The 13th most populated city in the United States, San Francisco is a pool of excitement with a unique mix of diverse culture in the heart of North Carolina. The city is renowned for its architecture, landscapes, restaurants, galleries, and so much more. But, while you have finally booked your ticket to San Francisco, one question still remains — “what do I see and do in San Francisco?” No matter how many days you are heading out, there’s always something to do in the bustling city of San Francisco. And to help you prepare your travel itinerary, we’ve compiled a guide of the list of things to do in this amazing city. Here are some of the famous things in San Francisco, California:
1. Cable cars
Originated in 1873, cable cars helped locals move through the many hills the city was built upon. Although the cable car operations remain very few to this day, it manages to give tourists an opportunity to explore the city in a true historic fashion. The tram-like vehicles that have been used as the only means of public transport since 1964, has been declared a historic system.
San Francisco cable car system
Address: San Francisco, CA
Website: San Francisco cable car system
Price: 7 USD onwards
2. Alcatraz Island (from USD 160.0)
This famous prison island was the first lighthouse in the Western United States that later turned to become a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963 - Alcatraz has housed infamous convicts like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Locate just a few miles away from the Fisherman’s Wharf, this island is now a part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area and a tour of the island’s cell house is included for visitors to witness how the inmates lived.
Combo Tour: Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
3. Golden Gate Bridge
What was once known as “the bridge that couldn’t be built,” has seemingly made its way to being one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After four years of the ongoing struggle against winds, fog, rocks, and perilous tides, San Francisco’s most renowned landmark opened in 1937. This magnificent bridge spans 1.7 miles (2.7 km) from San Francisco to Marin headlands and the bridge’s sidewalk is open to the public during the day.
Golden Gate Bridge
Address: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Marin County, CA, USA
Website: Golden Gate Bridge
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 7 USD onwards
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4. 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
5. Ferry Building Marketplace
This will give a heart-eye emoji to all the foodies around the world. The public food market, the Ferry Building Marketplace should be among the top contenders in your go-to list when visiting San Francisco. Featuring a variety of food stalls that act as a small joint place, restaurants, snack stops, and grocery stores, it’ll be easy to find amazing seafood, burgers, Mexican food, Japanese delicatessen, the empanada stand, and so many more to suit and fill your appetite.
Ferry Building Marketplace
Address: Ferry Building, One, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States
Website: Ferry Building Marketplace
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
6. Lombard Street
One of the ‘most crooked’ streets in the world and rightly so, Lombard Street literally buzzes with tourists to see the novelty of San Francisco. A bit amusing, yes, but the curviest street of Lombard is also situated in a beautiful area of the city showcasing the intricate architecture, making this city one of the most beautiful in the world. And if you want to get a clear shot from the bottom up, then head to the cross street of Lombard and Hyde Street to get an excellent view or if you have a car, you can drive it down while there.
Lombard Street
Address: Lombard Street, San Francisco, California
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: Free
7. Fisherman’s Wharf
Now if you’re visiting San Francisco for a day or two and wondering where to go, Fisherman’s Wharf is your place to go. Renowned as the “Little Italy” of San Francisco, this old section is one of the most popular areas where cute, little shops and restaurants sit by a beautiful waterfront setting. Get the taste of true San Francisco by strolling around the streets and pathways, take a sightseeing cruise of the city or organize yourself a fishing charter.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Address: Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA, USA
Website: Fisherman’s Wharf
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: Free
8. Sourdough
Dating back to the era of Gold Rush, the French immigrants discovered the overlooked bacteria in the air and natural yeasts that can be combined to ferment the dough, to make San Francisco’s famous Sourdough. And today, San Francisco is regarded as the country’s best place to find the finest and the delicious bread.
Sourdough
Price: 15 USD onwards
9. 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
10. Art galleries at the Union Square
Need to treat or soothe your eyes? Head to the Art galleries in Union Square and soak in art inspiration or pick out an exclusive thing or two for your home décor — the galleries here are diverse and it will quench your thirst in seeking art. Other than art galleries, Union Square is also famous for high-end retail outlets, fancy hotels, cafes, and a vibrant nightlife. There’s always something or the other happening here to keep your entertained whilst vacationing in San Francisco.
Union Square
Address: Union Square, Downtown San Francisco, California
Fall in love with the city of San Francisco
You might head to San Francisco for a few days or more. There are a lot of things to see and do, which will eventually make you fall in love with the city by the time you pack your bags and bid sayonara.
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