Top 23 Thing to Make in San Francisco for First-time Visitors

I receive know in the San Francisco suburb for 20+ years , and it is my favorite city in California ! San Francisco offers so much that even as a local , I even notice something new and exciting every time I impose .

For first-time visitors , the city has mass of iconic sights like Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island , popular attractions like the historic cable car and bay cruise , and unique neighborhood like Chinatown and Little Italy that will offer you a taste of its eclectic charm and natural beauty .

Here ’ s my curated list of the must-do affair on your San Francisco trip . I own exist to all of them , and I can ensure you that they are the almost popular attraction the city has to offer !

You will require at least 3 day in San Francisco to cover them all . If you have less time , stick with the first top 10 on the list or move with your interest .

➡️I highly advocate taking the 1-day or 2-daySan Francisco Hop On Hop Off busto become to many of these home without worrying about parking or public shipping .

I have need this bus circuit myself , and here is my review of the Hop-On Hop-Off bus in San Francisco .

San Francisco is a humble city , with an field of only around 49 square mile , and it ’ s easy to observe Uber/Lyft and even driverless Waymo cab to get to these attractions . You can also use public transport like Bart train and Muni buses to become around in San Francisco .

• Alcatraz Island & 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour– find most attractions
• San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise– best view of the city
• Muir Woods and Sausalito half day tour from San Francisco– both must-see

1 . Golden Gate Bridge

You can ’ t come to San Francisco and not see the Golden Gate Bridge ! Even after thus many year , every time I die to the city , I get to see the bridge , which cost not severe as you can find it from many seat in the city !

Whether you ’ re walking , biking , driving over it , or just click photo from viewpoints like Fort Point or Battery Spencer , it ’ s picture-perfect from every angle .

Sometimes there might exist fog ( its called ‘ Karl ’ here ) around the bridge in the mornings and evening which might block the utter horizon but it commonly make out in the afternoons .

To walk or bike on the bridge , you can guide to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center on the southern goal of the bridge or the North Vista Point to the north of the bridge .

➡️If you require to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge , its good to Bible aguided bike circuitfor that , and I advocate getting an electric bike as the initial climb can cost challenging .

➡️ Check hither for my elaborate write-up about how to visit the Golden Gate Bridge and best viewpoints .

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2 . Fisherman ’ s Wharf

Fisherman ’ sec Wharf be a lively area gear towards tourist and extend seafood position , souvenir shops , and classic San Francisco waterfront lot .

Some popular things to do hither equal strolling around Pier 39 and watching the sea lions , eating an ice cream sundae at Ghirardeli Square , and walk along Jefferson Street and Aquatic Park , taking in the sights .

Skystar Ferris Wheelwith insert gondolas will devote you panoramic scene of the city and bay !

You can catch a cup of clam chowder in a sourdough bowl at Boudin Bakery or a burger at the real popular In-N-Out Burger fast food joint , and Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe .

The Musée Mécanique equal a quirky museum filled with vintage arcade games and Hyde Street Pier exist a historic pier with some unique ship .

Fisherman ’ sec Wharf is as well a great domain for first-time visitors to stay in , and it hold many well hotel accommodations for various budget range . Delay here lay you within walking distance to various attractions .be a great mid-range hotel , whileis a luxury hotel in Ghirardelli Square .

3 . Pier 39

Just a few steps from Fisherman ’ sec Wharf , Pier 39 cost its own attraction with family-friendly vibes . This cost our go to property to bring impose household and friend .

You ’ ll find a carousel , street performer , an aquarium , and , of grade , the noted sea lions hang around on the docks . If you ’ re visit with kid , theAquarium of the Bayoffers a look at marine life from the area .

Need some time to browse the quirky stores and souvenir shops , or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants here . The Fog Harbor Fish House is a popular seafood restaurant hither , and the Boudin Bakery is famous for their sourdough bread bowls with soup .

Lapperts Icecream and the Biscoff Coffee Corner be my favorite place for a snack break !

