San Francisco is a city wanderluster’s dream. With all the sights to see and things to do and as such, this list could be endless. I’ve narrowed it down to the things we view as being the best. Read on to discover the Top 10 Most Amazing Things to Do In San Francisco.
Check out our separate post on the Top 10 Experiences We Had in San Francisco for our unique take on what we enjoyed most during our visit (coming soon).
Top 10+ Things to Do in San Francisco
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Island
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Lombard Street
- Street Art Tour
- The Painted Ladies of San Francisco
- Dolores Park
- Coit Tower
- San Francisco Streetcars, Cable Cars, Trams
- Golden Gate Park, Japanese Tea Gardens, San Francisco Botanical Gardens
- Presidio, Palace of the Fine Arts
- Twin Peaks
1. Golden Gate Bridge
If you visit San Francisco and don’t see the Golden Gate Bridge, did you visit at all? The iconic landmark is arguably the number one thing people think of when they think of San Francisco and is the most photographed bridge in the world. This 1,300-meter long and 746-foot tall “vermillion” orange bridge has been used to cross the Golden Gate strait in the San Francisco Bay since construction was completed in 1937. It’s a spectacular sight to see from any angle. When passing over the bridge there are cityscapes on one side, natural landscapes on the other, and beautiful blue water below. From a lookout at a distance, you’re able to take in the bridge and surrounding area in all its glory.
2. Alcatraz Island
In 1934 the island was converted into a federal prison, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, and has had a rich and sordid history. I initially wasn’t keen on the idea of visiting a former maximum-security prison on an island in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. All I knew was that it was one of the most notorious prisons in American history. It is also “escape-proof” due to the strong currents around the island and cold water temperatures of the bay. Not exactly my idea of a fun night out. We went on the night tour which included a narrated boat tour around the island, guided tours from the dock to the main prison building, a self-guided Cellhouse Audio Tour, and optional programs and exhibits. It’s an informative and engaging experience.
3. Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square are some of the most popular attractions of San Francisco, and for good reason. There are countless souvenir shops, restaurants, boutiques, and more to satisfy all needs and wants. The bustling waterfront marketplace of Pier 39 is also home to a community of sea lions. There are unique attractions like the historic WWII submarine USS Pampanito and the Musée Mécanique, an interactive museum of 20th-century arcade games.
4. Lombard Street
Another of the most famous sights in the city is Lombard Street, also known as the “Crookedest Street in San Francisco.” The street, which stretches from The Presidio east to The Embarcadero, is famous for a steep, one-block section with eight hairpin turns. It is crawling with tourists at all times of the day, both on foot and driving down the street with their children hanging out the side windows taking videos. I would recommend walking it rather than driving it. On foot, you’re able to see more and explore all angles. When driving you will be waiting in a long lineup and when you finally get to drive it will be too concerned with making each turn to enjoy the experience.
5. Street Art Tour
San Francisco has over 1,000 murals and other artworks scattered throughout the city adorning walls, buildings, alleyways, roads, patios, electrical boxes, and more. If there’s a surface to be painted, it more than likely will be. The city’s street art is a reflection of its unique blend of cultures, socio-political movements, historical landmarks, events, and figures, as well as intense creativity and a spirit of resilience.
The largest collection of murals is in the Mission District, the birthplace of the mural scene in San Francisco and the oldest neighborhood in the city. There are many options to see street art in the city. You can take one of several guided tours, find a self-guided tour, or make it up as you go along and get out there.
6. The Painted Ladies of San Francisco
Another of the most iconic and photographed sights in San Francisco are the Painted Ladies on Alamo Square Park. Painted ladies are Victorian and Edwardian houses and buildings that were repainted, starting in the 1960s, in three or more colors to embellish or enhance their architectural details. The 7 most famous ones line the sloped Steiner Street, and are also known as “postcard row”. We found several other painted ladies even more vibrant, beautiful, and intricate scattered throughout the city.
7. Dolores Park
Spanning nearly 16 acres, Mission Dolores Park is one of San Francisco’s most popular parks and places to enjoy sunny days. Located between the Mission District and the Castro/Noe Valley neighborhoods, it is a hub of activity with people having picnics, lounging in the grass, attending festivals and performances, and taking in the amazing views of the city’s skyline. There are lush green lawns, tall palm trees, sports fields, playgrounds, off-leash dog areas, and more. The park is named for the nearby Mission Dolores, a historic church complex in San Francisco.
8. Coit Tower
The historic Coit Tower is a 210-foot tower overlooking San Francisco and the Bay, situated at the top of Telegraph Hill. The interior of the Art Deco tower features murals in the American fresco mural painting style, painted by 25 different onsite artists. The tower was a gift to the city from Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a volunteer firefighter who left one-third of her estate to the city when she died in 1929 to add beauty to the city.
9. San Francisco Cable Cars, Streetcars & Trams
Another famous and iconic attraction are San Francisco’s cable cars. The first ride took place in 1873 and in 1964 the cars were named a national historic landmark. They are the world’s last manually operated cable car system, a tramway whose cars are pulled along by cables embedded in the street. The cars are not just a sight to see but a sight to hear as their bells can be heard ringing from far away. With cable cars, regular cars, buses, bicycles, pedestrians, and more all on the same roads it’s no surprise we saw several traffic jams while exploring the city.
10. Golden Gate Park, Japanese Tea Gardens, San Francisco Botanical Gardens
Golden Gate Park is larger than Central Park in New York City by approximately 20%. It’s a fun fact that neither Luke nor I knew at the time of visiting either place. The more you know. This beautiful park is filled with rolling hills, lush lawns, diverse flora, and lakes. It is also home to several of the city’s most-visited attractions, including the Japanese Tea Garden and the San Francisco Botanical Garden. You could spend an entire week exploring the park and still have parts left to explore.
11. Presidio, Palace of the Fine Arts
Presidio is a National Park established in 1994 on what was initially a military base in the mid-19th century. Today it’s a sprawling park with some of the best nature trails in the city. There are expansive views of the bay, forest, city skyline, and Golden Gate Bridge. In addition to the natural sights, it’s home to several attractions. Most notably including the Tunnel Tops, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and the Presidio Theatre.
The Palace of Fine Arts is a stunning structure. It is located in the Marina District of San Francisco, right next to Presidio. Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition it can now be rented as an event space.
12. Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks offers 360-degree views of the city. It is arguably one of the best spots to take in the city sights, especially at sunset. At an elevation of approximately 925 feet (282 meters), the peaks are the second and highest mountains in the city. The only way to get there is by car or by foot but it is well worth the trip.
If you would a more personal account of our time in San Fran, you can read our post Travel Stories from San Francisco: A Married Couple’s Memoir
Do you agree with this list? What would you add or remove? Let us know in the comments section below.
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