28 Things Not to Miss in San Francisco
Discover 28 unforgettable things to do in San Francisco, from the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz to foodie neighborhoods, hidden gems and iconic attractions.
San Francisco is small but mighty. While the city is “big” in terms of attractions and amenities, it is geographically small—only 49 square miles. That makes it very easy to see and do a great many things in a short period of time. See iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and PIER 39, or tour one of our iconic neighborhoods such as the Mission District or Castro. The choice is yours.
Here is a list of 28 things not to miss in San Francisco on your next visit.
Ride a San Francisco Cable Car
Cable cars have been transporting people around San Francisco since the late 19th century. The cars run on tracks and are moved by an underground cable along three routes. Their familiar bells can be heard ringing from blocks away. Each one-way trip ($9) will provide spectacular views of the city’s celebrated hills and an exhilarating ride.
Attend San Francisco Outdoor Festivals
Outdoor festivals are a popular San Francisco activity for people of all ages. The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival takes place during the summer months, hosting dining, shopping and cultural activities for the whole family. The Stern Grove Festival, a San Francisco tradition since 1938, is a free outdoor music festival that has welcomed performers like The Doobie Brothers, Talib Kweli, and more.
Visit Golden Gate Park for the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival, which happens every October, and Outside Lands Music Festival, which happens in August. If you're looking to dance the night away, check out Portola Music Festival which occurs in September.
Folsom Street Fair and Carnaval are also great festivals to explore San Francisco culture.
See Live Music and Theater in SF
San Francisco is a hub for every music genre, from rock and pop to hip-hop and jazz. Venues like The Fillmore, The Warfield Theater, and The Masonic are some of San Francisco's most legendary music halls, welcoming musicians from around the world. Past musical acts at these historic venues include MGMT, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and many more.
There are also numerous performing arts companies, from San Francisco Opera to ODC/Dance, that invite you to see some of the world's best talent on San Francisco stages. American Conservatory Theatre and The Curran are where some future Broadway hits first play for eager audiences. And intimate venues like Feinstein's at the Nikko allow you to see some of your favorite performers up close.
Experience Illuminate SF Light Art
Want to know "what's glowing on" in San Francisco? Illuminate SF is an ongoing festival of light art that showcases more than 60 installations scattered throughout the neighborhoods of San Francisco. Admire light art on buildings, sidewalks, restaurants, cars, and more.
While some of these displays are permanent, other site-specific temporary installations light up San Francisco's winter nights during the annual Illuminate SF Festival of Light. The festival begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs through January.
Feel the Love in Haight-Ashbury
Known as the center of San Francisco's hippie counterculture, Haight-Ashbury is a haven for vintage finds and 1960s nostalgia. You can walk in the footsteps of Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead on a Flower Power Walking Tour, while learning about how music shaped the vibrant history of the Haight. Visit the Counterculture Museum to see how San Francisco's Hippie movement changed the world.
Discover Murals and Food in the Mission
Founded in 1776, the Mission is San Francisco's oldest neighborhood, but features some of its newest restaurants and galleries. Latino culture and Dolores Park are among the most popular attractions. Many visitors come to the Mission to admire the murals that adorn the walls of buildings.
Shop Local at the Ferry Building
If you're looking for goodies that are exclusively made in San Francisco, there are many local places to shop. SFMade proudly works with local manufacturers who produce everything from clothing to coffee blends. At the Ferry Building Marketplace, you'll find goodies from our neighboring cities like Sausalito and Guerneville. Take home unique finds while supporting Bay Area small businesses.
Visit the Castro District for LGBTQ+ Culture and Community
Since we're the city that practically invented gay, it's no surprise that the Castro is a popular spot to explore. Its vibrant and lively atmosphere make it a great destination to visit day or night. If you're in San Francisco in October, be sure to check out the annual Castro Street Fair.
