I’ve visited San Francisco many times over the years and still find something new every trip. The city changes with the light, the fog, and the mood of the streets. Some corners feel familiar, others feel completely different each time.
If it’s your first visit, start with the classics. These are the places that show what San Francisco is really about — the views, the food, the culture, and the charm in between.
Here’s a list of the top things to do in San Francisco. Some I’ve experienced myself, others come from friends who know the city just as well.
1. Crissy Field (Ocean Beach)
Crissy Field is a quiet place to walk by the bay and watch the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.
The path is wide and open, and the air feels fresh from the water. Ocean Beach is larger and rougher, good for a long walk or to watch surfers. Both spots are simple, peaceful, and easy to enjoy.
2. Ferry Building Marketplace
The Ferry Building is a nice place to start the day. You can walk through the market, try local foods, and stop for coffee while watching ferries come and go.
The space feels lively but not rushed. It’s easy to spend time tasting small bites, browsing shops, and enjoying the mix of local flavors by the water.
3. Walk along the Embarcadero
Walking along the Embarcadero is one of the easiest ways to take in the city’s waterfront. The path stretches from the Ferry Building to Pier 39, passing small parks, piers, and open views of the bay.
You can stop for coffee, try a snack from a vendor, or just watch the ferries move in and out. The air feels fresh, and the walk shows a quieter, slower side of San Francisco.
4. USS Pampanito (Hyde Street Pier)
I planned to visit the USS Pampanito after reading about it online. Walking through the submarine and seeing the control rooms gave a sense of life at sea.
Hyde Street Pier is also worth visiting if you like old ships and maritime history. You can learn a lot in a few hours and see a side of the city you might otherwise miss.
5. Bay Cruise
A bay cruise is one of the best ways to see San Francisco from a new angle. The route takes you around Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge, offering wide views of the skyline and the hills beyond.
The breeze feels cool on the water, and the city looks peaceful from this distance. It’s worth adding to your trip, especially if you enjoy seeing places from a different point of view.
6. Angel Island
Angel Island is a quiet escape from the busy streets of the city. You can take a ferry from San Francisco or Tiburon and spend a few hours exploring on foot or by bike. The trails are peaceful and open, with wide views of the skyline and the bay.
It’s the kind of place where time feels slower, and you can enjoy a calm break surrounded by water and fresh air.
7. Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is always worth visiting, especially if you’re with family. You can explore gardens, museums, or sit by a lake. Kids enjoy the playgrounds and the small train ride.
I’ve walked here many times, and it still feels relaxing. You can spend hours without noticing time passing.
8. San Francisco Zoo
The San Francisco Zoo is a great place to spend a relaxed day outdoors. You can see animals from around the world in large, open habitats and walk through shaded paths that feel calm and easy.
Families can ride the small train, stop at the playground, or enjoy a quiet picnic near the gardens.
Whether you visit with kids or on your own, it’s a peaceful spot that feels close to nature.
9. Aquarium of the Bay
The Aquarium of the Bay is a peaceful stop along the waterfront. The tunnels let you walk through and watch fish and rays glide above you.
The jellyfish displays are especially calming — slow, gentle movements under soft light that make you want to stand and watch for a while. It’s a small place, but it captures the quiet beauty of the bay’s underwater world.
10. Alcatraz Island
Visiting Alcatraz is one of the most interesting experiences in San Francisco. The ferry from Pier 33 gives wide views of the bay and the skyline before reaching the island.
You can walk through the old prison cells, dining hall, and guard towers while listening to the audio tour narrated by former inmates and officers.
The stories bring the place to life. The paths around the island also offer quiet spots with some of the best views back toward the city.
11. Lombard Street
Lombard Street is famous for its winding curves, and it’s worth seeing in person. Walking down the street is easy, and you can stop to take photos along the way. I like visiting in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter stroll.
The houses on either side are charming, and the flowers along the curves add color to the street.
If you’re in San Francisco, walking Lombard Street gives a small sense of the city’s character and style.
12. Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown is lively and full of color. You can wander through the narrow streets, look into small shops, and stop at local bakeries for fresh pastries.
The red lanterns hanging above the sidewalks add to the charm, especially in the evening light. There’s a steady rhythm of people coming and going, but it never feels rushed.
13. North Beach
North Beach is the city’s Little Italy and one of the most inviting neighborhoods to explore. The streets are filled with cafés serving strong coffee and fresh pastries, and small bookstores tucked between old buildings.
It’s easy to slow down here, to sit outside and watch the rhythm of the street. The area feels full of character and small discoveries.
You can spend a few quiet hours wandering, eating, and enjoying a side of San Francisco that feels both local and timeless.
14. Coit Tower
Coit Tower is worth visiting for its wide city views and the colorful murals inside. Going early in the day often means clearer skies and fewer people, which makes the visit more relaxed.
