Location: San Francisco
Top Things to do in San Francisco
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in San Francisco, United States
Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own personality, from the hippie chic of the Upper Haight to the hipster grit of the Mission. The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Noe Valley offers quaint and quiet boutiques. Wave hello to the sea lions at Pier 39, and sample local cheese and charcuterie at the Ferry Building. Sit in on a yoga session in Dolores Park or marvel at the Dutch Windmill across from Ocean Beach.
Restaurants in San Francisco
1. Golden Gate Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Stretching 4,200 feet and towering as high as a 65-story building, this well-known bridge is the gateway to San Francisco.
Reviewed By Michele S - Phoenix, Arizona
The Golden Gate Bridge is definitely worth seeing but I didn't find it spectacular. It is a very well known landmark of San Francisco, so if you are visiting San Francisco, it is worth seeing to say that you have been there and done that.
2. Alcatraz Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Park rangers conduct tours by recounting the prison's thrilling history along with intriguing anecdotes about Al Capone and other legendary figures that made a "home" here.
Reviewed By cohoman - Seattle
Wow. Excellent tour of Alcatraz. Exceeded my expectations. The free audio tour was awesome. The only negative was that you couldn't pause the audio tour device. Once you start the play button, it plays until the end. This was inconvenience because there were some times where you'd like to stay a little longer to look around at a specific area. Also, it can get crowded with everyone standing around at each location waiting for the audio tour to tell you to move to the next attraction spot.
After the audio tour you're free to roam around and see the entire island. My favorite was the recreation yard. Unfortunately, a lot of the old guard towers are gone now due to neglect.
I'd definitely like to do this again, maybe a guided tour or a night tour.
3. Cable Cars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Since 1873, cable cars have run up and down the hilly city, though after the 1950s, these cars have been kept in operation more out of historic nostalgia. Seventeen miles of track remain and have been deemed a historical landmark.
Reviewed By Alan B - Sunderland, United Kingdom
These iconic cable cars are a must if visiting San Francisco, either one journey and a weekly pass a great way to travel up some of those hills.
4. Lombard Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Known as the "crookedest" street in the world, the steep hills and sharp curves of this one-way road pass by grand Victorian mansions and attract millions of tourists each year.
Reviewed By holidaygetaway - Kentallen, United Kingdom
Definitely recommend getting an uber or the tram to Lombard Street. The walk up is very steep.
We had a very accommodating Uber driver on our first journey who kindly agreed to drive us down the zigzag.
The following day we had a less accommodating Uber driver who didn’t drop us where we hoped and had a very steep walk up to take photos of cars coming down the hill.
Literally a 5 minute visit is needed nothing more. Fun to see and whizz down with a driver who knows what they are doing.
5. Pier 39
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
From amazing views and a sea of sea lions to chowder bread bowls and California wines, your visit to San Francisco starts at PIER 39. Kick off your visit by exploring two levels of dining, entertainment, shopping and attractions, all surrounded by unbeatable views of the city and the bay. Take it from the world famous sea lions: a visit to San Francisco starts at The PIER.
Reviewed By LorettaBoy - Belleville, Canada
By far the best part was watching the sea lions early in the morning. Inside the pier are a ton of shops and places to eat.We are so glad you enjoyed your time with the Sea Lions at PIER 39 and look forward to welcoming you back again soon!
6. Anchor Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 329 reviews
We offer guided public tours every day, by reservation only. You’ll get a brief history of our company and a walk through three floors of our brewery. And yes, there’s a tasting session immediately to follow. Together, the brewery tour and the beer tasting last for about 1.5 hours. Due to popular demand, we are not able to accommodate you for a tour without reservations. Public Tour schedule: Mon.-Thur.: 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM Fri.-Sun.: 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, & 5:00 PM Available for private group tours: Mon.-Thur.: 3:30 PM or 6:00 PM
Reviewed By boymomOmaha - Omaha
Our family has toured several breweries, but this was our favorite. Lots of history behind the company and the tour is 1 1/2 hours long with ample beer tasting along the way. Our guide was great, answered all our questions and some of the staff ended up in the tasting room after our tour and answered more questions. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time. Cost is $25/person.
7. Fisherman's Wharf
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Historic Fisherman's Wharf is the classic San Francisco experience where you will find a range of hotels, specialty restaurants, famous attractions, unique shops, breathtaking scenery and entertainment for the whole family.
Reviewed By wkrupa - Coopersburg, Pennsylvania
The only reason you might visit here is if it’s something on your bucket list but it’s best to scratch it off and not visit. It’s a pure tourist trap, nothing but less than quality restaurants, homeless people, and stands trying to sell you overpriced est on the run seafood.
8. Lands End
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
At the northwestern corner of San Francisco, there is a series of stunning views at every turn in this wild and windy trail. Hillsides of cypress and wildflowers, views of shipwrecks and access to the ruins of Sutro baths, a San Francisco specials memory.
Reviewed By Psmom2 - Rockville, Maryland
The beauty that is San Francisco awaits you at every step as you hike along the paths at Lands End. Be sure to bring a camera!
9. AT&T Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Home of the San Francisco Giants Major League baseball team.
Reviewed By Bobby V - Newcastle, England, United Kingdom
Totally awesome place to visit , great friendly atmosphere. Great hot dogs and huge drinks It’s been amazing and another thing crosses off bucket list
10. San Francisco Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Offers hiking and biking along its shores, paddling and sailing on top of its surface, and bird-watching and exploring among its wetlands.
Reviewed By Janhen14 - Kildare, Ireland
Cool place to visit, bustling with tourists, lots of people around. Plenty of places to eat and drink in.
