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👉 Jump to: Top Things to Do | Sites & Attractions | Neighborhoods and Streets | Parks | Museums & Culture | Outdoor Activities | Food, Drink, and Dance | Seasonal Festivals and Events
I’m a longtime San Francisco local, and I believe SF is the best city on the West Coast. To prove it, I’ll walk you through the best things to do in the city.
I’ll list my top 10 must-do activities, then go over other main attractions, iconic neighborhoods, parks, and museums. I’ll also include outdoor recreation, restaurants and bars, and seasonal festivals and events.
As you’ll see from the photos, most items on this list are things I’ve actually done. Bookmark this list and never be bored in SF again! Use this and our guide to where to stay in SF to plan the best trip ever.
Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
Top 10 Best Things to Do in San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge
Walk, run, or bike across SF’s iconic red bridge.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 921-5858 | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: $9.25 cars, free for foot and bicycle traffic
The most important thing to do in San Francisco is see the Golden Gate Bridge. Yes, it’s just a bridge, but it’s the unofficial symbol of San Francisco.
You can see the bridge from practically any hilly location in the city, but for the best views head to the waterfront. Crissy Field, Baker Beach, and Pier 39 are the best photo spots. You can also run, walk, jog, or bike over the bridge.
👉 Local Tip: If you didn’t know already, San Francisco has fog. The fog is named Karl. Karl appears nearly every evening about 2 hours before sundown and is particularly active closer to the Pacific Ocean. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge in the late morning or early afternoon so that Karl doesn’t obstruct your view.
Golden Gate Park
It’s like Central Park in New York, but better.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 831-2700 | Website | Hours: sunrise – sunset daily | Entrance: free
Golden Gate Park is my absolute favorite place in San Francisco. There are a million and one things to do, and a lot of it is free!
Visit the Conservatory of Flowers, the SF Botanical Garden, or the Rose Garden to view stunning plant varieties. Taste traditional Japanese treats at the Japanese Tea Garden, or rent a rowboat on gorgeous Blue Heron Lake. Come here during Outside Lands in August to see it transform into one of SF’s best music venues.
Golden Gate Park stretches from the city center to the Pacific Ocean. Most of the main attractions are found between Arguello Blvd and 19th Ave.
🚗 How to Get There: Some roads cut through the park, but parking is notoriously tough (especially on weekends). Your best bet is to park on Fulton St. or Lincoln Way and walk in.
Ferry Building
Historic boat terminal turned indoor market with artisan local goods.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 983-8000 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: free
The Ferry Building is one of the oldest buildings in San Francisco. Now, it’s been revamped into a large indoor market. It’s not just for shopping, however. Ferries still depart from the terminal, taking visitors to Angel Island, Sausalito, and beyond.
Visit the Ferry Building to browse some of San Francisco’s most famous local goods, including fresh seafood, gourmet ice cream, and microbrews. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the Ferry Building is home to a popular farmers’ market with local produce and food trucks.
Painted Ladies
A postcard-perfect view of San Francisco’s Victorian architecture.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: free | 👉 Book Blue Painted Lady House Tour on Viator
The Painted Ladies are the picture-perfect view of San Francisco. These pastel houses were featured in the intro to the popular TV show Full House.
Head to Alamo Square Park for the best view of the Ladies. The houses are a prime example of SF’s Victorian architecture, which has been beautifully preserved throughout the years.
There isn’t much else to do besides snap photos — they’re real homes, after all, so you can’t just walk inside. However, the owner of the Blue Painted Lady has started to offer house tours! If you want to see inside an iconic Painted Lady, this tour is your best bet.
Pier 39
A famous pier with a carnival-like atmosphere, fresh seafood, and a harem of seals.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 705-5500 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 10 pm | Entrance: free
There’s something for all ages on Pier 39.
Visitors can play carnival games, marvel at historic fishing ships, and wander through souvenir shops. Make sure to taste some fresh seafood and snap a photo of the Golden Gate Bridge. Pier 39 is also home to a colony of seals who live there year-round.
Pier 39 is quite crowded, and you’re not likely to see many locals there — however, it’s worth visiting at least once.
