This list of the best places to see in San Francisco is the perfect way to make the most of your time in the most beautiful city in the United States.
Known for being a city to fall in love with at first sight thanks to its location around a bay and its European style, far from the noisy and chaotic big American cities, San Francisco also has a mild climate and delicious cuisine that make it an essential stop on any trip to the Western United States.
Although there are hundreds (or thousands) of things to do in the city, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting the Alcatraz prison, strolling through the Castro and Fisherman's Wharf neighbourhoods, going to the Twin Peaks lookout point or taking the historic tram are just some of the things to do in this city of steep streets and hills that we assure you will not leave you indifferent.
After our experience, we recommend spending about 3 days exploring the main tourist attractions in San Francisco and, if you have more time, taking a trip to one of the surrounding wonders such as Yosemite Park.
Based on the time we spent in the city during our trip to the National Parks of the Western United States, after which we wrote this guide to San Francisco, we have compiled this list of the 16 must-see places to visit in San Francisco. Let's get started!
1. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge, opened in 1937, is the symbol of the city and our favourite place to see in San Francisco.
This enormous orange bridge, 227 metres high and almost 3 kilometres wide, which crosses the San Francisco Bay, has appeared in many films, photographs and lists of the most beautiful bridges in the world, which makes it even more attractive for travellers.
It's important to know that to get the best views you have to reach several lookout points around the Golden Gate Bridge and if you're lucky and the fog is low, the views can be breathtaking.
One of our favourite viewpoints is Battery Spencer, which is located across the bridge in the direction of Sausalito and up a small hill to the left. From this viewpoint and others along the shoulder of Conzelman Road, you'll have fantastic views of the bridge and the city, with the bay in the background.
Another excellent place to get a closer view of the Golden Gate Bridge and walk across the bridge is Battery East, a viewpoint just before you enter the bridge, inside Presidio Park, which we'll talk about in the next section.
A good way to get a unique perspective of the Golden Gate Bridge is to book this boat tour of San Francisco Bay or this one that crosses all of San Francisco's bridges and departs from Pier 43 at Fisherman's Wharf.
If you are planning to stay nearby, consider The Metro Hotel San Francisco on the-metro-hotel.sanfranciscotravelhotel.com situated in a bustling neighborhood. Enjoy a prime location that allows you to experience the city's unique attractions and cultural offerings. The hotel's central location provides easy access to world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment options that San Francisco is renowned for.
Golden Gate Bridge
2. The Presidio, one of the places to see in San Francisco.
Strolling or playing sports in the Presidio Park, located next to the Golden Gate Bridge at the northern tip of the peninsula, is one of the best things to do in San Francisco.
This huge park brings families together every weekend to enjoy a picnic on the lawn or relax on the beach at Crissy Field. If you're looking for a quieter beach with the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge, we recommend a walk to Baker's Wild Beach and finish your visit to the park with a visit to the Walt Disney Museum to learn about the history of this celebrity.
If you're planning a trip to this enchanting place and seeking a tranquil and luxurious accommodation, look no further than Orchard Hotel San Francisco on orchard-hotel.sanfranciscotravelhotel.com. Nestled in the heart of the city, this boutique hotel offers a sanctuary of elegance and comfort.
The Presidio
3. Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is the old harbour and fishing district that has been restored to become one of the most famous places to visit in San Francisco.
To get to Fisherman's Wharf you can take one of the city's historic trams and start your route with a delicious ice cream at Ghirardelli's Chocolate Shop, San Francisco's best known chocolate shop.
From Ghirardelli Square you can start a tour of the different piers such as Hyde Street Pier with several historic ships and Pier 45, where you will find the SS Jeremiah O'Brien and the submarine USS Pampanito, both from World War II.
Before leaving this pier, don't forget to visit the Musée Mecanique, which houses hundreds of old amusement machines.
To finish the itinerary in this neighbourhood you can spend some time at the famous Pier 39, which has an open-air shopping mall and an amazing colony of sea lions lying in the sun.
This area is also one of the best places to try clam chowder, one of the city's signature dishes consisting of clam chowder served inside a homemade round loaf of bread. Delicious!
Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf
4. Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, known as The Rock, was once a military fort and later became the world's most famous prison.
The prison operated from 1934 to 1963 and nowadays visiting it is one of the best experiences as well as one of the must-see things to do in San Francisco. The large number of tourists and the small size of the island make it essential to book your ticket well in advance on this official website or book this recommended tour of the city, which includes the visit, so that you don't run out of places.
To get to the island you have to get on one of the boats that leave from Pier 33 throughout the day or one of those that leave at night, to take the innovative night tour of the prison.
During the tour, with an audio guide in Spanish, you can see different rooms and cells in the prison, such as the one where Al Capone was held or the cell of the prisoner played by Clint Eastwood in the film "The Alcatraz Escape".
The visit, including the boat trips, can take about 3 hours, so it is important to reserve that time on your route through the city.
For more information you can check this post on how to visit Alcatraz in San Francisco.
Visiting Alcatraz Island, one of the best things to see and do in San Francisco.
