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If you have done the things to do in Mexico, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in San Francisco.
In the city that rises from the fog, San Francisco offers a plethora of experiences that will make you fall in love with its vibrant energy and scenic beauty.
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this city by the bay is a treasure trove of things to do and explore.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in San Francisco:
1. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It is an iconic and recognizable landmark of San Francisco, California.
What to see or do: You can take a stroll or bike ride across the bridge and enjoy the stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline.
There are several lookout points along the way where you can stop to take photos.
You can also book a guided tour to learn more about the history of the bridge and the engineering behind its construction.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to see the bridge lit up at night. The bridge is an impressive sight when it’s lit up with different colors during special events or holidays.
Insider travel tips: – Wear layers, as it can get windy and chilly at the bridge even in the summer.
2. Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a small island located in the San Francisco Bay, known for its notorious former federal prison that operated from 1934 to 1963.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore the prison cells, mess hall, and other areas of the prison.
There are also exhibits and displays about the island’s history as a military fort, a federal prison, and a site for Native American activism.
Don’t miss: The audio tour, which includes commentary from former inmates and guards, brings the prison to life. Visitors should also take in the stunning views of San Francisco from the island.
Insider travel tips: Tickets to Alcatraz can sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons, so it’s recommended to book in advance. Dress warmly as it can get chilly on the island, even during the summer.
3. Coit Tower
Coit Tower is an iconic landmark in San Francisco located atop Telegraph Hill.
What to see or do: Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city from the tower’s observation deck. Marvel at the stunning murals created during the Great Depression, depicting life in California during that time period.
Explore the surrounding gardens and take in the picturesque views of the bay.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning murals painted on the tower’s walls depicting the city’s history.
Look for the hidden mural of a firefighter and their dog, a tribute to the brave firefighters who fought the 1934 San Francisco General Strike.
Insider travel tips: Avoid crowds by visiting in the early morning or late afternoon. Take the stairs up to the top for an extra workout and avoid waiting for the elevator.
4. Fisherman’s Wharf
A popular tourist destination located in the northern waterfront area of San Francisco.
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips:
5. Cable Cars
San Francisco’s iconic Cable Cars are a historic and fun way to get around the city.
What to see or do: Take a scenic ride on the cable car while taking in some of the most breathtaking views of the city.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the iconic cable car ride from Powell Street to Fisherman’s Wharf, which is considered one of the most popular routes.
Insider travel tips: Get there early to avoid long lines.
6. Palace of Fine Arts
One of the most iconic landmarks in San Francisco, the Palace of Fine Arts is a monumental structure built for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915.
What to see or do: Take a stroll around the stunning Greco-Roman-style colonnades and the serene artificial lagoon that reflects the grand architecture.
From here, you can explore the exhibitions and galleries at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, which hosts a variety of performing arts events throughout the year.
Don’t miss: Don’t forget to take a photo in front of the towering rotunda or grab a bite to eat at the nearby cafes with outdoor seating that offers peeks of the palace’s stunning surroundings.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, visit during the weekdays and arrive early in the morning. Also, check the schedule for any events happening at the Theatre and book tickets in advance.
Parking can be a challenge in the area, so consider taking public transportation or carpooling.
7. Union Square
A bustling public plaza in the heart of downtown San Francisco known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
What to see or do: Enjoy outdoor concerts, people watching, and public art displays. Shop at the large department stores such as Macy’s, or browse through designer boutiques and specialty shops.
Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, cafes, or street vendors.
Don’t miss: The historic Dewey Monument, the heart of Union Square. Enjoy ice-skating during the holiday season.
Visit the nearby Westfield San Francisco Centre for an indoor shopping experience.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. Check out the rooftop garden at Macy’s for great views of the city.
Take a cable car from Powell Street to get to Union Square.
8. Lombard Street
A one-way street in San Francisco famous for its tight turns and steep gradients.
What to see or do: Take a drive or walk on Lombard Street, which offers a unique and thrilling experience in San Francisco. Admire the care and precision with which the eight hairpin bends were designed to reduce the steepness of the slope.
Don’t miss: The view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the bottom of Lombard Street, where the road meets the Presidio.
Insider travel tips: Visit Lombard Street early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds. If you’re driving, know that it can get very busy, so be prepared for some traffic.
9. Chinatown
A vibrant and historic neighborhood in San Francisco known for its Chinese culture, food, and architecture.
