San Francisco, the City by the Bay, is one of the most iconic cities in the world. Known for its stunning landscapes, cultural landmarks, and diverse neighborhoods, San Francisco offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, here are the 15+ best places to visit in San Francisco that will make your trip unforgettable.
1. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the most recognizable landmark in San Francisco. This stunning suspension bridge, painted in its famous “International Orange” color, spans 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County. Walking or biking across the bridge offers breathtaking views of the city, the bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Don’t forget to stop at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, where you can learn about the history and engineering of this incredible structure.
2. Alcatraz Island
Once home to some of the most notorious criminals in American history, Alcatraz Island is now a fascinating historical site. Located just 1.25 miles offshore, Alcatraz was used as a federal prison from 1934 to 1963. Today, visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore the Alcatraz Penitentiary, where they can see the cells, dining halls, and exercise yards where inmates once lived. The audio tour, narrated by former guards and inmates, brings the prison’s history to life and is a must-do experience.
3. Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most popular tourist destinations in San Francisco. This bustling waterfront area is known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and family-friendly attractions. Be sure to visit Pier 39, where you can watch the sea lions basking in the sun, enjoy street performances, and ride the carousel. For a unique experience, check out the Aquarium of the Bay, which features thousands of marine animals from the San Francisco Bay and surrounding waters.
4. Golden Gate Park
Spanning over 1,000 acres, Golden Gate Park is an urban oasis that offers a wide range of activities and attractions. The park is home to the de Young Museum, where you can explore American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, and the California Academy of Sciences, which features an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one roof. Don’t miss the Japanese Tea Garden, a tranquil spot with beautifully manicured gardens, koi ponds, and a traditional tea house.
5. Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. A visit here feels like stepping into another world, with its narrow alleys, colorful shops, and the aroma of authentic Chinese cuisine filling the air. Grant Avenue, the main street, is lined with souvenir shops, herbal medicine stores, and delicious restaurants. Be sure to visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where you can watch fortune cookies being made by hand and even customize your own.
6. The Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies are a row of Victorian houses that have become one of San Francisco’s most photographed landmarks. Located across from Alamo Square Park, these houses are often featured in postcards and television shows, most notably in the opening credits of “Full House.” The park itself offers a great vantage point for snapping photos of the Painted Ladies with the San Francisco skyline in the background. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely afternoon.
7. Lombard Street
Dubbed the “crookedest street in the world,” Lombard Street is famous for its steep, one-block section with eight sharp hairpin turns. This unique stretch of road is beautifully landscaped with colorful flowers and offers a fun driving or walking experience. While it’s possible to drive down Lombard Street, many visitors prefer to walk so they can fully appreciate the views and snap some photos. At the top of the street, you’ll get a great view of the Bay Bridge and Coit Tower.
8. Coit Tower
Perched atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower is a 210-foot art deco tower that offers panoramic views of San Francisco. The tower was built in 1933 using funds donated by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy socialite and supporter of the city’s firefighters. Inside the tower, you’ll find a series of murals depicting life in California during the Great Depression, painted by local artists in the 1930s. An elevator ride to the top of the tower provides stunning 360-degree views of the city, the bay, and the surrounding areas.
9. Muir Woods National Monument
Just a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods National Monument offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This old-growth redwood forest is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world, with some reaching heights of over 250 feet and ages of more than 1,000 years. Walking along the shaded trails through the forest, you’ll be surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature and the majestic presence of these ancient giants. The Main Trail Loop is a popular choice for visitors, offering an easy and accessible way to experience the beauty of the redwoods.
10. The Ferry Building Marketplace
The Ferry Building Marketplace is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse array of gourmet food vendors, artisan shops, and local produce stands. Located at the foot of Market Street on the Embarcadero, the Ferry Building has been a hub of transportation and commerce since it opened in 1898. Today, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates good food. Be sure to sample some local favorites, like fresh oysters, artisanal cheese, and craft coffee. The marketplace is also home to a popular farmers market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
11. Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is one of San Francisco’s most beautiful and historic landmarks. Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, the Palace features a stunning domed rotunda and colonnades, surrounded by a tranquil lagoon. The site is a popular spot for weddings, photoshoots, and leisurely strolls. The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre hosts a variety of performances and events, making it a great place to catch a show while you’re in town.
12. Haight-Ashbury
The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is synonymous with the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Once the epicenter of the hippie movement, this vibrant area is now home to vintage clothing stores, record shops, and quirky boutiques. Strolling down Haight Street, you’ll see colorful murals, historic buildings, and plenty of tie-dye. Don’t miss The Red Victorian, a historic hotel that now serves as a community space and gathering spot for artists and activists. For a glimpse into the neighborhood’s history, visit the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic, which played a key role in providing healthcare to the city’s underserved populations during the Summer of Love.
13. The Exploratorium
Located at Pier 15, the Exploratorium is an interactive museum that makes learning fun for visitors of all ages. The museum features over 600 exhibits that cover a wide range of topics, including science, art, and human perception. Hands-on activities allow you to experiment with light, sound, and motion, while exhibits like the Tactile Dome challenge your senses in a completely dark environment. The Exploratorium also offers stunning views of the bay, making it a great place to spend a day with family or friends.
14. The Mission District
San Francisco’s Mission District is a vibrant neighborhood known for its rich cultural history and diverse community. The area is famous for its colorful murals, which can be found on buildings, alleys, and walls throughout the neighborhood. These murals tell the stories of the people who have lived in the Mission, reflecting the struggles, triumphs, and hopes of the community. Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley are two of the most famous mural sites in the district. In addition to the murals, the Mission is home to Mission Dolores, the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco, and a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. Be sure to try a Mission-style burrito, a local favorite that’s packed with flavor.
15. Twin Peaks
For one of the best views of San Francisco, head to Twin Peaks. These two hills, rising about 925 feet above the city, offer a 360-degree view of the entire Bay Area. On a clear day, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, downtown San Francisco, and even the Farallon Islands. The Twin Peaks Summit is accessible by car, but many visitors choose to hike up the hill to fully appreciate the views and the natural beauty of the area. Sunrise and sunset are particularly popular times to visit, as the lighting makes the city look especially magical.
16. Ghirardelli Square
A visit to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some world-famous chocolate at Ghirardelli Square. Originally the site of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory, this historic square has been transformed into a shopping and dining destination while still retaining its chocolatey heritage. The Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth Be sure to try their legendary hot fudge sundae or take home some of their delicious chocolate squares as a souvenir.