Things to Do in San Francisco, United States of America

San Francisco stands as one of America's most iconic cities, perched dramatically on rolling hills between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. This compact yet diverse metropolis captivates visitors with its legendary landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, while its steep streets lined with Victorian architecture and cable cars create an unmistakably romantic urban landscape. The city pulses with innovation as the gateway to Silicon Valley, yet maintains its bohemian soul through vibrant neighborhoods, world-class museums, and a thriving arts scene. Beyond its postcard-perfect facade, San Francisco offers an incredible culinary landscape that ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic ethnic eateries reflecting its multicultural heritage. The city's mild Mediterranean climate makes it pleasant year-round, though visitors should always pack layers as the famous fog can roll in unexpectedly. With its progressive spirit, stunning natural beauty, and endless cultural attractions packed into just 49 square miles, San Francisco delivers an unforgettable urban adventure that perfectly balances metropolitan sophistication with California's laid-back charm.

Top Things to Do in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge Experience

Walk or bike across America's most photographed bridge, taking in spectacular views of the bay, city skyline, and Marin Headlands. The 1.7-mile span offers multiple vantage points and photo opportunities, with the surrounding Golden Gate National Recreation Area providing hiking trails and scenic overlooks. Whether shrouded in fog or gleaming in sunshine, this Art Deco masterpiece never fails to inspire.

Booking Tip: Bridge walking is free, but bike rentals cost $30-50 per day with many shops offering guided tours for $40-60. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Book bike tours in advance during peak season.

Alcatraz Island Tour

Explore the infamous former federal prison that once held Al Capone and other notorious criminals on this rocky island in San Francisco Bay. The award-winning audio tour, narrated by former inmates and guards, brings the prison's dramatic history to life as you walk through preserved cells and facilities. The island also offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and bay.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost $45-65 for adults and sell out weeks in advance, especially in summer. Book directly through Alcatraz Cruises or authorized vendors. Night tours ($55-75) offer a more atmospheric experience with fewer crowds.

Cable Car Rides

Experience San Francisco's moving National Historic Landmark aboard the world's last manually operated cable car system. These iconic vehicles climb the city's steepest hills, offering thrilling rides and spectacular views while connecting major attractions like Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, and Chinatown. The cable cars themselves are living museums, operating with the same technology used since 1873.

Booking Tip: Single rides cost $8 per person, but day passes ($25) or multi-day passes ($39-65) offer better value if using multiple times. Board at terminal stops for guaranteed seats, or hang on the outside running boards for the classic experience. Avoid rush hours for shorter waits.

Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39

Discover San Francisco's most popular waterfront destination, featuring fresh seafood vendors, street performers, and the famous sea lions that have made Pier 39's docks their home since 1989. The area bustles with souvenir shops, restaurants serving clam chowder in sourdough bowls, and attractions like the Aquarium of the Bay. While touristy, it captures the city's maritime heritage and offers beautiful bay views.

Booking Tip: Walking the wharf is free, but attractions like the aquarium cost $30-35 for adults. Many combo tickets are available for multiple attractions. Visit early morning to see the sea lions at their most active and avoid peak crowds. Parking is expensive ($25-40), so use public transport.

Neighborhood Food Tours

Explore San Francisco's incredible culinary diversity through guided food tours that showcase everything from Mission District tacos and North Beach Italian specialties to Chinatown dim sum and Castro District innovations. These walking tours combine cultural history with tastings at local favorites, providing insider access to hidden gems and family-run establishments. Each neighborhood offers distinct flavors reflecting the city's immigrant communities and innovative food scene.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $60-120 per person and last 3-4 hours, including 6-8 tastings. Book tours that focus on specific neighborhoods rather than city-wide options for more authentic experiences. Morning or lunch tours often feature fresher selections and better restaurant availability.

Getting There

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) serves as the primary gateway, located 14 miles south of downtown with direct flights from major cities worldwide. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) provides the most convenient connection from SFO to downtown San Francisco for $10-12, taking about 45 minutes. Oakland International Airport offers another option with generally lower fares, connected by BART with one transfer, while San Jose Airport serves the south bay. Driving to San Francisco involves navigating busy highways and expensive parking ($25-50 per day downtown), making public transportation the preferred option for most visitors.

Getting Around

San Francisco's compact size makes it highly walkable, though the steep hills can be challenging. The extensive public transportation system includes buses, cable cars, streetcars, and BART, with day passes ($25) or Clipper cards offering convenient payment options. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available but can be expensive during peak times. Many visitors enjoy renting bikes to explore Golden Gate Park and the waterfront, while electric scooters provide another alternative for shorter distances. Driving is not recommended due to steep hills, limited parking, and high costs, though rental cars are useful for exploring areas outside the city.

Where to Stay

Union Square

Fisherman's Wharf

Nob Hill

SoMa (South of Market)

Mission District

Marina District

Food & Dining

San Francisco's culinary scene ranks among the world's best, featuring everything from innovative farm-to-table restaurants to authentic ethnic cuisines reflecting the city's diverse population. The Mission District excels in Mexican food and trendy eateries, while Chinatown offers some of the country's most authentic Chinese cuisine beyond the tourist areas. North Beach serves excellent Italian food in a charming neighborhood setting, and the Castro District features creative California cuisine. Don't miss local specialties like sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission-style burritos, while the city's numerous food trucks and farmers markets provide excellent casual dining options throughout the week.

When to Visit

San Francisco enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate year-round, making it a destination for any season, though summer (June-August) brings the most tourists and paradoxically the foggiest, coolest weather due to marine layer effects. Fall (September-November) offers the warmest, clearest weather with temperatures in the 70s°F and minimal fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring (March-May) provides pleasant weather with occasional rain, while winter (December-February) sees the most rainfall but remains mild with temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F. Regardless of season, always pack layers as temperatures can vary dramatically between neighborhoods and times of day, with the famous fog rolling in unexpectedly.

Insider Tips

Skip the crowded Lombard Street viewpoint and head to Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd Streets for the city's actual steepest street with better photo opportunities and no crowds

Many of the city's best restaurants don't take reservations, so arrive early or be prepared to wait, but use this time to explore the neighborhood

The 38 Geary bus line provides an excellent city tour for the price of a bus fare, running from the ocean through diverse neighborhoods to downtown

Things to Do in San Francisco