Situated along the coast, with rolling hills and the famous Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is one of the most prominent cities in the United States. Northern California’s most prized treasure, the city, is full of wonders that await your arrival. The city features captivating neighborhoods, white sandy beaches, historic museums, and a whole lot of entertainment options and things to do. Some of its famous attractions are Pier 39 and Union Square, but there’s so much more to this remarkable city. One excellent example is San Francisco’s Presidio, where you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views. For an exciting adventure, hop on to one of the historic cable cars and explore the city. Discover all the attractions when in the big city by checking out our list of the best places to visit in San Francisco, California.
Events to look out for
Whether you love running or you’re just looking for a fun way to experience the city, Bay to Breakers is an iconic event in San Francisco. If you plan on joining, make sure you’re in SF in May, as this race is usually held on the third Sunday of the month.
San Francisco’s Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event held in April. You can experience a grand parade, arts and crafts, live performances, and more!
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1. Alcatraz Island
Best for: Photographers and friend groups
Situated in San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island is one of the most striking islands in the city worthy to explore. It’s a small island featuring historic spots, including the federal and military prisons. There are two options to explore the island- you can join a tour or do a self-tour. If you want the full experience, it’s ideal for you to join a guided tour to get the best of everything the destination has to offer. One of the things you’ll notice upon riding the ferry is the towering lighthouse of the island, even from a distance. In case you decide to take a trip here, make sure to bring your cameras with you for amazing shots of the beauty of the reef.
2. San Francisco Chinatown
Best for: Foodies
One of the most established and oldest Chinatowns in the country, the Chinatown of San Francisco is a maze of vibrant streets and alleys brimming with dim sum food stalls and all authentic eateries. Whether you’re after food or culture- there’s no better place than Chinatown when it comes to food lovers and history enthusiasts. One of the best things about Chinatown is that upon setting foot in its boundary, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. From classic and traditional styling of temples to graffiti perfect for taking pictures, you can even get tokens ideal to take home from the different souvenir shops around the district.
Book Tours : San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour
3. Presidio of San Francisco
Best for: History buffs and families
Some of you may not know it, but before there’s San Francisco, there’s the Presidio. Encompassing the north end of the city, Presidio is a broad mass of land that’s part of the fascinating Golden Gate National Recreation area. An excellent destination for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and families looking for the best spot to relax near the edge of one of the most stunning bays in the world. The best part? From this place, you’ll be able to see the Golden Gate Bridge and the Crissy Field, which are both worthy of a visit.
Presidio of San Francisco
Address: Presidio of San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, USA
Website: Presidio of San Francisco
4. Ferry Building
Best for: Families
Situated on The Embarcadero of San Francisco, Ferry Building is not only a terminal for ferries that travel across the scenic San Francisco Bay; it’s also an office building and a food hall perfect for food junkies. One thing that sets this destination apart from the city’s other iconic attractions is that it’s both a historical landmark and a home to the city’s outstanding culinary scene. Located inside the Ferry Building is its marketplace, which is the best spot for local food and products. There are a lot of things you can enjoy while inside, apart from food trips, such as wine-tasting and window shopping.
5. Twin Peaks
Best for: Hikers
Named for its pair of 922-ft summits (281 m), Twin Peaks is a residential neighborhood along the winding streets of San Francisco. If you want to witness something magical, Twin Peaks is the place to hike. Showcasing spectacular panoramic views of the city, you’ll be able to see some of the famous landmarks around the place, including the scenic Golden Gate Bridge, the charming Alcatraz Island, and downtown skyscrapers. Although you’ll have to walk through some steep and unlevelled walkways to get to the top, you’ll find the views from above worth the hike. Stretch your legs and enjoy watching the sunrise at Twin Peaks.
6. Palace of Fine Arts
Best for: History buffs and photographers
Inspired by Roman architecture, the Palace of Fine Arts of San Francisco is a marvelous palace boasting modern renaissance piece and is home to the city’s center of fine arts and science. It’s one of the oldest buildings constructed during the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition that still exists up to this day. Over the years, the Palace of Fine Arts underwent a lot of changes and development for a variety of purposes, including housing several tennis courts and serving as a storage for military trucks. If you’re someone who has a passion for photography, you might find this place ideal for its stunning landscapes.
Palace of Fine Arts
Address: 3601 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States
Website: Palace of Fine Arts
7. Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop at Ghirardelli Square
Best for: Families with kids
Tucked in San Francisco’s shopping district of Ghirardelli Square is the most-favorite ice cream shop of both locals and travelers, The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. When exploring Ghirardelli Square, especially during the summer season, it’s only natural to find yourself looking for something to help you feel refreshed. What’s the best way other than indulging in sweet ice cream to beat the summer heat. And if you want some treats to bring home, there are a lot of chocolates to choose from that will surely delight whoever is going to eat them. It’s truly the home of sweet tooths.
Ghirardelli
Address: 900 North Point St #52, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
Website: Ghirardelli
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 12pm
8. Japanese Tea Garden
Best for: Solo travelers and couples
It’s a known fact that there are a lot of exciting destinations in San Francisco to indulge in, one of the attractions you shouldn’t miss is its most-loved Japanese Tea Garden. Located in the heart of the city’s Golden Gate Park, this tea garden is the oldest Japanese garden outside of Japan, which is open to the public since the early 90s. Its intricate style and surrounding nature is the perfect relaxation for travelers looking for an escape from the busy streets of the big apple. If you plan to drop by, we have a tip for you that not everyone knows about. To get free admission to the Japanese Tea Garden, make sure to arrive before 10 in the morning every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Japanese Tea Garden
Address: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
Website: Japanese Tea Garden
Opening hours: 9am - 4:45pm (daily)
9. Aquarium of the Bay
Best for: Families with kids
Found in the scenic Pier 39, Aquarium of the Bay offers families and group travelers a fun time exploring marine life within proximity. There are three floors inside that will give you a lot of options on which level to explore first. One of its best features is its walkways, where guests can enjoy viewing many shark species. Two of the major exhibits you have to see are the Octopus Exhibit and the Docent, which focus on showcasing tricks and such.