You can take the elevator to the top and see the streets and bay stretch out below. Inside, the murals tell stories from San Francisco’s past, painted with rich detail.
It’s a place that blends art, history, and a quiet moment above the busy city.
15. Painted Ladies (Alamo Square)
The Painted Ladies are easy to spot from Alamo Square, and the view of the city skyline behind them is iconic. I’ve visited several times, and each time it feels a little different depending on the weather.
You can sit on the grass, have a small picnic, or just enjoy the view.
16. Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is a hands-on science museum that makes learning feel playful. Every exhibit invites you to touch, move, or experiment with something new.
You can spend hours here exploring how light bends, sound travels, and motion changes. It’s a great stop for families, but adults will find plenty to enjoy too.
The space feels open and full of small discoveries. You leave with a quiet sense of wonder and a reminder of how curious the world can be.
17. Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square is easy to enjoy, especially if you love chocolate. The smell drifts through the air as you walk past the shops and cafés. The ice cream sundaes are rich and worth stopping for, especially on a sunny afternoon.
You can sit outside with a view of the bay and watch people wander through the plaza. It feels relaxed and cheerful, a nice pause between exploring nearby piers and the rest of the waterfront.
18. Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks offers one of the best views of San Francisco. You can drive or hike to the top, and once you’re there, the whole city opens up in every direction.
The skyline, the bridges, and the bay all feel close but distant at the same time. Visiting on a clear morning gives the best view, with soft light over the hills.
It’s a peaceful place to pause, take a few photos, and see the city from above.
19. Muir Woods
Muir Woods is a short drive from the city. Walking among the redwoods for the first time felt quiet and grounding. The trails are easy to follow, and there are benches along the paths if you want to stop and take it all in.
You can choose short loops or longer hikes depending on your energy. The tall trees, filtered light, and peaceful paths make it feel very different from the streets of San Francisco. It’s a calm escape and worth a morning or afternoon trip.
20. Baker Beach
Baker Beach is a classic spot for views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
You can walk along the sand, watch the waves, or sit and relax with the bridge in the background.
The beach is wide, and the path is easy to follow. It’s a good spot to take a few photos, enjoy a picnic, or simply pause and watch the bay.
21. Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is one of those places that feels peaceful no matter when you visit. The tall columns and domed rotunda reflect beautifully in the water, and it’s easy to spend time just walking around the lagoon.
You can sit on the steps or rest on the grass and watch people wander by. Even on a busy day, it feels calm for a moment, a quiet spot surrounded by history and open space.
22. Haight-Ashbury
Haight-Ashbury is full of character. You can wander the streets, look at the murals, and peek into vintage shops. I like stopping at the cafés here and watching the mix of locals and tourists.
It’s a neighborhood with history, and walking around gives a small taste of its past and present.
23. Castro District
The Castro District was suggested to me as a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood. You can stroll the streets, see colorful crosswalks, and explore local shops and cafés.
There’s a strong sense of community here. I’ve visited a few times and enjoyed the small museums and open spaces. If you’re curious about the city’s culture and history, this is a good area to explore.
24. Lands End
Lands End is a coastal trail with views of the Pacific and the Golden Gate Bridge. The paths are easy to walk, and you can stop to see the ruins of the old Sutro Baths.
I like taking my time here, listening to the waves and watching the cliffs. You’ll find it refreshing and a little different from the busy city streets.
25. Treasure Island:
Treasure Island sits in the middle of the bay, between San Francisco and Oakland. The drive across the bridge feels short, but once you arrive, the view opens wide in every direction.
The skyline looks clear and close, especially at sunset when the city lights start to glow. You can walk along the waterfront, stop for a drink, or just sit and take in the quiet.
It’s a simple, peaceful stop that gives a different view of San Francisco.
Conclusion:
San Francisco has a way of feeling familiar and new each time I visit. The light, the fog, and the streets all change a little with every trip. You can walk the same paths and still notice something different — a view, a café, or a quiet corner by the bay.
I’ve learned the city rewards slow exploring. Take your time, enjoy the details, and you’ll see why San Francisco keeps drawing people back again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Don’t miss the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and a walk through Chinatown or Golden Gate Park. I’d also head up to Twin Peaks for the best city view.
San Francisco is famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and its steep, scenic streets. It’s also known for its fog, diverse neighborhoods, and creative, open-minded culture.
San Francisco is so lovely that you’ll need a lifetime to see it. But yes, 3 days are more than enough to visit some popular places.
The 72-hour rule in San Francisco means you can’t leave your car parked in the same spot for more than 72 hours. After that, it can be ticketed or even towed, even if it’s parked legally.
I would say the best time to visit San Francisco is from September to November. The weather’s warm, the skies are clear, and it feels less crowded than in summer.
San Francisco is famous for its sourdough bread and clam chowder served in a bread bowl. It’s also known for fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf and tasty dim sum in Chinatown.