San Francisco is known around the world as an iconic, must-visit destination. Its steep hills, cable cars, and pastel Painted Ladies are instantly recognizable, as is, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. But there’s more to the San Francisco bay area than its icons. There are many things to do in SF, whether you’re visiting San Francisco for the first time or you’ve lived there all your life.  

My own personal list of the best things to do in San Francisco is already so long that I can’t imagine anyone would be able to hit them all in a single visit. So relax, and don’t worry about trying to cram a lot into one long weekend or a single vacation. If you don’t make it to a San Francisco Giants game or to Marin County, don’t sweat it. You can always visit these attractions on your next San Francisco trip.

By all means, grab your camera and walk over the Golden Gate Bridge and make sure you ride the cable cars at least once, but keep in mind that San Francisco also has amazing museums for art lovers, historic theaters, the famous Mission-style burrito, and lots of spots perfect for people-watching (and sea lion watching). There are dozens of hiking trails that showcase the natural landscape’s beauty and more esoteric activities, too, if that’s what you’re into. 

The city may only be 47 square miles, but it’s huge when it comes to things to see and do. Check out my list of the best things to do in San Francisco below, then tell me about your favorite Fog City hangouts.

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Free Things to do in San Francisco

Many of the city’s most fun activities are free!

1. GO MUSEUM HOPPING

Many museums in San Francisco offer free admission at least once a month. If you are interested in the San Francisco Cable Cars, the Cable Car Museum offers free admission.

Some, like the de Young Legion of Honor and Conservatory of Flowers, are free on the first Tuesday of each month, while others, like the California Academy of Sciences and the Exploratorium, have free days a couple of times a year.

Meanwhile, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts offers a “pay what you can” admission every Wednesday.

You can find a list of free days for most of the museums in San Francisco here.

2. VISIT THE GARDEN OF SHAKESPEARE’S FLOWERS

This is one of the best free things to do in San Francisco for lovers of the bard. In Golden Gate Park, there’s a garden hidden behind a foliage-covered wall where you can see more than 200 varieties of flowers and plants that appear in Shakespeare’s plays.

There’s a mysterious locked box in the wall that contains a valuable bronze bust of the man himself (the only statue in the park that’s locked up).

3. RIDE THE BEER BUS

Visitors 21 and up can hop on a free beer shuttle on the third Wednesday of each month that stops at five of the best San Francisco breweries. The shuttle operates every ten minutes from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. While the beer isn’t free, the ability to enjoy it without having to worry about choosing a designated driver can be priceless. 

4. LOSE YOURSELF IN LANDS END

One of the easiest free things to do in San Francisco is to enjoy the view, and the vistas at Lands End are pretty spectacular. Around every new turn in the trail, you’ll see old shipwrecks, rolling hills of wildflowers, adorable beaches, and the ruins of the Sutro Baths.

5. WALK ACROSS THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

Drivers have to pay the toll to cross this most iconic of San Francisco sightseeing spots, but walkers can cross (or walk the mile to the midpoint) for free, and it’s worth doing at least once.

You’ll get a different perspective of the bridge on foot and a beautiful view of the city. For the best views, cross in September and October when fog is least likely.

6. CHECK OUT THE FOG BRIDGE

Some visitors come for the fog, and there’s a permanent Exploratorium exhibit by Fujiko Nakaya viewable from Pier 15 and Pier 17 just for them.

At 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. daily (and at 7 p.m. on Thursday), massive amounts of water are pumped at high pressure through over 800 nozzles lining the bridge to create a thick fog that envelops anyone standing on the piers. 

7. CLIMB STRAWBERRY HILL

It does cost money to rent the paddle boats at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park, but wandering around the lake at Strawberry Hill is one of the most relaxing free things to do in San Francisco.

There are birds to watch, lovely walking paths, a beautiful temple-like pavilion (a gift from Taipei to the city of San Francisco), and the fabulous artificial waterfall that crashes down from the top of the hill. Visit in the evening, and you might even spot the ghost of the White Lady.

8. TOUR THE ROSE GARDEN

Golden Gate Park’s rose garden at Kennedy Drive has more than 60 beds of all kinds of roses, from ultra fragrant varieties to miniature climbing roses. The best time to visit is probably in summer when the bushes are bursting with blooms, but there are always some varieties blooming.

9. TAKE IN A CONCERT

One of the best free things to do in San Francisco in summer is to catch an outdoor concert at Stern Grove in June, July, or August. This free concert series has been running for 85 years at the beautiful outdoor amphitheater, and the lineup is diverse and often includes internally-acclaimed soloists and groups. You do not need to purchase tickets. However, reservations are required.