Book Tours : Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket
10. Conservatory of Flowers
Best for: Nature buffs
Known as the oldest surviving municipal wood and glass greenhouse in the country, Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco held its first opening to the public during the late 70s. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, visitors will have plenty of time to fully appreciate the conservatory. For free admission, you might like to visit every first Tuesday of the month. If you’re someone who has a passion for planting, there are a lot of rare and unique floras inside the conservatory. It’s ideal to visit this botanical garden since there are a lot of nearby attractions you can also drop by after touring it.
Conservatory of Flowers
Address: 100 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
Website: Conservatory of Flowers
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
11. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Best for: Families
Situated in the serene neighborhood of Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park offers travelers scenic sights and tales about the Pacific Coast maritime history. It’s an ideal spot for families, especially for the little kids since the park offers year-round educational programs. If you plan to visit during the summer season, the park has a week-long summer camp program wherein you can experience all the different exciting activities the park has to offer. Experience the famous San Francisco Bay through the eyes of a ship captain by visiting San Francisco Maritime National Park.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Address: San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
Website: San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
12. Musée Mécanique
Best for: Families and friend groups
Bring out the inner kid in you by walking down the memory lane at Musée Mécanique. A combination of museum and carnival, Musée Mécanique is home to both kids and adults, whose idea of fun is playing coin-operated arcade games, self-playing musical instruments, and mechanical whatchamacallits. Relive all your childhood memories by indulging in some of the traditional arcade games, including arm-wrestling a masked robot and competing for the high score on a vintage game. There’s more- the museum has no admission fee. However, if you want to activate a certain portion of the arcade, such as the fortune teller machine, you’ll have to spend a few coins for it.
Musée Mécanique
Address: Pier 45, Fishermans Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Website: Musée Mécanique
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
13. Transamerica Pyramid
Best for: History buffs
Built way back in the 70s, Transamerica Pyramid is one of the historic spots in San Francisco famous for its unique silhouette. With a height of 853 ft (260 m), the building towers over the rest of the city. Although there are a lot of citizens against the building of this pyramid, the authorities soon found a way to address the concern of the people, hence, the reason behind its shape. Transamerica Pyramid is no longer accessible to the public after the tragic events of 9/11, but you can still check out its 48th floor via a live camera feed in its visitor center.
Transamerica Pyramid
Address: 600 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States
Website: Transamerica Pyramid
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
14. Cable Car Museum
Best for: Families
One of the most popular things to do when in San Francisco is to ride one of the iconic cable cars, but getting to explore these cars up close is another story. The Cable Car in Nob Hill is a museum housing cable cars from the 70s, including the last living from the Clay Street Hill Railroad. The museum will not only allow you to see the history of cable cars, but it will also show you the giant mechanisms that supply power to the system’s cables of today. One fun fact you’ll love about this museum- admission is free. It’s the perfect thrill for both kids and adults who have a great interest in how the cable car system works without using money.
Cable Car Museum
Address: 1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
Website: Cable Car Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
15. Crissy Field
Best for: Active families, solo travelers, friend groups
One of the most popular destinations in San Francisco, Crissy Field used to be an Army Airfield back in the 1920s. A combo beach, wetland, park and picnic area, Crissy Field is a place where outdoor thrills never stop. Joggers and bicyclists enjoy cruising along the water’s edge of San Francisco Bay. Families and group travelers can indulge in picnics on the grassy lawns of the field while the kids can enjoy flying colorful kites. One exciting fact about Crissy Field: its location will give you amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Crissy Field
Address: 1199 E Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
Website: Crissy Field
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
16. Golden Gate Bridge
Best for: All travelers
One of the most iconic spots in San Francisco is the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Travelers from different cities always make it a top to their list of destinations to stop by at Golden Gate Bridge whenever in the city. With towers soaring hundreds of meters into the sky, Golden Gate Bridge is quite astonishing, especially with its bright red-orange painted frame. Exploring this iconic bridge is easy enough, you can choose to walk around while breathing in the sea breeze or take a scenic drive with the wind brushing your face. Joining a cruise around this landmark is one of the best experiences you can indulge in, especially during the late afternoon when the sun is slowly descending from the horizon.
Tip from Content Creator
When exploring San Francisco, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge is an absolute must—opt for a stroll across it or go to Battery Spencer for a breathtaking view. I particularly recommend taking photos at Golden Gate Postcard Viewpoint. Don’t forget to layer up. The weather can surprise you with chilly fog or sunny warmth.
Book Tours : San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise
17. de Young Museum
Best for: Art lovers
A fine arts museum located in San Francisco’s Golden State Park, whose name is after the city’ newspaperman M. H. de Young. Everything about the museum reflects not only artistic crafts but also all the important events of the past. It’s a public space open to everyone who wants to see unique objects that mirror the earliest life, talk about the present, and shape the future. If it’s the world you want to know, be ready to enter a whole new one at de Young Museum. There are a lot of events inside the museum you can join in, apart from tours, including day talks, hip hop lectures, free play studio for the kids, and so much more. All art collections inside range from American to African art, which is reflective of the active communication among cultures, perceptions, and periods.
