Home to one of the most photographed (and Instagrammable) bridges in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is one sought-after destination.
Beyond its striking bridge, this iconic city is known for its steep rolling hills, unmatched sightseeing, and culinary experiences.
San Francisco is an adventurer’s dream come true.
Not only are you awarded with wonderful sights, but its vibrant arts and culture scene, amazing food, and plentiful accommodations are all excellent perks.
Am I the only one excited to explore the “Golden City”?
If not, you’ll be pleased to know that this guide is all about the best things to do in San Francisco.
So, strap on those walking shoes. The buzzing hills of San Fran are calling your name!
Pssst: Also, check out these things to do in Palm Springs to explore more of California.
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San Francisco Essentials
Top Experiences & Tours in San Francisco
San Francisco has no shortage of sights and attractions to keep you busy, but if you’re strapped for time, I suggest doing guided tours.
Try out this hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour, this trip with tickets to Alcatraz, or this small group tour.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
Here are my top recommendations for hotels while visiting San Francisco:
($) Coventry Motor Inn — Stay at this adorable hotel tucked between the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf if you’re traveling on a budget. Click here to check availability!
($$) The Westin St. — This hotel has an airy, elegant vibe with spacious rooms, beautiful decor, and four-star amenities. And with its central location near San Francisco’s must-see attractions, you simply can’t go wrong. Click here to check availability!
($$$) Beacon Grand — You’ll feel like royalty at this opulent hotel. It oozes vintage aesthetics paired with stunning city skyline views. Click here to check availability!
How To Get Around San Francisco
San Francisco has lots of hills, curvy streets, long boulevards, and hidden alleyways.
These can be intimidating for outsiders, but with these tips, getting around should be a bit easier.
Firstly, you want to purchase the Clipper Card, which allows you to easily use various modes of public transport in the Bay Area, including BART, Muni buses, Metro, and cable cars.
In addition to public transport, you can also use taxis, ride-sharing apps, and shuttle services, including Lyft and Uber.
Finally, if you plan on taking day trips and exploring outside San Francisco, I’d suggest renting a car.
Travel Tip: Make sure to reserve your rental car in advance on RentalCars.com.
1. Take Photos of the Golden Gate Bridge
I’ve already boasted enough about San Francisco’s famous Golden Gate Bridge.
But is a trip to SF even real if you haven’t captured or at least seen this soaring beauty? I think not.
This is why the Golden Gate Bridge is a staple for any San Francisco travel guide.
The best overlooks for scenic Golden Gate Bridge views include Pacific Overlook, Battery East Vista, and Golden Gate Overlook.
Try to visit this landmark during the spring and fall seasons when the skies are clear, and the weather is mild.
Late afternoons and early mornings offer the absolute best lighting to photograph the bridge.
And if you wanted to make a whole day out of it — why not do this sunset cruise across San Francisco Bay for breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge?
2. Grab Some Coffee at a Unique Café
One thing about San Fran that you can’t deny is its thriving coffee culture.
Interestingly, the Golden City scored the highest in a report released by WalletHub, ranking the best coffee cities in the U.S.
So, it only makes sense to try out the coffee here, right?
And I’m not just sending you off to any coffee shop since I’m all about aesthetics and that Instagrammable factor as well.
If you’re looking for a place with a cool aesthetic, go to the Interval at Long Now.
It’s a quirky cocktail bar that doubles as a coffee shop. It kind of looks like a scientist’s apartment with bookshelves and “techie” décor.
The Café Revéille is another cute café worth visiting.
Lastly, you can’t go wrong with The Mill SF, a super elegant place to show off on social media.
3. Visit Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is hands down one of the top touristy places to visit in San Francisco.
It might not be the prettiest site, however, it’s truly worth a peep, thanks to its intriguing history.
This notorious prison was once the home of Al Capone, an infamous crime boss.
A guided tour of Alcatraz gives you a glimpse at how some of the most dangerous criminals spent their final days.
This island has been used as a prison since the Civil War, and today, it has a museum and other buildings that are pretty interesting to see up close.
Check availability of Alcatraz Island tour on Viator!
4. Explore Haight-Ashbury
Step back in time and explore the vibrant Haight-Ashbury district, the epicenter of the 1960s counterculture movement.
Wander through streets lined with colorful Victorian houses and soak in the bohemian atmosphere.
Browse vintage clothing stores, eclectic record shops, and quirky head shops that capture the spirit of the era.
5. Pick Up a Trail in Muir Woods
The Muir Woods National Monument offers a little mystical escape just north of San Francisco.
If you ever want to bond with nature and break away from the buzzing city, this is where to go.
Also, the towering old-growth forest and enchanting trails are lovely for photography and blogging.
Some of the redwood trees here are ancient, nearly 1,000 years old, and reach insane heights of more than 250 feet.
