Location: San Francisco
Top Things to do in San Francisco
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Things to do in San Francisco, California (CA): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Alcatraz Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55,332 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 Piggin01
I did the night tour it was amazing and very interesting love that former inmates and staff did the audio recording for the tour which is easy to follow and very informative would highly recommend and would do again
2. The Embarcadero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 924 reviews
Major street in the port area of San Francisco that has become a bustling area of shops, businesses and sightseeing attractions.
Reviewed By TV2451
We enjoyed a long drive along the Embarcadero on a Sunday and noticed the numbers of people enjoying their strolls at a safe distance. On a sunny day this is one of the best places in San Francisco for a walk. Lots to see and enjoy, the waterfront, the piers, the Ferry Building, the Bay Bridge.
3. Ferry Building Marketplace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,363 reviews
A city landmark transformed into a gourmet food emporium and farmers market.
Reviewed By shelleyc398
The Ferry Building has a wide array of attractions: wonderful restaurants like Slanted Door and Boulettes Larder, great food from top of the line local purveyors like Cowgirl Creamery and Acme Bread, shops with all manner of goods, and a fantastic Saturday market with San Francisco’s unique spin, whether high end oils and preserves or hot foods from stands owned by local restaurants. A great venue with a mix of locals and tourists.
4. SS Jeremiah O'Brien
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
Historic World War II ship docked at Pier 45. One of two remaining Liberty Class of ships, the Jeremiah made 11 trips from London to Normandy for the D day invasion to supply the war effort and carry troops.
Reviewed By RHS1946 - Monroe, United States
On a recent trip to San Francisco with family, we visited the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, a restored and functional WWII Liberty ship. My interest was the fact that it had seen duty on Omaha Beach on D-Day and my father had been there on a US Navy LST landing troops and equipment. It had seen duty in the South Pacific too and had even delivered "war brides" to the USA after the war was over. Hard working people managed to save this Liberty Ship, the only one of it's class still a working vessel. It was sailed to Normandy for the 50th Remembrance of D-Day. Walking up the rope had rail of the steps to the ship would not be easy for anyone who is walking challenged. Almost the entire ship can be explored - from the gun placements above deck to the engine room way below deck. We saw the Captain's quarters and where the ordinary seamen slept, the galley, the infirmary, the map room and many other places. It was fascinating. There is a museum aboard complete with a very large diorama of the sea, the entire beach head and the land where the invasion took place. A small gift shop had several interesting items including books, some posters, patches, hats. This was on New Year's Eve and as we left the staff was setting up for a large event. What a setting to watch the fireworks to be set off at midnight while the band played!
5. USS Pampanito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 763 reviews
World War II submarine docked at Pier 45.
Reviewed By GilB867 - Memphis, United States
The USS Pampanito, built in 1943 is now a National Historic Landmark and actually part of the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association located not at the Maritime National Park but at Fisherman's Wharf or pier. This sub completed six war time patrols between 1944 and 1945. If you are the least bit of a history, navy, or ship enthusiasts this is a must see while in San Francisco, and it is conveniently located in the Fisherman's Wharf area on the bay. Ticket prices are a little steep but well worth the first hand look you will get inside an actually WWII submarine. You can tour the entire ship, stand in every compartment, at your own pace using a audio cassette.
6. Golden Gate Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49,332 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 SandeeHoff - Villas, United States
Crossed this iconic bridge and wish I had time to walk or bike over it, simply put it an amazing bit of history and is phenomenal engineering. Lives up to all photos I've seen, if time and health allow I'd get out of car and experience it!
7. Telegraph Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 279 reviews
A 179-foot tower from which you can see the entire San Francisco Bay.
Reviewed By TV2451
One of San Francisco's unique neighborhoods, walk to the top, visit Coit Tower for the murals, and then descend the Filbert Steps. Linger to view the unique architecture and views all the way.
8. Twin Peaks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,381 reviews
A twenty-minute ride from downtown, this is the best place to catch a San Francisco sunrise.
Reviewed By kidic
This is a must do. While its a bit of a drive, the views from this area are spectacular. It gets pretty crowded so plan on parking below and walking up (which isn't that bad of a hike). Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket as it gets really cold and windy.
9. Lombard Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,150 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 17celian - Melbourne, Australia
we caught the cable car to the top of Lombard street, we absolutely loved the weave road and how beautifully it is maintained with all the gorgeous flower's, there was certainly alot of tourist there, some even were blocking the road to take pictures which was annoying for the drivers at the bottom. a lovely couple took our picture:). must be annoying for the neighbors that live on the street. but a great place to go see
10. Grace Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,324 reviews
Grace Cathedral is home to a community where the best of Episcopal tradition courageously embraces innovation and open-minded conversation, where inclusion is expected and people of all faiths are welcomed, where beliefs are put into action and where people are encouraged to seek God and progress on their own spiritual journeys. The cathedral itself, a renowned San Francisco landmark, serves as a magnet, where diverse people gather to worship, celebrate, seek solace, converse and learn.Famed as a destination for visitors from all over the world, the cathedral is known for its striking architecture, stained glass, singular collection of art, and Interfaith AIDS Memorial Chapel.
Reviewed By The_Loup_Garou - Phoenix, United States
A Lovely, and Iconic Cathedral In August, while staying on Nob Hill, I took the opportunity to explore Grace Cathedral, a block and a half from our hotel. I had admired the structure from afar, on many occasions, but had never actually visited, so on this lovely Summer day, I changed that, and am glad that I did. I first admired the architecture from Huntington Park, just across Taylor St, from Grace Cathedral, and a vantage point, that gave me a great view of the imposing structure. Then, I crossed over California St, to see it from an angle - just as imposing. Finally, I took the time to explore it some, from both inside, and out. What a magnificent cathedral. This structure was built after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, but in a style, that goes back a century, to French Gothic, and aspects of several cathedrals in France, can be seen, including buildings in Paris, and Chartres. Much of the French Gothic carries over to the interiors, as well. While lovely, the interiors were a bit austere, based on the ornate exterior facade - lovely, but just not as imposing. The Boys’ School, is attached, across a wide courtyard, but I did not explore its interior. The one regret is that I did not take a guided tour of Grace Cathedral, but hope to, on another visit, later in the year. If one did do such a tour, I would allocate at least three hours (I spent two, looking at the exterior and the interiors sections open).