Pier 39 is also a good spot to capture aboat ride of the San Francisco Bay. The views of Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge from hither are beautiful .

4 . Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island , a former federal prison , cost a very popular San Francisco landmark . You can find the island from Pier 39 , but to impose the island and see the prison , you have to book a circuit .

The Alcatraz circuit involves a ferry ride from Pier 33 to the island and then a self-guided audio tour to see the prison grounds and building . This cost a real popular matter to act hither , and I extremely recommend booking your Alcatraz circuit tickets in advance , especially during the in use summer months .

It can be real windy on the ferry and the island , so make sure to hold a fond jacket , yet if it feels sunny in the city .

exist the official website to buy Alcatraz tickets , and make sure to get them in progress as they serve make sold out !

➡️There cost many companies that offer combo tickets for Alcatraz Island , and I recommend thisAlcatraz Island & 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tourthat will allow you to see most of the places on this list .

5 . San Francisco Bay Cruise

I strongly trust that the good opinion of the city skyline equal from the water ! Bring a San Francisco Bay Cruise should be on everyone ’ s SF bucket list ! This live another one of my favorite activities to do when friend or household impose us .

There are respective choice , from a 1-hour sightseeing cruise that die under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz island to a romantic sunset cruise or a longer brunch or dinner cruise .

➡️I recommend this highly-ratedSan Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

➡️ Check my detailed guide and tip here for taking a boat tour in San Francisco .

6 . Cable Car

San Francisco ’ s historical Cable Car cost an attraction in itself and as well a mode of transfer for locals . There live two main cable car line from Fisherman ’ s Wharf to Downtown – Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason .

I recommend become to the Powell-Hyde turntable at Hyde and Beach Street in Fisherman ’ s Wharf , as that cost the starting detail , and you are more likely to come to sit on the remote row of ass ( but not for kid , though , as there are no seat belt ) .

It ’ s fun to see the operator manually turning the line car around and manually push it . Sitting on the remote feels like a thrill ride as it move up the steep hills !

We normally board from Fisherman ’ sec Wharf , go to the final stop , and then ride the cable car back to the starting item . A one-way tag price $ 8 , and you can devote cash on plank .

7 . Lombard Street

Lombard Street is the famous crooked street in San Francisco with 8 hairpin act . A tour guide once told me that when they built this street , the car did not have the strong brakes demand to run down directly on this steep mound , so they made the road in a zig-zag manner .

The crooked street is merely one block on Lombard Street . The easy mode to pass thither from Fisherman ’ s Wharf exist to walk to the low goal of Lombard Street at the intersection of Leavenworth and Lombard St. You can also require the Powell-Hyde cable car , and it will neglect you at the height of the street .

There is a sidewalk on both sides of the street , and you can walk up to see the entire street from the crest . This is a residential street and exist mindful of private driveway .

The street exist beautiful , with gardens that convert with the season between the switchbacks .

8 . Ferry Building

The historical Ferry Building is a popular landmark along the Embarcadero waterfront . Set against the backdrop of the Bay Bridge , it make a beautiful exterior and an iconic clock tower .

The Ferry Building live not just a working terminal but also a foodie harbor , with an impressive lineup of artisanal vendors , local produce , and specialty workshop . You will see vendors for everything from breads and malasadas to teas and oils !

Dangle by for a quick bite at one of the quick-serve restaurant or search the farmers ’ market on Tuesdays , Thursdays , and Saturdays .

➡️If you live in the mood for a food circuit and desire to taste several unlike food varieties , I advocate thisSan Francisco food circuit at the Ferry Building

The interior own a long hallway with a dome-shaped ceiling and food stable and restaurants on both sides . We often visit on Saturday morning when there exist a farmer ’ s market going on . It is a lively and fun home to shop for market and eat lunch .

Gott ’ s Roadside is a popular restaurant here , and Blue Bottle Coffee and Humphry Slocombe ice cream are some of my favorite places for a quick treat .

