15 Best Things to Do in San Francisco
San Francisco is one of my absolute favorite cities. No matter how often I visit, I always find something new. San Francisco is one of the few places I’ve been that has something for everyone, no matter their interests. Are you into the beach? Into art? Architecture? Gardens? History? Food? Music? World famous attractions? It’s all here.
If you’re driving in, you can follow these things to do in order starting on the Golden Gate Bridge side of the city. If you’re flying in, you’ll flip-flop this list as you’ll be starting on the Bay Bridge side of the city.
The best time to visit San Francisco
Have you ever heard the Mark Twain quote “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco”? Well, it’s true. Summer months in San Francisco are cold and foggy, while fall is the most pleasant with many days sunny and 70. But even in the fall, still dress in layers. The wind from the bay is very cold once the sun goes down and you’ll see many people walking around in puffer jackets.
Here are the best things to do in San Francisco that are unique to this city.
1. Drive, Walk, or Bike On The Golden Gate Bridge
I know, this one is a given, but hear me out.
Even if you’ve been to San Francisco before, it is actually cool to be on the Golden Gate Bridge and see just how big it really is!
If you’re driving: there is a toll to enter into San Francisco using this bridge ($9.75 at the time of writing this, but check here for toll information). No cash is needed, they just take a picture of your license plate and mail you an invoice.
If you’re walking/biking: it’s free to walk and bike across. Be aware of the biking and walking lanes on the sidewalk! The closest parking is at the Round House Cafe and Welcome Center and is $5 per hour (you can check the latest pricing here).
2. Get Coffee and Breakfast at Round House Cafe
I can’t think of a more San Fransico view, especially if it’s your first time here. The prices are reasonable and the drinks and breakfast sandwich are delicious. Grab a window seat and enjoy. During my visit here in late October, I was fortunate enough to see whales in the bay from this window. The closest parking is at the Round House Cafe and Welcome Center and is $5 per hour (you can check the latest pricing here) but the lot fills up quickly.
3. Fort Point National Historic Site
- Entry Fee: Free
- Parking: Free
- Open: Thursday – Monday, 10 AM – 5 PM
Fort Point National Historic Site is free and allows you to explore the fort under the Golden Gate Bridge. Once inside, if you climb the spiral staircase to the roof of the fort you have spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay, the Coastline, and San Francisco. There are self-guided walking tours through the fort as well. It’s a pretty unique experience!
4. Land’s End & the Sutro Baths Ruins
The Sutro Baths was a public bathhouse with 7 pools all varying in temperature and was fed by the Pacific Ocean. It opened in 1894 with the ability to hold 10,000 people at a time. Concerts, art, swimming, and slides made it an all-day destination. Popularity dwindled during the Great Depression and it was converted to an ice-skating rink. By 1964 developers were starting demolition to put up high-rise apartments, but a fire in 1966 took what was left of the baths. It became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1973. You can check out the full history on the National Park Website. And if this is fascinating to you, you can also take a free tour through SF City Guides.
This forested trail has beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and is an easy walk. On Sunny Saturdays, it is BUSY (expect to be walking in a line of people), but if you go out early in the morning, you’re more likely to miss the crowds.
5. Camera Obscura
- Entry Fee: $3 per person (Cash Only)
- Parking: Free
- Open: Check online for current hours
Down the stairs and behind the old Cliff House you’ll find the Camera Obscura and Holograph Gallery. In this design created by Leonardo da Vinchi in the 15th century, the top part of the building uses mirrors that act as a camera, while inside the building is a dark room that gives you a live-video-type view of what is outside. You’ll spend just a few minutes inside, but if you have an interest in photography or think science is cool, drop by the Giant Camera.
6. Ocean Beach
Visit Ocean Beach to experience the quieter part of the city. You might see surfers, kite flyers, or beach volleyball players here depending on the time of year. I have also seen dolphins in these waters playing in the surf!
7. Dutch Windmill and Queen Wilhelmina Garden
From Ocean Beach, you can walk to the Dutch Windmill and Queen Wilhelmina Garden at the edge of Golden Gate Park. I usually stop at the Safeway on the way and buy lunch for a picnic, then sit among the beautiful seasonal tulip blooms. This windmill was built in 1903 and was originally purchased to bring water into Golden Gate Park but was only in service for about 10 years. There is a windmill on both entry points into Golden Gate Park from the Ocean Beach side, the other is the Murphy Windmill.
8. Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is in the Top 5 most visited urban parks in the United States and offers endless activities. You can golf, visit a lake, or take a segway tour. Check out gardens like the Shakespeare Garden, the Japanese Tea Garden, or the Conservatory of Flowers. Or spend time in the Music Concourse area and visit the De Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences. If you want a little less “city” there is a lot to enjoy in Golden Gate Park. Plus there is a free shuttle bus that can take you through the 1,017-acre park.
9. Painted Ladies at Alamo Square Park
If you’re a fan of Full House and are ready to have your “Full House” moment, head to the Painted Ladies across from Alamo Square Park. Parking can be a challenge, but once you find a spot, you can join the others sitting on the hillside enjoying the view.
10. Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf & Ghiradelli Square Area
With about a mile encompassing these areas, I tend to group them together. Jefferson Street connects these areas and will keep you entertained with its endless shops, restaurants, and novelty stores. Pier 39 is the famous Pier that has all of the Sea Lions on the left side of the pier out towards the end.
11. Lombard Street
I recommend going to the bottom of Lombard Street on Leavenworth & Lombard for the best view of the “Crookedest Street in the World”. I don’t recommend driving its eight hairpin turns. But it’s great to look at!
12. Coit Tower
13. Alcatraz Island
At the top of Telegraph Hill lies the famous Coit Tower, built in 1933. The ground floor of Coit Tower and the murals are free to access, plus you’ll get some pretty great views of the city. If you want to go to the top there is a per-person fee. Parking near Coit Tower is limited, so the Filbert Steps or Greenwich Steps are your best bet.
If you’re into history or live near the area and have never been before, Alcatraz Island is worth the visit. It’s perfectly eery and housed some of the most notorious criminals.
Alcatraz Island is a part of the National Park Service and the only ferry company that contracts with them to actually access the island is Alcatraz City Cruises LLC. I definitely recommend doing the “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour”, it was great!
The Alcatraz website tells you to plan for weather to change and they are right. I had a little bit of blue sky when I arrived and it was drizzling by the time I left.
14. Farmer’s Market at the Ferry Building
The Ferry Building hosts Farmer’s Markets three days per week, with the largest market on Saturday. The historic Ferry Building is already a great place to browse, but the market brings a plethora of food and liveliness to the area. This is a great stop for breakfast or lunch, or to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables if you’re in town for a few days.
- Open: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
- Parking: The Farmer’s Market validates parking for a discounted rate at Four Embarcadero Center. I usually park in Golden Gateway Garage since it is $8 for all-day parking on Saturdays and about a 7-minute walk to the Ferry Building. You can check out the Farmer’s Market Website for more details.
15. Bernal Heights Park
Retreat to Bernal Heights Park to get a great view of San Francisco. Parking is free and you can take a short hike to the peak to get 360-degree views.
