Why You Should Go

You can’t visit California without heading to San Francisco. Of course, the city has a reputation for being notoriously pricey, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying yourself, because there a plenty of things to do that don’t cost a penny. In fact, you could easily visit San Francisco with one goal only: wander the streets, people watch and visit the city’s iconic parks and landmarks.

Best Things To Do In San Francisco

San Francisco is an iconic city in America, filled with picturesque views and that infamous red bridge known around the world. Aside from the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll find a plethora of fun things to do and see in San Francisco—it’s no wonder so many people leave their hearts there. Ready to explore this bustling melting pot? Let’s hop on a virtual cable car and explore the city’s best sites and attractions.

Whether you’ve got one day or a week to explore, here are the top things to do in San Francisco.

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Wander Around The City

If you love to explore without an agenda, you’ll love strolling around San Francisco. There’s literally something to see around every corner, meaning you can never get bored here. Head to the Mission district and take in the artistic murals, picnic by the waterfront, head to Pier 39 to catch the sea lions taking their afternoon nap or spend the afternoon hopping on and off the cable car. Every neighborhood and street has something for you to explore and getting lost just adds to the fun and intrigue of exploring this vibrant city.

Spend The Afternoon At Mission Dolores Park

A trip to SF isn’t complete without a sunny day in Dolores Park. Grab some snacks and a bottle of wine at BiRite Market and find your spot at this lively landmark. After you’ve sunbathed and people-watched, conclude the afternoon with a BiRite Creamery Ice Cream, but be prepared to stand in line. Want to hack the line? Go buy a pint at BiRite Market and indulge.

Wander and Indulge At The Ferry Building

The SF Ferry Building is an iconic terminal across from the San Francisco Bay. Local SF foodies head to the Farmer’s Market there to get the best ingredients in the city. Follow their lead and wander around this charming market indulging delectable local food and get insight into the day in the life of a local.

Shop Your Heart Out On Valencia & Haight St

Your trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of the eclectic and hip neighborhoods in San Francisco. Of course, Haight St is famous for its 60s roots when hippies and flower children affixed the sidewalks like storefront décor. Now, it’s a cultural strip dotted with music shops, bookstores, cafés and antique stores. Nearby Valencia St is lined with modern restaurants, indie shops, bars and murals.

Explore The Mission Districts Murals & Authentic Mexican Food

The Mission is another landmark in SF, named after the 18th century Mission Dolores. Here you’ll indulge in spirited Latin culture accentuated by live music, authentic Mexican restaurants, murals, taquerias and the artistic mural-lined Clairon Alley.

Stroll Through The Castro District

The Castro District is located in Eureka Valley and is a thriving LGBTQ+ community. This historic district is the famous home of political figure and activist, Harvey Milk. The Castro district is a popular destination filled with boutiques, restaurants, arts, and history. Stroll through the area and learn about the role SF played in the gay pride movement, and the iconic historic figures who made the Castro famous.

Sea Lions, Submarines and a Classic Arcade at Fisherman’s Warf

While this area can be a bit of a tourist trap, it’s a must-see if you’ve never been to the city. Many locals avoid this area simply because its overrun with tourism, however, it’s such an interesting and lively spot. Wander upon street musicians, bars, restaurants, clam chowder, seafood, an arcade, and all the iconic sights you can expect to find at a tourist destination. There are essentially three sections of Fisherman’s Wharf: sea lions, submarines and the classic arcade, and you won’t want to miss either one of them. Scope out the USS Pampantinito, a floating naval submarine, then grab a snack and sit to watch the sea lions bark and play. Finish out your visit with a trip to the arcade and play a game of skeeball.

Check Out The Many Museums and Nightlife at the Science Museum

The Science Museum isn’t just an art exhibit, it’s a full-fledged destination with interactive exhibits and events. If you are in town on a Thursday, you can enjoy some 21+ refreshments and entertainment. And that’s not the only museum to hit on your visit, SF is filled with them. Browse antique relics at Musee Mecanique, learn about aquatics at the SF Maritime Museum, or head to MoMA for the quintessential modern art experience.

Dote Over The Painted Ladies in Alamo Square Park

If you’ve ever watched the old TV sitcom, Full House, or gone on Instagram and browsed pictures of San Francisco, you’ve seen the picturesque Painted Ladies. Presiding over Alamo Square Park is a string of pastel-painted Victorian homes. These darling ladies are a sight for sore eyes, and make a stunning backdrop to the park where locals and tourists lounge.

Ride A Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge

Whether you choose to ride your bike across, walk across, or simply stand in awe at the amazing architectural feast that is the Golden Gate Bridge, you can’t visit San Francisco without stopping here. The bridge crosses the Golden Gate strait that separates the bay from the Pacific Ocean. As the world’s longest suspension bridge, you’ll stand in awe at this sprawling bridge.

Lounge At Baker Beach

The iconic Baker Beach is San Francisco’s shoreline nestled beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. While the “Karl the Fog” usually lingers year-round, you can lounge on the beach and soak up the salty ocean air of the Pacific.

Climb Up To Twin Peaks

Head to Twin Peaks for the best panoramic view of the city below. Climb through the winding streets up to the 64-acre park at the top of the hill that gives you a complete, 360-degree vista of the city’s skyline. If you’re looking for that iconic picture of San Francisco, you’ll find it at Twin Peaks.

Wander Golden Gate Park

In the midst of this bustling city, it’s nice to escape into nature for a break from all the chaos. Golden Gate Park is comprised of 1,000 acres of sprawling parkland. Explore the tranquil gardens, fountains, and lakes and bask in the greenery of this picturesque park. On Sundays, JFK drive is closed to cars which means you can freely bike and skate through the park. Golden Gate Park is a classic SF landmark, but be cautious about ticks in the park. They can be as small as a poppyseed, making them completely undetectable. Read my guide for tips on how to help prevent tick bites.