Alcatraz Island
This former high-security prison held criminals like Al Capone.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 981-7625 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm | Entrance: $45 adult, $27.50 ages 5-11 | 👉 Book Alcatraz tour on Viator
San Francisco’s notorious criminal past comes alive on Alcatraz Island. Once the most famous prison in the country, Alcatraz has held the likes of Al Capone and other 20th-century outlaws.
Today, you can tour the island and see inside the now-defunct prison. Take the ferry from Pier 33 to get there.
Alcatraz is also the site of a famous Native American resistance movement in 1969. Indigenous activists occupied the island for nearly 2 years to speak out against the U.S. government’s Termination Policy.
Ride a Cable Car
This rare form of public transportation is now only in use in San Francisco.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: $8 adult, $4 senior, free under 4
San Francisco’s cable cars are an iconic sight. Cable Cars used to be a popular form of public transportation, but now San Francisco is the only city left in the world that still has running cable cars. To ride a cable car is to ride a piece of history.
There are three main cable car lines. They all run in the neighborhoods of Market Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Russian Hill, and Nob Hill.
You must purchase your ticket before hopping on the cable car. You can buy them at a ticket counter or online through the MuniMobile app. Beware, lines to board the cable cars can be quite long.
👉 Local Tip: San Francisco also has streetcars, which look similar to cable cars. However, streetcars are powered by an overhead wire, while cable cars are powered by an underground wire.
Boat Tour on the Bay
Boat underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and see San Francisco’s skyline from a new angle.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 9 am – 11 pm | Entrance: $40 – 100 | 👉 Book San Francisco Boat Tours on Viator
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — the best way to see San Francisco is from the water. There are a variety of boat tours available, ranging from party sailboats to luxury sunset cruises.
Most boat tours will take you underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz Island, and over to the Bay Bridge before turning back. It’s a fantastic way to see the highlights of the city and enjoy a beautiful day out on the water.
No matter what season you visit during, boating on the Bay will be windy. Bring a jacket.
Giants Game
See the San Francisco Giants play baseball in one of the most beautiful stadiums in the country.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 972-2000 | Website | Tickets: starting at $14
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, seeing a Giants game in San Francisco is a must-do. Tickets are usually super affordable, the views are great, and the energy is contagious!
🚗 How to Get There: Parking by Oracle Park is super tough, so I do not recommend driving. Luckily the stadium sits on several public transportation routes. The easiest way to get there is from Embarcadero station — just take the N line on Muni.
Warriors Game
Watch the 6-time Champions at a basketball game right in downtown SF.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 479-4667 | Website | Tickets: starting at $100
The Golden State Warriors are San Francisco’s pride and joy, winning 4 different NBA championships since 2015. We’ve been spoiled at this point, and we now expect the Warriors to be successful every season. Lucky for us, they usually are.
While you can usually score cheap tickets to a Giants baseball game, watching the Warriors play will be significantly more expensive. You’ll be hard-pressed to find tickets under $100 for a game.
San Francisco Sites & Attractions
Coit Tower
Climb to the top of this North Beach landmark for panoramic views of San Francisco.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 831-2700 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $10 adult, $7 seniors (62+) and youth (12-17), $3 ages 5-11, free under 4
Looking to stretch your legs? Head over to Coit Tower, in the hilly and historic North Beach neighborhood.
After climbing 234 steps to the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of San Francisco’s neighborhoods, the Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. A small cafe onsite offers snacks and drinks.
There’s parking available at the top, or you can park below and brave the walk up the hill. Gorgeous views await either way.
Lombard Street
Drive or walk down the “crooked-est street in the world.”
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: free
Okay, maybe we exaggerated our credentials a little bit here — Lombard Street isn’t actually the crookedest street in the world. But driving, walking, or simply looking down the twists and turns of Lombard Street is a San Francisco rite of passage.
Palace of Fine Arts
A Greco-Roman palace and event space set in a well-groomed park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 886-1374 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, Closed Mondays | Entrance: free
The Palace of Fine Arts looks like it belongs in a movie set rather than a residential neighborhood of San Francisco. And yet this gorgeous Greco-Roman gazebo is only a stone’s throw from SF’s ritzy Marina neighborhood.