Sip At A Local Brewery or Winery
You don't need to go all the way to wine country to enjoy exceptional California vintages. San Francisco has a handful of excellent local tasting rooms. As for the best brews in the Bay, San Francisco is practically the home of American craft beer. Tap rooms abound in almost every neighborhood.
Spoil Yourself at SF Brunch
San Francisco is widely known for its popular brunch spots, like Mama's on Washington Square, which has been serving their famous fluffy omelettes and homemade jams for more than 50 years. In the Castro, Kitchen Story will satisfy your deepest needs with Millionare's Bacon, and Piccino in Dogpatch is a delight for locals and visitors alike.
See Wildlife Around the City
Take a nice boat ride around Blue Heron Lake, where you'll be able to spot different bird and turtle species. Attractions like the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens and Aquarium of the Bay are perfect for families with kids who are eager to see and interact with wildlife. The California Academy of Sciences will enthrall kids of all ages with birds, snakes, spiders and plenty of fish. Don't miss the green rooftop!
Discover the History of San Francisco
There are a number of museums dedicated to the rich history of San Francisco. Check out the Chinese Historical Society of America to learn about the Chinese immigrant experience in San Francisco and the greater U.S. If you want to learn about San Francisco's transit history, the San Francisco Railway Museum and the Cable Car Museum give visitors a chance to see and learn about the living landmarks of San Francisco.
Visit Famous Film and TV Locations
These San Francisco locations are a must for your itinerary if you're a movie buff. From classic comedies ("Full House" and "Mrs. Doubtfire") to exhilarating thrillers ("The Rock" and "The Matrix Resurrections"), barrier-breaking stories ("Tales of the City") and even a Marvel film or two, San Francisco has been the backdrop for some of your favorite stories.
Shop Luxury In Union Square
Union Square is the place for serious shoppers. Major department stores and the most exclusive designer boutiques line the streets. The neighborhood is especially magical during the holidays, when department stores like Macy's and Neiman Marcus pull out all the stops with their seasonal decor.
Delve Into Chinatown
The entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street is called the Dragon Gate. Inside are 24 blocks of hustle and bustle, most of it along Grant Avenue, the oldest street in San Francisco. This city within a city is best explored on foot. Exotic shops, renowned restaurants, food markets, temples and small museums are all found within its boundaries. Visitors can buy traditional remedies from herb shops, relax and enjoy a dim sum lunch, or witness the making of fortune cookies.
Dine at San Francisco’s Best Restaurants
Dining in San Francisco is an attraction in itself. Known as one of America’s best restaurant cities, San Francisco chefs excel at combining the freshest local ingredients, authentic international flavors and a touch of creative genius. Choose your cuisine: Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, Moroccan, Indian, Malaysian, Mexican, Greek, Russian or a combination of any or all of these influences.
Enjoy San Francisco Nightlife
Nightlife in San Francisco is a constantly changing scene. From cocktails in Union Square to the club scene in SoMa, there are neighborhoods for all types of nightlife. For a different spin on nightlife, a number of museums host 21-and-up events that invite visitors to sip and see special exhibits.
San Francisco Festival and Events You Can't Miss
From concerts and parades to cross-cultural celebrations, there's always something happening in San Francisco. See which annual events will be going on during your next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit San Francisco for outdoor activities?
August through October are the warmest months of the year, but for the most part, dressing in layers is recommended. The weather can change by the hour (and within just a few blocks), so keep that windbreaker or light jacket handy.
Do I need a car to get around San Francisco?
No, you certainly don't need to rent a car to get around the city's 49 square miles. San Francisco has plenty of great public transportation options. You can check them out here.
Are there any cool free things to do in San Francisco?
San Francisco has a number of free activities, from outdoor adventures and iconic structures to fantastic public art.
Tyler is the Sr. Manager of Global Content & Communications at San Francisco Travel. He has lived in San Francisco since 2015 and has been part of the San Francisco Travel team for just as long. He enjoys splashy production numbers and outdoor sporting events equally, which means you can usually find him at one of San Francisco’s many great theaters or at Oracle Park, cheering on the Giants.
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