The 30 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

Last Updated: 5/10/23 | May 10th, 2023

I love San Francisco. It’s a city home to hippies, techies, artists, immigrants, students, and everyone in between. There’s incredible music, delicious food for all budgets, parks galore, and an amazing bohemian vibe.

With so many diverse influences, it’s no surprise that San Francisco has evolved into a world-class city that has a ton of amazing things to see and do.

Personally, I love visiting San Francisco for the food. It’s home to some of the best Asian and Mexican food in the country (as well as some incredible cafes).

But there is also much more to see here too. It’s a wonderful city for a weekend getaway.

While it’s known for a soaring cost of living, just because it’s an expensive place to live doesn’t mean a visit has to break the bank.

To help you plan your trip, here’s my budget-friendly list of the best things to do in San Francisco!
 

1. Take a Free Walking Tour

The first thing I do whenever I arrive at a new destination is take a walking tour. It’s the best way to get the lay of the land, see the highlights, and ask your questions to an expert local guide. Free SF Tours runs daily free walking tours that can show you the main sights of the city. You’ll not only get to learn about the city but you’ll have access to an expert local guide who can answer all your questions and give you personalized suggestions. Just be sure to tip at the end!

For more in-depth paid tours, check out Take Walks. They are my favorite paid tour company.
 

2. Walk the Golden Gate Bridge

There is no question that the iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks. Opened in 1937, it’s arguably the most-photographed bridge in the world. At its inception, it was both the longest and the tallest suspension bridge in the world, spanning 4,200 feet (1,280 meters) long and standing 746 feet (227 meters) tall.

You can walk across the bridge (which I recommended) or just stare at it from every angle and snap your own iconic photos. If you have time, make your way to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It has a waterfront promenade, sweeping views of the bridge, and a few easy hiking trails.
 

3. Visit Crissy Field

This park is located near the bridge and makes for a nice follow-up. It has a beach, some restaurants, piers where you can see locals fishing, and plenty of green space to relax. After its closure in 1974, it was derelict for years until it reopened in 2001 as a park. It offers some sweeping views of the harbor, making it a laid-back place to come in the summer to have a picnic, lounge in the sun, and watch life go by.
 

4. See The Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is a Roman-style remnant of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition (a world’s fair held in San Francisco). The outdoor rotunda and its lagoon are another one of the city’s most photographed sights. It’s also a fun social destination where you can bring friends to play giant Jenga, cornhole, ping pong, and other games. The city often has events here too so check the website to see what’s on during your visit.

601 Lyon Street, +1 415-608-2220, palaceoffinearts.com. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. Admission is free (some events charge admission).
 

5. Wander Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39

The wharf was originally dominated by Italian immigrants who helped popularize the city’s fish market. To this day, you can watch fishermen at work in Fish Alley (the main street where the fishermen work). If you want to try some of the mouthwatering seafood that San Francisco is famous for, I suggest Waterbar and the Anchor Oyster Bar.

Pier 39 is touristy but it’s also a fun way to spend an hour. There are buskers, tacky souvenir shops, arcades, an aquarium, and tons of overpriced restaurants (so avoid eating here).
 

6. Explore Alcatraz

Alcatraz is probably the most famous (or infamous) prison in America. From 1934-1963, it housed the country’s most notorious criminals (criminals like Al Capone). In its 29 year history, not a single prisoner successfully escaped (or so they say). After its closure, it became a national landmark. Visitors can explore the island, learn about the prison and what life was like as an inmate, and tour the interior. It gets very busy in the summer so be sure to book ahead.

+1 415-981-7625, alcatrazcruises.com. Tours run daily year-round. Day-tour tickets cost $45 USD, night-tours are $56 USD, and behind-the-scenes tours cost $101 USD.
 

7. Take a Day Trip to Berkeley

Located just 20 minutes across the bay by car, Berkeley is home to music, hippies, students, and the University of California – Berkeley (30% of the city’s population goes to school here). Here you’ll find tons of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, street performers, and eclectic shops (including booths selling jewelry and other goods on the streets). Don’t miss the University of California Botanical Garden, which has over 10,000 plants!
 

8. Hang out in the Mission

For an amazing view of the city, head to Dolores Park in the Mission District. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the Misión San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores). Founded in 1776, it’s the oldest surviving structure in the city and home to the only cemetery within city limits. It’s the building that gives this part of town its name.