What to see or do: Explore Grant Avenue, the main street of Chinatown that is lined with traditional Chinese shops, restaurants, and markets. Visit the iconic Dragon Gate, the entrance to Chinatown on Bush Street.
Check out the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum to learn about the history and culture of Chinese Americans. Stop by the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to watch fortune cookies being made.
Don’t miss: Sampling the delicious dim sum, roast duck, and other traditional Chinese dishes at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Visiting the Tin How Temple, the oldest Taoist temple in the United States.
Walking up and down the steep and narrow alleys that are lined with colorful buildings, flower shops, and herbal medicine shops.
Insider travel tips: Chinatown can get crowded, especially on weekends and during holidays like Chinese New Year, so try to visit during off-peak hours.
Bargaining is an accepted practice in many of the shops, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices. Be sure to try some bubble tea or boba, a popular drink in the neighborhood.
10. Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is a science museum located in San Francisco that features hundreds of interactive exhibits related to science, art, and human perception.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore various exhibits that cover topics such as physics, biology, and technology. The museum features hands-on displays that allow visitors to experiment with light, sound, and motion.
Don’t miss: The Tactile Dome is a pitch-black exhibit that invites visitors to navigate through it using only their sense of touch. Also, don’t miss the Science of Cocktails event, where visitors can learn about the chemistry behind their favorite cocktails.
Insider travel tips: The museum can get quite crowded, so it’s best to arrive early or plan for a weekday visit if possible. The museum also offers discounts for certain groups, such as students and seniors.
11. California Palace of the Legion of Honor
The California Palace of the Legion of Honor is a fine arts museum located in San Francisco, California.
What to see or do: The museum features a wide collection of art, particularly European decorative arts and paintings. Visitors can see sculptures, ancient art, and American art.
Additionally, the museum hosts various exhibitions throughout the year to showcase different artists, movements, and mediums.
Don’t miss: The main attraction of the museum is the “Thinker” sculpture by Auguste Rodin, located outside the entrance. The museum also features a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean from its observation deck.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting the museum on a weekday to avoid large crowds.
For a more immersive experience, participate in the one hour guided tour of the museum which is offered in English and Spanish.
If you’re on a budget, plan to visit on the first Tuesday of the month when admission is free.
12. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a world-renowned art museum located in downtown San Francisco.
What to see or do: SFMOMA’s collection includes over 33,000 works of art by artists from around the world, ranging from painting and sculpture to photography, media arts, and more.
Visitors can explore exhibitions, attend public programs, and participate in guided tours.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the museum’s rooftop sculpture garden, which offers an outdoor space to enjoy breathtaking views of San Francisco and take in works of art by Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois, and other artists.
Insider travel tips: – SFMOMA offers free admission to visitors under 19 years old.
13. Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks is a pair of hills located in San Francisco, California. It offers a panoramic view of the Bay Area.
What to see or do: Visitors can drive or hike to the top of Twin Peaks and enjoy the stunning 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Bay Bridge.
It’s the perfect spot for a picnic or a romantic sunset.
Don’t miss: The view from the North Peak is higher than the South Peak and offers a better panoramic view of the city.
Also, the view during the night sparkles with the city lights.
Insider travel tips: The parking lot at the top of Twin Peaks is small and fills up quickly, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Also, bring a warm jacket as it can get windy and foggy.
14. Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is a protected forest area located just north of San Francisco, California. It is home to a stunning collection of redwood trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails that wind through the towering redwoods, including a flat accessible boardwalk path. The natural beauty of the forest is sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor.
Don’t miss: The Cathedral Grove – an area of the forest that features some of the tallest trees in Muir Woods, including one that stands at over 250 feet tall.
Insider travel tips: – Visit on a weekday in the early morning for a peaceful and less-crowded experience.
15. San Francisco Zoo
A 100-acre zoo located in San Francisco’s Ocean Beach neighborhood.
What to see or do: Visitors can view over 1,000 animals from around the world, including giraffes, tigers, penguins, and more. The zoo also offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and special events throughout the year.
Don’t miss: The African Savanna exhibit, which features a large natural habitat for giraffes, zebras, and other African animals.
The newly opened South American exhibit, featuring animals such as the giant anteater and the Andean bear, is also worth a visit.
Insider travel tips: The zoo can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early in the day or on a weekday if possible.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as San Francisco weather can be unpredictable. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but visitors are also allowed to bring their own.
Finally, don’t forget to check out the sea lions at nearby Pier 39 before or after your visit!