San Francisco is my favorite city in the world, hands down. I’ve lived here for over 10 years and I’m still uncovering hidden gems, incredible food, and little corners that make this 7×7-mile city magical.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a longer stay, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Francisco. From iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge to tucked-away coffee shops and cliffside hikes, this is my personal guide to exploring the City by the Bay like a local.
Golden Gate Bridge – Best Views & How to Visit
Let’s start with the obvious: the Golden Gate Bridge. You can’t visit San Francisco without seeing it. I’ve biked across it, driven it countless times, and even watched fog roll in from underneath it.
Best Views:
- Battery Spencer (Marin side): Classic postcard view. Go at sunrise or golden hour to avoid crowds.
- Crissy Field: Flat walk with water views, perfect for picnics.
- Fort Point: Historic brick fort directly under the bridge.
Local Tip: Mornings are foggy in summer, but October often brings crystal-clear skies (our “secret summer”).
Fisherman’s Wharf – Seafood, Sea Lions & Classic SF Vibes
Yes, it’s touristy but Fisherman’s Wharf is still fun for an afternoon, especially if it’s your first time in San Francisco. I like to come here when friends are visiting, grab a bread bowl of clam chowder, and watch the sea lions sunbathe at Pier 39. But it is very toursity and I recommend you only hang out here for an afternoon before moving onto better parts of the city.
Don’t Miss:
- Pier 39 San Francisco: Sea lions, street performers, and quirky shops.
- Ghirardelli Square: Get a sundae or piece of chocolate at the flagship store (it’s worth it).
- Musee Mécanique: A retro arcade with vintage games that’s way more fun than you’d expect. PS if you’re a Princess Diaries fan, you need to visit.
- Boudin Bakery: Iconic sourdough bread bowls filled with clam chowder.
Local Tip: Skip the national chain restaurants. Instead, try Scoma’s for fresh seafood with a view.
Golden Gate Park – Gardens, Museums & Hidden Gems
Golden Gate Park is bigger than Central Park and packed with surprises, like Bison (for real!) It’s my favorite place in San Francisco to take walks, go to musuems and explore.
Don’t Miss:
- Japanese Tea Garden (serene and historic).
- California Academy of Sciences (aquarium + rainforest dome + planetarium).
- DeYoun Musuem for epic art shows.
- Stow Lake / Blue Heron Lake for paddle boating.
- The Bison Paddock (yes, actual bison live here).
- Dutch Windmills on the park’s western edge.
Local Tip: Rent a bike or hop on the free Golden Gate Shuttle to cover more ground.
Lands End & Sutro Baths – Best Coastal Hike in San Francisco
For dramatic Pacific Ocean views, head to Lands End. The cliffside trail winds past cypress trees, wildflowers, and overlooks of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Highlights:
- Sutro Baths ruins (remnants of a historic bathhouse).
- Mile Rock Beach (hidden cove with sea glass).
- The Lands End Labyrinth (stone maze overlooking the water).
Local Tip: Pack layers; it’s almost always windy here.
San Francisco’s Chinatown – Dim Sum & Hidden Alleys
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America and one of the most vibrant. I love taking visitors here and doing a dumpling crawl.
Things to Do:
- Walk under the Dragon Gate and stroll Grant Avenue.
- Try dim sum at Good Mong Kok Bakery or a sit-down feast at House of Nanking.
- Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to watch fortune cookies being made.
- Explore side alleys like Ross Alley for murals and tucked-away temples.
PS start at Union Square and walk up to Grant Ave so you can enter at the gate!
The Painted Ladies & Alamo Square
Cue the Full House theme song. The Painted Ladies are one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Local Tip: Bring a picnic to Alamo Square Park for skyline views. Go late afternoon for dreamy light and fewer crowds.
Ferry Building Marketplace – Foodie Heaven
The Ferry Building on the Embarcadero is a hub for artisanal food and waterfront views.
Don’t Miss:
- Blue Bottle Coffee (an SF original).
- Cowgirl Creamery for award-winning cheese.
- Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream for quirky flavors.
- Saturday farmers market, one of the best in the country.
The Mission District – Murals, Burritos & Dolores Park
The Mission is San Francisco’s creative heart.
Things to Do:
- Walk down Clarion Alley to see colorful murals.
- Eat a burrito at La Taqueria (locals will debate which taqueria is best, but this one’s legendary).
- Chill in Dolores Park with skyline views and the best people-watching.
- Valencia Street Night Market: if you’re visiting on the second Thursday of any month, this street turns into a block party with games, happy hour disounts and music. I love coming here with friends!
North Beach – San Francisco’s Little Italy
North Beach is all about espresso, pasta, and old-school charm.
Top Stops:
- Caffe Trieste: for a great cup of coffee.
- City Lights Bookstore: the best bookstore in San Francisco, I could get lost in here for hours.
- Sotto Mare: for cioppino, SF’s famous seafood stew that was started here.
Haight-Ashbury – Vintage Shops & Hippie History
The Haight is the birthplace of the 1967 Summer of Love, and its bohemian vibe is still alive today. Whenever I need a fun afternoon, I’ll wander Haight Street to browse vintage shops, crystal stores, and quirky bookstores, then grab a coffee and people-watch.
