21 Of The BEST Things To Do In San Francisco
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San Francisco is a city of incredible beauty and excitement. From the bay to the mountains, sunrise to sunset, the best things to do in San Francisco are as wonderful and diverse as the city itself. What other city in the United States can you admire the stunning grandness of an iconic landmark like the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise, and then explore otherworldly sights like the ones found at the Conservatory of Flowers? Where else could you see a pristine yet ridiculous design for a century old street while only being a short walk away from world class restaurants? There’s only one answer… San Francisco.
No matter where you are in the city, you will find that this is a place made to impress. And the best things to do in San Francisco are clear proof.
So keep scrolling to experience the BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAN FRANCISCO!
1.) Admire the Golden Gate Bridge
An icon of American ingenuity that stands the test of time, the Golden Gate Bridge is the most scenic sight in the city. Extending across the bay while towering into the clouds, this structure is so much more than just a bridge. Watching the sunset from one of the amazing Golden Gate Bridge vista points like Battery Spencer is an image that will last for the rest of your life.
Pro tip- Try to get to the bridge during sunrise or sunset for a spectacular scene!
2.) Sample The Best Food In San Francisco
Oftentimes, a place heralded as a culinary haven can end up being a bit of a letdown. BUT when it comes to the world class restaurants of San Francisco, believe the hype. Seemingly every street is home to unforgettable meals, from fine Michelin star spots with perfectly prepared dishes to small hole in the wall locations that delightfully surprise with every bite. No matter what food you’re craving, San Francisco is sure to deliver.
Pro tip- With so many great spots, it’s hard to narrow down the top restaurants, but don’t worry; we’ve already found all the Best Restaurants in San Francisco right HERE!
3.) San Francisco Giants
You will be hard pressed to find a more picturesque and unique ballpark than the home of the San Francisco Giants. Consistently regarded as a top 5 ballpark in the MLB, this bayside beauty revolutionizes the idea of what a sports stadium can be. I mean, where else in the world can you watch MLB players hit baseballs into the ocean while fans are waiting in kayaks to catch them?
Pro tip- See everything about Oracle Park and the San Francisco Giants HERE (Coming Soon)
4.) Russian Ridge Preserve
Be transported to a natural oasis of incredible majestic beauty. Just a short drive outside the city sits unaltered rolling golden hills, sightlines that stretch for miles, and picture perfect sunsets. Overlooking the bay and the city bathed in golden rays of sunlight, or watching thick fog fade over distant mountaintops, the Russian Ridge Preserve is a place so perfect you will find it hard to believe it’s real.
5.) See The Sights Of The City
San Francisco is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. Every corner of this magnificent city is built in stunning quality and impressive creativity. From feats of human architecture like the towering Golden Gate Bridge and the beautifully out of place Palace of Fine Arts, to the gorgeous natural attractions like Mt Davidson and the Conservatory of Flowers. All of these sights are one of a kind spectacles ready to be enjoyed!
Pro tip- From sunrise to sunset, check out the best sights of San Francisco and the best times to go, right HERE!
6.) Point Bonita Lighthouse
While the lighthouse is great by itself, it’s the journey to the lighthouse that makes this place really special. Following along the sheer cliff side, through an ominous hand carved rock tunnel, and even across a harrowing footbridge over 120 feet above the sea. All just to reach the sights of the Point Bonita Lighthouse. Hope you’re not afraid of heights.
Pro tip- This spot is also a great lookout point for the Golden Gate Bridge and distant Alcatraz Island.
7.) Alcatraz
Of course, no list of the best things to do in San Francisco would be complete without a trip to Alcatraz. Just as infamous as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz is an iconic sight that attracts people from around the world. A former prison responsible for housing America’s most notorious criminals of the 20th century, now you can tour the entire facility and feel what it was like to be sentenced to the rock in the middle of the bay.
Pro tip- Make sure to have at least a couple of hours to grab some great Alcatraz Island photos while exploring every inch of the island. 👍
8.) Roaring Camp Redwood Train
Does riding through a thick, spectacular forest of massive redwood trees towering 200+ feet into the air sound interesting to you? Well it should! The Roaring Camp Redwood Train takes you on a journey through a 1,000 year old redwood forest while riding one of the oldest continuously used steam engines in the United States. From the train to the trees, this is one of the more unique things to do in San Francisco that you have to experience.
Pro tip- Don’t forget to book tickets ahead of time to avoid sellouts.
9.) Pier 39 Sea Lions
Looking for a unique San Francisco sight you won’t find anywhere else? Then Pier 39 is the place to go. Famous for dozens of sea lions that enjoy basking in sunlight atop floating platforms, Pier 39 is a can’t miss spot in San Francisco. With tons of fun things to do like shops, games, great restaurants and so much more, this spot is a great time whether you’re a kid or an adult.
Pro tip- Be sure to see the sea lions in the back left-hand side of the pier. 🦭
10.) Golden Gate Park Bandshell
Feeling like a little music while exploring the city? The Golden Gate Park Bandshell is another gorgeous addition to San Francisco. With the tall pillars and open park, you can enjoy months of free concerts with all kinds of musical genres. Few things are better than having an unforgettable meal, watching the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge, then capping it all off with a lovely, free concert at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell.
Pro tip- The nearby Japanese Tea Garden is also a cool spot to check out!