Book Tours : de Young Museum General Admission Ticket
18. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Best for: Art lovers
First opened on May 14, 2016, San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art features an enhanced gallery, education purposes, and public spaces ideal for art enthusiasts. All the arts and crafts showcased inside the museum are pieces of contemporary art that reflect the story of the generation of today. One of the main goals of keeping the museum alive despite some of the criticism it faced is to pave way for young artists to show their stories to the masses, especially now that art becoming more vital to our everyday life. Although only modern art is available inside, they are unique works of both professional and aspiring young artists.
19. California Academy of Sciences
Best for: Families
A multidisciplinary Science museum, indoor rainforest, and world-class research facility, California Academy of Sciences is one perfect example of a state-of-the-art building in San Francisco. Containing millions of preserved specimens and thousands of live exotic animals, it’s almost close to impossible to take everything in for just a day visit. If you’re one of those travelers who plan to take advantage of everything San Francisco and only have a day to see this aquarium, we have some of the must-see attractions inside that you have to witness. One is the Steinhart Aquarium, where you’ll find species of rare fish, eels, seadragons, and other fascinating sea creatures. Another destination is the Osher Rainforest excellent for taking pictures with lush plant life surrounding the area.
20. The Walt Disney Family Museum
Best for: Families
Ever wonder the history of the most-loved Walt Disney? Want to know how this brilliance came to life? Well, we know the right place for you. Located in San Francisco is the Walt Disney Family Museum, where the life story of Walt Disney is waiting. If you’re thinking of where to bring your kids or your special someone, there’s surely something for you in this museum. Find unique animation, innovation, and inspiration as you enter a new world in this American legacy. Don’t miss out on all the wonderful exhibits inside the museum and make sure to bring your cameras with you, for artsy and Instagram-worthy pictures.
21. Exploratorium
Best for: Families with kids
Satisfy your craving for discoveries and unparalleled visuals only at The Exploratorium’s museum of science, technology, and arts. Boasting more than 600 hands-on exhibits and daily demonstrations of almost everything from dissections to magic tricks, you’ll certainly find something to amuse yourself during your visit. Out of all these exhibits, we gathered some of the best for you to experience. One is the Sound Bite, in which you can listen with your bones. Another exhibit popular among visitors is the Bicycle-Wheel Gyro, where you’ll experience being confused as to whether it is you or the bicycle that is moving. There is a lot that awaits your arrival, and the only way to find out is to visit.
Book Tours : SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission
22. Coit Tower
Best for: Photographers
When visiting San Francisco, one of the easiest attractions you can access and shouldn’t miss is the towering height of Coit Tower on the neighborhood of Telegraph Hill. Boasting 13 floors with a height of 210 ft (64 m), it’s no surprise that this is the go-to place for travelers who want to see the city. Its underground is free of admission, which will give you access to a plethora of murals to appreciate. However, if your main goal in visiting the tower is to witness panoramic views, then you’ll need to join a guided tour to access the next floors. The views up there are absolutely worth your penny.
23. Union Square
Best for: Shoppers
Your trip to San Francisco will not be complete without visiting the iconic Union Square. Known as the fabulous center of Aberdeen, Union Square is home to some of the country’s most popular shopping hubs. Lining the streets of this exciting destination are different clothing stores, including international and local brands that will surely satisfy your inner fashionista. If you’re up for some splurging, you know the place to go. You can even take a break and make a detour to some of the food joints and cafes around the area to boost your energy.
Book Tours : San Francisco: Union Square Cable Car City Tour
24. Fisherman's Wharf
Best for: Families and friend groups
Get your fill of the freshest seafood in town at Fisherman’s Wharf. One of the most recommended destinations to visit in the city, Fisherman’s Wharf is famous for its variety of fine-dining restaurants that serve fresh-from-the-ocean seafood dishes. Floating around the docks are numbers of weathered boats used by fishermen to capture scallops, halibut, and Dungeness crab. Besides the food trips that you can indulge in during your visit, there’s more to explore around Fisherman’s Wharf. Because of its location in Pier 39, you’ll have an exciting day ahead of you filled with entertainment and shopping.
Book Tours : San Francisco City Tour: Fisherman's Wharf Cable Car
25. Churches in Cow Hollow District
Best for: History buffs
Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin is the location of what is believed to be the last remaining spring in Cow Hollow. Once this area was rolling pasture land with numerous springs conveying water to the wetlands, then to the San Francisco Bay. Dairy cattle were raised here to provide milk for the city of San Francisco.
Walk inside the church courtyard. A graceful fountain and pool is fed by the last spring. Delicate frescos depicting the life of St. Mary decorate the walls of the courtyard. It is located at 2325 Union Street, Cow Hollow, at the corner of Steiner and Union.
Head one block south on Steiner to Green Street and visit St. Vincent De Paul Church. Step inside the serene, cool interior of this Tudor-influenced building. The church has astounding carved wood walls and ceilings surrounding exquisite stained glass that rival that of any European church. It is located at 2320 Green Street, at the corner of Green and Steiner, Cow Hollow.
Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin
Address: 2325 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States
Website: Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin
St. Vincent De Paul Church
Address: 2320 Green St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States
Website: St. Vincent De Paul Church
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 9pm (closed on Sun)
26. Painted Ladies in Cow Hollow
Best for: Photographers
‘Painted Lady’ is a name coined for the ornately painted Victorian houses you will find in San Francisco. The Cow Hollow District has a higher concentration of them than many neighborhoods, because this area was spared much of the destruction caused by a devastating earthquake in 1906.
Walk up the side streets off Union Street and you will find beautifully maintained homes built between 1849 and 1915. Today, not all have the intricate paint jobs suggested by their nickname, but all are fascinating to look at and photograph. Look very carefully at the carved details. Some fascinating images are celebrated in wood.
27. Golden Gate Valley Library
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Golden Gate Valley Branch of the public library is located on the corner of Green and Octavia, one block south of Union Street.
You can get a temporary library card that allows you to use the computers with access to the internet at no cost. Newspapers and magazines are available to be read in the library as well as books.
Golden Gate Valley Library
Address: 1801 Green St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States
Website: Golden Gate Valley Library
28. Marina District
Best for: Dining and shopping
San Francisco has many marinas, but only one Marina District. It is one of the newest neighborhoods in San Francisco. Until the early 1900s it consisted of sand dunes, tidal pools and wetlands. Marina is bordered to the north by the San Francisco Bay, to the west by the Presidio (a former military base), to the East by Russian Hill/Fisherman’s Wharf and to the south by Pacific Heights/Japantown.
Marina is located in an area of San Francisco that is filled with well-kept streets, pristine vintage homes, boutique shopping, restaurants and drinking establishments. Bucolic Palace of Fine Arts, Fort Mason and the yacht clubs provide peaceful surroundings with world-class photo opportunities of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and historic military post, Fort Mason. Chestnut Street is the lively commercial hub of the community.
29. Marina Green
Best for: Families
The level, paved San Francisco Bay Trail runs along the San Francisco Bay and passes through the Marina area. The trail is one of the best vantage points for unobstructed views of Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and boat watching. It is used by walkers, joggers and cyclists but is rarely crowded.
The Marina Green is a wide, long swath of lawn used by sports teams of all ages. On most days, locals use this lovely area for recreation and exercise.
The Wave Organ is an eclectic San Francisco attraction well worth the walk. An acoustic sculpture, it is a series of cement tubes having one end in the water and the other at listening height. At high tide you can hear the sound made by water rushing in and out of the tubes. It works much the same way as a pump organ.
Getting there - Take MUNI bus #22 all the way to the bay.
Marina Green
Address: San Francisco, CA 94123, United States
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
30. Fort Mason
Best for: Families and friend groups
A US Army post for over 100 years, these 1,200 acres (486 hectares) and more than 49 buildings are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Filled with history, art, food, music and outdoor pursuits, you can easily spend a day and evening exploring all there is to offer.
Walk the paths surrounding the old army housing and barracks for some of the most unique photo opportunities in the city.
Wander the grounds and visit museums, galleries, theatres, restaurants and maritime parks. See changing art exhibits and hear musical performances. On Friday evenings from March through October, a gathering of food trucks muster, creating a pop-up food court of gastronomic delights.
Getting there - Take MUNI bus # 49 or 28
31. Chestnut Street
Best for: Shopping and dining
Busy, bright and eclectic, Chestnut Street is the commercial hub of Marina District. Chestnut Street is filled with deep-rooted restaurants, shops and markets. There are new establishments thriving here as well. Mix in residential old and new and it’s a lively area.
The locals shop, meet and dine on Chestnut, making it an ideal area to get to know the residents of Marina. You can find anything you might be looking for in the dozens of specialty shops, boutiques and markets.
Dining possibilities range from grab-and-go delicatessens to 4-star fine dining. Wine bars, pubs and cocktail lounges offer up libations to quench your thirst.
Getting there - Take MUNI bus #22 or 30
32. Madame Tussauds San Francisco
Best for: Families and friend groups
The famed wax museum of Madame Tussauds opened its doors in San Francisco in 2014, so it is fairly new and worth checking out if you have spare time. With the amazingly life-like wax statues here, you can get close to your favorite celebrities from film, TV, music, sports and even politics.
Some of the celebrities featured here include Lady Gaga, Abraham Lincoln and Steven Spielberg. Madame Tussauds San Francisco also has figures that were vital to the city’s history, such as actor Robin Williams, the first openly gay official Harvey Milk, and Facebook’s co-founder Mark Zuckerberg.
You will be in for a fun time here with your kids meeting the celebrities and taking selfies with each of them.
Madame Tussauds San Francisco
Address: 145 Jefferson St Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Website: Madame Tussauds San Francisco
Opening hours: Thu, Sat - Mon: 11am - 6pm / Fri: 10am - 8pm
Prices: From 26.99 USD for adults, 21.99 USD for kids
33. Golden Gate Park
Best for: Families with kids
If you are in the Golden Gate Park area, remember to keep a lookout for the American Bison at the Buffalo Paddock. Take your kids here and admire the majestic bison lounging around the trees. Given the fact that the bison is nearly extinct, it is pretty amazing that there is a small herd roaming in the compound right in the city.
Golden Gate Park
Address: 501 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
Website: Golden Gate Park
Opening hours: 24 hrs
34. WWII submarine on Pier 45
Best for: History buffs, families with kids
Take your kids back to the past on this floating submarine. The USS Pampanito on Pier 45 is an actual historic ship that went on six missions in the Pacific during World War II. Families can take a tour around the ship and have a close look at the sleeping bunks and engine rooms where the control panels are located. You can even see the mission route maps in one of the rooms. This will be an eye-opening experience for adults and kids alike.
