San Francisco is one of the largest cities in the United States Of America with a population of about 900,000 in the city itself and millions in the lesser bay area. If you’re planning a trip to Northern California, you might like to know about all of the things to do in San Francisco. Here are some of my favorites.
Sightseeing In San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities that I’ve been to in the US. Rolling hills, ocean views, quaint neighborhoods and a distinct skyline make SF a beautiful destination for both business and vacation. Part of what makes San Francisco such a beautiful place to visit is whet they have to offer to travelers. If you ever come to San Francisco, take some time to visit these notable destinations.
The Golden Gate Bridge
Probably one of the most famous and memorable landmarks in all of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is a site to be seen. Bridging the gap between the north side of the bay and the city itself, this iconic landmark is definitely something that you should walk or drive across.
As far as I can tell, it’s free to drive across the bridge if you are leaving but costs money if you are coming into the city.
The Bay Bridge
Connecting Oakland to San Francisco, the Bay Bridge is also one of the most iconic bridges in the city. As you make your way across from Oakland, you are greeted with the bustling of the San Francisco financial district off to your right. It almost feels like a miniature New York City as you hit the shores.
Alcatraz Island
Probably one of the most notable islands in San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz is an old maximum security prison that is now a famous tourist attraction. Go back in time to one of the roughest places in the United States for prisoners. Alcatraz Island was home to some of the toughest criminals in US history. Just a few of these criminals that called this island “home” were Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly and James Bulger.
Taking a tour of Alcatraz Island is $30-37 and includes a small audio device that tells you about the history of the prisoners life on the island, escape attempts and even a Native American Indian occupation that lasted for approximately 19 months.
Ride A Cable Car
You’ve probably seen these on TV. The city streets of San Francisco still have approximately 40 of these cable cars operating on their streets. Mostly for tourism, some locals still rely on this piece of historical public transit to get to and from their jobs.
If you plan on coming to San Francisco, be sure to take a ride on one of these cable cars. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can hang on to the side of one of these cars in the designated areas.
Golden Gate Park
Running along the north end of the city, San Francisco is a truly amazing park. I’ve never been in a central city park that has felt so secluded before. As you drive through, you are completely cut off from any views of the city making you feel like you’re in another world. If you enjoy parks and nature, Golden Gate park is a must.
Japanese Tea Garden
Within Golden Gate Park this little tea garden is tucked away. If you’re looking for a nice place to go and spend some time walking around Japanese botanics and architecture, this is a great spot. Located at the center of the garden is a small tea shop where you can buy hot and cold tea.
Traveler Tip: Admission is free before 10AM so if you are looking for a nice place to go for tea in the morning, this is a great spot with a very tranquil atmosphere. (Last updated in March 2019)
The Palace Of Fine Arts
If you’re looking for a great place to do some free sightseeing, The Palace Of Fine Arts is a must. The large dome structure is a great spot to get pictures and just wander around at not cost. There’s also a small body of water here with all sorts of wild birds who call the palace their home.
Lombard Street
For some reason this street is famous in San Francisco. Several commercials have been filmed on here since it not only has a great view of the city but is also one of the steepest roads in the city. You can walk up the street and catch a cable car at the top or if you’re not feeling up to it, you can ride the cable car to the top and walk down.
Coit Tower
Poised at the top of a hill in Telegraph hill, Coit Tower was financed by Lillie Coit to honor the city’s firefighters who had died fighting San Francisco’s five major fires. If you looking for a nice walk and view of the city, Coit tower is a great option.
It cost’s $8 for non-residents to go up into the tower.
Twin Peaks
With some of the best free views of the city, Twin Peaks is a great hike to one of the higher points in San Francisco. Named Twin peaks for the two hills that overlook the city, lots of travelers and tourists make this trek each day. If you’re looking for a nice walk with some panoramic views of the city, Twin Peaks may be a great choice for you.
Museums, Galleries & Gardens
As with all cities, finding more cultured spots to spend you time is an important part of traveling. San Francisco has no shortage of venues that will fill your mind with all sorts of useful and fun facts. If you’re in the city with children, some of these spots are also a great place to visit.
The California Academy Of Sciences
My personal favorite stop in San Francisco is The California Academy Of Sciences. Not only is it incredibly educational and lots of fun to explore the exhibits, it has one of the coolest buildings in the city. The CAOS has what’s called a “smart roof” which is actually covered in grass and is home to a number of different species of plants and wildlife.
Inside the academy, there’s all sorts of fun-filled activities. The CAOS is home to a rainforest bio-dome with birds and butterflies free to roam. As you make your way up to the top of the rainforest canopy, you find an elevator that takes you down below the rainforest floor to their aquarium.
As if all of this wasn’t enough, there is also a planetarium with a 75 foot screen. The wide screen wraps all of your peripheral vision so at times you feel like you’re moving during one of the many shows that happen here regularly.
As if all of this wan’t enough, the academy has lots of other smaller interactive exhibits all around for both kids and adults to enjoy.
The Exploratorium
Although it’s geared more for kids who are learning and exploring more about how the world works, the Exploratorium is a great stop for adults too. With all sorts of educational and fun exhibits, you’re sure to find something that you enjoy.
The San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art
If you’re in the city, you’re like to see signs for the SFMOMA which is the San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art. Located in the more urban section of the city, it’s a great place to go for all of the city’s modern art.
If modern art isn’t your thing, you may still find the gift shop full of interesting books, toys, souvenirs and gadgets.
de Young Museum Of Fine Arts
The de Young Museum is San Francisco’s go to spot for enjoying fine arts. When I was there, Monet was on exhibition but I didn’t have time to go. The architecture of the building itself is one of the most unique in all of San Francisco.
General admission for adults is $15 but if you want to see the seasonal exhibition, admission is $35
Legion Of Honor
Located at the northwest corner of the city, The Legion Of Honor is another museum of fine arts. The architecture of the building itself is worth a few pictures and a good place to walk around and enjoy some of San Francisco’s beautiful scenery.
The San Francisco Botanical Gardens
Located at the east end of Golden Gate park just across the street from the Japanese Tea Garden, The San Francisco Botanical Gardens are a nice way to spend a couple hours enjoying some of California’s ecology.
Food & Drink
We all love nice food and drink and San Francisco definitely has some great options to chose from. Since San Francisco is one of the largest cities on the west coast, it was the first stop for many immigrants coming from Asia. No matter what you’re looking for, the city is sure to provide you with some quality
The Ferry Building Marketplace
Located down on the waterfront, the Ferry Building Marketplace offers a wide selection of artisan foods such as designer cheeses, fine breads, baked goods, restaurants and even a boutique mushroom shop.
North Beach
I only spent a little bit of time in North Beach but this neighborhood is a great spot to go for all sorts of cafe’s, restaurants and coffee shops. If you aren’t sure where you should go for some great eating and drinking experience, take some time to explore the North Beach neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
San Francisco has a certain charm that you’re not likely to find in many US cities. The rolling hills, ocean views, eclectic cuisine & culture all make the city an obvious choice to spend a few days to relax and enjoy yourself. If you’d like to feel like you’re outside of the city, you only have to go through Golden Gate park or drive about 20-30 mins up north (across The Golden Gate Bridge) before you’ll feel like you’re in a completely new world.
Did I miss something? What other things are there to do and see in San Francisco that you think that I should add?
