10 Best Things to Do in San Francisco
San Francisco's allure lies in its stunning Bay views by day, twinkling skyline by night. Even the constant fog has a beautiful, mysterious vibe about it, reminiscent of the backdrop of a noir movie. In addition to famous spots like Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Coit Tower, San Francisco is brimming with must-see attractions. Explore top-notch museums, diverse culinary scenes, and hidden gems across its vibrant neighborhoods for an unforgettable experience.
Here are the best 10 San Francisco attractions ensuring you have a great time!
Take a Stroll through Golden Gate Bridge
Don’t forget to visit the Golden Gate Bridge, known as one of the best San Francisco tourist attractions. The views from a distance are as beautiful as it is from up close, allowing visitors to take in the breathtaking views of San Francisco while walking through a 1.7-mile trail. Moreover, you can explore plenty of upscale stores, culinary options, art galleries nearby, and scenic views across the San Francisco Bay. Don’t forget to take a Sausalito boat, which travels through the city regularly and is an amazing pass-time activity for residents.
Climb up to the Coit Tower
One of the fun things to do in San Francisco is to climb up the Coit Tower or take an elevator, taking visitors past the charming residences and vibrant gardens, giving spectacular sights to cherish. Take advantage of the breathtaking 360-degree views of the harbor and city, including Harbor bridge and Golden Gate. Additionally, you can trek up the beautiful garden maze to observe the beauty of nature all along.
Get Inspired by the Street Art in the Mission
Explore the stunning street art scene at the Mission, showcasing masterwork by different local artists. This street is full of artistic murals reflecting political, social, and cultural issues making it look like a whole art gallery outdoors, drawing visitor’s attention, as they see a picture-perfect spot everywhere and click some amazing Instagram-worthy pictures.
Go Hiking
Explore some stunning hiking trails, even though the city may not be recognized for its hiking paths. Try hiking through the Lands’ End with gravel paths above cliffs and views of the Pacific Ocean and other such places like Remnants of the old Sutro Baths which is a big saltwater bath pool constructed back in times of 1890 or take a pause and relax at breathtaking view spot of Golden Gate Bridge and other pathways including waterfalls, lakes, gardens, meadows, hilltops and much more.
Learn More About the History of Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is one of the stunning places to visit in San Francisco, situated right in the middle of the bay encapsulating an old prison that has been a home for numerous well-known criminals including Al Capone. To reach here, you may need to take a ferry ride from Pier 33 and take a guided audio tour on your own.
Furthermore, you must explore the grounds and don’t miss out on the breathtaking views of the skyline of San Francisco.
Visit the Palace of Fine Arts
10 palaces were built for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915 with the Palace of Fine Arts being the final one. Look for Bruno Zimm’s recurring panels depicting “The Struggle for the Beautiful”, as you meander around the colonnades with Greek architectural influences. This palace showcases stunning art pieces, don’t forget to see Ulric Ellerhusen work that adds to the beauty and charm of the palace.
Stroll through the Golden Gate Park
If you’re a nature enthusiast, then one of the best things to do in San Francisco is to take a stroll through beautiful Golden Gate Park, covering over a thousand acres of land. Here you may get to witness a lot of wildlife creatures including, turtles, ducks, geese, and Great Blue Herons, making it an ideal spot to stroll through. The visitors like to gather around Stow Lake which is surrounded by a paved pathway and a dirt trail that goes to the middle island, following the stone bridge you may get to see Huntington Falls. Hikers may reach the summit of Strawberry Hill which is a prime spot to see butterflies along with some stunning views of nature.
However, the Shakespeare’s Garden is just another amazing location in Golden Gate Park, featuring an array of vibrant flowers and exhibiting Shakespeare’s works. A perfect spot to go on for a picnic or simply curl up with a nice book, offering a tranquil getaway from the bustling city life.
Enjoy the Culinary Scene in San Francisco
San Francisco is known for its excellent food scene, offering a variety of flavors and cuisines from all over the world to try. Enjoy the lively San Francisco’s nightlife in bars offering premium flavored wines from Napa and Sonoma Valleys and craft beers from renowned breweries.
Some amazing breakfast options may include Mama’s on Washington Square & Arizmendi Bakery and for scrumptious burgers, sandwiches, and salads head over to either Reds Java House or Beach Chalet & Park Chalet for lunch, whereas for some authentic tandoori or seafood, you can try out ROOH and Waterbar.
Birdwatching at Presidio
Presidio was once a US Army base back in times of 1994 but later transformed into a National Park. History enthusiasts will love to visit here, where you can also take in breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a perfect picnic spot where you can bike, walk or run through the trails, go on the beach, or enjoy bird watching.
Located atop the Presidio Parkway tunnels, the Presidio Tunnel Top offers a fantastic opportunity for families to engage with the environment, however, you can also book Presidio as your special event venue.
Explore the California Academy of Science
It is a one-of-a-kind Science museum featuring an albino alligator along with different spots like an aquarium, rain forest, and a planetarium. When you enter the museum, an enormous skeleton of a T-Rex will greet you, it’s a great family-friendly space fulfilling your curiosities and featuring an outdoor play area for children as well.