11.) Lombard Street
Another of the many well known attractions in San Francisco, and for good reason, is the gorgeous Lombard Street. Weaving back and forth in a series of sharp angles at a 27° decline this road looks less like a street and more like a madman’s beautifully absurd idea for a street. As impractical as it may look, there’s no denying the floral displays lining the winding road are as stunning now as they were when it was built over 100 years ago.
Pro tip- Come here at sunrise for a clean picture that isn’t packed with crowds of people.
12.) Coit Tower
Close to the fantastic restaurant Cotogna sits this unmistakable landmark. One of the highest points in San Francisco, Coit Tower is a must when looking to take in the sights of San Francisco. From this high vantage point, you can see every inch of the bay, Golden Gate Bridge, downtown, and miles beyond. Plus, the collection of murals around the tower gives history and depth to this nearly 100-year-old spot.
Pro tip- It’s best to visit during the middle of the day so you don’t have to struggle to see through the morning fog.
13.) College Baseball
Most people don’t think of a college baseball game as one of the best things to do in San Francisco, but the parks around this city aren’t your usual college fields. Parks like Excite Ballpark and Stu Gordon Stadium are nearly century old monuments to the history of baseball. Even if you’re not the biggest college baseball fan, seeing the evolution of the game from then to now is well worth the trip. Plus, very cheap tickets and being right next to the field are nice bonuses!
Pro tip- Head to Excite Ballpark for an awesome stadium filled with colorful 1950s style murals and quotes from baseball legends.
14.) Queen Wilhelmina Garden
Founded in 1902 as a way to commemorate the queen of the Netherlands, the Queen Wilhelmina Garden is a wonderful spot that shows the great diversity of San Francisco. Gorgeous floral arrangements surround a large Dutch style windmill in an enchanting display of vibrant colors. If you want a new, underrated spot for capturing San Francisco or some great Instagram content, then this is the place for you!
Pro tip- Watching the sunrise over these tulips elevates this spot into something truly special.
15.) Go To The Beach
San Francisco isn’t exactly the stereotypical California beach town. The water is a bit colder, the air a bit more brisk, but catching some waves isn’t why you go to the beach in this city, it’s the views. Soft waves lightly wash up on large sandy beaches while the Golden Gate Bridge rises in the background, makes spots like Baker Beach, Golden Gate Beach, and Marshall’s Beach some of the best beaches in California.
Pro tip- Many of these beaches offer great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Click here to see all the best spots!
16.) Palace Of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is a prime example of San Francisco’s quest to have the most beautiful city in the country. This open pillared design stands out from the rest of the city’s architecture yet still manages to feel like it belongs. Relaxing by the water and admiring the amazing attention to detail is one of the best things to do in San Francisco, and with craftsmanship like this, it’s clear to see why the Palace of Fine Arts is a go to for San Francisco photos.
Pro tip- Seeing this spot at sunrise with no people around and the Golden Gate Bridge in the background makes the Palace of Fine Arts even more incredible.
17.) Conservatory of Flowers
If anyone thinks plants are boring, they clearly haven’t been to the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers! This wonderful collection of crazy, exotic plants showcase the weird and colorful world of plant life. Otherworldly vegetation gathered from around the globe, like the Fanged Pitcher Plant, the Japanese Lantern Flower, and the giant unmistakable Corpse Flower. The Conservatory of Flowers isn’t just a greenhouse with some plants, it’s a peek at an entirely new world.
Pro tip- Don’t forget to explore outside the building to see beautiful floral displays around the grounds
18.) Point Reyes Lighthouse
Perched on the tip of a rocky cliff, the Point Reyes Lighthouse is both a warning to sailors and a remarkable vantage point. Warning ships of the treacherous rocky cliffs for nearly 150 years, this spot also serves as one of the best views in California. Overlooking distant seashore cliffs and the abundance of ocean creatures swimming through the waves make the many stairs a very happy trade.
Pro tip- Watch the cliffs and surrounding ocean for rare birds and large marine life that like to call this seashore home.
19.) Cypress Tree Tunnel
The Cypress Tree Tunnel is a unique picture spot unlike any other in San Francisco. Tree after tree follow each other up to the historical KPH Marine Radio Station in an eerie yet intriguing way, similar to the famous Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland. Although it’s outside of the city, this and many other sights in the area are well worth the trip!
Pro tip- You can walk through the Cypress Tree Tunnel up to the KPH Marine Radio Station and explore the story behind this historical landmark.
20.) Mt. Davidson
Feel as though you’ve left the city behind and were transported into the untouched Pacific Northwest. Wander through Mt. Davidson’s leafy trails, thick, green ivy, and the moss coated forest in a scene completely different from the rest of the city. Exploring this overgrown area all the way to the peak of Mt. Davidson and looking out over the bay from the tallest point in the city makes this one of the best things to do in San Francisco!
Pro tip- Try to hike Mt. Davidson during the morning marine layer when this park becomes shrouded in a mystical fog!
21.) San Francisco Botanical Garden
San Francisco is a very green city filled with parks and lush outdoor spaces, and the pinnacle of those places is the San Francisco Botanical Garden. A large and diverse park right in the heart of the city, this park allows you to travel across continents with different sections full of diverse plant life. See skyscraping redwood trees up close or walk through thick bamboo trails all within this wonderful park.
Pro tip- Stop by the San Francisco County Fair Building to buy some exotic plants to start a unique garden of your own.
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