15 Best Things to Do in San Francisco, California

The city of San Francisco is like no other American city. It is vibrant, beautiful and rich in culture and history. For over 150 years, the city has been a magnet for immigrants, artists, and people looking for a change of fortune. Here are the best 15 things to do in San Francisco.

1. Take a Walk Over the Golden Gate Bridge

It may seem a little ridiculous if the city’s iconic symbol, the Golden Gate Bridge isn’t #1 thing to see on our list. It is not only the most famous bridge in the world but also the most photographed thing in the world.

Every visitor on this bridge that you can spot will be taking pictures from every possible angle, we are pretty sure you will be too. You can witness the beauty of this bridge from afar whether you’re driving or biking but the best possible way to truly experience it is by walking on it.

Once you are on it, you will be amazed to find passing ships to seem tiny from 220 feet above the water’s surface.

2. Visit Alcatraz Island

Once was an American Civil War fort turned into United State’s most notorious prison in 1934, which incarcerated some of the country’s most notorious criminals.

Now, the island and the former prison is open to visitors, allowing them to learn about the building grounds by former guards and inmates, giving you the whole experience. The only way to get here is by taking a boat from Pier 33 and be sure to get your tickets early.

3. Explore the Fisherman’s Wharf

Be sure to dedicate at least half a day to Fisherman’s Wharf as there are many fun activities and things to do around here. You can head over to Ghirardelli Square, where there are lots of retail and dining complex, housing shops and eateries you can explore.

Previously, it was a chocolate factory established by Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli. Apart from that, there is Cartoon Art Museum, Museé Mécanique, San Francisco Dungeon and Madame Tussauds, the Museum of 3D Illusions, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum, the historic Boudin Bakery and of course the renowned Pier 39 where you can see amazing sea lions.

One more thing to expect in Fisherman’s Wharf – lots of delicious seafood. Don’t miss out on that!

4. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden

Located in the heart of the Golden Gate Park is an oasis of tranquility that will awaken your senses. The Japanese Tea Garden welcomes you with the sounds of a waterfall, lush greenery, and Japanese styled statues. The garden was created as part of an exhibition called “Japanese Village” back in 1894.

After the exhibition ended, a Japanese architect had continued to maintain the garden and slowly added to it. He spent a lot of time and money into perfecting this Japanese garden to make it as close as possible to the ones in Japan.

5. See the Painted Ladies

If you’re a film buff, then you should already have the Painted Ladies on your list. This row of seven beautiful houses is Victorian and Edwardian architecture which is common and easily found all around the United States, so why are these particular houses in San Francisco famous?

The painted ladies appeared in more than 70 movies and TV shows. To name a few famous ones like The Rock, Vertigo (1958), Junior (1994), Mrs. Doubtfire and the popular TV show, Full House (1987-1995). If you head to the field opposite the houses, you’ll be able to take amazing pictures with the houses in the background.

6. Stroll Along the Streets of Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the second-largest Chinatown in the whole of North America. It is home to one of the largest Chinese communities outside China. It is indeed one of the most unique sights on display in San Francisco.

Visitors often find themselves on Grant Avenue, trying out the various kinds of Chinese cuisine, buying souvenirs and taking a whole load of pictures of the building’s architecture.

Don’t forget to check out the Fortune Cookie factory, local independent markets, and tea shops as well to get the full dose of Chinese culture.

7. Learn About Walt Disney at the Walt Disney Family Museum

Grab your kids and learn about Walt Disney’s own personal story. The man who made Disney into what it is today. The Museum uses actual audio and video footage from Walt Disney himself to tell his story.

The exhibit features a great number of personal artifacts, letters, and pictures. So without trying to spoil too much, be sure to head over and witness for yourself the legacy that Walt Disney has left behind.

A lot of tourists end up leaving with great appreciation for the man and all his work. The museum also features a gift shop and cafe.

8. Walk Around the Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace Of Fine Arts is one of the most famous tourist attractions in San Francisco. Tourists are often seen crowding the area trying to get the right angle for a picture. Originally built in 1915 for the Panama Pacific Exhibition, the temple has stood the test of time and become San Franciso treasure loved by many.

