San Francisco California has some pretty iconic things to see and do. The Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39’s Sea Lions, and riding one of the historic cable cars immediately comes to mind. But there’s also a bit more unique San Francisco attractions you should do. And on top of that, some of those popular San Francisco experiences might not be worth your time at all!
I’ve visited San Francisco twice, so here’s my list of top things to do including unique attractions, and others you can completely skip if you’re pressed for time.
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
Top Things To Do In San Francisco
As I mentioned, my list of top things to do in San Francisco is a mix of traditional and unique San Francisco attractions.
P.S. For easy trip planning, download my San Francisco travel guide with a top things to do in San Francisco checklist (and more!).
1. Ride The Historic Mode of Transportation (for an Entire Day!)
A very classic San Francisco experience is to ride the historic cable car. San Francisco cable cars are a manually operated car that attaches to a steel cable underground to move. It’s over 100 years old, and it’s the only city where they’re still running.
There are currently three cable car routes still active in the city: Powell / Hyde, Powell / Mason, and California street. P.S. Read my full guide to how to actually ride this historic mode of transportation.
The most popular cable car to ride is Powell and Hyde. It crosses a lot of other popular top things to do in San Francisco, and has the steepest hill with a great view of Alcatraz. But if have time, I recommend riding the cable cars as your only mode of transportation for an entire day. I did this on my last visit and it was such a fun way to get around and see the city, you can follow my one day cable car route.
2. See a Cable Car Turnaround
It’s not just about riding the cable cars in San Francisco, but also seeing one of the three cable car turnarounds. These historic cars are one sided, so they have to be manually turned around on a giant wooden turn style at the end of each route.
P.S. The California Street cable car is a double sided cable car so it doesn’t have a turnaround.
The most popular spot is at the Powell / Hyde turnaround in Fisherman’s Wharf, mainly because of how centrally located it is. So it’s also the most crowded! If you walk only a few blocks to Bay and Taylor Street, you’ll be able to see the Powell / Mason turnaround with hopefully A LOT less people.
3. Visit the Cable Car Museum (Free San Francisco Activity!)
There’s one more activity you have to do that’s related to the iconic San Francisco cable cars: visit the Cable Car Museum.
The Cable Car Museum was such an unexpected experience. For starters, it’s free. And second, it’s less of a museum, and more of just seeing the actual cable car warehouse. All the cables congregate here to be looped around and kept running. You’re actually able to see them in action both above and below ground.
Then around the working cables, they’ve built a museum explaining how the cable cars actually work and their history. I’ll admit, the museum is quite old, but cable car technology isn’t exactly new! So the information isn’t out of date! Plus once you’re here, you also get to see some of the original cable cars too! I recommend heading to the far back of the museum to watch the video.
Read Also>> San Francisco Cable Cars: Everything You Need To Know Before Your First Ride
4. Ride the Futuristic Mode of Transportation (Waymo)
In complete contrast to riding the centuries old cable car, you have to ride a Waymo, a driverless car. It sounds creepy, and it kind of is, but this is the future. And so far San Francisco is the only city with this car (they are looking at expanding to L.A. soon).
Riding a Waymo is so much better than a taxi or an Uber. You don’t have any awkward interactions with a driver, you can sing at the top of your lungs, and it felt so much safer! You aren’t getting in the car with a random stranger.
The driving capabilities of the Waymo felt a lot safer too, especially on those blind San Francisco hills. The Waymo can see so much more than a human can. It uses lidar and cameras to detect movement and speed. It also shows you on a screen in the car exactly what it sees. It can detect things way before I even saw it. It also knows the difference between a pedestrian riding a scooter, to a car, and even another Waymo!
You can also control everything in the car, just not the wheels and pedals. But feel free to change the temperature, the music, and even tell the car to pull over. The only thing I couldn’t figure out was how to open the trunk… so my suitcases rode in the passenger seat.
Pro Tip: You’ll have to download the Waymo app to be able to use the service. Download it and sign up at least a week before your trip to San Francisco because they may send you some discount codes if you don’t use the app right away. I hadn’t used the service for a few days after signing up and then they sent me 30% off three rides. And if you’re not from the States you’ll especially want to sign up in advance because you’ll need service to confirm your phone number.
5. Walk Around Fisherman’s Wharf (Pier 39)
Fisherman’s Wharf is the tourist epicentre of San Francisco, but if it’s your first time visiting, you shouldn’t miss it! It’s a hub for shops and restaurants and everything touristy.
Walk down Jefferson Street for a few iconic San Francisco experiences. Musée Méchanique is a large warehouse with old arcade games (that you can still play!). Then stop by the historic Boudin Bakery to pick up some sourdough bread. Then you’ll finally reach Pier 39.