Take a walk around the Palace, relax on the lawn, or admire the wildlife in the pond. There are several informational plaques detailing the Palace’s role in the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory
Famed chocolate factory with fantastic ice cream and chocolate tastings.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 447-2846 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 10 pm | Entrance: free
Anyone who’s seen Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory knows that proper caution needs to be exercised when touring an old chocolate factory. Luckily for Ghirardelli, there haven’t been any mysterious disappearances here (yet).
Okay, so maybe this chocolate shop isn’t as weird as the one in Willy Wonka. But it’s still a fantastic place to learn more about the birthplace of one of the world’s most beloved dessert companies. It’s equally famous for its ice cream as its chocolate, so be sure to grab a scoop.
Japanese Tea Garden
Hidden in Golden Gate Park, this Japanese-style garden has historic architecture, a koi pond, and a teahouse.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 661-1316 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Nov-Feb, 9 am – 6 pm Mar-Oct | Entrance: $18.75 adult, $10.75 seniors (65+) & youth (12-17), $6.75 children ages 5-11, free under 4
The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the best-kept secrets of Golden Gate Park. It has a wonderfully romantic atmosphere, which is why it made my list of the best SF date ideas.
This 5-acre garden has numerous walking paths around koi ponds, Buddhist shrines, colorful pagodas, and Japanese flora and fauna. Visit in spring to see the cherry blossoms in bloom.
Be sure to dine at the tasty teahouse, which serves traditional teas and Japanese snacks. I usually get Jasmine tea, udon, and mochi ice cream.
👉 Free Times: For visitors, entry to the Japanese Tea Garden is free between 9 am and 10 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The gardens are always free for San Francisco residents.
SF Botanical Garden
A sprawling garden with over 8,000 species of worldwide plants, and a great place to take a relaxing walk.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 661-1316 | Website | Hours: opens 7:30 am daily, closes 5 pm in winter, 6 pm in fall/spring, and 7 pm in summer | Entrance: $14 adults, $7 seniors 65+ and youth 12-17, $3 children 5-11, free under 4
Wander through plant species from around the world in the San Francisco Botanical Garden, located in Golden Gate Park.
Plants are sorted geographically in landscapes like the “Andean Cloud Forest” or “Temperate Asia.” There are also thematic landscapes, like the picturesque “Moon Viewing Garden” or the “Ancient Plants” area.
👉 Free Times: Entry to the SF Botanical Gardens is free from 7:30 – 9 am daily. There is all-day free entry on the second Tuesday of each month, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. The gardens are always free for SF residents.
City Lights Bookstore
Beat writers once gathered at this iconic independent bookstore in North Beach.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 362-8193 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: free
City Lights Bookstore is a staple of San Francisco’s historic North Beach neighborhood. The three-floor bookstore opened in 1953 and was a gathering place for writers such as Jack Kerouac, Neal Cassady, and Allen Ginsberg.
Visit City Lights to learn more about its history and involvement in the Beat movement, and to support its continued existence.
Twin Peaks
A hilly viewpoint offering 360-degree views of San Francisco (and my personal favorite sunset spot).
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 831-2700 | Website | Hours: 5 am – midnight | Entrance: free
San Francisco’s best angle is from Twin Peaks. Located almost in the exact center of the city, this large hill gives you views over the distant downtown, the residential neighborhoods, the forested hills of Mt. Sutro, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
To experience the most of the Twin Peaks magic, visit just before sunset. Market Street begins to light up, the downtown starts to twinkle, the Golden Gate Bridge is illuminated a bright orange, and the fog begins to roll in over the hills. It’s my favorite view of the city.
👉 Local Tip: You’ll need a car to drive up to the top. I would not recommend walking unless you’re prepared for a full-on hike. Parking is quite limited here, but if you make a few laps you’re bound to find a spot eventually.
SF Zoo
Visit over 2,000 animals in this spacious zoo right on the Pacific Ocean.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 753-7080 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $29-31 adult, $24-26 senior (65+), $20-22 children 2-11, free under 2
The zoo is actually one of the only places in San Francisco I haven’t been to, but I’m told it’s pretty spectacular. How many other zoos are located right on the beach?
Over 2,000 rescued, exotic, or endangered species live at the SF Zoo. There’s also a petting zoo, carousel, and steam train for younger visitors.
Opera House
This magnificent Renaissance-style theater in Civic Center is dedicated to opera and ballet performances.
