Scenic, friendly, and easily walkable, San Francisco is one of the most-visited cities in the world for its mix of culture, history, and modern technology. Add to that mild year-round temperatures, authentic restaurants from a variety of ethnicities, natural and man-made wonders, and a sense of unpredictability — because you never know what’s around the next block — and it’s easy to see why this bayside city is one of the globe’s most-beloved places to explore. Here are 10 fun things to do in San Francisco that belong on every Golden City bucket list.
1. Get To Know Fisherman’s Wharf
If watching sea lions sunbathe along the historic waterfront sounds like a top San Francisco attraction, you’ll love a visit to Pier 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf. While there, take a stroll along the Aquatic Park Pier for views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, sip a frothy concoction at the legendary Buena Vista Cafe, and check out the interactive murals in Umbrella Alley. Not to be missed, the quirky Cartoon Art Museum and the sweet treats at Ghirardelli Square are must-dos, too.
2. Walk Through Golden Gate Park
Spread out over 1,000 acres, Golden Gate Park is home to sprawling meadows that are perfect for kite-flying and more than 10 top San Francisco attractions, including the Japanese Tea Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers, and the California Academy of Sciences — the latter encompassing an aquarium, planetarium, and a natural history museum.
3. Cross The Golden Gate Bridge
Taking in the views of the city’s famous bridge from the Civil War-era fortress known as Fort Point National Historic Site is a treat on its own, but there’s nothing like the thrill of walking or biking across the bridge’s pedestrian path and into the tiny seaside town of Sausalito. Once there you can grab a bite at one of the many sidewalk cafes, watch sailboats float in Gabrielson Park, and explore the nautical-themed shops and ice cream parlors that line the historic town’s main street. If you’re too tired to walk or bike back across the bridge, the Sausalito Ferry will gladly transport you (and your two-wheeler) back to the city in just 30 minutes.
4. Ride The Cable Cars
San Francisco is one of just a few places in the world where you can ride inside a historic landmark — in this case, the city’s famous cable cars. The world's last manually-operated cable car system, it’s the perfect way to explore the city’s hilly streets and vibrant neighborhoods. Once on board, find a seat or grip the hand rails as the car whisks you along dozens of stops, including crooked Lombard Street, Union Square, and the Ferry Building, a waterfront marketplace filled with shops and eateries. It’s easy to spend a day hopping on and off. When you’re ready to move on, simply find the nearest stop on the Cable Car app and listen for the ringing of the cable car as it ambles down the city streets. It’s one of the most fun things to do in San Francisco.
5. Explore Alcatraz Island
Once home to the most notorious criminals in the country including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly, today Alcatraz is one of the most-visited national parks in the country and a top San Francisco attraction. A 15-minute ferry ride from the city’s Pier 33 leads you to the windswept island where you can take a self-guided audio tour of the former prison’s cell block, warden’s house, and the officer’s club. Several indoor and outdoor exhibits, a garden, and a lighthouse provide plenty more to see and do while stretching your legs in the fresh air.
6. Check Out Chinatown
The largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest in North America, San Francisco’s version is a 24-block neighborhood filled with streets and alleys lined with authentic restaurants, shops, and more. Snap a picture at the iconic Dragon’s Gate, stroll Grant Avenue, the nabe’s main thoroughfare, explore the two-story marketplace and food demonstration hall known as China Live, and if you’re visiting on a Saturday, be sure to check out the Et Al. Gallery tucked away in the basement of a laundromat called Union Cleaners, and filled with rotating exhibits of local art installations. In February, the Chinese New Year Festival fills the calendar with parades, parties, and more.
7. Go Museum Hopping
In addition to the museums found throughout Golden Gate Park, San Francisco is chock full of cultural institutions designed to stir your imagination. Little and big kids alike love the Exploratorium, a mix of art, technology, and science with a modern vibe that’s part funhouse and part experimental lab with plenty of hands-on, interactive exhibits. Contemporary art enthusiasts flock to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, one of the largest of its kind in the country, in part for its plethora of sculpture-packed terraces. Unique and unusual, the Musée Mécanique is filled with coin-operated vintage arcade machines, hand-cranked music boxes, and even a steam-powered motorcycle.
8. Cheer On Your Favorite San Francisco Sports Team
Whatever time of year you visit, sports fans can cheer on their favorite San Francisco teams, whether that’s the six-time NBA champs the Golden State Warriors, the eight-time World Series champs the San Francisco Giants, or the five-time Super Bowl champs the San Francisco 49ers. Several stadiums, such as Oracle Park, where the Giants play, and Oakland Arena, home of the Warriors, also provide behind-the-scenes tours so you can get a peek at everything from locker rooms to V.I.P skyboxes.
9. Eat Your Way Through The Golden City
One of the best cities for foodies, San Francisco restaurants are so eclectic that deciding where to eat can feel like a challenge. For the ultimate California burrito, there’s no better spot for the oversized Mission-style variety than throughout the Mission District itself, which also happens to have amazing murals to stroll and gaze at — perfect for walking off that you-know-what. El Farolito and Papalote are both great spots to try. For authentic Italian, Fior d'Italia in North Beach, the city’s version of Little Italy, has been around for years — and for good reason. And what would a trip to San Fran be without a hearty bowl of clam chowder inside a warm and flaky sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery?
10. Hug A Redwood Tree
One of the most unique natural attractions in America are the giant redwood trees found throughout Northern California, and the Muir Woods National Monument is the perfect place to see them. Just a short drive from the city center and you’ll find yourself standing in front of some of the tallest trees in the world, gazing up at their magnificent height and trying your best to wrap your arms around their bases. Walking through this natural cathedral is a wonder to behold and is a must-see item on any visit to the Golden City.