Stroll Through China Town and Explore the Cultural Neighborhoods

Did you know that Chinatown in San Francisco is the largest Chinese population outside of China? Shop, stroll, and pop in for a bite at one of the many restaurants. Chinatown is located on Grant Avenue and Stockton St, and is filled with galleries, temples, karaoke bars and traditional Chinese eateries.

Ride The Cable Car

Another classic SF experience is exploring the city by cable car. There are two routes: Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde. Each of these routes picks you up on a busy intersection on Powell and always has a huge line. Instead, head to the route that picks you up on California and Van Ness, which is usually much less crowded. The cars come roughly every ten minutes, and are a fun way to let your feet rest as you explore the city.

Where to Eat in San Francisco

I couldn’t possibly summarize the amazing San Francisco food scene in a few short paragraphs. For all the best restaurants and dining, head to my Gluten-Free guide to San Francisco! I’m spilling all of my favorites and being that I was a local for seven years, I’ve got a list of my classic faves along with the best new restaurants to try in San Francisco.

Get the SF gluten free dining guide

Nightlife - Best Bars in and Nightlife in SF

You’ve got nothing but options when it comes to nightlife in San Francisco, but one thing is certain: there is something to do at any hour—from dance clubs to breweries to Irish bars and everything in between. The best way to decide where to go for the night is by area, but some of the best spots are in Union Square, North Beach, SoMa or Mission.

BIIG Bar

Art meets cocktails at BIIG bar, where reservations are encouraged as seating is limited. The cocktails are decadent, decorated and delicious, and you won’t find anywhere quite as unique as this cocktail bar.

The Armory Club

Head to the Armory Club for upscale lounge vibes fit with elegant Victorian decor, delicious cocktails, and intimate lighting. It’s the perfect setting to cap off a day of sightseeing and enjoy all the vibes.

Terroir Wine Bar

SF neighbors wine country, so there’s an abundance of local, delicious wine bars to savor some grapes among good company. Terroir is a lofty, intimate space serving up tastings of delicious organic wine.

Speakeasy SF

The Speakeasy SF isn’t just a bar, it’s an experience. Immerse yourself in theater and cocktails at this vivacious and lively Speakeasy, which was a historic district during the prohibition-era. Check their website for upcoming events.

El Techno de Lolinda

Lolinda is an amazing restaurant with a bar serving up fresh and spicy drinks with authentic ingredients—it also happens to be one of my favorite spots for steak.

Jones

If you love a rooftop bar, head to Jones, one of the most trendy and lively little rooftop bars in the city.

Day Trips From San Francisco

SF is conveniently located to several nearby destinations. If your itinerary affords you a day to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, here are some options just outside of SF.

Eat Oysters In Tomales Bay

Take a day trip to Tomales Bay, located in Marin County about an hour and a half drive from the city. Shuck oysters and mussels straight from the Pacific Ocean as you take in glittering blue views of the Pacific all around you.

Ferry To Sausalito

Another attractive day trip is to take the ferry to Sausalito which is just a 30 minute ride. Once you arrive, there’s a delicious gluten-free restaurant called Copita Tequileria y Comida, which is the perfect spot to grab lunch.

Day Trip To Wine Country

Rolling vineyards await you in California’s world-famous wine country, which is a quick 45-minute drive from the city. Head there for a half-day to enjoy wine tastings from one of the various local vineyards, or stay overnight in stunning Sonoma, Napa or Healdsburg.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

The best neighborhoods to stay in San Francisco are Haight-Ashbury, The Castro, North Beach, and SoMa. To avoid the tourist crowds and chaos, it’s best to avoid staying at hotels or Airbnb’s located in Fisherman’s Wharf, Nob Hill or the Marina.

Westin St. Francis and Villa Florence

Westin St. Francis is a stunning luxury hotel that has decadent interiors and stunning views of the city. Alternatively, Villa Florence is an affordable option that’s brimming with charm and close to attractions and the Museum of Modern Art.

Stanyan Park Hotel

Haight-Ashbury is one of the most iconic San Francisco neighborhoods filled with shops, cafes, and art. If you want to be centrally located near the outdoors, museums and attractions, I recommend the Stanyan Park Hotel. This gorgeous Victorian hotel is nestled against Golden Gate Park, affordable and full of charm.

Airbnb’s in The Mission

The optimal location is going to be The Mission as that’s where most of the best attractions are, plus it’s such a historic and cultural area. There are tons of unique and charming accommodations available on Airbnb. The great thing about staying at an Airbnb is that you can get a local’s perspective on the city and ask questions.

If you prefer to stay at a hotel, scope out the great deals on Hotel Tonight.

When You Should Go

The best time to visit SF is from early September to October. During this short timeframe, the fog finally clears, the weather is warm and comfortable and there aren’t too many crowds and tourists. Summer is peak tourist season, so unless you want lines and crowds everywhere you go, it’s best to avoid Summer altogether. Instead, wait until school’s in session and you can enjoy all of the best sites without the tourists.

How To Get There and Get Around

SF is only 7x7 miles and most of the city is located within a 3-mile radius, which means it’s easy to walk the entire city. Public transportation is straightforward and easy to navigate. If you are flying in, you can take the BART train into the city from the SFO airport, or catch an Uber. Once you’ve arrived in the city, you can explore by train, bus, Uber or even take the cable car trolley for a historical view of the city.

Ready To Go To SF?

What are you waiting for? The Golden Gate awaits you! As you can see, San Francisco is one of the most eclectic, vibrant and cultural cities in America. I lived there for seven years, and I keep going back to visit because there’s just something about San Francisco that is undeniably intoxicating.

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