Top 16 Must-Do Activities in San Francisco

Renowned for its stunning beauty, San Francisco is among the most photographed and filmed cities worldwide. Experiencing it in person is truly magical.

No photograph can capture the flavor of delectable, fresh dishes, the sound of the iconic cable car, or the vibrant celebrations of individuality that await you here. So where should you begin your urban adventure? From renowned museums to vibrant LGBTIQ+ culture and breathtaking city views, here are the highlights of any San Francisco visit.

Enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge from these spots

While many suspension bridges impress with their engineering, none can compete with the Golden Gate Bridge for sheer spectacle. On clear days, this American landmark mesmerizes onlookers with its brilliant hues (great viewpoints include Crissy Field), a result of the tireless efforts of 28 fearless painters who repaint around 1000 gallons of International Orange each week. To see their handiwork up close, venture beneath the bridge to Fort Point, head up to the roof, and look up: you'll see that not a single rivet is allowed to rust, even underneath the bridge.

Planning tip: Visit the Marin County side of the bridge in the late afternoon as the fog rolls in, and you'll experience a mesmerizing illusion: one moment the Golden Gate Bridge is visible, the next it's hidden. Come back the next day for its grand reveal, perfectly timed for the morning commute.

Discover the wonders of Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park encapsulates all that San Franciscans cherish about their city, from bonsai trees and bison to vibrant flowers, free concerts, and eclectic spirits. The de Young Museum showcases outstanding fine art exhibits within a stunning contemporary structure by Herzog & de Meuron, while the California Academy of Sciences combines a research institute with a captivating natural history museum featuring its own rainforest and aquarium. The park also hosts the San Francisco Botanical Garden, Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, and Stow Lake. Today, this space offers everything SF desires: inspiration, nature, and vibrant murals.

Planning tip: With countless attractions, you could spend a whole week exploring the park and still miss some gems. Pick a few highlights, savor your experience, and finish your day watching the sunset over the Pacific while enjoying a freshly brewed beer at the Beach Chalet.

Capture the Mission's vibrant collection of over 400 street murals.

Love forever altered the landscape of art in the 1930s when modern art icons Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo spent their honeymoon in San Francisco. During their stay, Kahlo completed her first portrait commissions, and Rivera produced public masterpieces that would inspire generations of muralists. Today, San Francisco's Mission District stands as an urban art showcase, boasting more than 400 murals throughout the neighborhood.

Planning tip: Visit Balmy Alley for some of the oldest murals, and don’t miss 24th St and the iconic San Francisco Women’s Building, adorned with beautiful representations of community pride and political expression.

Explore the legendary City Lights Books.

Since 1957, free speech and free spirits have thrived at City Lights, founded by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and manager Shigeyoshi Murao, who won a landmark case for publishing Allen Ginsberg's powerful poem Howl. Embrace your freedom to read in the Poet’s Chair upstairs, which overlooks Jack Kerouac Alley. Then browse zines on the mezzanine and dive into radical ideas in the new “Pedagogies of Resistance” section below.

Hop onto a cable car – and hang on tight!

No carnival ride can match the thrilling experience of San Francisco’s cable car, a nostalgic mode of public transport. As the creaky cars climb steep streets, newcomers might find themselves unexpectedly sharing laps with strangers—cable cars were introduced in 1873, long before seat belts existed—while regulars confidently grip leather straps, leaning back to ride downhill like seasoned surfers. Follow their example, and you’ll quickly master the San Francisco stance, effortlessly conquering the city’s hills.

Find inspiration at the Asian Art Museum.

Spanning 6,000 years of Asian art across three floors, this remarkable museum is a treasure trove of inspiration. Visitors can explore everything from serene Tibetan mandalas to the drama of Mughal miniatures, with breathtaking displays of intricate Islamic tile work, vibrant Chinese snuff bottles, and an authentic Japanese minimalist teahouse. Housing over 18,000 works, the Asian Art Museum is the largest collection of its kind outside Asia and features engaging programs for all ages, including shadow-puppet performances and DJ mixers. The expanded ground-floor galleries showcase innovative contemporary installations, like Jean Shin’s melted cell phone towers and teamLAB’s immersive dreamscapes from Tokyo.

Experience California's culinary culture at the Ferry Building.

San Francisco is at the forefront of global food trends. To taste the future today, visit the Ferry Building, a celebration of innovative, sustainable cuisine. Be sure to check out the Saturday farmers market, where renowned chefs compete for the best heirloom produce, while little food enthusiasts enjoy organic California peaches.

Planning tip: Head to Pier 14, where you can create a picnic from delicious food truck offerings while enjoying views of the shimmering bay – let your lunch and your day surprise you.

Explore Alcatraz, the infamous island prison.

