28 Things Not to Miss in San Francisco
Discover unforgettable things to do in San Francisco, from the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz to hidden gems and iconic attractions.
Looking for the best things to do when you visit San Francisco? Look no further! We've put together the perfect guide to get acquainted (or re-acquainted!) with our incredible city.
Here is a list of 28 things not to miss in San Francisco on your next visit.
Visit the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge impresses even the most experienced travelers with its stunning 1.7-mile span, offering sweeping views of the Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline.
Plenty of bus tours in the city will drive you over the bridge for an iconic San Francisco experience. A pedestrian walkway also allows crossing on foot, and bikes are allowed on the western side.
Plan your crossing before the late afternoon; that's when our famous fog rolls in and can obscure the breathtaking views—and can send temperatures plummeting!
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. The cable cars will take you to popular attractions including Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square.
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, Diana Roos, and more.
Visit Golden Gate Park for the free 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.
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. 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. A visit to this neighborhood is a must for any visitor to the city, no matter how you identify!
If you're in San Francisco in October, be sure to check out the annual Castro Street Fair. And no matter when you visit, check out who's performing at the recently renovated Castro Theatre.
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. We recommend that you make a reservation at your restaurant of choice, but don't be surprised if that option isn't available. A number of restaurants are first-come, first-served, which means it's up to you to decide how long you want to wait for the dish du jour. You never know who you might meet waiting for a table, though!
See Wildlife Around the City
Take a nice boat ride around Blue Heron Lake in Golden Gate Park, 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. Exotic shops, renowned restaurants, food markets, temples and small museums are all found within its boundaries.
This city within a city is best explored on foot. 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.
The Best of the Best
Depending on the type of traveler you are, here's how to fit the best things to do in San Francisco into your stay.
Best Things to Do for First-Time Visitors
Beyond the must-sees on this list, first-time visitors to San Francisco should absolutely plan to see and do the following:
- Get a 360-degree view of San Francisco from the top of Twin Peaks. You can walk, bike, or ride Muni to the summit in the center of the city. (Those less outdoors-y visitors can get similar views from the posh cocktail bars at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins, the Beacon Grand, or the Hilton San Francisco Union Square.)
- Eat an authentic Mission burrito. The debate over which restaurant makes them best is as fierce as ever. Why not try one yourself and join the conversation?
- Add some vintage threads to your wardrobe. San Francisco style is often imitated but never duplicated. The city is full of thrift and vintage shops that have some truly amazing finds—if you know where to look.
Best Things to Do If You Only Have One Day in San Francisco
Visiting as part of a longer trip, or only briefly disembarking from your cruise? Here's how to cram the best of San Francisco into just a few short hours:
- Walk the waterfront. From PIER 39 to the Ferry Building, you'll be treated to incredible views and plenty of options for spectacular dining.
- Ride the historic streetcars. The F Line feels almost like a time machine as it carries you from the Embarcadero to the Castro. And yes, they are different than the cable cars!
- Get in touch with nature. Whether you go to the sprawling acres of Golden Gate Park, hike to the top of Corona Heights, or just watch the puppies play at Duboce Park, San Francisco's green spaces are abundant and inviting.
Best Things to Do for Families
From toddlers to teens, any kids in your traveling group will find plenty to love in San Francisco. Here's a few great ways for families to enjoy their time in San Francisco:
- A number of San Francisco museums are decidedly kid-friendly. From the California Academy of Sciences to The Exploratorium, young visitors have numerous chances to get hands-on with nature, science, and art.
- Within San Francisco's parks, you'll find terrific playgrounds where kids can cut loose. The Presidio Tunnel Tops, the Helen Diller Playground at Dolores Park, and the Koret Children's Playground in Golden Gate Park are among the most notable.
- See a performance of "Dear San Francisco" at Club Fugazi. This 90-minute, one-of-a-kind mix of storytelling, acrobatics, and San Francisco pride is a perfect outing for families. There isn't a bad seat in the house, meaning travelers of all sizes will have unobstructed views of the death-defying stunts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I 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.
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.
Find a Hotel in San Francisco
Tyler is the Director 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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