable Car Museum

If you have a little extra time in the city, make sure to make a quick stop at the Cable Car Museum to learn how cable cars work.  The museum will teach you about the builders, technology, the rapid expansion, how the great earthquake affected the construction, and the efforts to save and rebuild the cable cars.

What are your favorite things to do in San Francisco? What would you add to this list?  Let us know in the comments! Also, don’t miss our posts by signing up below, and don’t forget to follow along on the adventures on Instagram.

20 Best Things To Do in San Francisco