The Mission District is also a fun place to spend a night out. The district has tons of Mexican restaurants as well as lively bars and clubs. Grab a burrito at Taqueria Cancún or Papolete, or visit one of the cocktail bars on 16th (Dalva is good).
 

9. See Lombard Street

This is the world’s windiest street. Surrounded by gardens and flowers, it’s made up of eight insane hairpin turns. During the 1920s, people in San Francisco were beginning to drive around in automobiles. However, many of the city’s famous hills were too steep to navigate. The idea of using a curved street to help vehicles move downhill was embraced and the hill’s slope went from 27% to 16%. Now you can watch the cars and bikers navigate the sharp turns as tourists gawk at them.
 

10. Visit Coit Tower

Perched atop Telegraph Hill, this art deco tower was built in 1933. Standing 180 feet (55 meters) tall, it’s home to over 25 murals and offers a panoramic view of the city. The murals here were painted in 1934 by local artists and depict life in San Francisco during the Depression. The tower became a San Francisco Designated Landmark in 1984 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, +1 315-249-0995, sfrecpark.org/facilities/facility/details/Coit-Tower-290. Open daily from 10am-5pm (6pm in the summer). It’s free to visit the ground floor, though if you want to take the elevator to the top and see more artwork on the second floor it’s $10 USD ($7 USD for SF residents)†.
 

11. Eat in Chinatown

This is the biggest Chinatown in the United States (and the second most famous, after New York City). Chinese immigrants first came to the West Coast in the 1850s and set up shop in San Francisco. Due to racial segregation, this neighborhood became predominantly Chinese and remained so even after segregation ended.

It’s one of the best places in the city to eat. There are lots of teahouses, restaurants, bars, souvenir stalls, and fortune cookie makers here. You have to come here at least once and eat.

To really learn about the area, its history, and its people, take a walking tour with Take Walks. They’re my go-to walking tour company because they use expert local guides and their tours are always fun and educational. They have a walk specifically focused on Chinatown.
 

12. Ride the Cable Cars

No visit to San Francisco is complete without riding on a cable car. The cable car system in San Francisco is the last manually operated system in the entire world. Of the 22 lines that were originally created in the 19th century, only three are still in operation. Since there is limited seating (and since they are one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city) waits can be long. Make sure you plan ahead (try to go during a weekday when there are fewer visitors). Tickets are $8 USD, or you can get a single-day Visitor Passport for $13 USD that offers unlimited rides across the bus, cable car, and streetcar network.
 

13. Go on a Harbor Tour

For a completely different look at the city, take an afternoon cruise of San Francisco Bay. You’ll get to see some wildlife, snap some great photos, and learn about the bay and its place in San Francisco’s history. Around 40% of California’s water drains into the bay and the area is home to all kinds of snakes, rays, otters, sharks, whales, sea lions, and more. Red and White Fleet offers the best tours, starting at $38 USD. If you’re on a budget, a cheap way to see the bay is to take the public ferries for $9 USD.
 

14. Hang out in the Castro

San Francisco has been the de facto gay capital of the US since the 60s and 70s. And San Francisco’s most famous gay neighborhood is the Castro (Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, had his office here). The neighborhood has a number of eateries and modern restaurants, including many that serve locally sourced organic food. On top of that, there are a plethora of wild and fun clubs that cater to both gay and straight crowds. If you’re looking for a fun nightlife, this is the neighborhood for you.
 

 

15. Explore Haight-Ashbury

The birthplace of America’s counterculture, the Haight was ground zero during the summer of 1967, a.k.a. The Summer of Love. Hippies used to live here but, eventually, all the colorful Victorian homes were bought up by more well-off residents as the area gentrified. It’s now home to high-end boutiques, hip cafes, and chic restaurants. That said, you can still find some record stores, dive bars, and vintage clothing stores here.

If you really want to learn more about the area’s hippy past, take the Flower Power Walking Tour. It’s just $25 USD and a great way to learn about the neighborhood’s vibrant and eclectic past.
 

16. Rollerskate in Church

The Church of 8 Wheels is a former church that has been converted to an old-school rollerskating arena. They have DJs and live music so it’s essentially a party on wheels. Admission is $15 USD and you can rent skates for $5 USD. so it’s a cheap (and unique) way to have fun and meet people. There are times for both kids and adults too and they even organize lessons for people who have never roller-skated before.