Muir Woods contains about six miles of trails, providing short half-hour hikes to longer ones that extend into the surrounding Mount Tamalpais State Park.
You can venture into these magical woods solo or take this lovely small group tour, which includes the picturesque scenery of the Sausalito waterfront.
6. Wander Through a Japanese Tea Garden
Located within the Golden Gate Park, the Japanese Tea Garden is a gorgeous, sprawling outdoor space with plenty of photo ops.
Step into a calm atmosphere dotted with traditional architecture, whimsical landscapes, and quaint bridges crossing koi ponds.
It takes about 30-45 minutes to walk through the entire garden.
There’s a gift shop and a small café for Japanese-inspired food and drinks.
Visit this charming garden any day of the week between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm (4:45 pm in winter).
The entrance fee is $14 for adults, $7 for teens (12-17), and $3 for small children (5-11). Children under five can enter for free.
7. Go on a Fun Brunch Date in the City
Sometimes, you just need to take a break from all the activities and have a proper meal.
Instead of just finding the nearest eatery, go on a fun brunch date at a high-end restaurant in the city.
Now you know what to do in SF if you’re ever feeling parched.
Honestly, it would be wrong not to go for brunch in San Fran.
This city’s heart-warming breakfast offerings, coupled with aesthetically pleasing restaurants, are simply too good to pass up.
The Bloody Marys, catfish eggs benedict, mimosas, and breakfast dim sum might be some of the best you’ll ever taste.
My first recommendation is Foreign Cinema, a romantic spot serving hearty meals like champagne truffle omelet and duck leg confit.
Brenda’s French Soul Food is another cozy eatery where people line up for butter pecan brioche French toast, fried catfish benedict, and other mouthwatering dishes.
8. Explore San Francisco’s Chinatown
If you’re wondering what to see in San Francisco after visiting all its top landmarks, I recommend going to Chinatown.
It’s one of the best neighborhoods for exploring and foodie experiences.
San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the oldest and most established Chinatowns in North America.
Its colorful, bustling streets will amaze you.
They are adorned with iconic red lanterns, and there are markets, tea shops, and art galleries peppered throughout.
Pop in at the markets to collect souvenirs and try out the many eateries in the area for authentic Chinese cuisine.
Chinatown has existed since the 1850s and has become a cultural hub where people can learn about the history and culture of ethnic Chinese immigrants.
9. Discover the Hidden Staircases of San Francisco
It’s time to venture off the beaten path. One activity often overlooked by tourists is hunting down the hidden staircases of San Francisco.
It’s a pretty epic way to explore this hilly city, and these aren’t just any gray, boring stairs.
The secret staircases are beautifully painted and decorated in vivid colors, and mosaics that leave many visitors dazzled.
Some of these staircases even offer panoramic views of the city.
One of the most Instagrammable spots in San Fran happens to be one of these hidden gems, known as the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps on Moraga Street.
Another must-see is the Hidden Garden Steps, covered in colorful mosaics along the intersection of 16th Avenue and Kirkham Street.
You can see some of these hidden staircases, plus scenic views and secret gardens, with this walking tour.
10. Go on a Wine Tasting Journey
Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley are the most prestigious wine regions to visit near San Francisco.
These are world-famous wine-growing valleys for many reasons: the picturesque hillside vineyards, the high-end fine-dining restaurants, and gourmet food.
Napa Valley is well-known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sonoma Valley shines for its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.
But that’s not all these regions have to offer, there’s something for every wine lover.
Both regions are about an hour outside of San Francisco, so you can plan a fabulous wine-tasting tour for the day.
I recommend this Napa and Sonoma wine country full-day tour that takes you to some of the big-name and smaller family-run estates.
11. Go to the Beach
San Francisco might not be as famous for its beaches as San Diego, but it still offers some beautiful coastal spots to unwind.
Whether you want to sunbathe, stroll along the shore, or simply enjoy the stunning ocean views, you’ll find the perfect place.
Popular options include Baker Beach with its iconic Golden Gate views, Ocean Beach’s vast expanse, and the hidden gem of China Beach.
12. Hike Lands End & Sutro Baths
Embark on a stunning coastal hike at Lands End, where rugged cliffs meet the Pacific Ocean.
The trail offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and leads you through cypress groves and wildflower-strewn paths.
Along the way, explore the ruins of the Sutro Baths, a historic bathhouse complex that once was a lavish public swimming facility.
13. Head to Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a massive urban oasis, offering something for everyone.
Rent a paddleboat to explore the serene waters of Stow Lake, or visit the Japanese Tea Garden for a peaceful, scenic stroll.
For a dose of culture and education, wander through the California Academy of Sciences, where you can dive into fun science exhibits.
What’s next? Check out these 10 best things to do in San Diego.
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