📍 Google Maps | SF Ballet Website & SF Opera Website | Box Office Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon, 10 am – 6 pm Tues-Fri | Tickets: $28+
I’m an undercover ballet fan even though I’ve never danced in my life, so I’ve gone to many shows at the Opera House over the years. Tickets are often surprisingly affordable, starting at around $30 for upper balcony seats.
Even if you’re not a fan of performing arts, the SF Opera House is at least worth glimpsing from the outside. The gorgeous building sits right on the main Civic Center plaza.
💰 Budget deal: Sometimes the Opera House will release $10 standing-room-only tickets a few hours before the show. It’s still a pretty good view!
Angel Island
Hike, bike, or swim at this natural island in the San Francisco Bay.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 435-5390 | Website | Hours: sunrise – sunset daily | Entrance: $15 adult, $8 senior (65+) & youth (4-18), free under 4
Want an island escape just 30 minutes from the city? Head out to Angel Island State Park, the Bay Area’s favorite playground.
To get there, you’ll need to take a ferry from the Ferry Building. It costs $30 for a round-trip ticket, which includes your entrance fee to the state park.
Once you’re there, you can hike, rent a bike, visit museums, or dine at the Angel Island Café. Angel Island is even home to some of the best campgrounds in San Francisco, so why not spend the night?
Iconic SF Neighborhoods and Streets
Chinatown
Visit the largest Chinatown outside of Asia.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Chinatown Culinary tour on Viator
San Francisco Chinatown is a must-see. The historic neighborhood is the largest of its kind outside of Asia, and it’s home to delicious restaurants, colorful pagodas, intriguing museums, and a fantastic Lunar New Year parade.
The best thing to do in Chinatown is eat, eat, eat. Famous restaurants like House of Nanking or Sam Wo are always popular, but pretty much any place you go will have great food. Better yet, combine food and history with this Chinatown culinary tour.
Fisherman’s Wharf
San Francisco’s waterfront is the most touristy neighborhood in the city.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Fisherman’s Wharf tour on Viator
Yes, Fisherman’s Wharf is a tourist trap. Yes, a lot of the food and activities there are overpriced. But should you still go? Absolutely.
Fisherman’s Wharf is home to iconic Pier 39 and the colony of seals. But the neighborhood also has Golden Gate Bridge views, old fishing boats, and cool historic WWII ships in the harbor.
Visiting Fisherman’s Wharf is like visiting the Louvre in Paris — except much, much less classy. It’s going to be crowded and expensive, but you really have to do it at least once.
And while we may not have the Mona Lisa, we used to have a guy who dressed up as a bush and scared tourists (RIP Bushman). So you tell me what’s more fun.
🌳 A Local Legend: The story of Bushman is actually crazy. He began dressing as a bush in 1980 and scaring tourists along Fisherman’s Wharf. He eventually took on an apprentice, and the two worked in tandem for years, until one day they split and became rival Bushmen. Both have unfortunately passed away now, but wow. You can’t make this stuff up.
Haight-Ashbury
The cultural epicenter of the 1967 Summer of Love.
📍 Google Maps
Any fans of 1960s counterculture, Haight-Ashbury is for you. This small neighborhood rose to fame during the Summer of Love, when thousands flocked to Haight Street and Golden Gate Park to spread hippie culture, anti-war sentiment, and psychedelic experimentation.
Today, Haight Street is still the home of San Francisco’s hippies. Record shops, thrift stores, live music clubs, and cheap eats abound. You can also see the houses where Janis Joplin and the members of the Grateful Dead lived.
North Beach
San Francisco’s Little Italy has great food and even better nightlife.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book North Beach tour on Viator
Despite its name, North Beach has no beach. But it does have fantastic Italian food, fascinating history, and great nightlife. It’s a classic San Francisco neighborhood, and it’s a must-see.
North Beach comes alive at night, with historic bars, live music, and speakeasies drawing crowds both young and old. Most of the action is on Columbus Ave.
Castro District
This colorful neighborhood is the historic home of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community.
📍 Google Maps
The Castro is San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ hotspot. Most of the action happens along Castro Street, where you’ll find popular gay bars, rainbow crosswalks, quirky shops, and an independent theater.
Pay a visit to the GLBT Historic Museum to learn more about gay history, or go to a drag brunch to watch a performance. Afterward, grab a bite to eat — the Castro has some notable restaurants.
