Quick answer: Don’t miss the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, a cable car ride, Chinatown, the Ferry Building, Golden Gate Park and the Mission. Book Alcatraz weeks ahead and use a Muni Visitor Passport ($15/day) to ride cable cars freely.
Iconic sights
- Golden Gate Bridge – walk the 2.7 km span or cycle to Sausalito.
- Alcatraz Island – the cellhouse audio tour is excellent; ferries leave from Pier 33.
- Cable cars – the Powell–Hyde line ends near Ghirardelli Square with bay views.
- Lombard Street – the crooked block between Hyde and Leavenworth.
- Painted Ladies – Victorian houses facing Alamo Square park.
- Coit Tower – 1930s murals and 360° views from Telegraph Hill.
- Palace of Fine Arts – a romantic rotunda by a lagoon.
Neighbourhoods
- Chinatown – the oldest in North America; enter through the Dragon Gate.
- North Beach – Italian cafés and City Lights bookstore.
- The Mission – Balmy Alley murals, taquerias and Dolores Park.
- Haight-Ashbury – 1960s counterculture and vintage shops.
- The Castro – historic LGBTQ+ district.
- Hayes Valley – boutiques and cafés.
Museums and parks
- Golden Gate Park – bigger than Central Park.
- California Academy of Sciences – rainforest dome, aquarium and living roof.
- de Young Museum – art plus a free observation tower.
- Japanese Tea Garden – best early in the morning.
- SFMOMA – modern art in SoMa.
- Exploratorium – hands-on science on Pier 15.
- Lands End trail – coastal walk to Sutro Baths ruins.
- Twin Peaks – the best city panorama at sunset.
Food and waterfront
- Ferry Building – oysters, coffee and the Saturday farmers market.
- Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 – sea lions and clam chowder in a sourdough bowl.
- A Mission burrito – a local institution.
Day trip
- Muir Woods and Sausalito – giant redwoods (reservations needed for parking or the shuttle), then the ferry back from Sausalito.
Tips
- Dress in layers: it can be 15°C and foggy in July.
- Buy a Muni Visitor Passport if you’ll ride cable cars more than once.
- Never leave bags visible in a car.
FAQ: things to do in San Francisco
What is San Francisco most famous for?
The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, cable cars and its steep, colourful neighbourhoods.
What can you do for free?
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge, hike Lands End, visit Golden Gate Park, see the Painted Ladies and climb Twin Peaks.
More San Francisco guides
- San Francisco travel guide
- San Francisco itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in San Francisco
- Best time to visit San Francisco
- SFO airport to the city
- Alcatraz tickets
- Golden Gate Bridge guide
- San Francisco cable cars
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