Your Trip to San Francisco: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Your Trip to San Francisco: The Complete Guide The Best Time to Visit San Francisco San Francisco Weather & Climate San Francisco Airports The Best San Francisco Hotels Neighborhoods to Know Getting Around in San Francisco Top Things to Do Free Things to Do Things to Do With Kids Beaches Near San Francisco Camping Near San Francisco San Francisco's Best Parks Top San Francisco Museums Live Music in San Francisco Itinerary: 48 Hours in San Francisco Day Trips From San Francisco Tours to Take in San Francisco Fine Dining in San Francisco San Francisco's Best Bars Breweries in San Francisco Your Trip to San Francisco: The Complete Guide close Overview United States California San Francisco 25 Top Things to Do in San Francisco By Susan Breslow Sardone Susan Breslow Sardone Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Susan Breslow Sardone is a travel journalist who specializes in honeymoons and romantic getaways, and who originated New York Magazine's highly successful "City Weddings and Honeymoons" sections. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 09/27/19 Fact checked by Michelai Graham Fact checked by Michelai Graham Michigan State University American University Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. She reports for AfroTech, Lifewire, and The Plug. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email TripSavvy / Melissa Zink Voted America's top city in numerous surveys, colorful and cosmopolitan San Francisco in northern California invariably charms visitors. The hilly multicultural "City by the Bay," offers everything from a cozy Italian neighborhood called North Beach to a large, well-known Chinatown, the oldest in North America. There are beautiful green spaces for hiking and several beaches and spots with panoramic city and Bay Area views. Explore urban neighborhoods filled with historic Victorian homes, artsy cafes, street murals, and restaurants, as well as perfect places within an hour or so to take a day trip. 01 of 25 Cross the Golden Gate Bridge TripSavvy / Melissa Zink View Map Address Golden Gate Bridge, Coastal Trail, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA Get directions Phone +1 415-426-5220 Web Visit website The 1.7 mile long Golden Gate Bridge is one of America's top 10 construction marvels and a must-see on any trip to San Francisco. Over 80 years old, this graceful and iconic span (which connects to Marin County) is an unforgettable spot to drive, walk or cycle across. You can even fly by on a seaplane. 02 of 25 Explore Golden Gate Park TripSavvy / Melissa Zink View Map Address San Francisco, CA, USA Get directions Phone +1 415-831-2700 Web Visit website Urban Parks 4.8 Contemplate your adventure while in Golden Gate Park. Within its thousand-plus acres are gardens, lakes, bridal and walking paths, Strybing Arboretum at San Francisco Botanical Gardens, and the tranquil Japanese Tea House and Garden, originally part of the 1894 World's Fair Exhibit. Tea drinkers overlook a waterfall and pond framed by fragrant wisteria. 03 of 25 Visit the California Academy of Sciences Macduff Everton / Getty Images View Map Address 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA Get directions Phone +1 415-379-8000 Web Visit website Science Attractions & Museums 4.4 There's really nothing else like the California Academy of Sciences. Combining innovative architecture and exciting exhibitions, the Academy is home to Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium, the Kimball Natural History Museum, and a four-story rainforest under one green roof. 04 of 25 Check Out the Catch at Fisherman's Wharf TripSavvy / Melissa Zink View Map Address Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA, USA Get directions The city's most popular destination, Fisherman's Wharf overlooks San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The historic waterfront still serves as a working fishing dock, so expect fresh seafood at area restaurants. Nearby San Francisco attractions like Pier 39, The Cannery, and Ghirardelli Square are touristy but prove irresistible to many visitors. Continue to 5 of 25 below. 05 of 25 Tour Alcatraz Island Daniel Osterkamp/ Getty Images View Map Address San Francisco, CA 94133, USA Get directions Phone +1 415-561-4900 Web Visit website A short ferry ride on the Alcatraz Cruises, LLC deposits you on Alcatraz Island, and the self-guiding Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour is available in many languages. Evening tours, led by park guides, are also available on this island-of-no-escape in the San Francisco Bay (Ferry departs Pier 33). 06 of 25 Ride the Iconic Cable Cars TripSavvy / Melissa Zink Moving historic landmarks, the San Francisco cable cars operate seven days a week along century-old routes. For a unique tour of the city, take the California Street line, which runs from the Financial District through Chinatown and over Nob Hill. The Powell-Mason line terminates near Fisherman's Wharf and the Powell-Hyde line ends at Aquatic Park near Ghiradelli Square. Board in San Francisco at any cable car turntable where you see a brown-and-white stop sign. 07 of 25 Walk Exotic Chinatown jejim/ Getty Images View Map Address Chinatown, San Francisco, CA, USA Get directions Web Visit website A dragon-draped archway at the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue announces the entrance to Chinatown in San Francisco, known as the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. Streets teem with fish and vegetable stalls, herbal shops, temples, and eateries. Hunan Home's, and R&G Lounge restaurants rate high with diners. Museums include the Chinese Historical Society of America and Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco. 08 of 25 Have Coffee at North Beach TripSavvy / Melissa Zink View Map Address North Beach, San Francisco, CA, USA Get directions In between appointments, stroll over to North Beach, San Francisco's Little Italy neighborhood, for a snack. The espresso is strong and the cannoli pastries are sweet at beloved Caffe Trieste, and century-old Molinari's deli appeases the hungry. Once fortified, pay a visit to City Lights Bookstore, a mecca for bohemians and serious book-lovers alike. Continue to 9 of 25 below. 