If you’re looking to see the best of San Francisco, here’s your ultimate guide to SF’s most essential tourist attractions, restaurants, and citywide events.
It’s nearly impossible to capture all the best things to do in San Francisco, and there are more than a few activities that stand out. Whether you’re a tourist wanting to see the sights or a local looking for new ideas, we’re sure these recommendations will help point you in the right direction. How many have you checked off your San Francisco bucket list?
Of course, we have a few other lists that could help expand on this one. Be sure to check out our list of free things to do, things to do on a rainy day, things to do alone, things to do with kids, and things to do this weekend in San Francisco, just to name a few.
1. Spend a perfect day at Golden Gate Park
At 1,017 acres, Golden Gate Park is one of the largest public parks in the world. Any trip to the park is different in its own special way, whether you want to bike down JFK Drive or have a picnic in the East Meadow. Some popular stops include the Japanese Tea Garden, SF Botanical Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, bison paddock, Stow Lake, AIDS Memorial Grove, and the Dutch Windmill.
2. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge receives over 10 million visits a year and is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. The 1.7-mile-long suspension bridge was built in 1937 and has remained a symbol of world-class engineering and local pride ever since. Many visitors like to bike across the bridge to Sausalito, and then take a ferry back. You could also sail underneath the bridge on a scenic boat ride.
3. Go ice skating at Union Square during the holidays
Between the massive Christmas tree and the 25-foot menorah, Union Square is a first stop for many San Franciscans during the holidays. Look out for the return of the popular 10-day Winter Walk, with food trucks and family holiday activities; and of course the Union Square Ice Rink, which has a ton of fun events including Drag Queens On Ice.
Dates: Open through Jan. 20, 2025
4. Get inspired at the Exploratorium
The Exploratorium isn’t your average museum experience – in fact, they’ve been making their own interactive exhibits since 1969! Explore and play with over 650 fun exhibits including the mysterious Fog Bridge. This is one of the most fun things to do in San Francisco for kids, but be sure to check out their Thursday After Dark events for adults.
5. Attend the Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown
Happy Year of the Snake! San Francisco’s Chinatown will bring back its popular Lunar New Year Celebrations including the Flower Market Fair on Jan. 25-26, the world-famous parade on Feb. 15, and the Community Street Fair on Feb. 15-16. These festivities date back to 1851, making SF’s celebration the oldest and largest of its kind outside of Asia.
Dates: The parade is on Feb. 15, 2025. Additional events will take place from Jan. 25 – Mar. 2, 2025
6. Greet the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf
The SF waterfront is a fun and lively place to visit, albeit a little touristy. You could see the sights at Pier 39, strike a pose at Umbrella Alley, visit sea creatures at Aquarium of the Bay, and play vintage arcade games at Musée Mécanique. Don’t forget to tour the historic boats at Hyde Street Pier for a fun trip back in time. You can also set sail on a boat cruise for a memorable day on the water.
7. Join San Francisco’s enormous 420 celebration at Hippie Hill
Every year on April 20th, tens of thousands of people turn out for California’s biggest free cannabis event on Hippie Hill. It’s operated for decades as an unpermitted and unsanctioned event, culminating in some city regulations over the past few years and a cancellation in 2024. No word yet on what the event will look like for 2025, but you can bet on some kind of gathering at the usual spot.
Dates: Apr. 20, 2025
8. Stuff your face at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
This San Francisco staple is one of the city’s most famous pizza places, helmed by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani. Order from dozens of pizzas ranging from Sicilian to classic American to coal-fired. Take a culinary tour around the Italian neighborhood of North Beach while you’re at it.
9. Join a crowd of costumed runners at Bay to Breakers
Did you know that Bay to Breakers dates back to 1912 in San Francisco? This historic, energetic footrace is known for having thousands of costumed runners, live music all along the route, and an unmistakable party atmosphere. Sign up now to join the fun.
Dates: May 9, 2025
10. Walk through the Eliasson tunnel at SFMOMA
SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art) is easily one of SF’s most famous museums with a frequent rotation of large- and small-scale art exhibitions from both local and international artists. One of the most-photographed is Olafur Eliasson’s One-Way Colour Tunnel, which feels like stepping into a kaleidoscope. The museum grants free admission to Bay Area residents on the first Thursday of every month from 12-8pm.
11. Join the fun at San Francisco Pride
SF Pride is one of the most highly-anticipated events on SF’s cultural calendar. People come from all over the world to attend the largest LGBTQ+ gathering in the country, which often features performances from major headliners. The event is completely free to attend.