Valencia Street, Mission District
The Mission District’s main drag is one of the coolest hangouts in the city.
📍 Google Maps
Valencia Street has it all — unique local stores, cool clothing and vintage shops, top-tier dining, lively bars, gorgeous homes, AND a pedestrian-only zone on certain summer weekends.
While some parts of the Mission get a bit dicey after dark, Valencia Street is usually well-trafficked and safe. The Mission is home to a large Latinx population, so definitely get some Mexican or Central American food while you’re here.
📚 Read Next: Is San Francisco safe?
Clement Street, Richmond District
Don’t be fooled by the quiet neighborhood — this street knows how to have fun.
📍 Google Maps
Real San Francisco locals love Clement Street. It’s far away from the hustle and bustle of the touristy areas, but there’s still a nice amount of bakeries, breweries, and bars to entertain ourselves with. Plus, it’s a secret hotspot for some of the best restaurants in San Francisco, like Burma Superstar, Breadbelly, and Lily.
Good news! The Richmond District is flat — no hills. Wander at your leisure and don’t worry about breaking a sweat.
Divisadero Street
NoPa’s best street to bar hop, dine, and dance.
📍 Google Maps
Divisadero Street is super long, but the most popular part is a 7-block stretch between McAllister and Haight. If you’re seeking out food or drink in an easily walkable environment, Divisadero is for you.
Here, you’ll find breezy coffee shops, local restaurants, no-frills diners, live music venues, trendy cocktail bars, and more. Divisadero is beloved by all ages, but it’s cemented itself as a favorite among the 20s-30s crowd.
San Francisco Parks
Mission Dolores Park
This expansive park in the heart of the Mission District is the best spot to have a picnic.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm | Entrance: free
After Golden Gate Park, Mission Dolores might just be San Francisco’s most popular park. Go to Dolores on any weekend day and you’re bound to see nearly half the city there.
The energy here is contagious — people picnicking, sunbathing, playing music, or playing sports. It’s a great place to spend a few hours. Nearby streets provide good food and drink options.
Alta Plaza Park
A hilltop park in Pac Heights with distant views over the water.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 831-5500 | Website | Hours: 5 am – midnight | Entrance: free
Alta Plaza Park is small but mighty. It’s a popular hangout spot for locals, and it has fantastic panoramic views over the city and the ocean.
Alta Plaza is much less crowded than other popular parks in the city, and it’s a nice option for a peaceful afternoon. Trees provide plenty of shade, and there are tennis courts and a playground for kids.
Alamo Square Park
An iconic park with a picture-perfect view.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 218-0259 | Website | Hours: 5 am – midnight | Entrance: free
Alamo Square Park is my favorite place to sit in San Francisco. I truly never get tired of this view.
Alamo Square Park is the best place to view the Painted Ladies, so there are a few tourists here and there. However, it never feels crowded, and there’s always plenty of space to lounge. Grab a coffee at the coffee truck, play a match on the tennis court, or just sit back and enjoy the view.
The Presidio
This huge park right by the Golden Gate Bridge has countless things to do.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 561-4323 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: free
The Presidio is so much more than a park. It has restaurants, museums, beaches, hiking trails, campgrounds, and even a bowling alley — all inside the park boundaries.
My favorite memory at the Presidio is meeting Brandi Chastain, one of the most famous soccer players in the women’s game. The new women’s soccer team in San Francisco, Bay FC, held their launch party in 2023 at the Presidio. There was live music, food trucks, and tons of famous athletes!
Fort Mason
Waterfront park with huge grassy lawns popular for parties.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 561-4700 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: free
Fort Mason is a gorgeous waterfront park in the lively Marina neighborhood. The park is a popular spot to host parties because it’s flat and there’s a ton of space.
On weekends, a typical Fort Mason crowd will be pretty diverse. Look to your right and see families enjoying a picnic. Look to your left and you’ll see recently graduated college students playing a variety of drinking games. It makes for excellent people-watching.
Museums & Culture
Legion of Honor
This European art museum houses 4,000 years of art on a bluff overlooking the Pacific.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 750-3600 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5:15 pm Tues-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: $20 adult, $17 senior (65+), $11 student, free under 18
The Legion of Honor focuses on European art, with permanent collections including impressionist works, Rodin sculptures, ancient art, and more. Plus, the location can’t be beat — walk 10 feet from the entrance and you’re met with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate Bridge.
I’ve been to the Legion of Honor countless times, and each time I’m blown away. There’s no doubt it’s one of the best museums in San Francisco. Go on Saturdays to catch the free organ concert at 4 pm.
👉 Locals Only: The Legion of Honor is free to all Bay Area residents every Saturday.
The Exploratorium
An interactive science museum filled with hands-on activities for all ages.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 528-4444 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tues-Sat, 12-5 pm Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: $39.95 adult; $29.95 youth (4-17), senior (65+), student (18+), teacher, disabled
The Exploratorium is equally fun for kids as it is for adults. This science-driven museum goes above and beyond to curate an environment that is engaging, exciting, and imaginative.
Want to avoid the crowds? Visit from 6-10 pm on Thursdays for their After Dark special exhibitions, available to the 18+ crowd. No kids allowed.
Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
This place has everything: abstract political paintings, colorful light installations, sensory art, a 30-ft moss wall, and more.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 357-4000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Fri-Tues, 12-8 pm Thurs, closed Wed | Entrance: $30 adult, $25 senior (65+), $23 ages 19-24, free under 18
Sometimes modern art is a thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, politically fraught depiction of an artist’s deepest emotions. Other times it is a banana duct-taped to a wall (here’s looking at you, Maurizio Cattelan).
You’ll encounter both at the San Francisco MOMA. Even though the focus is modern art, there are both new and old pieces on display here.
You’ll find works by Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, and Georgia O’Keeffe next to more up-and-coming artists from around the world. It’s a stunning space well worth a visit when you’re in SF’s downtown.
California Academy of Sciences
This museum dedicated to the natural sciences has a planetarium, indoor rainforest, and rooftop garden.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 379-8000 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am – 5 pm Sun, 6-10 pm Thurs night | Entrance: $44.95 adult; $38.95 senior (65+) and student (18+ with ID); $34.95 youth (3-17); free under 3
The California Academy of Sciences is my personal favorite museum in San Francisco. Yes, it’s educational, but it’s incredibly engaging. It also happens to be in a gorgeous setting, right in the middle of Golden Gate Park.
Highlights include the living roof, the three-level rainforest ecosystem, the planetarium, and the aquarium. Adults should go on Thursday nights for their weekly NightLife cocktail party, available to the 21+ crowd.
💰 Budget deal: Want to save cash? First, check out our guide on how to do SF on a budget. Next, purchase the San Francisco CityPASS. With it, you can visit the Academy of Sciences and do a boat cruise on the Bay, plus two more attractions. Choose from the SF Zoo, the MOMA, the Exploratorium, and more. Visit all 4 attractions for nearly half the total cost!
De Young Museum
A fine arts museum located in Golden Gate Park, complete with a café and sculpture garden.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 750-3600 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5:15 pm Tues-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: $20 adult, $17 senior (65+), $11 student, free under 18
The de Young is also in Golden Gate Park, right across from the Academy of Sciences. Here, you’ll find a wide range of styles. Permanent collections include African art, Oceanic art, and art from the Americas.
Don’t miss heading up to the observation tower for gorgeous views of Golden Gate Park. After, stroll through the artsy garden and grab a bite to eat at the café.
👉 Locals Only: The de Young is free to all Bay Area residents every Saturday.
Outdoor Activities in SF
Lands End Lookout
The best sunset spot for views over the Pacific Ocean.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 415-561-4700 | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: free
Lands End looks out from the cliffs of San Francisco over the Pacific Ocean. But the Sutro Baths are what make this spot unique. Those are the ruins of an old public bathhouse now embedded into the hilly San Francisco landscape.
A trip to this Outer Richmond viewpoint will take you through years of San Francisco history, architectural ruins, and native flora and fauna. Enjoy walking paths with gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, or just find a spot to sit and watch the sunset.
Batteries to Bluffs Trail
An easy hiking trail that leads you to some of the best views of the Golden Gate.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: sunrise – sunset | Entrance: free
This gorgeous out-and-back trail is one of the easiest hikes in the city, but that doesn’t make the view any less rewarding. The trail snakes along coastal bluffs the whole time, with constant views over the ocean and the distant Marin Headlands.