Pier 39 has even more shops and restaurants, a mini carnival with daily performances, and the famous Pier 39 sea lions. These sea lions congregate here in the hundreds, and are quite noisy. They don’t do very much, but they’re fun to see!
Make a point to walk on the second level of the Pier for some great views of the Bay Area, Alcatraz, and the sea lions as well!
Pro Tip: If it’s your first time visiting San Francisco, I highly recommend staying in Fisherman’s Wharf for at least one night. I stayed at the Courtyard Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf for two nights before moving to Union Square. This way, you are conveniently located to all the top tourist destinations. It was very nice being able to walk back to the hotel mid day for a nap and to change before dinner.
6. Try to Escape Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz is one of the top things to do in San Francisco that is very much worth doing. I was skeptical at first, and it’s definitely a bit creepy feeling, but was very happy I visited.
The only way to get to Alcatraz is by ferry, but don’t worry that’s all included in your ticket. You’ll also get a cell house audio guide, and see the views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
If you’re interested in an Alcatraz tour along with other popular San Francisco experiences, book a combo ticket on Viator. The tour includes your ferry with an audio tour for Alcatraz, along with the choice of a bike rental, hop-on hop-off bus, or Bay cruise.
You might be interested in: How To Visit Alcatraz Island: What They Don’t Tell You
7. See the Crookedest Street in the World (Lombard Street)
The crookedest street in the world lives in San Francisco on Lombard Street.
If you have car in San Francisco, part of the fun is to attempt to drive down the street. But it’s also fun to watch the cars struggle as they turn around the tight corners.
8. Walk Around Union Square & Market Street
Union Square is the opposite of Fisherman’s Wharf. Fisherman’s Wharf is the port of the city, and Union Square is the downtown area. You still have shopping and restaurants, but now it’s big department stores, designer brands, and Target and Trader Joe’s.
Union Square itself is at the centre of it all. They have free weekly events, tables and chairs set up to enjoy a coffee, sometimes they even have a games cart set up. I swear, every day I walked by, there was something else going on. And even if there’s nothing during your stay, take a photo with the themed hearts on each square corner and do some shopping!
Pro Tip: If you’re staying longer in San Francisco, Union Square is also good location to stay. It’s a bit less touristy than Fisherman’s Wharf but still centrally located. I’ve stayed at two hotels in the area, and wouldn’t recommend either of them (Cornell Hotel de La France and The Marines Memorial Club)… instead I regret cancelling my booking at the Beacon Grand Hotel and would book that next time I’m in the city.
9. Enjoy a Cocktail or Meal at the Palace Hotel Garden Court
Near Union Square is the historic Palace Hotel (P.S. If you can afford it, book a room to stay here, it’s beautiful!). Otherwise, it’s completely free to walk inside and admire the Garden Court’s domed glass ceiling. And a more affordable option to booking a room, is to enjoy a meal or a cocktail.
Lunch is the main attraction at the Garden Court where they’re known for creating Green Goddess dressing. So it’s a no brainer that you must order the Green Goddess Salad, which is only available at lunch. I recommend making a reservation to secure your spot.
Otherwise if you’re okay sitting just outside the Garden Court, you can visit whenever you want. The Garden Court Lounge is open from 3:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. It surprisingly offers a more casual experience, with lounge chairs, and you can still see the famous dome ceiling. You can order drinks and light bites, or they have some meal options to order.
They also don’t really bother you if you sit here. I sat there for an hour just reading my book before ordering dinner. And it was wonderful!
Once you’re at the Palace Hotel, check out the small room with old historic photographs of the hotel throughout the years.
10. Attend an Event at SalesForce Park
SalesForce Park is a park in the sky in the middle of downtown San Francisco. If you didn’t know beforehand, you would be none the wiser that there was a park above you. It’s a beautiful calm haven among the skyscrapers in the Financial District.
It’s not a very long walk around the park, but they offer different flora to admire and art exhibits. My favourite is the water fountain that spouts when a bus drives is underneath it. And they also offer events and activities throughout the week. Try to plan to be there for either one of their yoga classes in the morning, or their live music sessions in the evening.
11. Walk / Bike / Scooter from Fort Mason to Crissy Field
One of the best San Francisco experiences is to walk along the water edge, taking in the view of the Golden Gate bridge, and enjoying the beautiful weather. It’s very nice to leave the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf for a bit for some more local, or not as popular, spots in the city.
