What to do in San Francisco: 15 attractions
San Francisco is one of the most iconic cities in the United States, known for its steep hills, cable cars, and breathtaking views. Whether visiting for a few days or exploring as a local, there’s always something new to experience. Here’s a guide to what to do in San Francisco, featuring some of the city’s most unique things to do.
Golden Gate Bridge
Location: Golden Gate National Recreation Area
The Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco’s most recognizable landmark. Spanning 1.7 miles across the Pacific Ocean, this iconic red-orange bridge offers stunning views of the city, Alcatraz, and the Marin Headlands. Walking or biking across it is one of the top things to do in San Francisco. If you plan on heading to the bridge, check out my walking tour of the Golden Gate Bridge. The 60-minute audio tour covers how suspension bridges work, how the bridge was built, and an overall history of San Francisco from the gold rush to the present day.
Alcatraz Island
Location: San Francisco Bay
Known as “The Rock,” Alcatraz Island once housed America’s most notorious criminals. A ferry ride will take you to this historic island, where you can explore its abandoned prison and learn about its rich history. A visit to Alcatraz is definitely one of the most unique things to do in San Francisco.
Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
Location: North Beach
Fisherman’s Wharf is a bustling waterfront area famous for its seafood, sea lions, and vibrant atmosphere. Pier 39 offers shopping, dining, and panoramic views of the bay, making it one of the top things to do in San Francisco for families and tourists alike. If you’re up for a walk, I have created a 90-minute audio tour from Pier 39 to Ghirardelli Square. On this tour, I’ll take you to see the sea lions at Pier 39, get some food at Boudin Bakery and In-N-Out, have some fun at Musée Mécanique, and give you the history of Pier 39, the USS Pampanito, our iconic San Francisco cable cars, and end the tour at the world-famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience.
Golden Gate Park
Location: Western San Francisco
Larger than New York’s Central Park, Golden Gate Park is a vast urban oasis. Within its 1,000 acres, you’ll find gardens, museums, and picturesque lakes. Must-see spots include the Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, and the California Academy of Sciences.
Lombard Street
Location: Russian Hill
Famous for its steep, winding turns, Lombard Street is often called “the crookedest street in the world.” Driving or walking down this quirky street is one of the unique things to do in San Francisco, and it offers excellent views of the city.
The Painted Ladies (Alamo Square)
Location: Alamo Square Park
These beautifully restored Victorian houses, known as the Painted Ladies, are a symbol of San Francisco’s charm. Alamo Square Park offers a perfect spot for photos with the city’s skyline in the background, making it one of the top things to do in San Francisco.
Muir Woods National Monument
Location: Mill Valley (30 minutes from SF)
Muir Woods is the place to go if you’re looking for nature close to the city. Wander through groves of towering redwood trees and soak in the serene atmosphere. A visit here offers a peaceful escape and is one of the more unique things to do near San Francisco.
The Exploratorium
Location: Pier 15, Embarcadero
The Exploratorium is a hands-on science museum that delights visitors of all ages. Interactive exhibits range from biology and physics to psychology and art, making it one of the top things to do in San Francisco with kids.
Twin Peaks
Location: Central San Francisco
For the best panoramic views of San Francisco, head to Twin Peaks. On clear days, this elevated spot offers stunning vistas of the city, the bay, and even the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and one of the most scenic things to do in San Francisco.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Location: SoMa District
SFMOMA houses an impressive contemporary and modern art collection, including works by Warhol, Kahlo, and Rothko. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a casual observer, this museum offers one of the top cultural experiences in San Francisco.
The Mission District
Location: Mission Street
The Mission District is known for its vibrant street art, especially the colorful murals on Balmy Alley. It’s also a foodie paradise, offering some of the city’s best tacos, burritos, and Latin cuisine. Exploring this neighborhood is one of the most unique things to do in San Francisco.
Chinatown
Location: Grant Avenue
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and largest outside of Asia. Stroll along Grant Avenue, where you can explore traditional shops, enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, and visit historic landmarks like the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. For an in-depth tour of Chinatown, you can take my 90-minute audio tour, where I’ll do a deep dive into the history of Chinatown, the impact of the 1906 earthquake, and take you to a few of my favorite spots for dim sum.
Palace of Fine Arts
Location: Marina District
Initially built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts is a stunning architectural landmark. Surrounded by a tranquil lagoon, it’s a peaceful spot for a stroll or a picnic and one of the top things to do in San Francisco for those who appreciate history and beauty.
Haight-Ashbury
Location: Haight Street
Haight-Ashbury is famous for being the 1960s counterculture movement’s epicenter and retains its bohemian charm. Vintage shops, eclectic cafes, and street art make this one of the most unique things to do in San Francisco, especially if you’re interested in the city’s hippie history.
Take a Waymo Ride
Location: Various neighborhoods in San Francisco
I’ve saved arguably the most unique experience for the last. For a genuinely futuristic and unique thing to do in San Francisco, hop into a Waymo. If you’ve been keeping an eye out, you will have noticed the white Jaguar cars with all the tech on the roof and no driver. These autonomous vehicles offer a driverless ride through the city’s iconic streets. It’s absolutely mind-blowing. This cutting-edge experience allows you to sit back and enjoy the sights while the car navigates San Francisco’s winding roads and steep hills. To grab a Waymo, download the Waymo app from the app store.