554 Fillmore St., +1 415-752-1967, churchof8wheels.com. Open Tuesdays, Friday-Sunday. Check the website for times as there are both all-ages and adult-only events. Admission is $15 USD and skate rentals are $5 USD.
 

17. See Muir Woods

Named after famed naturalist John Muir (the “Father of the National Parks”, this gorgeous forest is located just 17 miles (27 kilometers) from downtown so it’s an easy place to visit. It’s home to over 240 acres of towering old-growth redwood trees, some of which reach heights of over 250 feet! While the trees here are not as big as the sequoia trees in nearby Sequoia National Park, it’s nevertheless a relaxing and awe-inspiring place to visit. There are plenty of walking trails and it’s family/kid-friendly too.

Some suggested trails are the Muir Woods Trail (1.3 miles/2 kilometers, easy), Bootjack Loop Trail (6.2 miles/10 kilometers, moderate), and the Muir Main Trail (1.5 miles/2.4 kilometers, easy).

You can also do a guided tour with Get Your Guide for $89 USD (including transportation).

Open daily from 8am to sundown. Admission is $15 USD in addition to either a parking reservation ($9 USD) or a shuttle reservation ($3.50 USD round-trip).
 

18. Visit the Beat Museum

Dedicated to the Beat Generation (the 1950s counterculture), here you’ll find original manuscripts, rare books, letters, and more from authors and artists of the era. Founded in 2003, the museum has over 1,000 pieces of memorabilia including Allen Ginsberg’s typewriter and a first edition copy of Jack Kerouac’s novel The Town and the City (Kerouac’s On the Road is one of my favorite travel books). They also hold regular events (and walking tours of the surrounding neighborhood, which was the center of Beat activity in the ’50s) so check the website to see if anything is happening during your visit.

540 Broadway, +1 800-537-6822, kerouac.com. Open Thursday-Monday from 10am-7pm. Admission is $8 USD.
 

19. Learn at the Exploratorium

This quirky interactive science museum has all kinds of exhibitions covering biology, gravity, light, animation, germs and bacteria, wildlife, and much more. It’s very participatory and hands-on so it’s the perfect stop for anyone traveling with kids (though there are also adult-specific exhibitions too). Their 18+ After Dark events on Thursdays let you explore the various galleries with a drink in hand.

Pier 15, +1 415-528-4444, exploratorium.edu. Open Tuesday–Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sundays from 12pm-5pm. 18+ events are held on Thursdays from 6pm-10pm. Admission is $39.95 USD. After Dark tickets are $19.95 USD.
 

20. Hang Out in Golden Gate Park

This massive park covers over 1,000 acres, making it 20% bigger than Central Park in NYC. Inside, you’ll find a Japanese garden, an arboretum, a museum, and lots of hiking and walking trails. Walking from end to end takes the better half of a day. In the summer, it’s a popular spot to picnic, go for a stroll, and soak up the sun. Even though it sees over 24 million visitors each year, it’s never too hard to find a secluded spot for yourself. The park itself is free to visit, though most of the museums and gardens charge admission.
 

21. Catch a Game

San Francisco locals love their sports teams, especially the Giants (their baseball team). If you’re in town during a game, be sure to head to Oracle Arena and take in the spectacle — it doesn’t get more American than this! The team is one of the longest-established and most successful in the league and you can get tickets for around $35 USD.
 

22. Visit the Cable Car Museum

When the cable cars launched in 1873, they were hugely popular and changed the face of the city. To learn more and see all kinds of photos and relics from a bygone era, including some of the original cars, head to this museum (the only surviving cable car from the first cable car company is here). You can also peer down into the cable car powerhouse to see what powers the cars. The museum isn’t huge but it’s fun and insightful.

1201 Mason Street, +1 415-474-1887, cablecarmuseum.org. Open Tuesday-Thursday from 10am-4pm (5pm on Friday-Sunday). Admission is free.
 

23. Enjoy the View from Twin Peaks

For another panoramic view of the city, drive or hike up Twin Peaks. Standing 925 feet (280 meters) high, you’ll get a sweeping 360-degree view of the city from the top. Come for sunset and enjoy the view. There are also lots of trails weaving around the mountains so you can hike for a couple of hours here if you want. You can reach the top in just 20 minutes if you walk (you can also drive up though it can be tough to find parking).
 