You can make this walk as long, or as short as you want. From Fisherman’s Wharf, you can walk to Fort Mason Park is just beyond the Aquatic Cove. I recommend walking a to the top hill (to Blue Jay Viewpoint) for a full view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
If you’re feeling up for it, continue through to the Marina Green until Crissy Field Beach. This takes you through the Marina District of San Francisco. This route is all bike path, so it’s a very lovely walk away from cars and traffic. Plus, you can always rent a bike, or even take a Lime Scooter.
Crissy Field is a large beach with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, so relax here for a bit before making your way back. And if you’re took tired to walk or scooter back, order a Waymo!
12. Admire the Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts isn’t what you think it is. When I think fine arts, I think museum with paintings and sculptures – artwork. Well, the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is an outdoor replica of an ancient Greek / Roman building. It’s larger than life, and incredible to walk through.
It was built as part of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915 to celebrate the reconstruction of the city after the devastating 1906 earthquake. It was meant to be taken down along with the rest of the buildings from the event, but it remained (and for good reason!).
Take some time to walk around the Palace Lagoon, and through the dome!
13. Hike through the Presidio of San Francisco
The Presidio of San Francisco is a huge park on the edge of the city with a lot going on! There are beaches, hiking trails, bike paths, even a golf course and Disney Museum.
You can spend an entire day alone here. I recommend heading to Fort Point National Historic Site. It offers insane views of the Golden Gate Bridge from below. And you might even get to watch some surfers attempting the waves. P.S. You can walk (or bike / scooter) here from Crissy Fields and even Fisherman’s Wharf… either rent a bike or book a bike tour.
Then if you walk uphill a bit, you’ll actually reach the entrance to the Golden Gate Bridge. The path doesn’t end here either, you can either walk across the bridge, or to another beach.
If you cross to the other side of the highway, there are more typical hiking paths. These offer a few more viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge from a new angle. And if you’re up for it, walk all the way to Bakers Beach!
Pro Tip: Pack a picnic lunch, or pick up some food from Equator Coffee at the Golden Gate Bridge (although expect a long line here!). Then you’ll have some food to enjoy as a picnic lunch on the beach or somewhere with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge!
14. Dare to Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge
Walking (or biking) across the Golden Gate Bridge is definitely one of the most iconic San Francisco experiences. But it’s not for the faint of heart… it wasn’t for me at least!
I did it the first time I visited San Francisco, and it was terrifying, so opted against it this time! But if you aren’t afraid of heights, or water, then it’s of course one of the top things to do in San Francisco. You don’t even have to walk across the entire way, just a walk out a bit to get a view, experience the windiness and feeling suspended in the air.
If you make it across, head to the Golden Gate Vista Point on the other side (it will be about an hour walk from the Welcome Centre). It’s a bit of a long walk, so you can also book this bike tour that takes you from Fisherman’s Wharf, by the Marina and Crissy Field, across the Golden Gate Bridge and to Sausalito.
Pro Tip: One of my favourite activities was actually driving across the Golden Gate Bridge on a double decker bus (this was much better than walking across for me!). I did this as part of the Big Bus Tour – just be sure to be prepared with a hat or hood, it’s COLD on top of the bus!
15. Relax at the Japanese Tea Gardens
The Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park is a bit farther from the classic top things to do San Francisco but it’s well worth your time.
The gardens themselves are nice and very interactive compared to other Japanese gardens I’ve been to. You really have to watch where you’re stepping to avoid falling in the pond! They also have a traditional Japanese pagoda (great for photographing!) and quite the unique bridges to walk over!
But the real reason to come here is for the tea house overlooking the koi pond and gardens. Order a tea and dessert, or I ordered lunch because I was starving. It was the perfect space to relax with a tea and ramen in my case, and give yourself a break from travel.
P.S. This is a really long this of what to do in San Francisco area, so stay organized with my San Francisco travel guide, which includes a checklist of all the top things to do!
16. Feel the Hippie Vibes in Haight-Ashbury
Near Golden Gate Park is Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, the Hippie capital of the world. It dates back to the Summer of Love in 1967 when San Francisco was the home of the hippie movement. Today, you can still see some historical homes along the streets.
Walk along Haight to see Jimi Hendrix’s Red House (1524 Haight St). On Ashbury you can see Janis Joplin’s Pink House (635 Ashbury St), the Grateful Dead House (710 Ashbury St), and the That’s So Raven House (461 Ashbury St).
Then you have to shop for all the tie die in the world at Love on Haight.
17. Go on a Tour of the Fairmont San Francisco (Nob Hill)
Fairmont Hotels are always a must visit on my travels as they’re often in beautiful, historic buildings. Fairmont San Francisco is no exception. And The Fairmont San Francisco is really a must see because it’s what started the hotel chain.
