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San Francisco, United States

Destination Guide

San Francisco

United States

Best things to do in San Francisco

60 curated attractions in San Francisco, United States. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

May - October

Average temp

15°C/59°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Generally safe

About San Francisco

San Francisco is a cultural hub defined by its location between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, with the Golden Gate Bridge serving as an iconic greeting to visitors. The city is known for its steep hills, Victorian houses, and diverse neighborhoods, each with its own vibe, from the artsy Mission District to the historic Jackson Square. Despite its charm, San Francisco is also a major tech center, influenced by the nearby Silicon Valley, which means the cost of living is as high as the hills. Tourists flock to landmarks like Alcatraz Island and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, making the city a blend of outdoor adventure and artistic exploration. The signature fog often graces the skyline, so you may not always see the bridge, but it definitely adds a dramatic twist to the views.

Who it's for

Those who enjoy a mix of culture, outdoor activities, and culinary adventures will find plenty to love here. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly destination or a laid-back atmosphere, the city's high prices and constant hustle may not suit you.

Getting around

Public transport: Very Good

  • The downtown area is walkable in about 30 minutes from end to end, but expect some steep climbs
  • Public transport is very good, with Muni buses and cable cars connecting most areas
  • The BART system runs to the airport and neighboring cities, making it a solid choice for longer journeys
  • Traffic can be a headache, so plan your travel time accordingly
Castro District

Castro District

Streets & neighbourhoods
Haight-Ashbury

Haight-Ashbury

Streets & neighbourhoods
Alamo Square

Alamo Square

City parks
Lover’s Lane

Lover’s Lane

Nature
California Street

California Street

Architecture
Haight Street

Haight Street

Shopping and Markets
Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks

Scenic viewpoints
Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach

Beaches
Union Square

Union Square

Squares & plazas
Alta Plaza Park

Alta Plaza Park

Nature
Bernal Heights

Bernal Heights

Urban Attractions
Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Coast Highway

Scenic viewpoints
Mission District

Mission District

Streets & neighbourhoods
Japantown

Japantown

Streets & neighbourhoods
Mission Dolores Park

Mission Dolores Park

Nature
Lands End Hike

Lands End Hike

Adventure
Chinatown

Chinatown

Streets & neighbourhoods
Fort Point National Historic Site

Fort Point National Historic Site

Historical
Presidio

Presidio

Historical Attractions
Jackson Square

Jackson Square

Squares & plazas
Presidio Tunnel Tops

Presidio Tunnel Tops

Urban Attractions
Salesforce Park

Salesforce Park

Urban Attractions
Koret Playground

Koret Playground

Family-Friendly Attractions
Hamon Observation Tower

Hamon Observation Tower

Architecture
Palace of Fine Arts

Palace of Fine Arts

Fountains, statues & public art
Stern Grove

Stern Grove

Nature
San Francisco Botanical Garden

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens
Panorama Park

Panorama Park

Urban Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

Bridges
Legion of Honor

Legion of Honor

Art museums & galleries
Golden Gate Overlook

Golden Gate Overlook

Natural Wonders
Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden

Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden

Natural Wonders
Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

National parks & nature reserves
Crissy Field

Crissy Field

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Cable Car Museum

Cable Car Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Baker Beach

Baker Beach

Beaches
Exploratorium

Exploratorium

Science & natural history museums
Dutch Windmills

Dutch Windmills

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Lyon Street Steps

Lyon Street Steps

Nature
Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park

City parks
Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island

Forts & citadels
Lands End & Sutro Baths

Lands End & Sutro Baths

Natural Wonders
Lombard Street

Lombard Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
California Academy of Sciences

California Academy of Sciences

Science & natural history museums
de Young Museum

de Young Museum

Art museums & galleries
McLaren Park

McLaren Park

Urban Attractions
Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Cable Cars

Cable Cars

Streets & neighbourhoods
Pier 39

Pier 39

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

Art museums & galleries
Ferry Building Marketplace

Ferry Building Marketplace

Food markets & food halls
Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square

Shopping streets & districts
Coit Tower

Coit Tower

Observation decks & city views
Japanese Tea Garden

Japanese Tea Garden

Formal & Japanese gardens
Bison

Bison

Nature
Angel Island

Angel Island

Islands
Filbert Steps

Filbert Steps

Urban Attractions
Thrive City

Thrive City

Sports and Recreation Venues
San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco Zoo

Zoos
Painted Ladies

Painted Ladies

Historic houses & mansions

Where to eat in San Francisco

The places worth planning a meal around.

Boudin Bakery

Boudin Bakery

American

★ 4.4 · 18,654 reviews

Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co.

Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co.

★ 4.5 · 5,145 reviews

Sightglass Coffee

Sightglass Coffee

Coffee · $

★ 4.4 · 3,418 reviews

Wayfare Tavern

Wayfare Tavern

American

★ 4.5 · 3,085 reviews

Bi-Rite Market

Bi-Rite Market

American

★ 4.5 · 933 reviews

Blue Bottle Coffee

Blue Bottle Coffee

Coffee · $

★ 4.6 · 902 reviews

Things to do in San Francisco

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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