09 of 25 Drive Crooked Lombard Street TripSavvy / Melissa Zink View Map Address Alamo Square, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA Get directions Free Attractions 4.2 Postcard-worthy views include Alamo Square, where San Francisco's circa-1900 Victorian homes are juxtaposed against the towering backdrop of downtown's skyscrapers. The area is bounded by Broderick Street and Webster Street to the east and west and Oak street and Golden Gate Avenue to the north and south. Lombard Street, the world's most crooked, is also a sight to behold. Its vertiginous path winds past ornate houses and descends steeply (between Hyde and Leavenworth streets). 10 of 25 Hang Out at the Presidio StephanHoerold / Getty Images View Map Address Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA Get directions The beautifully scenic Presidio was a military post for over 200 years until 1994, when it became part of the National Park Service. Visitors will enjoy walkways, quiet green spaces, and recreational areas, along with cafes, restaurants, and other businesses. Don't miss the bike ride through Crissy Field to the Golden Gate Bridge. 11 of 25 Enjoy the Culture of the Mission District David Tran/ Getty Images View Map Address Mission District, San Francisco, CA, USA Get directions Web Visit website The Mission District has a rich multicultural heritage: Immigrants from Europe, and later people from Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean arrived here. This primarily Latino district is a festive place to visit. You'll come upon classic taquerias, Mexican bakeries, and specialty shops, as well as various colorful public murals alongside a more gentrified contingent of trendy restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and cafes. 12 of 25 Peruse the Castro District NicolasMcComber / Getty Images View Map Address The Castro, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA Get directions Web Visit website In the heart of San Francisco, you'll find the lively Castro, the historic hub of the gay community where artists hang out and tourists and locals alike enjoy a variety of restaurants, boutiques, and bars, along with a free children’s museum. The Castro Theatre stands out as an area landmark; the area is also known as where political activist Harvey Milk had his headquarters in the gay pride movement of the 60s and 70s. Continue to 13 of 25 below. 13 of 25 Walk the City Katrin Engel / EyeEm / Getty Images A wonderful way to explore this dynamic and vibrant city is with an expert guiding you along as you travel by foot, learning about the history and culture of local neighborhoods. Several companies offer tours—whether you want to journey through urban Chinatown, the Castro District, or other neighborhoods, or check out rural landscapes on a free green walk or hike—there is truly something for everyone. 14 of 25 Re-Live the Summer of Love Westend61 / Getty Images View Map Address Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA Get directions If you want to experience where all things hippie took place in the 60s, head to where Haight and Ashbury streets meet. It's hard not to imagine the incense-filled days past as you walk around in the heart of where the 1967 Summer of Love took place—100,000 people converged in the Haight and the famous Grateful Dead band made the neighborhood home. You'll find restaurants, vintage clothing shops, smoke shops, artistic stores, cafes, lovely Victorian homes, and beyond. 15 of 25 Take a Day Trip to Sausalito TripSavvy / Melissa Zink View Map Address Sausalito, CA 94965, USA Get directions If you take a pretty drive north about 30 minutes across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, you'll come upon the small town of Sausalito, a great spot to spend a day in the Bay Area. Another fun option for transportation to Sausalito is taking a ferry from Fisherman's Wharf. Once you arrive, enjoy a houseboat-filled, cute town and some winning views of San Francisco, along with galleries, shops, and restaurants. 16 of 25 Tour the Victorian Homes Victorian Home Walk View Map Address Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA, USA Get directions Victorian homes and hilly streets come to mind for many people when dreaming of a trip to San Francisco; however, some prefer not to walk the famously steep hills. Victorian Home Walk will guide you around the Pacific Heights neighborhood, avoiding hills and giving a tour accessible to people at all abilities. With their expertise, you'll see more than 200 restored homes, the filming location of the movie "Mrs. Doubtfire," and where celebrities like Robin Williams and Don Johnson lived. Public tours are given Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; private tours are at a time you choose. In both cases, reservations are needed. Continue to 17 of 25 below. 