35. Stow Lake
Best for: Couples, families
Located in the heart of Golden Gate Park, Stow Lake is a stunning man-made gem. Renting a boat here is a very popular activity, especially for families with kids. You can rent either pedal boats or rowboats from Stow Lake Boathouse, located on the north-western side of the lake. If you have an hour or two to spare and love the outdoors, you will not regret spending time relaxing on the boat with your family.
Stow Lake
Address: San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
36. Lands End
Best for: Active families
For the adventurous family, Lands End will surely hit the spot. You won’t go wrong taking a hike here as you can see San Francisco’s coast line, as well as both the Golden Gate Bridge and Oakland Bridge. The walk here is suitable for the young hiker, being fairly easy, with stairs on all the trails making it a simple hike up the hills. Be sure to stay here long enough for the spectacular sunset. It’ll be worth it.
Lands End
Address: 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
Website: Lands End
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
37. Swan Oyster Depot
Best for: Foodies
Open since 1912, Swan Oyster Depot is an establishment that has been consistently known for its unbelievably fresh seafood. With an extensive menu, including sashimi platters, clams, oysters and Dungeness crab, there is bound to be something to cater to every picky eater. Remember to get their clam chowder in a bread bowl to complete your meal.
Swan Oyster Depot
Address: 1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
Website: Swan Oyster Depot
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)
38. Castro Theatre
Best for: Families and friend groups
If your family loves movies, the Castro Theatre is definitely a treat. Take your movie-going experience to a whole new level at this classical old theater. Complete with the bright neon lights of the marquee, and built in the Roaring Twenties, the Castro Theatre is one of the few motion picture palaces left in the country.
For families with younger kids, check out the special Sing Alongs to films like The Sound of Music, The Little Mermaid, and even Frozen.
Castro Theatre
Address: 429 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States
Website: Castro Theatre
39. Children’s Creativity Museum
Best for: Families with kids
If you are looking for fun activities for you kids, give the Children’s Creativity Museum a go. This museum is filled with interactive exhibits that teach the young ones about music, animation, and digital media. It provides a very hands-on experience, with several studios, like the Animation Studio that lets children create their own clay characters and bring them to life on screen. Let your kids’ imaginations run wild here while they go on their own adventure. This activity is perfect for a free afternoon and suitable even if it is raining outside.
Children’s Creativity Museum
Address: 221 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Website: Children’s Creativity Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon - Wed)
Price: Free admission
40. Muir Woods National Monument
Best for: Families, hikers
Situated on Mount Tamalpais close to the Pacific coast, the famous groves of the Northern California redwoods are a famous tourist attraction. Explore redwood alleyways as you come across 1,000-year-old trees standing 260-feet (79.2 meters) tall, surrounded by mist. Take a stroll down the woods to feel the cool and moist air, as you enjoy the tranquility while discovering the isolated canyon filled with ancient coastal redwood trees. Plan a picnic with family, enjoy camping or take a break in the cafe. You can also go hiking and biking in the Muir Woods National Monument along the Redwood Creek.
Muir Woods National Monument
Address: Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States
Website: Muir Woods National Monument
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
41. Pacifica
Best for: Surfers
Surf’s up! Who hasn’t seen footage of surfers on the Californian coast and thought, ‘I’d quite like to try that one day?’ Well, now’s the chance. Visit Pacifica, a little to the south of San Francisco, to try your hand at surfing. If you book a lesson, you will even be shown the basics by an experienced instructor, who will teach you everything from push up techniques to reading the wave conditions. There are separate morning and afternoon sessions, so you’ll be able to fit it around whatever else you have planned for that day. What’s more, it is aimed at everyone from complete beginners to those who have picked up some of the basics but wish to improve. And you won’t have to worry about any annoying extras - as the equipment rental is included in the price.
Book Tours : Beginner Surfing in San Francisco at Pacifica Beach
42. Baker Beach
Best for: Yoga enthusiasts
Gather at Baker Beach where you can enjoy yoga with your friends and even make some new ones! Sessions here are held all year round, and the venue offers a great view of the waves and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. You will do yoga with headphones and some Zen beats so you can clear your mind of all noise and distractions. People of all ages and experience levels are welcome here, so don’t worry if you’ve never done yoga before. Just don’t forget to bring water and comfy shoes for this hour-long activity.
Book Tours : Silent Disco Beach Yoga at Baker Beach
43. Mission District
Best for: Art lovers
With more wall murals than in any other neighborhood in the country, the colorful and creative Mission District is a street-level art gallery anyone can appreciate. If you book a rickshaw tour, you get to ride around on a three-wheeled Indonesian rickshaw so you can visit more places. The alleys here are filled with large and complex murals, some even taking entire building fronts. With themes such as family, history, and society, these works express the whole range of human emotions and thoughts. You will also pass by some of the popular hangout spots and end your trip at a Mexican restaurant where you can enjoy a taco and some drinks.
Book Tours : Rickshaw Street Art Tour
44. Peña Pachamama
Best for: Families and friend groups
Peña Pachamama is located on the site of one of the original speakeasies in San Francisco, which were popular during the Prohibition period of the 1920s. Organic South American cuisine is served in this restaurant, and you can order dishes such as vegan pizza, corn tacos, and Bolivian empanadas. Desserts are also plentiful, with cheesecake, chocolate mousse, and Rawcaroons highlighting the list. The Saturday shows here last for 90 minutes featuring different Latin American bands and performers. Come in your best clothes and enjoy the music of the evening.