Dates: TBA in June 2025
12. Explore the CA Academy of Sciences’ indoor rainforest
With some of the most advanced research facilities in the world, this famous SF museum is capable of putting together some seriously fascinating and creative exhibits including a four-story indoor rainforest aflutter with free-flying birds and butterflies. You’ll want to spare about half a day to catch a show at the state-of-the-art planetarium, step onto the massive living roof, and visit the comprehensive natural history museum.
13. Get tickets for Outside Lands
San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music Festival never disappoints with world-famous headliners every single year. Although the 2025 lineup is still TBA, you can bet on an unforgettable weekend in Golden Gate Park. Save the dates and stay tuned.
Dates: Aug. 8-10, 2025
14. Catch the view from the de Young Museum’s observation deck
The de Young Museum has been one of SF’s most iconic fine art museums since it was founded in 1895. The building features a 144-foot observation tower offering 360-degree views of Golden Gate Park, and it’s free for the public to visit whether or not they hold a museum ticket. Their collections include African art, arts of the Americas, oceanic art, photography, and textiles. Bay Area residents can enjoy free admission every Saturday, and the general public can get in for free on the first Tuesday of every month.
15. Cover your ears during Fleet Week
San Francisco Fleet Week has been a fixture on the Bay Area cultural calendar since 1981. The Air Show is Fleet Week’s most highly anticipated event, where the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform a choreographed show between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. The best viewing is at Pier 39, Crissy Field, and Aquatic Park, but you’ll hear it from just about anywhere in the city.
Dates: TBA in October 2025
16. Take a tour of Alcatraz
Alcatraz Island is an essential part of San Francisco’s history, most famously serving as a federal prison from 1934-1963 housing the likes of Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. It was later the site of a Native American civil rights movement before becoming part of the Golden Gate Recreation Area in 1972. The audio tour is one of the best things to do in San Francisco for tourists, but even locals will have plenty to learn on a visit to this historic island.
17. Ride a cable car
SF’s cable cars are the only moving national landmark in the United States, dating back to 1873. There are 2 types of historic cable cars in service in San Francisco today: 12 California cars, which are larger and may be operated from both ends; and 28 Powell cars, which are slightly smaller and operational from one end only. You can learn more about the cable cars at SF’s free Cable Car Museum.
18. Sip on an Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista
Buena Vista Cafe is credited as the first and arguably the most famous place to serve Irish Coffee in the US starting back in 1952. The famous cafe serves up to 2,000 Irish Coffees per day in an elegant performance, using freshly-brewed coffee, sugar, and Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey topped with freshly whipped cream. If you’re spending time in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood it’s a non-negotiable stop.
19. Discover the Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts was built as a temporary exhibition space for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. When the fair ended, prominent philanthropist Phoebe Hearst helped to preserve the beloved Palace structure and saved it from demolition. The structure is designed to depict a decaying Roman ruin, featuring a 162-tall rotunda and large colonnades. Many visitors to the Palace enjoy taking a picnic to eat on the grass surrounding the lagoon.
20. Drink tea and enjoy the view in the Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, dating back to 1894 when it debuted as a “Japanese Village” at the California Midwinter International Exposition. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing cup of tea and Japanese refreshments in the tea house, or visit during March and April to catch the cherry blossoms. The five-tiered wooden pagoda recently underwent a $2M renovation and the garden is looking better than ever.
21. Attend a candlelight concert in a stunning SF venue
Candlelight is present in over 100 major cities worldwide, and we’re lucky to enjoy these captivating classical concerts at the magnificent International Art Museum of America and St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco. Listen to talented musicians perform works by iconic singers and composers including Coldplay, Schubert, and Joe Hisaishi while surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles.
22. Go vintage shopping in Haight-Ashbury
Whether you’ve come to admire the historic Victorian houses or grab a drink on your way to Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury has something for everyone. Essential stops include the tie-dye paradise that is Love on Haight, Amoeba Music, and the gorgeous Four Seasons Houses, but it’s also worth simply wandering down the street to take in the eclectic neighborhood as a whole.
23. Check out the floating rooftop paradise that is Salesforce Park
San Francisco’s Salesforce Park is an amazing modern marvel in the Financial District. The verdant oasis rests 70 feet above the street atop the Salesforce Transit Center, and it’s completely free and open for the public to visit at any time. It also hosts a collection of free events every week including yoga classes, bootcamps, live music, bird walks, and garden tours.
24. Dance all night at DNA Lounge
This all-ages nightclub in SF has brought an exciting lineup of DJ sets, concerts, drag shows, and more since 1985. Explore two stages, four floors, and seven bars throughout the massive space in SoMa, and get your late-night food fix at their attached pizza restaurant and cafe.