In fact, the rotunda is all that is left of the structures built in 1915. There is a lake nearby that makes this the perfect spot for a picnic. When the sun sets, the palace takes up up a whole new life of its own. The lights that illuminate the palace can be seen from miles away.

9. Visit the Parks

The number of beautiful parks in San Fran will only drive you to unwind and have a picnic. Start with the iconic Golden Gate Park, where you will find spectacular spots at the Botanical Garden, even though there’s an entrance fee for tourists, it is highly recommended. Next, if you enjoy the sun then you should head over to Mission Dolores Park as it can get sunny.

Here, you’ll find 16 acres of grassy areas, you can play, relax, and people watch, all with an amazing view of the city. Additionally, there’s a children’s playground, tennis court, and a basketball court.

Presidio is another San Francisco favorite, especially on Sundays. You can mingle with loads of picnicking folks, enjoy the food trucks and of course enjoy the great view of the shoreline of Baker Beach.

10. Visit the Grace Cathedral

Since the gold rush, this beautiful church was rebuilt three times and the current concrete architecture took 40 years to complete the gothic looks. Grace Cathedral has large stained glass windows, unique murals, and amazing pews.

To commemorate the biblical and scientific significance, the large stained glass windows have personalities such as Adam and Eve and people like Albert Einstein and Robert Frost on it.

11. Admire the View From the Coit Tower

Built as a viewing tower back in 1933, the Coit Tower is 1100 feet high with a 360 view of the whole city and the bay. Many tourists tend to get carried away with just the views from this tower that they miss out on the beautiful fresco murals.

The following year the tower was built, it was selected to be the first in California to be a publicly funded art project. 26 talented artists created a majority of fresco murals that portray various struggles that the working-class people went through during that time.

It was done at a time where San Fran’s art was beginning to develop its unique personality that resonated with the multicultured diversity of the city.

12. Visit the Cable Car Museum

The Cable Car Museum is easily the most overlooked attraction in San Francisco. This is partly due to cable cars not being as interesting as they once were. The museum provides for an interesting look into the city’s trademark mode of transportation.

Here you will be able to see for yourself the very machines that pull the cables and complex systems of pulleys that push the cable cars out into the city. There is also an impressive collection of antique cable cars that were in operation in the 1980s. Be sure to pick up a cable car-themed souvenir at the gift shop before leaving.

13. Explore the California Academy of Sciences

California Academy of Sciences is a great place to explore with the whole family. It is a big science museum that features over 30,000 fish, an award-winning planetarium show and a massive 90-foot tall rainforest dome.

There is so much to do and explore here, once you have spent a considerable amount of time exploring be sure to head upstairs to enjoy the view from the observation deck. Little children will love the cute penguins roaming around at the aquarium.

14. Take a Breather at Point Bonita Lighthouse

The first thing you need to know about this lighthouse is that it is still active and operated by the US Coast Guards, therefore, be mindful of their opening hours, it may vary due to fog levels as well.

Apart from that, you’ll be blown away with one side of the endless sea and the other is the Golden Gate Bridge however the suspension bridge isn’t for the faint of heart. As for the hiking journey up the lighthouse, let’s just say it’s a walk in the park for a frequent hiker.

15. Learn About Asian Art

In the Western world, the Asian Art Museum is the largest museum dedicated to Asian Art, with over 18,000 objects from all around the world and 6,000 years of history. It offers multiple programs that motivate visitors to discover the importance of great artworks.

This museum’s mission is to drive a diverse group of audience to discover the one of a kind material, aesthetic and intellectual achievements of Asian art and culture.

More about California

17 Best Things to Do in Palm Springs California

13 Best Things to Do in Visalia, California

12 Best Things to Do in Half Moon Bay Coastside, California

18 Best Things to Do at the Presidio, San Francisco, California

11 Best Things to Do on the Mendocino Coast, California

15 Best Things to Do in Oceanside, California

9 Best Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano, California

9 Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree, California

9 Best Things to Do in Orange County, California

15 Best Things to Do in San Diego, California

16 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles, California

19 Best Things to Do in San Jose, California