24. Take a Food Tour

This city is known for its food. If you want to cast a wide culinary net and try a lot of different foods, consider taking a food tour. Here are a few companies worth checking out if you’re a foodie like me:

• Devour Tours – My favorite fod tour company, this “Ultimate” San Francisco food tour winds its way through North Beach, Chinatown, and Downtown. Tickets from $89 USD.
• Secret Food Tours – Sample the best of the Mission District, including burritos, oysters, ice cream, and more! Tickets from $79 USD.
• SF Food Tours – Offers culinary explorations of Little Italy, Chinatown, and North Beach. Tickets from $69 USD.

 

25. Tour Wine Country

If you love wine and have time to leave the city, visit the world-famous Napa and Sonoma wine regions. These are some of the world’s leading wine-producing areas and every year over 3 million people come to taste their way around the regions. Located just over an hour from the city by car, there are plenty of companies that organize day trips to Napa Valley, such as Tower Tours, which offers a day tour for $145 USD.

However, day tours are usually a bit rushed. If you have the time (and money), rent a car and stay overnight.
 

26. Day Trip to Oakland

Just across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco is Oakland. It’s considered the “Brooklyn” to San Francisco’s “Manhattan.” In recent years, Oakland has developed a niche for craft beer and specialty restaurants. There are tons of bars and breweries, and they even have their own “Ale Trail” if you want to wander the city and sample its best drinks.

You can also visit Oakland Redwood Regional Park, Lake Merritt, or catch a baseball game at Oakland Coliseum. There’s a lot you can do in Oakland and you can easily spend a day or more here!
 

27. Visit the Asian Art Museum

This is one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world. The museum houses almost 20,000 items in its collection (some of which are over 6,000 years old) and you can get a free guided tour to walk you through all the highlights and special exhibits that the museum has to offer. There are both modern art exhibitions as well as historical artifacts and artwork. Check the website to see what temporary exhibitions are available during your visit.

200 Larkin St., +1 415-581-3500, asianart.org. Open Thursdays from 1pm-8pm, Friday-Monday from 10am-5pm. Admission is $20 USD.
 

28. Explore Japantown

Japanese immigrants first arrived here in the 1860s and this district has kept the culture alive ever since. Come here for amazing sushi, Japanese food, Korean food, and kitchen ingredients. Shabu Sen has amazing ramen, and Yama-chan has delicious onigiri (rice balls) and takoyaki (octopus balls).

To learn more about the food and the neighborhood, you can take a food tour with Edible Excursions for $120 USD (they have a specific Japantown tour, as well as other food tours around the city). You’ll get to stop at 4 different restaurants to learn about Japanese cuisine, how it’s made, and how it’s managed to embed itself in the local food scene. Tours last around 3 hours.
 

29. See the “Full House” House

Full House was one of the most popular TV sitcoms of the 90s. It ran for 8 seasons and, while the sitcom was actually filmed in studios in Los Angeles, it was set in San Francisco. You can find the iconic house the Tanner family lived in in the Pacific Heights neighborhood. There are no tours available, however, if you’re a fan of classic 90s TV then popping by for a photo is a must.
 

30. Take a Quirky Tour or Visit a Weird Museum

San Francisco is an eclectic city to say the least so it should come as no surprise that there are a lot of unique tours and museums here. Some of the more fun and interesting tours options are:

• San Francisco Love Tours – Explore the city in a hand painted VW bus and learn about San Francisco’s counter-culture icons while listening to hippie music from the Summer of Love. Tours from $85 USD.
• GoCar Tours – Whip around the city in a go kart and see the sights as you bomb down hills (including the winding Lombard Street). Tours from $158 USD.

And, for weird/offbeat museums, visit:

• The Antique Vibrator Museum – See what sex toys from the 1800s looks like!
• The Gregangelo Museum – This “museum” is bursting with all kinds of weird decorations, themed rooms, secret passageways, hidden rooms, and all sorts of weird art and interior design.
• The Peephole Cinema – Watch short silent films through a tiny public peephole in the Mission District. Currently on hold due to COVID-19.
• Musée Mécanique – A collection of over 300 old arcade games from the 20th century.

***

San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the United States. Whether you’re looking for museums, nature, food, or nightlife, this city will not disappoint.

While San Francisco may be known for its high cost of living, there are tons of fun things to see and do in the city that won’t break the bank. With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy your time here without going over budget.