If you are looking for the most comprehensive list of things to do in San Francisco, you have arrived at the right place. San Francisco is a city of fog, hills, tech, and counter-culture. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a local looking for something new, the sheer volume of things to do in San Francisco can be overwhelming.
In this exhaustive guide, we dive deep into every corner of the 7x7 square mile city to bring you the most powerful, informative, and unique collection of activities. We aren't just talking about the tourist traps; we are talking about the soul of the city.
When people think of things to do in San Francisco, the classics always come to mind. These are the "Big Five" that define the skyline.
Walk or Bike the Golden Gate Bridge: This is the quintessential San Francisco experience. Pro tip: Visit Battery Spencer on the North side for the best "postcard" angle.
Explore Alcatraz Island: A former federal prison turned National Park. You must book tickets months in advance, especially for the eerie night tour.
Ride the Historic Cable Cars: Forget the buses; hop on the Powell-Hyde line for a thrill ride down the city’s steepest hills.
Visit Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39: While touristy, seeing the barking sea lions and eating a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin is a rite of passage.
Lombard Street: Known as the "crookedest street in the world," this floral, zigzagging road is one of the most photographed things to do in San Francisco.
To truly understand the city, you have to leave the wharf. Each neighborhood offers a different set of things to do in San Francisco.
The Mission District: Murals & Mission Burritos
The Mission is the heart of SF’s Latino culture and its trendiest nightlife.
Balmy Alley Murals: A stunning display of political and social street art.
Dolores Park: On a sunny day, the entire city gathers here with picnics. It’s the ultimate "local" thing to do in San Francisco.
The Mission Burrito: You haven’t lived until you’ve had a "super burrito" from La Taqueria or El Farolito.
Chinatown: The Oldest in North America
Entering through the Dragon Gate feels like stepping into another country.
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory: Watch them hand-fold cookies in a tiny alleyway.
Portsmouth Square: Watch locals play intense games of Chinese chess.
Haight-Ashbury: The Summer of Love
Relive the 1960s hippie movement.
Amoeba Music: One of the world's largest independent record stores.
The Painted Ladies: The famous "Full House" Victorian homes at Alamo Square.
San Francisco is surprisingly green. If you love the outdoors, there are endless things to do in San Francisco.
Location
Activity
Best For
Golden Gate Park
Visit the Bison Paddock
Families & Nature Lovers
Lands End
Hike the Coastal Trail
Epic Ocean Views
Twin Peaks
360-degree City View
Romantic Sunsets
Presidio
Explore the Tunnel Tops
Modern Park Design
Ocean Beach
Bonfire & Surfing
Chilling with Locals
San Francisco has more restaurants per capita than any other US city. Eating is literally one of the best things to do in San Francisco.
Dim Sum in Richmond District: While Chinatown is famous, the "Inner Richmond" has the best authentic dumplings at places like Dragon Beaux.
Italian in North Beach: Grab a slice at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana or an espresso at Caffe Trieste.
The Ferry Building: A gourmet food hall. Don't miss the Blue Bottle Coffee and the Saturday Farmer's Market.
Seafood at Scoma’s: For a classic, high-end "pier-to-table" experience.
If you want to exercise your brain, the list of intellectual things to do in San Francisco is world-class.
The Exploratorium: Not just for kids. This interactive science museum on Pier 15 is mind-blowing.
California Academy of Sciences: Located in Golden Gate Park, it features a four-story rainforest and an aquarium.
SFMOMA: One of the largest modern art museums in the world.
The de Young Museum: Climb the Hamon Observation Tower for free views of the park.
To optimize your trip and enjoy the best things to do in San Francisco without the stress:
Avoid the "Main" Cable Car Line: Instead of waiting 2 hours at Union Square, walk up two blocks to a mid-point stop.
Dress in Layers: "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." Karl the Fog is real.
Use Public Transit (Muni): Parking is a nightmare and expensive. Download the MuniMobile app.
If you have extra time, these things to do in San Francisco (well, just outside of it) are legendary:
Muir Woods: Towering Redwood trees just 30 minutes north.
Sausalito: A Mediterranean-style seaside town reachable by ferry.
Napa & Sonoma: World-famous wine country is only an hour away.
San Francisco is a city that rewards the curious. Whether you are chasing the fog at the Golden Gate or finding a hidden speakeasy in the Tenderloin, the variety of things to do in San Francisco ensures that no two trips are the same.
Plan your itinerary, pack your walking shoes (those hills are steep!), and get ready for an unforgettable West Coast adventure.