The San Francisco Symphony always has a spot, but other performers range from rock to funk to jazz-rap fusion.

10. Tour San Francisco’s Chinatown

This bustling San Francisco neighborhood is crowded with restaurants, shops, and temples. You can visit a real fortune cookie factory, eat some of the best Dim Sum in the world, and hunt for bargains at stores that carry just about everything.

There are many Chinese New Year events if you’re in the city between January and March.

11. RELAX AT CRISSY FIELD

You’ll find this wide-open space that’s part beach, part promenade, and part lawn in the Presidio. What was once a paved over airstrip has been transformed into a sprawling recreation space that’s equally popular with fitness fanatics and people who just want to chill out.

12. VISIT THE HISTORIC SUTRO BATHS

You can explore the concrete ruins of the Sutro Baths (a once-grand public saltwater swimming pool complex that was located just north of the Cliff House).

San Francisco City Guides gives free guided tours of the Sutro Baths, but you can also climb around the ruins yourself. Just be careful, as they aren’t maintained. 

13. HIKE TWIN PEAKS

While you won’t reach the highest point in the city on this hike, you’ll get close. The biggest difference between hiking Twin Peaks and hiking Mount Davidson is that your trek up Twin Peaks will take you through residential neighborhoods.

The view from Christmas Tree Point is great, but it’s worth trekking further. You can get down Twin Peaks fast by taking one of the long and winding Seward Street Slides at Seward Mini Park.

14. PICNIC AT A PARK

There are plenty of beautiful (and free) parks that are worth visiting in the City by the Bay. Don’t forget to pack a blanket — all of these parks make excellent spots for a picnic! 

Alamo Square Park boasts one of the most famous views in San Francisco. Visitors get front row seats to the Painted Ladies — a row of beautiful Victorian homes in various pastel hues. These renowned homes have appeared in dozens of movies, ads, and TV shows, including “Full House.”

When the weather gets nice, Dolores Park is one of San Francisco’s favorite places to gather.

On a warm day, expect to see outdoor barbecues, hula hoopers, tightrope walkers, and locals basking in the sun. As an added bonus, Dolores Square Park also has public restrooms and a playground for children. Not to mention, this famous park also happens to have one of the best views of the downtown San Francisco skyline. 

Located in the heart of the Pacific Heights neighborhood, Alta Plaza Park has everything you could want in a public park, including a playground, tennis courts, a basketball court, a dog run, and more. That said, not even the abundant amenities can top the stunning view, which overlooks the cityscape and bay. 

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San Francisco Attractions and Points of Interest

15. THE PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO

Visiting the Presidio is one of the most fun things to do in San Francisco with kids, thanks to the awesome and innovative playgrounds. Once home to the Ohlone people, this park was a military post for two centuries.

Today, it’s a hotspot for hiking, picnicking, nature watching, building sandcastles, and seeing art. Most importantly, you can’t beat the Presidio’s views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, so bring your camera. 

16. THE PALACE OF FINE ARTS

This awe-inspiring structure was originally constructed as an art exhibition space for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition and is probably one of the most photographed San Francisco attractions.

Now it’s one of the city’s landmarks and a popular spot to take pictures because its Greek-style colonnades and rotunda are absolutely breathtaking.

17. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz is one of the most incredible San Francisco attractions. There are bay cruises that circle around the island, as well as tours that take you into the infamous former prison that once housed notable criminals like Al “Scarface” Capone.

What many people don’t know about Alcatraz is that it wasn’t always a prison. It has been the site of a lighthouse built to guide ships into the harbor, a harbor defense fort that housed 200 soldiers, and the San Francisco Arsenal for storing firearms during the Civil War. It was only a federal prison from 1934 until 1963, and just a year after it closed was the site of the American Indian occupation of Alcatraz — an important event in the American Indian rights movement.  

I recommend buying your tickets to Alcatraz in advance as part of a combination tour package because tickets tend to sell out.

Getting last-minute Alcatraz tickets can be tough, and San Francisco sightseeing companies must submit their ticket requests four days before the tour date. To be safe, plan on buying your tickets at least a week before your visit, if not more.

18. FISHERMAN’S WHARF

Strolling around Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco. This waterfront district is known for its fresh seafood, gorgeous views, playful California sea lions, and Pier 39®.

Fisherman’s Wharf hosts festivals all year long, and there are lots of fun little museums, kid-friendly things to do, restaurants, and shops to explore.

19. Pier 39

This bustling waterfront marketplace (which is part of Fisherman’s Wharf) is a popular San Francisco attraction for both natives and visitors.