It’s less than 1 mile long, but there are a lot of stairs. Wear appropriate footwear.
Kayak on the Bay
Rent a kayak and explore downtown SF from a different angle.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 294-1050 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 4 pm Fri-Mon | Entrance: $36 for 1 hour, $55 for 2 hours, $72 for 3 hours
Looking for a unique way to see the city? Try renting a kayak and paddling around the Bay. The water is usually super calm, and you can cruise by major landmarks like the Giants Stadium and the Ferry Building.
We rented kayaks through City Kayak and had an excellent time. If you’re not confident on a kayak, don’t fret. City Kayak also offers group tours and guided beginner paddles.
Ocean Beach
Long, sprawling beach on the Pacific Coast popular for walks, jogs, bonfires, and the occasional swim.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 561-3000 | Website | Hours: 24/7 | Entrance: free
Ocean Beach is a 3.5-mile stretch of sand that separates San Francisco from the Pacific. It’s a fabulous sunset spot, running spot, dog-walking spot, or hangout spot.
If you’re envisioning a sunny Southern California beach, think again. The water here is pretty cold, so it’s not your best bet for a swim — unless you’re feeling brave. There’s a nasty riptide, so swim with caution.
You may also see a few surfers heading out into the big waves. Best to leave it to the experts — this is not a beginner beach.
Baker Beach
Ok, this is actually where you can swim.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 561-3000 | Website | Hours: 24/7 | Entrance: free
On a sunny day, head to Baker! This beach is more protected from the wind and waves than Ocean Beach is. As a result, it’s warmer, and it’s your best option for a quick dip.
The beach is only a mile long, but there’s plenty of space to spread out. Plus, you get a perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Food, Drink, and Dance
Tupelo
This North Beach bar has weekly live music, affordable drinks, and a good dance floor.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 981-9177 | Website | Hours: 1 pm – 2 am daily | Entrance: $10 weekends after 11 pm
Like live music and good drinks? Go to Tupelo, one of SF’s absolute best bars.
This is my go-to bar in North Beach. It has something for everyone — drinks are cheap, food is good, and the atmosphere can’t be beat. Nightly events range from live bands to DJs to open mic nights, but there’s something on 7 days a week.
Hog Island Oyster Co.
This local restaurant is the place to get seafood in the Bay Area.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 391-7117 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 8 pm | Price Range: $10-30
You can’t visit San Francisco and not try some of the city’s seafood. And if you’re going to go anywhere, make it Hog Island. It’s #3 on my list of the best San Francisco restaurants.
This local haunt became famous for its Sweetwater oyster, a rich, plump, buttery variety that practically melts in your mouth. It’s a great place to dine in — the restaurant is right in the Ferry Building, with outdoor seating overlooking the water.
Fort Point Brewing Co.
San Francisco’s most popular craft brewery has taprooms in the Mission District and the Ferry Building.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 361-7001 | Website | Hours: Opens daily at 12 pm. Closes 8 pm Sun, 9 pm Mon & Tues, 10 pm Wed & Thurs, 11 pm Fri & Sat | Price Range: $5-15
Fort Point beer is brewed right here in San Francisco, and it’s quickly become a staple of the city’s brewery scene. There are two taprooms: one in the Mission, and one in the Ferry Building. I prefer the Mission. It stays open later, has more food options, and draws a more local crowd.
Fort Point Brewing specializes in ales, pilsners, and IPAs. Its flagship KSA Kölsch Style Ale has even been voted into the Northern California Beer Hall of Fame. So yeah, it’s worth a visit.
Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club
Get a front-row seat for excellent live jazz while munching on dim sum and creative cocktails in this cozy underground lounge.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 384-9365 | Website | Hours: 6:30-10:30 pm Wed-Thurs, 5:30 pm – midnight Fri-Sat, Closed Sun-Tues | Entrance: $15
Mr. Tipple’s is my #1 local recommendation in San Francisco. I love this place. It is worth every penny I spend here.
This jazz club draws talented local performers from the SF Jazz Center next door as well as artists from around the globe. Music is paired with craft cocktails and delicious dim sum offerings like dumplings, bao, and clay pot rice bowls.