25. See the view from Coit Tower
This simple white tower has embellished San Francisco’s iconic skyline since 1933. , when Lille Hitchcock Coit left a bequest upon her death “for the purpose of adding to the beauty of the city I have always loved.” Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the 212-foot-high tower and marvel at 360° views of San Francisco including Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Transamerica Pyramid, and Lombard Street. Don’t forget to tour the Depression-era frescoes inside the base, which were painted by PWAP artists commissioned by the U.S. Government.
26. Take a lap around the Ferry Building
SF’s Ferry Building is a center for events, pop-ups, a farmers’ market, and countless excellent merchants who sell their wares daily in the building’s many stalls. Their expansive outdoor dining area has excellent views of the Bay and it’s a fun spot for grab-and-go food. This is also one of the more famous historic buildings in San Francisco, as it was built in 1898 and survived both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes with minimal damage.
27. Drive down Lombard Street
This famous red-brick street in Russian Hill attracts 2 million tourists per year. The iconic street features 8 sharp turns in a 1-block stretch, surrounded by lush landscaping and always teeming with cars and foot traffic. You can take the Powell/Hyde cable cr to the top of Lombard, but don’t forget to see one of the city’s best views a block away at Hyde and Chestnut.
28. Visit the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square
This line of Queen Anne Victorian homes is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The houses were built between 1892 and 1896 and have been featured in movies such as Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) and television shows like Full House (1987-1995). You’ll find that the homes are perfectly placed against a dramatic backdrop of the San Francisco skyline, and “postcard row” is now one of the most-photographed views in SF.
29. Check out the new Presidio Tunnel Tops waterfront park
The highly-anticipated Presidio Tunnel Tops Park opened in 2022, connecting the Presidio’s Main Post with Crissy Field through a series of bluff landscapes and pathways. Explore nearly 200,000 native and drought-tolerant plants, lounge on the giant grassy amphitheater-style Presidio Steps, or take your kids to the 2-acre Outpost play area. Keep an eye out for NPS ranger talks, public art installations, and weekly events.
30. Take a candlelight tour of Fort Point
Fort Point National Historic Site was instrumental in protecting California’s coast during the Civil War. It’s worth a visit any time of day, but these candlelight tours are a next-level way to truly immerse yourself in the site’s history. Each guest will get a hand-held lantern for the 90-minute tour led by a park ranger, which takes you through all four levels of the historic fort including the roof.
31. Eat a Mission burrito at Dolores Park
This popular 16-acre green space is the city’s favorite spot for people watching, catching up with friends, and enjoying amazing views. Take a walk around the Mission District, grab a burrito from nearby El Faro or La Cumbre, and enjoy an afternoon on the grass.
32. Order a juicy steak at the House of Prime Rib
This old-school English restaurant is one of the top-rated restaurants in the city, and for good reason. Find high-quality prime rib to enjoy alongside excellent wines and cocktails, set against a cozy backdrop of traditional decor and jolly fireplaces.
33. Taste fresh California produce at a weekend farmers market
If you live in the Bay Area, you know that we have access to some of the best produce in the country. That’s why farmers markets are a must for countless SF residents who enjoy getting their food from local sources. Some of our favorites are the Alemany Farmers Market, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, and the Heart of the City Farmers Market.
34. Check out the view from Twin Peaks
These 2 adjacent peaks in the city stand 922 feet tall, making them second only to Mt. Davidson. The park itself is 64 acres, and you can see breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay by hiking the 0.7 mile trail network to the top. You can also simply visit via a laidback drive, which makes for a quick and rewarding trip to one of the best sunset spots in the city.
35. Attend a film soundtrack concert by SF Symphony
San Francisco Symphony has an absolutely stellar lineup of concerts all year long, but one of our favorites will always be the Film Series. Watch screenings of classic movies to the music of a live orchestra at these unforgettable performances.
36. Go whale-watching in and around SF
California’s coastline is the perfect spot to catch several whale migration seasons – gray whales from January through April, orcas between February and May, and humpbacks between April and December. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for elephant seals!
37. Take a day trip to Muir Woods
We’re extremely lucky to live so close to the largest and tallest trees in the world. These old-growth coastal redwoods are breathtaking, and most have been there between 600 and 800 years.
Some of our other favorite day trips from SF include Napa Valley, Filoli Estate & Gardens, and Bolinas.
38. Snag a frangipane croissant at Tartine
Tartine has been a San Francisco staple forever! They’re well-known for their excellent breads, but the pastries themselves receive the same amount of careful attention. Take home a loaf of their classic country levain bread, or opt for the extra soft whole-grain porridge loaf or the Danish-style rye. Whether you stop by for a tasty sit-down meal or picking up a fresh sourdough to go, the iconic SF bakery is a must in the Inner Sunst and the Mission.
