Top 10 things to do in San Francisco

Pier 39, opened in 1978, sits on the waterfront and offers more than just shops and restaurants; it's a lively home for sea lions who've taken over K-Dock since 1989. The pier's two-level entertainment includes the Aquarium of the Bay and swift carousel rides amid salty breezes.

Worth knowing. Check out the sea lions at Pier 39 during low tide for a more intimate viewing experience with fewer crowds.

Retail Stores: 10am – 9pm Full-Service Restaurants: 11am – 10pm Fast Food Eateries: 10am – 9pm Attractions: 10am – 9pm

Completed in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge is a marvel of engineering, stretching 2.7 kilometers over the Golden Gate Strait. Its International Orange hue was selected for visibility in frequent fog, and it remains a symbol of San Francisco, as captivating to walk across as to view from afar.

Worth knowing. Walk or bike across the bridge for a unique perspective

24 hours

Golden Gate Park, crafted from sand dunes in the 1870s, stretches three miles and now holds treasures like the bison paddock and a replica of a Dutch windmill. Its 1,017 acres include the Japanese Tea Garden and rhododendron dell, ensuring that serene nature thrives next to buzzing city life.

Worth knowing. Check out the hidden Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park for a peaceful escape from the crowds.

24 hours

Alcatraz Island, the former military prison, entices visitors with tales of escape attempts and notorious inmates. An audio tour guides you through prison cells with stories from former inmates and guards. Evening tours, though chilling, make the island's silence even more profound.

Worth knowing. Take a guided night tour for a unique experience

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Housed in a 1898 Beaux-Arts building, the Ferry Building Marketplace serves as a culinary landmark at the feet of the Bay Bridge. Its clock tower is a recognizable part of the San Francisco skyline.

Worth knowing. Check out the hidden back patio at the Ferry Building Marketplace for a chill spot to enjoy your food away from the crowds.

Monday to Sunday 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece was intended to symbolize the rebirth of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. Its iconic dome and rotunda are flanked by colonnades that mirror beautifully in the lagoon.

Worth knowing. Pro-tip: Check out the nearby swans at the lagoon for a serene and picturesque experience.

Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area spans 82,000 acres across two counties, blending history with natural beauty. Walk the Battery to Bluffs Trail for a close look at old fortifications and catch glimpses of the bridge that define the Bay Area skyline. Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Worth knowing. Go for an early morning visit to avoid crowds and savor the peacefulness.

24 hours

Ghirardelli Square, transformed from a chocolate factory built in 1895, is now a vibrant destination filled with gourmet shops and scenic waterfront views.

Worth knowing. Avoid the main store's queues by visiting the smaller shop nearby for the same delicious chocolates.

9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Daily

The Painted Ladies, a row of Victorian houses built between 1892 and 1896, highlight San Francisco's resilience, having survived the 1906 earthquake.

Worth knowing. A local café on Steiner Street offers a perfect vantage point with an exceptional coffee menu.

Daily 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM

SFMOMA reopened in 2016 after a major renovation, doubling its gallery space, showcasing an impressive living wall and an intricate design by Snøhetta.

Worth knowing. Explore the rooftop terrace for the outdoor living wall and take a break with views of the city.

Monday to Tuesday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Friday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM