28 ThingsNot to Miss in San Francisco
Unforgettable San Francisco experiences run the gamut from iconic vistas and historic neighborhoods to delicious restaurants and must-see museums.
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.
Here is a list of 28 things not to miss in San Francisco on your next visit.
Ride A 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 ($8) will provide spectacular views of the city’s celebrated hills and an exhilarating ride.
Go To An Outdoor Festival
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.
See A Show
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
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.
Explore 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.
Find Locally Made Gifts
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.
Meet the LGBTQ 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.
Have Brunch
San Francisco is widely known for its popular brunch spots, like Mama's on Washington Square (1701 Stockton St.), 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.
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 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 Incredible 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.
Revel In San Francisco's 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. Don't leave without catching a drag show at the legendary Oasis.
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.
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