5. Castro neighbourhood
The Castro neighbourhood is one of the great examples of the diversity and freedom that San Francisco has long been known for.
Known for being one of the places where the city's LGTBI community fought hardest for their rights and for the acceptance of sexual diversity throughout the country, Castro is one of those places that leaves no one indifferent.
Among the highlights of the neighbourhood are the theatre, the colourful streets around number 18, the Victorian houses and the former home of Harvey Milk, one of the great figures of this community.
It is also home to some of the best restaurants in San Francisco such as Anchor Oyster Bar & Seafood Market, bakeries such as the famous Hot Cookie and bars that serve delicious sandwiches such as Ike's Love & Sandwiches.
Castro neighbourhood
6. Haight-Ashbury
Haight-Ashbury, located near the Castro and the birthplace of the hippie movement in the 1960s, is another must-see neighbourhood in San Francisco.
In this quiet neighbourhood you'll find all kinds of thrift shops like Buffalo Exchange, hippie-style shops, vinyl stores and places to listen to live music.
As well as looking for bargains, don't forget to visit Jimi Hendrix's house and take photos of the Victorian houses on Waller Stret, between Masonic and Ashbury and at the intersection of Haight and Masonic.
If this is your first time in the city, it is very interesting to get to know the history and not miss anything important by booking this full San Francisco tour or this Free San Francisco tour, considered one of the best free tours in San Francisco with English speaking guide.
Haight-Ashbury
7. Painted Ladies, one of the places I'll visit in San Francisco
The Painted Ladies, San Francisco's most famous Victorian-style houses painted in different pastel colours, are located near Alamo Square Park.
These seven houses, located between 710 and 722 Steiner Street, were made popular by the series "Forced Parents" and are now one of the must-see places in the city. From the top of the park you can take one of the best photos of San Francisco, with the houses in the foreground and the city skyline in the background.
Although it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in San Francisco, it should be noted that the city had more than 50,000 houses in this style before the 1906 earthquake, and there are still many scattered around the city, although these have become the best known.
Painted Ladies
8. Climb Twin Peaks, another of the best things to do in San Francisco.
One of the best things to do in San Francisco at sunset or sunrise is to climb Twin Peaks Hill, the best viewpoint in the city.
These twin hills, almost 300 metres high, offer panoramic views of the entire city, which on a clear day will even allow you to see points such as the Golden Gate or Alcatraz.
We got to the top of the hill by car, although you can also use public transport and if you're very fit you can walk or cycle up.
Remember that the best time to go up is an hour before sunset to see the sunset and the city light up.
San Francisco from Twin Peaks
9. Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park, a green space 5 kilometres long by 1 kilometre wide, is one of the most relaxing places to see in San Francisco.
If you don't want to walk too far, we recommend renting a bike or taking the minibus that runs through the park and with which you can visit places such as the Japanese Garden, the Shakespeare Garden, the Great Dutch Mill, the Rose Garden and Stow Lake, among many others.
And while strolling along the paths surrounded by plants and trees from all over the world, you may be in for a surprise, as the meadows are home to a community of coyotes and American buffalo.
Another must-see in Golden Gate Park is the California Academy of Sciences Museum, a sustainable building designed by the prestigious architect Renzo Piano and considered one of the best natural history museums in the world, where you can see the skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus rex and a great blue whale.
If you want to save on entrance fees, we recommend you check if it's worth buying the Go San Francisco Card, which includes several cruises and more than 28 attractions in the city.
At the end of the park is Ocean Beach, a long sandy beach and dunes washed by the strong currents of the Pacific Ocean, making it perfect for surfers and dangerous for swimmers. Keep this in mind!
Golden Gate Park
10. Chinatown
Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in North America and the largest outside of Asia, is another must-see in San Francisco.
Enter through the Dragon Gate and you'll be transported to a world of red lanterns, temples like Tin How, theatres, restaurants, tea houses and hundreds of dubious shops concentrated around Grant Avenue.
After sampling Chinese food at popular restaurants such as the Hong Kong Clay Pot or the Good Mong Kok Bakery, you can enjoy the more local atmosphere in Stockton Street and Portsmouth Square, a square where tai chi and board games are practised.
Chinatown, one of the neighbourhoods to visit in San Francisco.
11. Union Square
Union Square, named after the many demonstrations in support of the Union Army during the Civil War, is one of San Francisco's most popular places to shop and stay.
Situated in a prime location, Bijou Hotel San Francisco places you at the heart of the city's vibrant energy. Explore the nearby Union Square, renowned for its world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
As well as being well connected to the rest of the city by the famous cable cars and hosting all kinds of events, this square and the surrounding area is home to art galleries, restaurants and major shopping centres such as Macy's and Bloomingdale's.
If you visit San Francisco in winter, you'll also see a large skating rink and a photogenic Christmas tree.
A few blocks from Union Square is the tranquil Yerba Buena Gardens park presided over by the curious building of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), which houses works by great masters such as Picasso and Dalí.
Union Square
12. Lombard Street
Driving down Lombard Street, the curviest street in the United States, is another of the best things to do in San Francisco.