There’s great shopping, delicious food, a one-of-a-kind 7D indoor roller coaster-type ride, live music, a mirror maze, the Aquarium of the Bay with its awe-inspiring sea tunnels, and the gorgeous San Francisco Carousel.

But the biggest draw is the chatty population of sea lions that made Pier 39’s K-dock their home after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. They are cute, boisterous, and so much fun to photograph.

20. The San Francisco Zoo

This 100-acre zoo in the southwest corner of San Francisco near Lake Merced is home to more than 2,000 exotic and endangered animals. It is open year-round and is one of the most popular family-friendly San Francisco attractions.

On top of the regular exhibits, there are special events, zookeeper talks, guided tours, and a beautiful vintage carousel (one of the few created by famous carousel maker William H. Dentzel that’s still in operation). Check out my guide to getting discounted San Francisco Zoo tickets.

21. THE MISSION MURALS

San Francisco visitors can find public art all over the city, particularly in the Mission District. The allies and buildings in this neighborhood are covered with over 200 vibrant and distinct murals. While beautiful to look at, many of these murals also reflect the neighborhood’s Latino heritage and themes of social justice. These stunning art pieces make the perfect picturesque backdrop for a unique photo. 

Searching for the best place to start? The most popular murals can be found in Clarion and Balmy Alleys.

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San Francisco Activities

22. Take a Big Bus Tour

This San Francisco city tour is all about flexibility. These unlimited hop-on/hop-off tour buses run all day long, 365 days a year, with tours in 10 languages, stops at 20 points of interest around the city, and also gives you the option of joining a free walking tour of San Francisco’s historic neighborhoods as part of your day.

23. Try a Bay Cruise

You can see everything the City by the Bay has to offer, including its beautiful skyline, the TransAmerica Pyramid, Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge on a City Experiences (formerly Hornblower) cruise tour.

This is the charter company locals use when they’re planning outings and events on the bay, so you can expect more from these tours.

24. Do Tai Chi at the Yerba Buena Gardens

This is one of those San Francisco activities that visitors tend to love. A lot of people go to watch the practitioners (many of whom are elderly) show off their graceful moves, but you may be invited to join in.

25. LINDY IN THE PARK

If you are a dancing enthusiast, check out Lindy in the Park. Every Sunday, Golden Gate National Recreation hosts swing dancing from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. This social event is the perfect way to meet new people, have fun, and get your muscles moving. 

Don’t know how to swing dance? No problem! Starting at 12 p.m., a free half-hour beginner swing dance lesson is offered. 

26. PERUSE CITY LIGHTS BOOKSTORE

Any book lover should pay a visit to City Lights Bookstore. This six-decade-old institution used to be where legendary writers of the Beat movement, such as Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, spent their days.

Now, this rickety wooden shop and publishing house is still a hub for politics and indie-literary voices, which it stocks alongside its large inventory of new and used fiction and non-fiction.

City Lights also regularly hosts readings by renowned authors and up-and-coming writers, as well as poets, performance artists, and more. 

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San Francisco Museums

27. The California Academy of Sciences

There are lots of fun activities here for both kids and grownups in what is probably the greenest museum in the world. Inside, you’ll find the Steinhart Aquarium, the Morrison Planetarium, a natural history museum, and a research facility.

You can walk through a rainforest and watch butterflies emerge from cocoons, explore the living roof, peek into the nooks and crannies of the world’s deepest living coral reef display, see live penguins, and learn all about the world’s animals.

28. Aquarium of the Bay

This sprawling waterfront aquarium at Pier 39 is home to over 20,000 marine animals, from sharks and rays to river otters and jellyfish. One of the highlights of any visit to Aquarium of the Bay is walking through the wide underwater tunnel, which is like scuba diving without getting wet.

There are daily animal encounters, guided tours, and interactive exhibits. There’s even a touch tank where the curious can reach in and touch a live starfish, stingrays, sharks, anemones, and skates.

29. The Walt Disney Family Museum

Diehard Disney fans will love visiting this special San Francisco museum dedicated to the life of Walt Disney, his career, his creations, and the inspiration behind them.

There are regularly rotating exhibits featuring Disney’s early cartoons and music, and lots of opportunities to learn more about how Disney magic comes to life. There are also ten permanent galleries that guests can peruse year-round.

Visitors can learn about the enormous undertaking of Walt Disney’s first feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the production techniques he used to help bring characters such as Bambi and Pinocchio to life. 

30. de Young Museum and Legion of Honor Museums

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, which includes the de Young in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, is the largest public arts institution in the city.

What links these two museums is that all de Young tickets include same-day general admission to the Legion of Honor Museum and vice versa.

At the de Young Museum, you’ll see modern and contemporary art from around the world, American art from the 17th to 21st centuries (including photography), and global textiles.

