San Francisco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in California. There are so many things to do, you can spend days exploring and not see it all. Here are some of my favorite things to do in San Francisco.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is the most iconic place in San Francisco and a trip here is not complete without a visit to the most photographed bridge in the world. You can drive, bike or walk across the bridge, or visit one of the different spots from where you can see it. These are my favorite ones:
Golden Gate Postcard Viewpoint: Located on the Battery E Trail near the Welcome Center, right before crossing the bridge.
Golden Gate Overlook: This spot gives you a different perspective of the bridge. If you drive there, there are different parking lots located on Lincoln Blvd and then you can just walk around.
Battery Spencer: This viewpoint is not actually located in San Francisco. It’s in the Marin Headlands, just across the bay. The best way to get there is driving and there’s a small parking lot with limited spaces. Once you get there, you need to walk around 5-10 min from the parking lot to the viewpoint.
Marshall’s Beach: The trail is a mile long and it’s really easy to get there. It starts at the Langdon Court parking lot located in the Golden Gate Overlook. Go a few steps to the left and take the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. About halfway along the trail, there is a detour that goes down to the beach.
Golden Gate Postcard Viewpoint
Golden Gate Overlook
Battery Spencer
Marshall’s Beach
Palace of Fine Arts
Palace of Fine Arts is a free and public area with a European vibe. You can walk around the towering pillars, gardens and pond. It’s gorgeous!
Presidio
The Presidio is one of the largest national parks in an urban area, making it the perfect natural escape in the middle of the city. There are many hiking trails and fun gems to discover like Wood Line, Lover’s Lane, Yoda statue and a Walt Disney Museum.
Golden Gate Park
You can spend hours at this park and not see everything. There’s plenty of museums, gardens and secret spots for you to discover. It’s not near the Golden Gate Bridge, so don’t come expecting that.
The park is free to visit but a few attractions may require a fee to enter.
Japanese Tea Garden: It makes you feel like you are walking around Japan.
Hours: 9:00am-5:45pm Fee: $13 Free Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-10am
Conservatory of Flowers: A whimsical garden house with thousands of tropical plants and flowers.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am-4:30pm Fee: $12 Free on the first Tuesday of every month.
Dutch Windmills: March is the best time to visit as tulips are in full bloom. You’ll feel like you are in the Netherlands.
Hours: Open 24 hrs Fee: Free
Conservatory of Flowers
Dutch Windmills
Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies is a group of colored Victorian houses with views of the city skyline behind. It’s one of the most photographed spots in San Francisco. They are located at Steiner St between Grove St and Hayes St, right across Alamo Square Park.
The best time to visit is in the afternoon when the sun isn’t behind the houses.
Lombard Street
This is known as the crookedest street in the world and it’s normally full of tourists going up and down. If you want the place to yourself I would recommend to go early and you can either walk or drive through it.
Alcatraz
Alcatraz is America’s most famous prison. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the city, so I would recommend to buy your ticket in advance as they sell out fast. You can buy your ticket here.
Your ticket includes the ferry that takes you to the island and the guided tour to learn all about the history of this place and its famous inmates like Al Capone.
Fisherman’s Wharf
This area has become a popular tourist attraction full of restaurants and shops. I don’t recommend to spend a lot of time here but these are a few things you can check:
Ghirardelli Square: Come to get a piece of chocolate.
Address: 900 North Point St Ste F301. Hours: 9am-10pm (Sunday-Wednesday), 9am-11pm (Thursday-Saturday)
Umbrella Alley: An alley full of murals and street art like the “Greetings from San Francisco” mural.
Address: 757 Beach Street. Hours: 10am-6pm
Musée Mécanique Arcade: An arcade with hundred games for you to play.
Address: Pier 45. Hours: 10am-8pm
Other spots
Union Square: Considered the heart of San Francisco and one of the most popular shopping areas of the city full of restaurants, cafes, and hotels. It’s specially beautiful during Christmas with all the decoration.
Ride a cable car: If you want to ride the famous cable car, I recommend you to take the Powell/Hyde Line. It starts in Union Square, passes by Lombard St and ends in Fisherman’s Wharf. If you just want to take a photo instead of waiting in line to ride the cable car, head to Powell and Market St and take a photo when the cable car is on break.
Chinatown: Largest Chinatown outside Asia. Start in Dragon Gate, located in Bush St, and continue through Grant Ave a picturesque tourist street with lanterns hanging full of specialty shops and authentic Chinese restaurants.
Moraga Steps: These sea to stars themed mosaic stairs are located in 16th Ave between Noriega St and Moraga St and it’s a work of art to connect the community of the area. From the top of the stairs you can admire the views of Sunset District and Pacific Ocean.
Land’s End and Sutra Bath: It’s a 1.5 miles trail. Mostly flat with a few stairs. I would recommend to start at Eagles Point and finish at Lands End Lookout Point. The trail goes along the cliff and offers amazing views of the ocean. Half way through the trail take the trail towards Land’s End Labyrinth and go back on track afterwards. Once you get to Lands End Lookout Point, visit Sutro Bath which is just below it. This is not as touristy as other areas in San Francisco but it’s worth the stop.
Moraga Steps
Day trips
If you are staying extra days in San Francisco, take a day trip to one of these destinations. Even though they are within a few hours, you will probably need a car or book a tour.
Napa Valley: A wine country area located around 1.5 hours driving from the city. A must if you love wine.
Yosemite National Park: Yosemite is one of the most loved National Parks in the US. It’s stunning, with its giant rock formations, waterfalls, pristine lakes, and gorgeous meadows.
If you need more help planning your trip, check my San Francisco Travel Guide, and let me know what’s your favorite activity to do in San Francisco.
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