Whether you’re looking for beaches, hiking, food or urban life, this city has everything you could want in under 47 square miles. And it may surprise you to learn you don’t even have to spend a lot of money to do and see a lot! There is an abundance of things to do in San Francisco no matter what type of budget you’re on or what type of traveler you are.
Start your exploration of San Francisco by roaming the different districts. This will help you determine where you want to revisit based on personal preferences.
Ride the Trolley or View One on Display in the Theater District
Take a Break and View the Painted Ladies in Alamo Square
Stroll the Embarcadero
Ironically, this area stretches from Pier 39 to Pier 40…on opposite ends of the eastern shoreline with random pier numbers in between. Don’t try to get your navigational bearings straight by thinking you’re going one block because this stretch will take you 2.5 miles, starting in North Beach and taking you to South Beach along the wide sidewalk.
The most iconic spot along the Embarcadero is the Ferry Building, which is filled with vendors of all kinds. Here you’ll also see the dramatic clock tower rising 245 feet (75 meters) above you as it has since 1898.
Just a short walk from the Ferry building, get struck with your loved one at Cupid’s Span, the giant bow and arrow sculpture in Rincon Park. Here you’ll have the best views of the Bay Bridge or head onto one of the several piers you can walk out to.
At the edge of South Beach, you’ll see Oracle Park, home to the Giants baseball team, and can choose from the many restaurant options which surround the area.
Shop Chinatown
Whether you’re looking for gemstones, jewelry, cameras, fireworks, clothing, kitchen gadgets, food or anything in between, Chinatown has a wide variety of shops. There are items here that you may not be able to find elsewhere. If you find what you’re searching for, the prices you’ll get here are some of the best!
Remember to look up throughout this area, as many of the buildings have intricate details on them. There’s a lot to see here!
Wander Through the Mission
The Mission is the largest area of San Francisco to embrace street art to the fullest! With endless displays of murals, it’s easy to get lost…and you should! It’s a great place to enjoy wherever you may roam within the district.
You may notice throughout your wanderings that there are many murals randomly painted, so don’t only look for them in the Mission as beauty emcompasses the entire city.
Meander through the counterculture origins at Haight-Ashbury. At the eastern end of Golden Gate Park is the district of Haight -Ashbury, better known for Victorian homes once lived in by the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. Each of these homes are listed on Google Maps.
This area is as eclectic as it gets, filled with period-specific vintage clothing thrift shops, vintage vinyl record stores to peruse, and used bookstores to get lost in.
Ride the Trolley or View One on Display in the Theater District
If the trolley is running, it’s a San Francisco must-do! If it isn’t, it’s on display at Market & Powell St. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.
Take a Break and View the Painted Ladies in Alamo Square
These Victorian and Edwardian homes are classified by having a minimum of three different color schemes that enhance the architectural details.
Even though the most iconic row of these types of houses are between Grove and Hayes Streets on the east end, you can find these types of homes all over the city.
We hope you came to San Francisco hungry because there are some great food options! With an abundance of flavors and a community that thrives off so many cultures, it’s easy to see why the food scene here is spectacular.
Get a Loaf of Sourdough and Some Crab at Fisherman’s Wharf
Picnic in Mission Dolores Park
Eat Gelato in North Beach
It’s a win-win, whether you want a huge variety of classic Italian-style flavors like strawberry or passionfruit from Alimento, or a spin on something modern like brown butter and chocolate covered honeycomb at Lush. Both located on Columbus Ave. between Union St. and Green St. on opposite sides of the road.
Get a Loaf of Sourdough and Some Crab at Fisherman’s Wharf
Bakeries dating back to 1849 found sourdough bread to be one of the most simple breads to make, consisting of only four ingredients and providing a longer shelf life. You can even buy some to take home with you.
Dungeness crab is at its freshest here, coming in straight from the boats to boiling waters, then onto your plate! Get it while it’s hot and slightly cracked for you to enjoy with no butter needed.
Dine in the Mission
From Sanchez St. to Vermont and between 13th to Cesar Chavez, the Mission is full of incredible places to eat. On the weekends, each block on Valencia tends to be barricaded from vehicle traffic making it easy to stroll and decide which place you want to try out.
Places such as Lolo’s will have you coming back and craving their delectable delights.
Click here for more on eating in San Francisco.
Picnic in Mission Dolores Park
First, grab a blanket or towel and a bag. Then, go to 18th street and stop in Tartine Bakery or Bi-Rite Market and purchase some food to go. If you just want a cool snack, the locals’ favorite ice cream can be found at Bi-Rite Creamery, also located on 18th. Now that you have your food, find your patch of green and enjoy the deliciousness with a view! The higher you go up in the park, the more of the city you’ll see.
If you have a pet or kids, this is also a great place to go. There’s a playground for the kids and the entire park is off-leash legal for the pups, making it a great place for everyone to enjoy!
Weather tip: Be leery after a good rainfall, it can get a bit muddy.