The hotel offers guided tours, but only once a week. So the concierge also made his own historical audio guide you can listen to whenever you’re free (and only 15 minutes!). He’ll walk you through the history as you go through the hotel from the lobby to the terrace, and into the basement.
The Fairmont San Francisco is also home to the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. I didn’t get a chance to go as you have to make a reservation in advance, but it sounds like one of the most interesting San Francisco experiences. Essentially, this room used to be the hotels pool… and when it was converted into a restaurant, they left the pool in the middle! So they used that to their advantage and have a floating stage on the water.
18. Attempt to Walk up the Steepest Streets (Jones & Taylor)
Near the Fairmont San Francisco are the two steepest streets in the city. You are in Nob Hill after all, which is the highest point in San Francisco.
Jones and Taylor are both the steepest streets and offer incredible views. Attempt to walk down and back up to feel the steepness and get in a good mini cardio and leg workout while you’re at it!
19. Go for Coffee / Shop on Polk Street (Russian Hill)
Polk Street in Russian Hill was one of my favourite streets to walk down in the city (and much better than North Beach). They have restaurant and shops, two of which are historic: Bob’s Donuts and The Russian Hill Bookstore.
Bob’s donuts has been serving handmade donuts at this original location since the 1950s. Let me tell you, not only are they good, but I think they haven’t change their prices in 75 years either.
The Russian Hill Bookstore is the rival to City Lights Booksellers and Publishers (in North Beach). I liked this store so better, it has more than just books and it felt more accessible to the casual reader.
And a trendy spot for coffee is Saint Frank Coffee farther down the street.
20. Eat your way Through San Francisco’s Chinatown
Chinatown in San Francisco is quite unique. The architecture is completely different from the rest of the city, taking inspiration from China. It wasn’t always like this, but they had to rebuild after the earthquake of 1906. P.S. If you’re interested in finding out more about the history of Chinatown, I did a walking tour and would recommend it!
There are a few things for what to do in San Francisco Chinatown. For starters, walk through Chinatown (on Grant Avenue) admiring the architecture, the dragon lights, and the Dragon Gate. But a visit to San Franciscos Chinatown is really all about the food… You have to get:
- moon cakes from Eastern Bakery,
- fortune cookies from the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, &
- egg tarts from The Golden Gate Bakery
Even if you don’t end up buying anything, each one is their own unique Chinatown experience. The Eastern Bakery is set up on a table outside the shop. The Fortune Cookie Factory is a slightly overwhelming tightly run shop. But the Golden Gate Bakery takes the cake…
They don’t have any opening hours online, you have to walk by the door to see if there’s a sign saying when they’re open. If they’re open, the door will open a crack, just enough to ask what what your order is. Then you’ll slip them some money before receiving your desserts.
It’s also popular to try Dim Sum and tea in Chinatown. I actually couldn’t find a decent place in Chinatown so went just outside. For Dim Sum I can’t recommend The House of NanKing enough, and for tea I went to the Imperial Tea Court in the Ferry Building.
Bonus! Admire the Victorian San Francisco Architecture
I don’t love when top things to do lists tell you to admire the architecture, so I’ve added it as a bonus. Because, in San Francisco, you really should admire the architecture. The homes are built on slants which is impressive, and they’re all different. There’s going to be something you can appreciate about one home on every block. Whether it’s the architecture, the intricate designs, or paint colours.
Plus, this is a good way to distract your mind as your walking up those steep hills!
Popular San Francisco Experiences You Can Skip…
If you’re pressed for time, these are some of the popular top things to do in San Francisco that I was the least impressed by, and truthfully might not be worth your time… Some of San Francisco experiences also have better alternatives that are worth doing instead!
Even though I think you can skip these, I still included them on my San Francisco travel guide checklist.
Skip the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square
The Painted Ladies are the iconic set of six Victorian homes from 1858. These beautiful set of homes survived the 1906 earthquake, making them some of the oldest in the city. Adding to their fame, they’ve also been featured in Hollywood over the years. They’re most widely known for being in the Full House opening credits (which was a huge draw for me!).
But they really are just that – homes. And as I said, the architecture is beautiful everywhere you go in city.
My main issue with visiting the Painted Ladies are their location, they’re just so far from everything. I didn’t have a car in the city, so I booked the Big Bus Tour just to get there!
I was also a little disappointed with the view itself. You need a good zoom lens to be able to get the iconic shot of the Painted Ladies without the park and ugly buildings on the side.
So unless it’s on your route, or you’re a huge fan of Full House, it’s really not necessary to visit.
