Location: San Francisco
Top Things to do in San Francisco
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What to do and see in San Francisco, California (CA): The Best Things to do
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. Exploratorium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,493 reviews
The Exploratorium is temporarily closed to the public. In accordance with local and state public health orders and recommendations, the Exploratorium is temporarily closed to the public. We have had no known cases of exposure to COVID-19. The health and safety of Exploratorium visitors, employees, and volunteers is our top priority. As soon as we reopen the doors, we look forward to welcoming you, your family, and all those committed to curiosity and joyful learning. In the meantime, please visit our website for digital learning opportunities that you and people across the globe can use to explore the world around them in any environment. Thank you!
Reviewed By 11SusanK11 - Westampton, United States
Loved this hands on interactive museum and had to drag my teenage daughter out of it! It does get crowded so go early and it is mostly for children of all ages and those young at heart. Great interactive exhibits and demonstrations and on the waterfront so you can walk to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf
3. Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,419 reviews
Designed to look like a Roman ruin, this golden building is certainly a beauty to behold.
Reviewed By Bad_Seed4 - Canberra, Australia
I did not know about this place, my hotel was in the area and we were having an evening stroll and came across it and its the place for your IG or family shots While we were there in the twilight, there was a group taking wedding photos and another group all dressed u in their finery taking family shots. Evening is a good time because its less crowded, I can imagine taking photos would be trickier in the daytime because of more people. Its just beautiful. Its a lovely place to wander and take in the architecture and sit and contemplate (and take photos!)
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. Golden Gate Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,514 reviews
Reviewed By KathieVee - San Francisco, United States
While nice due to a no car policy in a great many areas of the Park, it also is a Mecca for tourists on weekends, so if you want to avoid crowds, go during the week, when you can actual enjoy myriad experiences: tea in the Japanese Garden, a stroll through the Rose Garden, the beauty of the Arboretum and the butterfly garden inside, the great Redwood “garden”, a stroll around Stoll Lake, a run through the Park, or hiking trails through endlessly lovely little fern strewn, hidden flowered settings, or the latest at the De Young Museum. And so much more.
7. California Academy of Sciences
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,952 reviews
The world’s only aquarium-planetarium-rainforest-living museum. Come nose-to-beak with penguins and parrots, watch sharks and sting rays cruise beneath your feet, and feel the spray of the California coast. Fly to Mars (and beyond the Milky Way!) from the safety of your planetarium seat, take a virtual safari in African Hall, or climb into the canopy of a living rainforest. Face your fears—and an albino alligator—inside the Swamp, and meet scientists as they return from research expeditions around the world. From the depths of a Philippine coral reef to the outer reaches of the Universe, it's all inside the California Academy of Sciences.
Reviewed By OneMagicBox - Lighthouse Point, United States
Located in Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is both the educational and scientific home to an aquarium, planetarium and natural history museum including a grass topped roof! Greeting each arriving visitor is a large T Rex. The aquarium offers a visit into the underwater world of numerous reefs and lagoons around the world. The planetarium had a show (part of your admission fee) called "Passport to the Universe" (narrated by actor Tom Hanks) introducing viewers to newborn stars, moons and the black hole. There's a rainforest full of beautiful birds and butterflies. And those are just the highlights. A current exhibit on Skin shouldn't be missed along with some awfully amazing photographs captured by professional photographers around the world. There's even a fog room. Make sure to take the time to explore the living roof. Not only is the view lovely but the eco-science and biodiversity up there is amazing. There are both a restaurant and a cafe where choices abound; there is something for every taste. Moreover, the science academy has several stores that provide offerings for every age level. Before you visit take a look at the various webcams that the academy offers from coral reefs and lagoons to penguins. Yes, the entry fee is pricey but where else can you see a planetarium, aquarium, natural history museum and rainforest in one place plus stay for hours. It's worth it's weight in gold!
8. Oracle Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,075 reviews
Home of the San Francisco Giants Major League baseball team.
Reviewed By CeraphinL - Rogers, United States
I come to a game at least once a year and I live in SoCal. This is one of the best parks in baseball, every seat is great, the food is amazing, garlic fries, tri-tip sandwiches, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Sierra Nevada and much more. Also if you have Clear you can get in the park fast.
9. Lands End
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,832 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 rogerjr2016
You should visit the Cliff House which is situated alongside the remains of "Sutro Baths"where you will have a fine view of ships entering and leaving San Francisco. Also from the Cliff House (well known San Francisco restaurant) overlooking Seal Rock and Ocean Beach you can hike the trails of Lands End and visit the coffee shop and gift center there run by the National Parks. From there if you proceed up the hill further , you will come to a traffic light opposite Seal Rock Inn. if you turn left there and travel all the way up the hill to the parking area you will see the WW2 memorial dedicated to the USS San Francisco which was heavily damaged by Japanese shells which killed Admiral Callaghan while he was present on the bridge of that ship. A stark reminder of the horrors of war are the ships bridge wings full of shell holes and the mast from that battle which stand at the western end of that parking lot with the names of all the Marines and Sailors who lost their lives on that ship. You will see excellent viewing there of the entrance to San Francisco with a view of Golden Gate bridge to the East and Northern Headlands of Marin County. There are public toilets also provided up there should you need to use them.You can read the history on the panoramic plaques there describing shipwrecks and the flora and fauna which you experience in the area.
10. Walt Disney Family Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,760 reviews
Pre-purchased, timed tickets are required for entry. During the first few months of reopening, we will release tickets in two-week increments. Located in the scenic Presidio of San Francisco, The Walt Disney Family Museum is one of the Bay Area’s most inspirational venues, welcoming visitors to an historic building that reveals 40,000 square feet of imagination. Find animation, innovation, inspiration and immerse yourself in the remarkable life story of Walt Disney—the man who raised animation to an art, tirelessly pursued innovation, and created a distinctly American legacy, transforming the entertainment world! The museum presents contemporary interactive galleries and state-of-the-art exhibits which are narrated in Walt’s own voice, and features early drawings, cartoons, movies, music, listening stations, more than 200 video screens, and a spectacular model of Disneyland. Come experience the life story of the man behind the magic.
Reviewed By X9414IFmm
A wonderful museum showcasing Walt Disney’s life and work, enlivened by exhibits featuring amazing drawings, mementos, and family keepsakes you won’t see anywhere else—including Disneyland and Disneyworld! Set in a spotless former barracks building in the Presidio, with a modern addition tucked in back that may just boast the most picturesque view of the Golden Gate, and staffed by friendly, informative employees, this is a must-see for any Disney fan!
