The Top 10 Things to Do in San Francisco, CA
#10 -
Pier 39/Fisherman’s Wharf
Visit the seaside with its cool ocean breeze, salty, fresh air, and plenty of fun things to do nearby! Not to mention the breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. And if you enjoy seafood this place is perfect for you! Walk along the water or take a bike ride! and tuck into the food stands to grab a bite, perhaps some crab cakes or clam chowder bowls along the way. The pier offers many other food options from grab and go to fine dining in all genres of food. Restaurants include Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co., Original Joe’s, Alioto’s Seafood, Cioppini’s Italian, the list goes on. We ate at Wipeout Bar and Grill for a nice lunch while enjoying the beautiful bay view. The energetic boardwalk also offers plenty of shopping! This ranges from touristy shops to cute boutiques, sports stores, beach gear, you name it! This is also where you can purchase tickets and take a short walk to hop aboard the boat that takes you to Alcatraz. Or nearby is a stretch of souvenir shops, Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, street performers, the Aquarium of the Bay, a Cartoon Museum, water excursions, and more. San Fran does offer a city Leisure Pass to bundle these attractions at a cheaper rate. No matter where you are staying in the city, you can access this area by walking, Uber, bike ride, trolley, city bus...so you don’t have to drive and think about parking. Leave plenty of time to walk or cycle along the beachfront and see the historical ships and sites along your route. Take in the history of this iconic Wharf and the upbeat atmosphere surrounding you. Definitely make Ghiradhelli Square a stop while on this side of town for some decadent desserts! Great place to explore, take some great pictures, and take it all in!
#9 -
Golden Gate Bridge
You can’t miss this architecturally magnificent historical landmark. Crossing over the San Francisco Bay since 1937, this bridge is more than just a throughway. You can walk, ride a bike, or drive over the bridge to really feel its size and height. While here, visit the Golden Gate Bridge Park, cross over to the cute town of Sausalito, or even drive to the Redwoods for a hike.
#8 -
Ghirardelli Square
Ready for a sweet treat? Make this a go to dessert spot if you’re near Pier 39, The Golden Gate Bridge, or Lombard Street. Grab ice cream, floats, and of course chocolate! You can see first hand how the chocolate gets prepared and there’s also a huge shop of pre-packaged treats and knick knacks. There’s several photo opportunities as well! The square also includes restaurants and shops that offer a fun walk through!
#7 -
Coit Tower
Take a walk up the hill to climb up this historical tower that presents amazing views! Built in 1933, the tower was established at the bequest of the deceased local socialite Lillie Hitchcock Coit to add to the beauty of the city that she always loved. Lille’s special relationship with the firefighters of the city led to the tower being dedicated to the volunteer firemen who died while battling the city’s five major fires. The 210 foot tall tower offers panoramic views of the city and bay which makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. Time specific tickets can be purchased on their official website or tickets can be purchased at the tower. You can expect a line if you purchase at the tower.
#6 -
Giant’s Game at Oracle Park
Oracle Park, formally known as AT&T Park, formally known as SBC Park, formally known as Pacific Bell Park, is home to MLB’s San Francisco Giants. The ballpark lies along the San Francisco Bay, making it one of the most picturesque stadiums of Major League Baseball. The views, along with the food (hello garlic fries and wine bar), make it one of the best places to catch a baseball game in the country. Even as Dodger fans, we can admit that it’s a beautiful ballpark.
#5 -
Alcatraz
Take a ferry ride from Pier 33 across the San Francisco Bay to visit this historical landmark. It is most notorious for having been a federal penitentiary that originated in 1934 and housed the likes of the famous Al Capone. It was later used as a military base and prison, as well as a site for the American Indian Occupation. Take the guided audio tour to hear tales from prisoners and workers as you walk through the halls and cellhouse of this abandoned prison. Visit the first lighthouse of the Pacific Coast and seabird colony that continue to keep watch over “The Rock”. We recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time online, since the tours do sell out. Alcatraz Cruises is the official ticket provider for the National Park Service for this destination. Don’t forget to bring a sweater or light jacket for the ride!
#4 - Ride the Old Cable Car
The city of San Francisco was once full of bustling cable cars transporting its citizens all over its boundary. They survived through earthquakes and fires and would become a symbol of the city. Today, only a few lines are in operation and can be a fun experience for the entire family. After grabbing a treat at Ghiradelli Square or visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, the cable car can take you to your next destination. The city’s cable cars are one of two National Historic Streetcar Landmarks still in operation. Taking a ride is a unique experience and a nice throwback to days past.
#3 -
Westfield San Francisco Centre
Opening originally as the San Francisco Shopping Centre in 1991, this mall is home to approximately half a million square feet of shopping bliss. It was designed by developer Sheldon Gordon (of Beverly Center and the Forum Shops at Caesars fame) and included the first spiral escalator in the United States. The center has very large Nordstrom and Bloomingdale stores, a ton of other retail options, a movie theater, and many food options. With it’s close proximity to Union Station, it’s super easy to get in on the fun. It’s even connected to the Powell Street transit station, which allows you to enter the centre without even having to go up to ground level.
#2 -
Lombard Street
Welcome to the crookedest street in the world! Two million people per year stop by this street to take in its unique design. Some visitors will take a rideshare and get dropped off right at the top. If you’re nearby (Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown) and feeling brave, you can take on the steep walk to the top. Walk up and down the beautiful street and take in the Victorian architecture and pretty landscaping. Stop at the top for pictures of the amazing views and take photos upwards when you’re at the bottom!
#1 -
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is one of the greatest parks in the United States. It’s the third most visited park in the U.S, it’s free to visit, and offers many different types of activities. You can visit its California Academy of Sciences Museum to learn about space, sea, or history. You can stop by the de Young Museum to see art collections from around the world. Or, you could explore rare and exotic plants at either the Conservatory of Flowers or Japanese Tea Garden. At 1,017 acres of land, Golden Gate Park is actually 20% larger than NYC’s Central Park. It supports 19 different ecosystems containing over 2,000 plant and animal species. Make sure to stop by this park on your trip to try one of the aforementioned activities or simply enjoy a nice picnic.
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