Peña Pachamama
Address: 1630 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Website: Peña Pachamama
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4:30pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 4:30pm - 10:30pm (closed on Sun)
Book Tours : Dinner and music in a former speakeasy
45. Dragon's Gate
Best for: Photographers
No sightseeing in Chinatown, San Francisco, is complete without striking a pose at the Dragon’s Gate. Arguably the most photographed structure in San Francisco, the iconic spot is the main entrance into Chinatown, an authentic replica of Chinese gates found in Chinese towns. This gate was a gift from Taiwan in 1969 and was dedicated in late 1970. The beautiful structure is decorated by dragons and koi fish, flanked by enormous statues of four lions, aimed at guarding against evil spirits.
Have ones in a lifetime experience by walking through this prominent gate featuring three passageways to Grant Avenue leading to the heart of the city; the two smaller ones are for ordinary people while the large central entrance is meant for the Royals.
Dragon's Gate
Address: Bush St, Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
Website: Dragon’s Gate
Opening hours: 24/7
46. Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Celebrating the Cherry Blossom Festivities. This past weekend, your CHP San Francisco Area personnel were also present...
Posted by CHP - San Francisco on Monday, April 11, 2022
Best for: Families and friend groups
The iconic Fortune Cookie Factory in San Francisco has been serving sizzling handmade custom cookies since 1962. Tour this welcoming and working factory which is not huge, allowing you to get a close look at the barrels of already made cookies and how they are made. This factory distributes the cookies with different topping and flavors not only around the city or the US but all over the globe with a daily production capacity of 10,000 pieces. You can also order your custom fortune cookies for your corporate events, anniversaries or other special events.
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
Address: 56 Ross Alley, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Website: Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am-6:30pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 7pm
Price: 64 USD onwards
47. Sing Chong Building
Best for: History buffs
Don’t miss the sight of this neo-Chinese architecture (although not built by the Chinese) in the famous Grant Avenue, at the intersection of California and Grant while in this beautiful town. Two magnificent structures, both rebuilt after the earthquake in 1906, the Sing Fat and Sing Chong were erected in Chinese style to flaw the plans of relocating Chinatown to a less vibrant location as well as to attract visitors. The Sing Chong Building indeed attracted visitors with its great history and beauty making it one of the most photographed structures in Chinatown.
Sing Chong Building
Address: 601 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Opening hours: 24/7
48. Waverly Place
Best for: Families and friend groups
Also known as the ‘The Street of Painted Balconies’ due to its tastefully decorated and colorful facades, Waverly Place is a historic site lined up with flag-festooned temple balconies and clinker-brick properties. Despite the catastrophic fire and earthquake of 1906 and the World Wars, this site remained calm. The Waverly Place is the second-most populous street in the town after Ross Alley and famous for its Chinese temples and benevolent associations. This alley was also the location for some movies including the “Dead Yellow Women” and the favorite “Joy Luck Club”.
Waverly Place
Address: San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Opening hours: 24/7
49. Tien Hou Temple
Best for: Culture enthusiasts
The Tien Hou sits on the top floor of a three-story structure in Waverly Place. Although not so big, remains one of the oldest, still-functional Chinese temples in the United States and the oldest Taoist temple in Chinatown, San Francisco. The temple is the shrine of the goddess of the sea and heaven and is characterized by its strong smell of incense, fringed red lanterns and colored bulbs which adorns the ceiling, making the whole place colorful and beautiful. Entry is free of charge and taking photos is not allowed in the temple.
Tien Hou Temple
Address: 125 Waverly Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
50. Buddha’s Universal Church
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Season’s Greetings!! Although we are Buddhist, our congregation tends to celebrate the Christmas spirit because of the...
Posted by Buddha's Universal Church on Thursday, December 20, 2018
Best for: Solo travelers, friend groups
Located in the heart of the City by Bay, a neighborhood in Chinatown, Buddha’s Universal Church is the largest Buddhist church in the United States and the largest assembly in the whole of San Francisco. The structure is a five-story building is a place to adore, especially the interior, comprising of a bamboo chapel, Buddha’s image created out of mosaics and gold; an altar in the shape of the ship of Dharma and a beautiful rooftop terrace and garden. Also experience the bustling activities of the downstairs featuring a recording studio, a mirrored rehearsal room, and a gourmet kitchen.
Buddha’s Universal Church
Address: 720 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Website: Buddha’s Universal Church
51. Golden Gate Bakery
Best for: Foodies
Sink your teeth into some of the best food to try in San Francisco’s Chinatown by visiting Golden Gate Bakery. When you are close to this bakery, you can easily spot it due to the long queue of patrons lining out the entrance all in the bid to get a slice of their sumptuous egg custard tarts.
Other favorite offerings include classic chocolate cookies, flavored napoleons, moon cakes, and lotus seed paste cakes. Their barbecue chicken pie and pork roll are also top-notch choices among the patrons of this bakery.
Golden Gate Bakery
Address: 1029 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Website: Golden Gate Bakery
Opening hours: 12pm - 8pm (daily)
Price: 2.5 USD onwards
52. Amoeba Music
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Best for: Friend groups
Amoeba Music is a staple of San Francisco. This independent music store opened in 1990 on the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood and has stores in Berkeley and Hollywood. They sell new and second-hand vinyl, CDs, and cassettes. In addition to selling music, they also have a regular schedule of musical acts performing live shows for free. The shows are open to all ages, and the lineup changes regularly, so do be sure to check their website for an up-to-date schedule. It’s a great way to catch both new and established acts — and better yet, it’s free!