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
The best pizza in San Francisco is located here in Little Italy.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (415) 835-9888 | Website | Hours: Opens noon daily; closes 9:30 pm Mon-Tues, 10 pm Wed-Thurs, 11 pm Fri-Sat, 10:30 pm Sun | Price Range: $8-30
Tony’s Pizza is famous among locals and visitors alike. Head chef Tony Gemignani is a 13-time World Pizza Champion, and he’s San Francisco’s most beloved pizzaiolo.
Tony’s Pizza showcases nine regional styles of pizza, like Neapolitan, California, Sicilian, New York, and Detroit. Dine indoors or grab a quick bite to eat at their to-go window.
Seasonal Festivals and Events
Outside Lands
Like Coachella, but cooler.
📍 Google Maps | Website | When: second weekend of August | Tickets: $226+
Every August, Golden Gate Park turns into a huge festival ground for the Outside Lands Music and Art Festival. The 3-day festival has 4 different main stages, with previous headliners including Green Day, Radiohead, and even Paul McCartney.
Come for the music, but stay for all the other festivities. Wander through different “lands” dedicated to beer, wine, and weed. It’s one of the best times to visit San Francisco… if you can deal with the crowds, the noise, and the traffic, that is.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
A completely free 3-day festival for bluegrass, country, folk, and roots music.
📍 Google Maps | Website | When: first weekend of October | Entrance: free
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass also takes place in Golden Gate Park, but it’s calmer, quieter, and less trafficked than Outside Lands. Most festival-goers bring picnic blankets to sit down in the meadows, picnic, and listen to the music. And have I mentioned it’s free?
As the name suggests, the main genre is bluegrass, but there’s quite a lot more than that. Past lineups have included artists like Marcus Mumford (of Mumford & Sons), Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, Charley Crockett, and Robert Plant.
SF Pride
The last weekend in June celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with DJs, drag performances, and a parade.
📍 Google Maps | Website | When: last weekend in June | Entrance: free
San Francisco is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world, so it makes sense that the whole city turns out for the Pride festival. No matter your sexual orientation, Pride weekend in San Francisco is the place to be.
Civic Center hosts the main event: several stages of live performers, pop-up tents from activist groups, and a huge parade down Market Street. But other neighborhoods are just as lively. Mission Dolores Park is alive with music, dancing, drag performances, food, and drink. Gay bars in the Castro are packed, particularly at night.
Bay to Breakers
San Francisco’s weirdest fun run, from one end of the city to the other.
🌐 Website | When: third weekend in May | Entrance: $61
If you happen to visit San Francisco during Bay to Breakers and you don’t know what’s going on, you would think the entire city’s gone mad. Hoards of people walk and run down the streets wearing tutus, chicken suits, inflatable dinosaur costumes, roller skates, wigs, and more.
Yes, it’s a 12k race, but it’s so much more than that. Everyone dresses up in crazy costumes, half the participants are drunk, people are blasting music out of apartment windows, and the whole city’s in party mode. I can’t recommend it enough.
Fleet Week
The Blue Angels take to the skies in this dramatic weeklong air show.
🌐 Website | When: usually second week of October | Entrance: free
If you live in San Francisco, Fleet Week can be slightly terrifying. For example, I was in a Zoom meeting for work when all of a sudden a military fighter jet roared by at full speed, shaking my entire apartment.
For anyone interested in aviation, Fleet Week is super cool. For those of us who may not be so interested in aviation, Fleet Week is another excuse to gather on rooftops, head to the nearest park, or take a fun boat cruise and celebrate in style. What exactly are we celebrating? Uh… planes? Yeah, planes!
Portola Festival
This EDM-centered festival draws a 21+ crowd for 4 stages of DJ sets.
📍 Google Maps | Website | When: last weekend in September | Entrance: $325
Portola Festival is new to San Francisco’s festival scene. It made its debut in 2022. However, it’s proven it’s here to stay.
The 2-day festival mainly centers on EDM artists and DJs. Previous artists on the lineup include Rüfüs Du Sol, Fred again.., Charli XCX, Disclosure, the Chemical Brothers, and more.
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That concludes my picks for what to do in San Francisco! Stay tuned for periodic updates. But for now, enjoy our City by the Bay.
Trying to figure out how to fit all of this into your trip? Check out my 3-day SF itinerary for my fool-proof plan to experience the best of this incredible city.