Things to Do:
- Amoeba Music: A massive record store and cultural landmark.
- Love on Haight: A tie-dye shop that’s pure color therapy.
- Decades of vintage shops for thrifting gems.
- Murals and street art tucked down side streets.
Local Tip: Combine a walk through Haight with nearby Golden Gate Park, they connect perfectly.
SoMa (South of Market) – Museums, Breweries & Nightlife
SoMa is one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods, mixing art, tech, food, and nightlife. I come here for museum days or when I want craft beer and rooftop cocktails.
Highlights:
- SFMOMA: The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, home to Warhols, Kahlos, and giant installations. It’s one of the best museums in San Francisco!
- Yerba Buena Gardens: A peaceful urban park with fountains and art.
- Oracle Park: When friends are looking for fun things to do in San Francisco I always suggest we catch a Giants baseball game with epic Bay views.
- Breweries & nightlife: SoMa has some of the city’s best craft breweries and nightclubs.
Local Tip: For panoramic views, head to Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar or Virgin Hotel’s rooftop, both are SoMa favorites.
Ride a Cable Car – Historic & Fun
San Francisco’s cable cars are the last manually operated system in the world. And, they’re still very much used as regular public transportation for San Francisco locals (on top of being a fun ride for visitors).
Best Line: The Powell-Hyde line, which passes Lombard Street (the “crookedest street”), and the California Line starting at Van Ness if you want to avoid the crowds.
Pro Tip: Start at the turnaround point like Van Ness to snag an outside seat.
Alcatraz Island – History with Bay Views
Yes, it’s touristy. But the Alcatraz tour is fascinating, and the ferry ride offers stunning views of the city. I truly think it’s one of the best things to do in San Francisco as a tourist since it doubles as a ferry ride and a history tour. There’s a daytime tour and also one at sunset for creepy vibes (I’ve done both!)
Local Tip: Alcatraz tickets sell out weeks in advance. Book directly through Alcatraz City Cruises.
The Marina District – Shopping, Dining & Bay Views
The Marina is one of San Francisco’s most picturesque, trendy neighborhoods, and it’s where I love to spend a sunny afternoon after brunch with the girls.
The pastel houses, boutique shops, and buzzy cafes feel more small-town coastal than big city. Chestnut Street is lined with restaurants, bars, and local shops, while the waterfront offers sweeping Bay views.
Things to Do:
- Chestnut Street: Browse boutiques, grab brunch at Rose’s Café, or stop for cocktails at The Dorian.
- Marina Green: Stroll or bike along the waterfront with views of sailboats and the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Palace of Fine Arts: A dreamy rotunda and lagoon that feels like a European escape.
- Speakeasy: The Left Door is a hip speakeasy with some of my favorite martinis in the city.
Local Tip: The Marina is the place for brunch on weekends, just know it gets busy fast. Make a reservation at your restaurant if possible.
Hidden Gems Only Locals Know
These San Francisco attractions are local favorites!
- Wave Organ: A wave-activated sculpture on the Marina made from headstones (for real).
- Lover’s Lane: A tranquil trail in the Presidio that doubles as a top San Francisco photo spot.
- 16th Avenue Tiled Steps: Mosaic stairway with 360 views of the city all the way from Ocean Beach San Francisco to Downtown skyline.
- Twin Peaks at Sunrise: My favorite place to watch the sunrise over downtown San Franciso.
- Coit Tower: You can climb to the top for an epic view of the San Francisco Bay Area!
My Favorite Day Trips from San Francisco
If you have extra time, here are a few easy Northern California escapes within two hours that I love and you’ll love, too!
- Wine Country (Napa & Sonoma): World-class wineries.
- Muir Woods: Towering coastal redwoods just 30 minutes from San Francisco.
- Point Reyes: Rugged coastline and tule elk (plus the best oysters of your life).
- Half Moon Bay: Pumpkin farms and beaches.
I know it’s tempting to do a day trip to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco, but that’s a 4 hour drive each way and needs to be a 2-3 trip in itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco
Q: What is the best time to visit San Francisco?
A: Fall (September–October) is the warmest, sunniest season. Summers are foggy and chilly and you’ll need to pack a jacket, which isn’t any fun.
Q: How many days should I spend in San Francisco?
A: Three days is enough to see the main highlights. A week lets you explore neighborhoods and take day trips, which you’ll want to do.
Q: Do I need a car in San Francisco?
A: Not in the city. Use Muni, BART, rideshares, or even e-bikes. Rent a car only for day trips. There’s also self-driving cars now, like Waymo.
Q: Is San Francisco safe for tourists in 2025?
A: Yes. It’s just like any other large city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, but in my decade of living here, I’ve only felt truly unsafe 3 times. If you do have a car, do not leave valuables or luggage in it (again, standard city stuff.)
Just Plan The San Francisco Trip Already…
San Francisco is a city that never stops surprising me. From world-famous landmarks to quirky local gems, there’s always something new to discover.
Pack layers (the microclimates are real), bring comfy shoes, and let yourself wander , that’s when you’ll find the true magic of San Francisco.