17 of 25 Catch the View from Twin Peaks TripSavvy / Melissa Zink View Map Address Twin Peaks, San Francisco, CA, USA Get directions For some great Bay Area and city views from above, head to Twin Peaks near the city's geographical center, also one of the stops along San Francisco's Scenic 49-Mile Drive. The two adjacent peaks stand at 922 feet each. This internationally-known attraction is part of the nearly 65-acre Twin Peaks Natural Area where you can hopefully get a glimpse of the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly, rabbits, coyotes, native plants, and coastal scrub, among other flora and fauna. 18 of 25 Dine at the Historic Cliff House DavidCallan / Getty Images View Map Address 1090 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA Get directions Web Visit website Visited by five U.S. presidents and other famous people, the beloved Cliff House restaurant just north of Ocean Beach—which has been through fires, earthquakes, and a dynamite explosion—has been restored and houses the Bistro Restaurant, the fifth of its major incarnations since it all began in 1858. Other restaurants, cafes, bars, and attractions are nearby. To learn more about the fascinating history of this area, stop at The Lands End Lookout visitor center above the Cliff House. Just north of the Cliff House, explore the remains of the Sutro Baths which opened in 1896: The building held former seawater pools, ice skating rink, restaurants, and an amphitheater. 19 of 25 Shop Around Union Square TripSavvy / Melissa Zink View Map Address Union Square, San Francisco, CA, USA Get directions Union Square is a big shopping area and beloved tourist attraction, where you can sip on a coffee and people-watch in an outdoor setting, head inside nice restaurants with everything from sushi to Mexican or French cuisine, or experience art galleries and shops galore. For a little taste of history, check out the Walk of Fame, featuring signatures and handprints of some of the celebrity guests from Hotel Diva on Geary Street. Or get your theater on at The American Conservatory Theater, also on Geary. 20 of 25 Learn at the Exploratorium Vacclav / Getty Images View Map Address Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA Get directions Phone +1 415-528-4444 Web Visit website This museum filled with science, art, and other engaging experiences is highly interactive and educational—and for 50 years, it has been a great place to take the whole family. Located at Pier 15 on the Embarcadero and featuring over 650 hands-on exhibits, a seasonal and sustainable restaurant and cafe, and two stores, the museum offers enjoyment for people of all ages. Check out their reduced rates and community days (pay what you wish). Continue to 21 of 25 below. 21 of 25 See the Views from Coit Tower TripSavvy / Melissa Zink View Map Address 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA Get directions Phone +1 415-249-0995 Web Visit website Another one of San Francisco's lovely spots to take in the views is Coit Tower, a 210-foot structure atop Telegraph Hill, dating back to 1933. Once you take an elevator to the top of the tower, you'll find a deck with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding bay, including the Bay and Golden Gate bridges. At the base of the tower are murals created in 1934 displaying California life during the Depression. Tickets can be purchased from the nearby ticket shop; the site is open all year except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. 22 of 25 Find the Street Murals TripSavvy / Melissa Zink San Francisco is delightfully filled with colorful, creative streets, and part of that charm is in its multitude of diverse murals, some of the country's best. This street art can be found on everything from churches to home to public and private businesses. Fog City is home to more than 1,000 street murals you can explore in any type of weather. Most of them are in the Mission District, followed by South of Market and the downtown/Tenderloin area. 23 of 25 Explore the East Bay Andrei Stanescu / Getty Images If you don't mind the probable traffic, you can drive, bike, or walk across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, usually called the Bay Bridge, to explore the East Bay and its many neighborhoods. By car, Berkeley is about an hour from San Francisco, and home to the famous University of California, Berkeley, hippies who have been around since the 60s, and plenty of ethnic restaurants, shops, cafes, parks, and other ways to have fun. Oakland is about a 20-minute car ride south from Berkeley. It has a variety of areas offering everything from outdoor concerts to thrift shops and trendy cafes. 24 of 25 Walk Along Baker Beach TripSavvy / Melissa Zink View Map Address Baker Beach, San Francisco, CA, USA Get directions While it's not the safest swimming beach, the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding landscape are unforgettable at Baker Beach, so take a stroll at this spot with no entrance or parking fees. Others like to fish or soak up the sun when it's not a foggy summer day (the end closest to the bridge is a popular clothing-optional area). The beach is on the ocean side of the Golden Gate Bridge, just below the Presidio. Continue to 25 of 25 below. 25 of 25 Shop the Iconic Ferry Building Michael Lee / Getty Images View Map Address 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA Get directions Phone +1 415-983-8000 Web Visit website The San Francisco Ferry Building—where Market Street runs into the Embarcadero by the Bay Bridge—is a buzzing place for food lovers in search of local and fresh delicacies and wine at specialty shops and restaurants. Also, the San Francisco Ferry Building hosts an outdoors organic farmer's market several days a week all year; the biggest market is on Saturday mornings, so don't miss it if you love seasonal, fresh produce. History lovers will enjoy the building's 240-foot clock tower, a landmark by the water for over 100 years. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit