Ultimate Guide to 25 Must-Do Activities in San Francisco

San Francisco serves as a vibrant center of activity and is the cultural, commercial, and financial nucleus of Northern California. The city ranks as the 13th most populous in the U.S., possessing the second-highest population density in the country, with only New York having a busier atmosphere. The city gained prominence in 1849 during the Californian Gold Rush, which at that time positioned it as the largest city on the West Coast.

Renowned for its culinary scene, San Francisco is home to some of the nation’s finest chefs. With a plethora of activities available, let us explore the top attractions in San Francisco.

1. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge

Connecting San Francisco Bay and Marin County is the globally recognized Golden Gate Bridge, deemed one of the modern marvels of the world. Inaugurated in 1937, it was the longest suspension bridge at the time.

Constructed of steel and stretching 1.7 miles, it is the most photographed bridge globally. The bridge features six traffic lanes, accommodating millions of travelers each year. Prior to its construction, individuals relied on ferry services operated by the Golden State Ferry Company, which was once the largest ferry company worldwide.

2. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is San Francisco’s iconic waterfront community. Here, visitors can indulge in exceptional cuisine and savor some of the best dining experiences available.

Outdoor vendors offer fresh Dungeness crab, while various gourmet restaurants feature the day’s freshest seafood catch.

Additionally, numerous tours of the area are available, including Segway, walking, and boat tours.

3. Relax in Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park attracts approximately 13 million visitors annually, showcasing one of San Francisco’s most stunning areas. This scenic park spans 1,017 acres and features diverse spots to explore and unwind, including lakes, picnic areas, monuments, playgrounds, and gardens.

Throughout the year, a multitude of events and activities occur in the park, with opportunities to host weddings or special events against breathtaking backdrops.

4. Discover Alcatraz Island

Located 1.5 miles offshore, Alcatraz Island has evolved from a military fortification to a military prison and ultimately a federal prison, with its most famous period being from 1933 to 1963.

The rationale behind the federal prison was to detain inmates who continually caused issues at other facilities. Notable inmates included Al Capone and Robert Franklin Stroud. Today, the island serves as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors eager to delve into its storied past.

5. Explore Union Square

Union Square stands as San Francisco’s most frequented neighborhood. It features an extensive collection of upscale retail stores, luxurious hotels, cafes, art galleries, and a vibrant nightlife.

The area hosts numerous lively events, ensuring there is always something intriguing occurring for entertainment. To truly immerse oneself in the local culture, it is essential to visit this destination during your exploration of the city.

6. Experience Chinatown

While many major cities boast a Chinatown, San Francisco houses four, with the most prominent located on Grant Avenue. This Chinatown is not only the largest outside of Asia but also the oldest in North America, encompassing hospitals, parks, and attracting more visitors annually than the Golden Gate Bridge.

For those seeking authentic Chinese cuisine within the city, these four Chinatowns are the definitive destinations for genuine traditional fare. If visiting during the Autumn Moon Festival, attendees can enjoy this cultural event at no charge.

7. Ride the Cable Car System

San Francisco takes great pride in its cable car system, recognized as the last manually operated system in existence today. At its peak, 23 cable car lines were in operation; currently, only three remain. The majority of riders are tourists seeking a unique city experience.

The inaugural cable car commenced operations in 1873, with additional lines introduced as popularity surged. However, the advent of electric streetcars in 1892 marked a decline for the manually operated cars.

8. Watch the San Francisco Giants

AT&T Park serves as the home field for the San Francisco Giants, a prominent team in Major League Baseball. Nestled along the San Francisco Bay, the stadium creates an electric atmosphere every time the Giants take the field. Completed in April 2000, the stadium’s construction cost amounted to $357 million.

Originally known as the New York Gothams, the Giants relocated to San Francisco in 1958 and have since claimed the World Series title eight times, with their most recent championship occurring in 2014.

9. Explore the Exploratorium

The Exploratorium invites visitors to experience life through an innovative lens. Engage in experiments that simulate life in a colorless world or participate in a video game with social implications.

This interactive destination is perfect for children, blending entertainment with education seamlessly.

The facility contains six galleries, each centered around a distinct theme and rewarding participants based on their engagement.

10. Enjoy the Presidio of San Francisco

The Presidio of San Francisco, once a military base, has transformed into a stunning park located at the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula and falls within the Golden Gate Recreation Area. Originally under Spanish control, it was later governed by Mexico before being ceded to the United States in 1848.

Visitors can find numerous vantage points within the park that overlook the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, the site is designated as a California Historical Landmark.

11. Visit Aquarium of the Bay

Located on San Francisco’s waterfront, the Aquarium of the Bay offers visitors a remarkable experience with local marine life. The aquarium is dedicated to the conservation of the bay and its inhabitants.

Inside, guests can traverse 300 feet of clear tunnels containing 700,000 gallons of water, home to 20,000 animals from the bay and nearby environments. Visitors can encounter leopard sharks and be captivated by enchanting displays of jellyfish.

12. Discover Ghirardelli Square

The historical significance of Ghirardelli Square adds to its charm; it was originally a chocolate factory established by Domenico Ghirardelli, who was born in Italy in 1817 and left for Uruguay at the age of 20.

Over time, Ghirardelli evolved into a coffee and chocolate merchant, eventually establishing his factory in San Francisco. Today, the square hosts a range of upscale shops, restaurants, and hotels.