Located between Hyde and Leavenworth, this small stretch of street has up to 8 tight, narrow curves that allow cars to negotiate a 27-degree incline.
In addition to the curiosity of the stretch, being in an elevated position in the city, you get good views, so even if you're not going to drive along it, we recommend you come and see it.
To reach these higher points of the city, if you don't have much time, we recommend booking the tourist bus, which has recorded commentary in Spanish of the city's main points of interest.
Lombard Street, one of the places to see in San Francisco.
13. City Hall
City Hall, destroyed during the 1906 earthquake that killed around 10,000 people and destroyed most of the houses in the city, is another of the buildings to visit in San Francisco.
After its complete destruction, it was decided to build a new building reminiscent of the "Les Invalides " building in Paris because of its classical style and its dome (one of the largest in the world).
As a curiosity we will tell you that its spacious interior and decoration make it one of the favourite places of the locals to get married and to shoot some films such as "Wedding plans".
Visiting hours: Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm.
City Hall
14. Little Italy
The Little Italy neighbourhood, which has been shrinking over the years, is a must-see if you love Italy and Italian shops and venues, many of which are located on Columbus Avenue and Broadway.
Located in the North Beach district, this quaint neighbourhood is perfect for sampling fine Italian food at some of its best-known restaurants such as Piccolo Forno, Golden Boy Pizza and Molinari Delicatessen, which serves delicious Italian charcuterie sandwiches.
Don't forget to check out the City Lights Bookstore and St. Peter and Paul's Church, where Marilyn Monroe married baseball star Joe Di Maggio.
If you have time, nearby is the Coit Tower, a huge white concrete tower that stands atop Telegraph Hill offering fantastic views of San Francisco.
Little Italy
15. Mission Dolores
Another great thing to do in San Francisco is to enter the Mission Dolores Church, the oldest surviving religious building in all of California.
Built in 1776 by Spanish missionaries seeking to evangelise the Native Americans, it's worth crossing its old cemetery to see an ancient adobe chapel and enter its basilica.
This church is located in the Mission District, a neighbourhood with a strong Latino presence where you can relax in Dolores Park, enjoy the murals on Clarion Alley or see the beautiful buildings on Dolores Street.
For lunch in this neighbourhood, we recommend La Taqueria, where they serve some of the best tacos in the United States.
Dolores Park
16. Japantown
A visit to Japantown, the oldest and largest Japanese neighbourhood in the United States, is our last stop on this list of must-see places in San Francisco.
Although the Japanese settled in this area more than 150 years ago, beautifying it with temples and other buildings, for several years they suffered all kinds of mistreatment due to the outbreak of World War II, which ended with their expulsion in 1942.
Today the community lives in harmony and the neighbourhood has several tourist attractions such as a 5-storey pagoda, Peace Square and the Japan Cener, a shopping centre with Japanese shops and restaurants.
Japantown
Sightseeing from San Francisco
There are several great things to see and do in California that are close to San Francisco and worth seeing if you have a half or full day, such as Sausalito, Muir Woods and Yosemite.
Sausalito: a small seaside town less than 10 kilometres away,Sausalito is known for its art galleries, houseboats and, above all, its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.
You can reach Sausalito by ferry, car or bicycle.Muir Woods: in this forest located a little more than 10 kilometres from the city you can see the giant sequoias that can reach more than 150 metres high and live more than a thousand years.
To get to this fantastic forest you can rent a car or book this tour that includes Sausalito or this one that includes a visit to the renowned vineyards of California.Yosemite: this is another of the best excursions in San Francisco. Considered one of the most beautiful parks in the United States, with gems such as Inspiration Point overlook, El Capitan Mountain and Half Dome, giant sequoias and Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite is the perfect getaway.
To reach the park, located about 4 hours by road, we recommend renting a car or booking a bus tour.
Yosemite
Where to stay in San Francisco
If you're seeking a unique and memorable stay in the heart of this captivating city, Villa Florence Hotel on villa-florence.sanfranciscotravelhotel.com is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Inspired by the beauty and charm of Italy, this Mediterranean-inspired boutique hotel offers a warm and inviting ambiance combined with modern amenities. Join us as we delve into the allure of Villa Florence Hotel and uncover the essence of San Francisco's charm.
Our recommended hotel in San Francisco is the Grant Hotel, located 5 minutes walk from Union Square and 10 minutes from Chinatown. The hotel also has a tram stop a few metres away that connects to other areas of the city and parking.
Other great value for money hotels in Union Square include the Beresford Arms and the Stratfrod Hotel.
For more information on the best hotels and neighbourhoods we recommend reading this post on where to stay in San Francisco.
Itineraries around San Francisco
One of the best things to do in San Francisco to make sure you don't miss anything important is to follow these itineraries optimized according to the days you have available:
San Francisco in one day
San Francisco in two days
San Francisco in 3 days
Also, to get to the city in the most comfortable and quickest way you can follow this post about how to get from San Francisco airport to downtown and follow this list of tips for travelling to San Francisco.