On display at the Legion of Honor Museum, there are European paintings, decorative arts, and sculptures, as well as ancient art from the Mediterranean and art on paper from around the world.

31. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

With its bright, expansive galleries and world-class pieces on display, the SFMOMA can be impressive to the point of being overwhelming. It is the biggest museum in the U.S. devoted to modern and contemporary art and a landmark for art and architecture lovers in the Bay Area.

There are pieces by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, among other notable artists, though most galleries are not organized by artists. Downloading the museum’s app is a must since it provides directions to points of the museum and audio tours (“Immersive Walks” that last for 15-45 minutes) narrated by celebrities and surprising figures.

32. The Exploratorium

Visiting this museum is one of the most fun things to do in San Francisco with kids. There are hundreds of exhibits in six galleries that teach solid science — like what causes earthquakes, the ins and outs of weather patterns, and how electricity works — through fun and engaging interactive experiences.

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Best Beaches in San Francisco

San Francisco’s beaches aren’t necessarily known for swimming or sunbathing because the water is cold (it’s not called Fog City for nothing).

That said, the rocky, cliffside San Francisco beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, and the best San Francisco beaches for surfing have some amazing waves and stellar views. Here are some of the best beaches in San Francisco.

33. Baker Beach

This is one of the most famous beaches in San Francisco and a hotspot for locals whenever the sun peeks out from behind the clouds.

It has some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands, and you might spot red-tailed hawks and brown pelicans in the air and sea stars, harbor seals, and dolphins in the surf.

This beach is dog-friendly, and it’s worth noting that the north end of the beach is clothing optional. Dogs are also allowed on the north end of the beach but must be on a leash or under voice control. If your pooch is well-behaved then they are permitted to have a little more freedom in this section of the beach. 

34. OCEAN BEACH

This is San Francisco’s longest and widest beach, so it feels more remote and less popular than it is. You’ll have room to spread out and enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean or fish, windsurf, or kiteboard. 

35. FORT FUNSTON BEACH

You’ll see people in the water at this San Francisco beach, but if you want to wet your feet, be aware that the rip currents can be strong and come on without warning. I prefer searching for sand dollars and fossils on the shore or hiking the trails along the bluff (a great place to watch the hang gliders soaring).

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Things to Do in San Francisco at Night

36. VISIT HISTORIC COIT TOWER

This unique architectural feature was left to the city by a wealthy, if offbeat, heiress. The tower rises 210 feet above Pioneer Park, and the structure’s observation deck is definitely a San Francisco sightseeing spot worth visiting in the late afternoon.

Arriving later in the day also means you’ll beat the crowds. The tower is open until 5 p.m every day of the week.

37. VISIT THE GHIRARDELLI SQUARE

Once an old chocolate factory, Ghirardelli Square has been repurposed into a shopping, dining, art gallery, and event complex that’s worth a visit even if chocolate isn’t your thing.

Stop by the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop for a date night dessert, take in great views of the bay, and stop for a sit in the square. 

38. CATCH A COMEDY SHOW

San Francisco has an amazing comedy scene, so catching a show is one of the most fun things to do in San Francisco at night.

The audiences at shows are diverse, and there are open mics all over the city every day of the week (including the famous Brainwash Laundromat & Cafe’s Thursday night open mic).

Visit the Punch Line and Cobb’s for the best shows, but don’t be afraid to check out the indy shows at bars and other small venues.

39. SEE THE BALLET

The San Francisco Ballet is the oldest ballet company in the U.S.. It’s considered one of the most talented and refined companies in the entire world, and its repertoire spans both classical and contemporary ballet.

The company performs at the War Memorial Opera House from January through May.

40. LOOK AT THE LIGHTS ON THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY BRIDGE

The Bay Bridge is transformed when the sun goes down into a twinkling LED sculpture powered by computer algorithms that create fascinating patterns.

One of the best places to watch the show is from the Embarcadero between the Ferry Building and the bridge. 

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Look into the Go San Francisco® Sightseeing Pass

When you’re thinking about which things to do in San Francisco to put on your itinerary, it’s worth looking at what San Francisco attractions Go San Francisco covers.

With Go San Francisco, you can save up to 60% on admission to 37 top San Francisco attractions, and the benefits of Go San Francisco go beyond savings. It’s my favorite of the San Francisco sightseeing passes.

Pass holders typically won’t have to wait in the ticket line, and some attractions even offer priority entry for Go San Francisco passholders. Passes are available in 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-day options to accommodate the different locals and visitors.

It is one of the best ways to save time and money when exploring the city from your fantastic San Francisco luxury hotel.

What are your favorite things to do in San Francisco?