Amoeba Music
Address: 1855 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Website: Amoeba Music
Opening hours: 11am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
53. Seward Street Slides
Best for: Families and friend groups
If you’re a kid at heart, sliding down the Seward Slides is a must-do during your trip to San Francisco. These steep concrete slides are situated in Seward Mini Park, a neighbourhood park that features a community garden. Built in the 1960s, the slides run down one of the city’s legendary hills. There are two slides side-by-side, so race a friend to the end! Take a moment before you slide down to enjoy a beautiful view of San Francisco before you speed down. An insider tip: slide down on a piece of cardboard to go faster! Sometimes you’ll be able to spot some at the park.
Seward Street Slides
Address: 30 Seward St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
Website: Seward Street Slides
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
54. San Francisco City Hall
San Francisco City Hall as it stands today was built in 1915, being rebuilt after the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906. With a large dome, grand staircase, and marble floors, it’s certainly an imposing and beautiful building. As it’s a public building, you’re free to enter and roam around. You can spend some time checking out the beautiful architecture. If you’d like to learn more, you can also join a tour. The tours are free and last 45 minutes to an hour. It’s a great way to learn more about the city’s history.
San Francisco City Hall
Address: 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Website: San Francisco City Hall
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
55. Dolores Park
Best for: Families
Dolores Park, also called Mission Dolores Park, is one of San Francisco’s city parks. The park sits on a slope, providing park-goers with beautiful views of downtown San Francisco and the Bay. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic while taking in the city’s scenery. In addition to lush greenery, you’ll find sports facilities, a playground, and a dog play area in the park. It’s a popular spot to enjoy some fresh air, so on a sunny weekend, you can expect to share the park with thousands of San Franciscans.
Dolores Park
Address: Dolores St &, 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States
Website: Dolores Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
56. Alamo Square
Head to Alamo Square to witness 100s of “Painted Ladies” and colorful Edwardian and Victorian domiciles, which features few colors to enhance the elements of the architecture. Although these architectures can also be found in NoPa, the Lower Haight, Haight-Ashbury and Cole Valley neighborhoods, there’s one particular row—a row of “Painted Ladies” can be found only here. This region isn’t open to the public but, you can still take some great shots from across the street of Alamo Square.
Alamo Square
Address: Alamo Square, San Francisco, CA, USA
Website: Alamo Square
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: Free
57. Barbary Coast
Once quite famous for gambling, vigilante justice, and prostitution, Barbary Coast in today’s world is less jarring, but the remnants from the early days still bear to this day. The Barbary Coast trail takes you to the doorstep of many historical places including hangouts like City Lights Bookstore and Vesuvio Cafe, Saint Peter and a renowned place where Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe were photographed after getting hitched in 1954 — Paul Church, and Jackson Square’s gold rush-era architecture. If you’re up for a raunchy adventure, you’ll still be able to find several strip clubs and other sexually transgressive entertainments that ruled the neighborhood in the early 20th century.
Barbary Coast
Address: Barbary Coast, San Francisco, CA
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: Free
58. Bourbon & Branch
Best for: Late-night parties
It is the most elite place in San Francisco, but if you have a reservation and a password, then you’re set. Bourbon & Branch is a modern speakeasy mixed with 1920s authentic jazz vibes. A throwback to the times when alcohol was outlawed and you had to sneak into “libraries” to drink.
If that excites you, then this is where you need to be. There are plenty of drinks and beverages to choose from at Bourbon & Branch. They also offer The Beverage Academy, which teaches you how to make their beverages.
Bourbon & Branch
Address: 501 Jones Street, San Francisco, 94102
Opening Hours: Sun - Wed: 6pm - 12am; Thu - Sat: 6pm - 2am
Website: Bourbon & Branch
59. Alembic
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Best for: Nightcaps with friends
This place could be one of the coolest bars in San Francisco. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back and this is one of the best places for a subtle drink in San Francisco at night. If you want to stop by a bar just for a quick drink and head back to the hotel, you’ve found your place.
These are not just ordinary drinks here at Alembic. These are creations. The bartenders create masterpieces for you to drink as you have conversations with people you have never met before. Unlike some bars, snacks and main course meals are available for purchase.
Alembic
Address: 1725 Haight Street, San Francisco, 94117
Opening Hours: Wed - Sat: 4pm - 12am, Sun: 2pm - 10pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Website: Alembic
60. Clock Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Best for: Sophisticated gatherings
It is named after a clock, but that does not make it any less exquisite. Located in Westin St. Francis, Clock Bar is all about drinking in a relaxed environment. Similar to Alembic, Clock Bar is a cocktail bar–however, the environment is more sophisticated.
If you are looking for a cosmpolitan environment mixed with a good whiskey and coke, this is your place. The bar food is high quality and the location on Union Square is conveniently located close to plenty of nightlife if you want to go out afterwards.
Clock Bar
Address: 335 Powell Street, San Francisco, 94102
Opening Hours: 4pm to 11pm (daily)
Website: Clock Bar
61. Redwood Room
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Nothing says the summer season like the perfect Aperol Spritz
Posted by Redwood Room on Monday, July 1, 2024
Best for: Young professionals
This is one of the classiest bars in San Francisco if that is your atmosphere. Redwood Room is a place for rich, young businessmen and women who are looking for a night on the town with fellow coworkers or bosses.