From its establishment in the 19th century as a prison for Civil War deserters and Native American activists to its closure by Robert Kennedy in 1963, Alcatraz has been America’s most infamous penitentiary. With easy access from the city, an exciting history filled with daring escape attempts, and breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline, “the Rock” attracts 1.4 million visitors annually. There’s no greater feeling of freedom than the return ferry ride to San Francisco, just 1.25 miles across the bay's turbulent waters.

Planning tip: For a truly eerie experience, don’t miss the spooky night tour.

Explore the hidden alleys of Chinatown

Pass through Dragon’s Gate to stroll along Chinatown’s bustling main street, Grant Ave. It’s hard to imagine this pagoda-topped, souvenir-laden avenue was once the wildest place in the West – especially after visiting the intriguing exhibits at the Chinese Historical Society of America. Walk along Waverly Place, the heart of Chinatown, adorned with colorful temple balconies and family-owned shops. Then venture into Chinatown’s historic alleyways to discover a resilient neighborhood, listening for the sounds of mah-jongg tiles, temple bells, and traditional Chinese music as you explore.

Local tip: Conclude your visit with some delectable traditional dim sum.

Delve into the history of the avant-garde at SFMOMA

Since its establishment in 1935, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has envisioned a realm of groundbreaking possibilities. SFMOMA was an early pioneer in collecting emerging forms of art, including photography, murals, film, and installations. Today, it has expanded dramatically, featuring entire wings dedicated to new media, expansive paintings, cutting-edge design, and monumental sculptures by Richard Serra.

Planning tip: To fully experience all seven floors, plan to dedicate an entire afternoon to your visit.

Experience the rainbow in the Castro

Crossing the rainbow-colored crosswalk signifies your arrival in the Castro district, celebrated for over 50 years as the most vibrant LGBTIQ+ neighborhood in the world. Walk along the Rainbow Honor Walk, honor civil-rights pioneers at America’s first GLBT History Museum, and immerse yourself in the ongoing festivities of San Francisco’s month-long, million-strong Pride celebrations in June.

Enjoy breathtaking city views from Coit Tower

As you climb Telegraph Hill, wild parrots may squawk at you, but with views like these, they shouldn’t keep it all to themselves. The Filbert St Steps meander past cliffside gardens, leading you to San Francisco’s tribute to free spirits: Coit Tower. Commissioned by fire-fighting heiress Lillie Hitchcock Coit, this art deco structure honors firefighters, while its lobby murals vividly portray 1930s San Francisco. From its viewing platform, Coit Tower offers breathtaking vistas that inspire and amaze.

Detour: With 41 peaks in SF, your calves will feel the burn as you tackle those steep hills, but the reward at the top is worth every step. Once you reach the summit, you'll feel on top of the world. For alternative views, explore hilltop parks like George Sterling Park and Ina Coolbrith Park, or visit Corona Heights and Buena Vista Park for stunning landscapes of wind-shaped trees and charming Victorian homes.

Listen to the sea lions at Pier 39

In 1989, sea lions claimed Pier 39, one of San Francisco’s prime waterfront spots, and they’ve been entertaining crowds ever since. These lovable squatters have become the city’s unofficial mascots, with California law mandating that boats yield to these marine mammals, forcing yacht owners to give up valuable docking space for as many as 1000 sea lions. Day and night, they lounge, bark, scratch, and playfully jostle each other off the docks—a delightful sight.

Planning tip: Spot these massive creatures on the docks from January to July, and any other time they decide to sunbathe.

Dive into interactive science at the Exploratorium

Can you freeze time, shape fog, or make sand produce music? At the Exploratorium, San Francisco’s interactive hub of science and perception, you'll uncover amazing talents you never knew you possessed. The Exploratorium caters to all ages, with kid-free hours on Thursdays featuring whimsical cocktails, tech-enhanced sing-alongs, and themed exhibits designed for adults.

Enjoy classic games at Musée Mécanique

A nostalgic journey to penny arcades awaits at the Musée Mécanique in Fisherman’s Wharf, featuring an astounding array of vintage mechanical games. The eerie, freckled figure of “Laffing Sal” has startled children for over a century, but don’t let this quirky mannequin scare you away from the finest arcade west of Coney Island. For just a quarter, you can engage in Wild West saloon brawls, watch belly dancers through a classic Mutoscope, and marvel at a Ferris wheel crafted from toothpicks.

Enjoy a cocktail at a Barbary Coast tavern

In the past, friendly bartenders in Barbary Coast, San Francisco’s Gold Rush-era red-light district, were often seen as untrustworthy. Back in 1849, a night that started with laughter and a 10-cent whiskey could lead to waking up two days later, drugged and aboard a ship to Patagonia. Thankfully, the treacherous Shanghai Kelly is no longer a threat, allowing modern-day San Franciscans to savor historically inspired cocktails at revived Barbary Coast bars in North Beach, such as Comstock Saloon, Devil’s Acre, and 15 Romolo. Today’s saloon atmosphere pays tribute to the raucous sailors of the past, complete with iron stools, absinthe fountains, soft lighting, and engaging bartender conversations.