Skip Ghirardelli Square
This one might come as a shock, but you can skip Ghirardelli Square, there’s really not much here and it’s a bit underwhelming. It used to be the old chocolate factory but now it has some restaurants and shops including TWO Ghirardelli stores.
I think I was just expecting more, like at little chocolate factory or exhibit to see. You can still come here if you’re looking for some souvenirs, or ice cream but it’s far from a San Francisco must do in my opinion.
Skip North Beach
This might be an unpopular opinion, but you can skip the North Beach neighbourhood as well. You’ll probably end up in North Beach at one point during your trip because of how centrally located it is. But it did not impress me, it felt very rundown and the opposite of a quaint neighbourhood.
The shopping was sparse, even the iconic bookstore (City Lights Booksellers & Publishers) was skippable unless you’re a huge fan of poetry, classic novels, and buying physical books. I also didn’t feel the need to eat at any of the restaurants here as I felt like could have all been a little cleaner…
As I mentioned, a better alternative is to go to Polk Street in Russian Hill.
Skip Coit Tower
Coit Tower is a very prominent structure in the San Francisco skyline. You can see it from Pier 39, Lombard Street, Alcatraz… I thought it was some historical, important monument but it was just a bequest of a philanthropist to add beauty to the city’s skyline in the 1930s… which to me, a large concrete phallic structure isn’t exactly beautiful.
It’s also steep process to get to, walking up a hill to the Filbert steps (if you don’t have a car). You do get a view at the top, but it’s not a view you haven’t seen before in San Francisco. It’s also not the best view of anything because you’re so far. So you can get a better view of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge elsewhere.
You can walk up to the top of the tower (for an even worse view in my mind), but it’s more if you’re interested in seeing the murals painted on the walls. For a taste of the art for free though, you can walk inside the lobby and do a tour of the first floor.
I think Coit Tower is best viewed from far, as a landmark in the San Francisco skyline.
Shop & Eat Local At The Ferry Building
The Ferry Building is still a working ferry port today if you’re looking to go to Oakland or Sausalito you’ll most likely come here. While you wait for your boat, you can shop and taste local eats in the Ferry Building.
But if you don’t have to be at the Ferry Building, it’s not a must see. Again, it was just a bit underwhelming, there aren’t too many shops or restaurants here that I felt were a must visit and it can be a tad out of the way.
If you’re a fan of tea and want to learn how to use a traditional Chinese Gaiwan, I do recommend the Imperial Tea Court for a unique experience.
Plan Your San Francisco Trip
Now that you have all the top things to do in San Francisco, here are some useful tips and links to help plan and book your upcoming trip.
More San Francisco Posts On My Blog
- San Francisco Cable Cars: Everything You Need To Know Before Your First Ride
- How To Ride The San Francisco Cable Cars In One Day To All The Top Sites (Map)
- How To Visit Alcatraz Island: What They Don’t Tell You
San Francisco Hotel Recommendations
I’ve stayed in three hotels in San Francisco and would really only recommend one: the Marriott in Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s by no means a luxury hotel but it gets the job done and the location could not have been better (my room actually had a view onto the In & Out Burger offering entertainment all day long!). Aside from the In & Out it was walking distance to everything, from Ghirardelli Square to Pier 39. See room rates and availability on Booking.com.
Another good area to stay in while in San Francisco is Union Square. It’s a safer, less touristy neighbourhood. But it still has a cable car running through it to bring you to Fisherman’s Wharf and all the . I stayed in both Cornell Hotel de France and the Marine’s Memorial Club Hotel… and wouldn’t recommend either other than their locations. I regret cancelling my reservation to save some money at the Beacon Grand in the same location! Looking back I think the extra cost is worth it. See room rates and availability on Booking.com.
Or see more hotel options in San Francisco.
San Francisco Travel Guide
Check out my digital and printable travel guide for first timers to San Francisco.
Use it digitally on your phone to check off top attractions as you do them. Or print it out in one of three size formates, 8.5 x 11, 5.5 x 8.5, or 2.75 x 4.25 for a packable mini travel planner!
10 pages included:
- Cover Page
- San Francisco at a Glance: with tips and quick information about San Francisco, like boroughs to visit, souvenirs to buy, and to classic experiences
- Packing list
- Top things to do in San Francisco
- One-Day Cable Car Route (Map)
- One-Day Cable Car Route Itinerary
- Day trips from San Francisco
- San Francisco Eats
- Filming Locations around the city
- Additional notes, to write travel info or favourite memories you don’t want to forget! list for Morocco
Apps To Download For Your Trip
- Airalo (e-sim for foreign travellers, use my code MEGHAN4678)
- MuniMobile for public transit (including cable car tickets)
- Waymo (self driving car)
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