13. Savor Food at the Ferry Building

The Ferry Building Marketplace is a celebrated landmark where visitors can enjoy an array of culinary delights, ranging from fresh seafood to artisan cheeses. Situated within the Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street, it consists of both large and small shops.

Within the building, visitors can dine at some of the city’s premier restaurants, helmed by renowned chefs. Originally, the building functioned as a Ferry House for arrivals from the east.

14. Enjoy Views from Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks in San Francisco is globally recognized, offering breathtaking vistas of the Bay Area. Initially referred to as “Los Pechos de la Choca,” meaning Breasts of the Maiden, these two peaks soar to a height of 922 feet, situated closely together.

The area teems with wildlife and flora, providing a rich natural experience for visitors. Adjacent to the peaks is a 64-acre park that showcases how San Francisco appeared prior to extensive development.

15. Visit the Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art was the first museum in the region to exclusively exhibit modern art. The collection features over 29,000 pieces, encompassing paintings, sculptures, photographs, and architectural works.

Established over 80 years ago, the museum initially occupied the War Memorial Veterans Building before relocating to its current premises.

16. Admire Views from Coit Tower

Coit Tower has graced the summit of Telegraph Hill since 1933. A viewing platform situated at the top of the tower offers a 360-degree perspective of both the city and the bay. Named in honor of Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy and somewhat eccentric benefactor, the tower commemorates her contribution to the city.

The tower can be accessed via an elevator year-round, with tickets available for purchase at a nearby ticket office.

17. Explore the Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is an impressive structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a San Francisco Designated Landmark. Constructed in 1915, its original purpose was to showcase artistic works.

Over the years, the building has served various functions, including tennis courts, military storage, and as an art gallery. The surrounding waters are home to diverse wildlife, including ducks, swans, geese, and raccoons.

18. Learn About Asian Art

The Asian Art Museum boasts one of the largest and most extensive collections of Asian art globally. Home to over 18,000 artworks, some date back more than 6,000 years. The museum was established following a significant donation from Avery Brundage, a millionaire and art collector.

The collection encompasses significant representations from all major Asian cultures and frequently hosts traveling exhibitions. In 1991, the Dalai Lama inaugurated an exhibition focused on the themes of wisdom and compassion.

19. Wander Among the Redwood Trees

Muir Woods National Monument is situated on Mount Tamalpais, encompassing 554 acres of land that is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Of this area, 240 acres are comprised of majestic redwood trees.

Historically, California supported approximately 2 million acres of redwood forests; however, the logging industry severely diminished these numbers. Today, Muir Woods stands as one of the few remaining redwood forests in the region. The park is pet-free and picnic-free, featuring various trails suitable for different skill levels.

20. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest public Japanese garden in the nation, was initially established for an exhibition in 1894. Following the exhibition’s conclusion, an agreement allowed the garden to remain and, over time, it expanded to its current size of approximately 5 acres.

Today, the gardens attract numerous tourists eager to experience pagodas, stepping stones, arched bridges, and native Japanese flora. The site also features a koi pond and a Zen garden. For visitors seeking refreshments, traditional Japanese snacks are available on-site.

21. Explore Angel Island

Angel Island is the second-largest island in the bay, with a small permanent population of approximately 60 residents. Accessible via ferry from San Francisco, visitors can tour the island using open-air trams or Segway rentals.

Numerous cafes and bars serve delectable cuisine, and the views of the bay from the island are truly breathtaking. Additionally, events featuring live music are frequently conducted on the island, making it worthwhile to check the schedule for exciting activities.

22. Cross the Bay Bridge

Officially named the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, it connects San Francisco Bay with Oakland, accommodating 240,000 vehicles each day across its ten vehicle lanes, alongside designated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians.

Initially designed to support trains on its lower deck, the bridge was subsequently adapted for vehicular traffic after the closure of the Key System Transit line, effectively doubling its capacity for cars and trucks. A significant portion of the bridge collapsed in 2002, leading to a month-long closure with repair costs estimated at $6.5 billion.

23. Stroll Along Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is a serene expanse of white sand separated from the bustling crowds, extending 3.5 miles before you. Often, it offers an ambiance of solitude, accompanied only by the soothing sounds of waves and the calls of birds. While the waters are suitable for surfing, conditions can become turbulent, thus best suited for experienced surfers.

Encompassed within the Golden Gate National Park, Ocean Beach provides unobstructed views of nature, free from high-rise structures, showcasing the alluring scenery alongside the Golden Gate Bridge.

24. Experience Culture at Yerba Buena Gardens

Located in the downtown cultural district, Yerba Buena Gardens is a vibrant space home to several restaurants, cafes, museums, and theaters. It also features a memorial dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which merits a visit.

The gardens frequently host numerous free outdoor events throughout the year, ensuring that visitors always find something engaging to partake in, whether it be bowling, ice skating, or riding a historic carousel. The park has consistently been recognized among the top urban parks nationwide, and its appeal is easily noticeable.

25. Visit the Walt Disney Family Museum

The Walt Disney Family Museum is an essential stop for fans of Disney films, offering a comprehensive overview of Walt Disney’s life and career. Spanning 40,000 square feet, it features historical artifacts that showcase the creativity behind Disney’s imaginative endeavors.

A glimpse at initial sketches and a 12-foot replica of Disneyland can be observed inside. The museum proudly displays 248 awards received by Disney throughout his illustrious career, and a Fantasia-themed theater presents Disney classics on a daily basis.