Feeling like a good workout within the city or need to burn off all the food calories? These activities can get your heart pumping while still enjoying some gorgeous views.
Biking Through Golden Gate Park
Find Your Path at the Lands End Labyrinth
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
As it is one of the most iconic bridges in the world and sights in the entire city, walking it is a must-do! At 1.7 miles one way for just the bridge, it’s an enjoyable stride for anyone. There are parking areas on either end to accommodate however you want to tackle this jaunt, or it’s beautiful walking up the stairs from Battery East at the base of the bridge for a rarely documented view from below.
The views of the city from the bridge are unparalleled! There are even sections along the bridge extending approximately 18 inches for a slight bit of that Titanic bow scene feeling, so put your wingspan on display and enjoy the breeze.
Biking Through Golden Gate Park
Biking through over 1000 acres of this park may surprise you with what you’ll see.
Whether you want to stop and smell the flowers, stroll past the lakes, gawk at the windmills, or even see some bison, this park has it all! A sunny weekend day will bring out what seems like the whole city, making biking the best way to see it all.
If you come in spring or summer, blooming flowers at the conservatory and botanical gardens are a must-see! A picnic under the windmills is also a heavenly way to spend the afternoon.
Hike the Presidio
From coast to (golf) course and field to forest, this area has every type of hiking scenery and ranges from accessible and easy to difficult. With thirteen hiking trails and 24 miles of land to cover, go here for a map and see what kind of trail you’re looking for before heading out.
Find Your Path at the Lands End Labyrinth
After a 1.7 mile (one-way) moderate hike, walk through this maze and feel the journey of your own personal path while on the edge.
Pro tip: This view of the bridge is unlike any other and you’ll likely want to spend some time here, so if you want to enjoy it alone come early and during the week.
If you’re looking for that picturesque view for the perfect photo, in addition to some places already mentioned, here are some that you won’t want to miss!
Watch the Sunset from Coit Tower
Catch a View of the City at Twin Peaks
Drive Across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands
Watch the Sunset from Coit Tower
You may have to walk up some steep hills or steps to get there, but the view from Coit Tower is unlike anything else in the city. Stop here at sunset and watch the sun slowly fall behind the city skyline. There is also a great birds eye view of Alcatraz.
Looking from down below in the city upwards, you can see the tower is surrounded by trees, making some of the views from the parking area obstructed yet still magical.
Catch a View of the City at Twin Peaks
Catch a view of the city at Twin Peaks. With the highest points in the city and 360 degree views, twin peaks will allow you to hang out with the birds and feel like you’re in the sky. Walk up the steep street and watch for bikers and skateboarders cruising down.
The top is currently closed for driving through, so don’t leave your belongings in your car. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t bring any valuables, as several hostile situations have occurred here.
Drive Across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands
For a view of the bridge with the city in the background, this is the place to go! There are also hiking trails here and some rocky cliffs that you don’t want to miss.
If you’ve been wandering all around the city and ready to unwind, here are the top spots to take in some sunshine and a view.
Gaze at the Palace of Fine Arts
Soak in the Sun at Crissy Field
Stare at the Sea Lions on Pier 39
Admire the Century-Old Windmills at the West End of Golden Gate Park
Relax at Baker Beach
With a full mile of beach, soft sand, and favorite views of the bridge, Baker Beach is a great place to lay in the sand and enjoy the sun.
Be aware that the north end near the rocks is a nude area.
Gaze at the Palace of Fine Arts
Get your camera ready, prepare your neck, then look up! This gorgeous structure is a popular wedding photoshoot area for a reason. Walking around this area you’ll want to take a picture at every turn.
Catch a glimpse of turtles and other animals in the water and listen to the soothing sound of the fountains with a serene view.
Soak in the Sun at Crissy Field
Grab a blanket and relax or a ball and play games on 130 acres of greenery and scenery. Lined on the north end with a beach and a grassy field throughout, it’s a great place to enjoy the surrounding views.
Stare at the Sea Lions on Pier 39
There’s nothing more iconic than watching the sea lions in the bay! The best place to see them in town is between Pier 39 and Pier 41 where they jump onto the docks between the boats and play in the water.
Admire the Century-Old Windmills at the West End of Golden Gate Park
The Dutch and Murphy windmills were originally constructed to aid in irrigation for the park, saving in water costs. What a great way to make a place look beautiful and be eco-conscious!
Whether you visit for a few days, a week, or longer, you can stay as busy as you want with things to do in San Francisco. We hope this list of suggestions helps you during your stay! Please feel free to leave any comments or ideas you feel should be added to this list or contact us for further details.
Oh my gosh. I love San Francisco. I remember stopping there on my way to Korea over 40 years ago and fell in love with the place. I’ve been back once or twice since but never for long enough. You found places I missed. I’m ready to go back. Beautiful pictures!
I’ve never been to San Fran ( or Cali !) but it’s on my list of “want to go “ and having your awesome thorough guide and recommendations definitely has bumped it up on the list ! Thank you for taking all of us along with you 🙂