39. Walk on the Castro District’s rainbow crosswalk
SF’s historically gay neighborhood is world-famous with essential stops including the Castro Theater and the Rainbow Honor Walk. Don’t forget to take a pic on the rainbow crosswalk at 18th and Castro Street, and save the date for the Castro Street Fair in October.
40. Get a pic at Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line at the Presidio
The city of San Francisco began at the Presidio in 1776 when Spain established a military fort there. World-renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line is a beautiful sculpture winding through the eucalyptus trees, but there’s no shortage of hidden gems. Leave plenty of time to explore the 1,500-acre park, with plenty of hidden gems including Lobos Valley Overlook, the Pet Cemetery, and Mountain Lake.
41. Hike the Lands End Trail
The Sutro Baths at Lands End are one of San Francisco’s largest historical relics. Make the 3.4-mile hike out there and you’ll find the remnants of an enormous public bathhouse that accommodated up to 10,000 people back in the late 1890s. See more of our favorite local hikes here.
42. Devour a plate of cioppino at Scoma’s
Scoma’s has been serving some of the best seafood in SF at Pier 47 for half a century. It even has its own fishing boat for crabs and salmon, meaning you’re guaranteed the freshest catch from local waters. Try their “Lazy Man’s” Cioppino or the lunchtime Fisherman’s Special.
43. Get lost in SF Botanical Garden
The San Francisco Botanical Garden is a beautiful, relaxing green space with 7,700 types of plants across 55 acres and it’s free to visit for all SF residents. Some events to look out for include magnolia season from January-March and Flower Piano in September.
44. Explore SF’s most famous mural collections
Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley each house vibrant, diverse displays of murals by mostly local artists. Some of these masterpieces go back decades into Bay Area history, meaning you can pinpoint certain social movements, artistic styles, and more. Discover more of our favorite public art pieces here.
45. Take a slippery ride down the Seward Street Slides
Thrill-seeking adults and children have enjoyed these legendary concrete slides near the Castro since the 1970s. They were designed by a 14-year old girl named Kim Clark, who grew up nearby. The super steep slides will get your heart racing, especially if you bring cardboard for an extra smooth ride. Find them in Seward Mini Park, and heads up that it’s closed on Mondays.
46. Sip on a mai tai at the Tonga Room
The Fairmont Hotel’s Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar is one of the longest continually running tiki bars in the U.S. They serve a mix of classic and original tiki cocktails, including the “1944 Mai Tai” which is particularly tasty when enjoyed next to the restaurant’s indoor lagoon. Settle into the kitschy tropical paradise for a lively experience that’s one of the most legendary things to do in San Francisco.
47. Check out the view from Sutro Heights Park
Sutro Heights Park dates back over 140 years, but it’s still one of the most underrated parks in San Francisco. The south-facing lookout point has some of the best views of Ocean Beach and the Great Highway, and it’s an unbeatable sunset spot.
48. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience
The enormous and newly renovated Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Store reopened even bigger and better in 2022. Customers can enjoy the world’s largest Pick and Mix as well as limitless sundaes, milkshakes, coffees, hot cocoa, and plenty more. Make sure you leave plenty of time to explore Ghirardelli Square, an iconic SF shopping center with all sorts of fun stores and restaurants to try.
49. Cheer on the Giants at Oracle Park
SF’s iconic baseball stadium Oracle Park is located right on the waterfront in SoMa. You can join a year-round tour to see the stadium up close or grab tickets to cheer on the Giants at a home game between March and September. Baseball season brings tens of thousands of people to the neighborhood every year, so if you’re not sure where to grab a bite nearby, be sure to read our Oracle Park dining guide.
50. Experience a yoga session like no other at Grace Cathedral
Hundreds of people flock to Yoga on the Labyrinth at Grace Cathedral for a spiritual experience like no other. The session is a gentle Hatha yoga practice accompanied by live music in one of the most beautiful buildings in SF. For $15 you can join a graceful yoga class open to all ages and abilities led by well-known local yoga teacher Darren Main.
51. Bike around the perimeter of Angel Island
Take the ferry from Pier 41 and rent a bike on Angel Island for great views of the Bay, Mt. Tamalpais, and more. The Angel Island Perimeter Loop is 5.9 miles long and pretty flat, save for a few inclines. Plan to stop for photo ops and pack a lunch to enjoy on Perles Beach. If you want to take the experience up a notch, you can even camp on Angel Island as long as you reserve about 6 months in advance.