Glamorous women walk Redwood Room located in Downtown San Francisco in the Cliff Hotel.
Redwood Room
Address: 495 Geary Street, San Francisco, 94102
Opening Hours: Sun - Thu : 5pm - 2am; Fri & Sat: 4pm to 2am
Website: Redwood Room
62. Cheaper Than Therapy
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Best for: Friend groups
Comedy shows are always a riot when you are traveling, sometimes you want to let loose and get away from the stress from your job or from wherever you are coming from.
This is the place for you. It’s near Union Square and what more could you ask for? They have a full bar, funny comedians, and it’s completely inexpensive. The prices range depending on who you are going to see.
Cheaper Than Therapy
Address: 533 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (Union Square)
Opening Hours: Thu - Sat: 9pm - 11:30pm; Sun: 6pm - 8:30pm (closed Mon - Wed)
Website: Cheaper Than Therapy
63. The View
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Best for: Friend groups
Located on top of the Marriott Hotel, The View offers a breathtaking view as you drink, socialize, and eat. There are windows all around the bar, so you can see all of San Francisco.
This is not a place to go for the bar since the menu is not the greatest – however, the view makes up for it. The View is not inexpensive, but it is not expensive either. It lands in the middle, so if you are looking for high-class at a reasonable price, this is for you.
The View
Address: 780 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Opening Hours: Thu - Sat: 4pm - 1:30am; Sun - Wed: 4pm to 1am
Website: The View
64. San Francisco Brewing Co. & Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Best for: Beer lovers
If you do not like cocktails you should check out this local Tap Room. You can do beer tastings or just sit at the bar and drink different brands of beer, and it’s located in Market Space.
The Tap Room is only open after 4pm, and is a great spot for nightlife fun in San Francisco. It is inexpensive and a very relaxed fun environment.
San Francisco Brewing Co. & Restaurant
Address: 3150 Polk St. SF 94109 Ghirardelli Square
Opening Hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 8pm; Fri: 11:30am - 10pm (kitchen closes at 9pm, bar closes 10pm); Sat: 11am - 10pm (kitchen closes at 9pm, bar closes 10pm); Sun: 11am - 8pm
Website: San Francisco Brewing Co. Tap Room
65. Lombard Street
Best for: Friend groups
Dubbed as the “Crookest Street in the World”, Lombard Street belongs to one of the most iconic destinations in San Francisco. It’s a long road tucked between The Embarcadero and the Presidio Park, where it becomes a main entryway to the Golden Gate Bridge. Famous for its small section close to the top of Russian Hill, travelers make it a top on their list to try winding down the road of Lombard Street. The sights of cars maneuvering the pave ways have become one of the famous tourist attractions in the city. If you’re up for some adventure, you can try driving on your own, but for safety measures, you can take the Powell-Hyde cable car, which will bring you right to the top without a hassle.
66. PIER 39
Best for: All travelers
Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with your set of friends, the possibilities are endless when in San Francisco’s go-to destination- Pier 39. There are a lot of sights to see and things to experience; you might find it a little difficult to navigate the place, but you don’t have to worry, we have some suggestions for you. Some of the attractions in the area you should visit are the Sea Lions, local shops, and the restaurants. If you’re up for some sea adventure, you’ll enjoy taking a cruise ride on the stunning San Francisco Bay. There’s more- experience the thrill of a roller coaster ride and an interactive shooting gallery at the Art Digital Theatre without leaving your seat.
Book Tours : PIER 39 Attraction Pass
67. Oracle Park
Best for: Baseball lovers
If you’re a big fan of baseball, you’ll surely love visiting San Francisco’s Oracle Park, where the games of your favorite players take place. And if it’s not the San Francisco Giants home game you’re planning to catch, there’s still a lot of things you can do and experience at Oracle Park. This award-winning waterfront complex is used all year round for different events, including concerts, performances, and races. All you have to do is pick the right moment to experience the best of Oracle Park. During baseball season, the stadium buzzes with varieties of food stalls serving savory doughnuts, authentic deep-dish pizza, pork sandwiches, and upscale bar food.
Book Tours : Behind the Scenes Ballpark Tour of Oracle Park
68. San Francisco Zoo
Best for: Families and friend groups
Tucked where San Francisco’s Sunset District coincides with the wide-open Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Zoo is an urban oasis to more than a thousand of endangered and rescued animals. Covering an expansive mass of land, the zoo gives visitors opportunities to get as close as possible to some of the most enchanting and fascinating creatures in the universe. It’s an ideal spot for a family trip since there are a lot of exhibits to join. Some of the activities to try are the Wild Side, Waddle to Penguin Island, Ride the Famous Little Puffer Train, and Step Into a Boundary-Free Aviary.
Book Tours : San Francisco Zoo General Admission
69. Asian Art Museum
Best for: Families with kids
Spend some bonding time and jumpstart your kids’ lifelong passion for art and craft at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Home to one of the most renowned collections of Asian art around the globe, the Asian Art Museum is an impressive building containing unique artifacts that date back over 6000 years ago. There are a lot of rooms and sections to cover inside the museum if you plan to thoroughly immerse your kids with the museum’s activities and demonstrations, you might consider joining a guided tour. Or if you prefer to do it yourself, there are thematic gallery guides and toolkits, to enrich your time inside the galleries.
When in San Francisco, the possibilities are endless
If you want an exciting escapade, San Francisco is the place to be. Indulge in scenic tours, food trips, and discoveries to California’s most-loved city. Enjoy a wondrous vacation in the city and take advantage of all its natural wonders.
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