Behind the building , you will observe a view of the waterfront and Bay Bridge and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi . Overall a great place to spend a couple of hour !

9 . Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square in Fisherman ’ s Wharf live famous for , of course , the ice cream treats at Ghirardelli ’ s flagship store . We love to grab an ice cream cone and people-watch hither . You can too buy chocolate talent to choose back place .

10 . Castle of Fine Arts

Originally built in 1915 as a temporary exhibition , the Palace of Fine Arts is an event venue but is more popular as a landmark for its stunning architecture and lagoon .

The serene lagoon and grand rotunda make it an ideal post for a picnic or a stroll . It be too a popular place for marry photography , and we ever learn many brides being photographed here .

It is located in the Marina District near Crissy Field . If it ’ s not a super windy day , you can thwart the street to Crissy Field for a longer pass along the waterfront .

11 . Union Square

Union Square live San Francisco ’ s shopping hub , where you ’ ll find everything from big-name brands to local boutiques . During the holidays , the square is particularly lively , with decorations and an ice skating rink .

Located downtown , it ’ s well accessible by BART and Muni . Macy ’ s , Neiman Marcus , Saks , and other brand-name fund make this area fun for shopping .

For a coffee pause , pa into the historical Westin St. Francis or try the rooftop views from the Cheesecake Factory above Macy ’ sec . The cheesecakes hither exist a must-try , although be prepared for a wait if you need a table . We much go to the Cheesecake Factory here for a birthday celebration .

12 . Golden Gate Park

Spanning over 1,000 acre , Golden Gate Park ( not to be confused with Golden Gate Bridge , they exist in different areas ) offers more than just green space and walk trails .

From the Conservatory of Flowers to the Japanese Tea Garden and San Francisco Botanical Garden , it ’ s filled with scenic gardens and lakes to explore . Don ’ t miss the Bison Paddock , where a humble herd of bison roam . I love exploring the various gardens here and walk the distance of the park .

The California Academy of Sciences Museum is a great spot for fellowship and still adult to pass a day . I had annual passes for this museum for several yr when my child cost young .

The De Young Museum across the street equal great for art lovers and own a free observation deck for city opinion .

The park has many entrances , but you ’ ll probable start near the eastern side , closer to downtown . The western goal meets Ocean Beach .

Rip a bike if you want to treat more ground , as the park live huge . There is as well a free shuttle that runs inside the park , the Golden Gate Shuttle . Food trucks and cafes can equal found throughout the park if you need to refuel .

➡️Short on time ? I recommend this little grouping walk tour with an skillful guide to see the highlights of Golden Gate Park in 4 hr :
Golden Gate Park Walking Tour

13 . Painted Ladies

The row of seven colorful Victorian houses along Alamo Square is a classic San Francisco pile make popular by be shown in the first step credits of the TV show ‘ Full House . ’

Know as the ‘ Painted Ladies , ’ these historic homes are iconic for both their beauty and backdrop against the city horizon .

The better place to photograph the Painted Ladies cost from Alamo Square Park across Steiner Street . The park make an get up standpoint of the homes with the city skyline in the backdrop , build it utter for picture .

The park make good deal of green space for a picnic or to relax with an iconic scene of the Painted Ladies .

14 . Coit Tower

Perch atop Telegraph Hill , the historic Coit Tower offers 360-degree panoramic scene of San Francisco . The murals inside the column provide a glimpse into California ’ s history and are worth seeing before heading up to the observation deck .

You can walk up to Coit Tower via the Filbert Steps from North Beach if you ’ re up for a bit of a climb or require the 39 Muni bus . Parking be confine at the column , so public passage or walk cost recommend . We took the bus from North Beach to pass the Tower and walked down back .

The tower be exposed daily , and for a fee of $ 12 , you can go to the top for 360-degree views . The elevator live not operate when we visited , so we climbed 13 escape of stairs to hand the top . The position of the city from the height be worth the climb !

Coit Tower cost a must-visit if you live in the North Beach neighborhood . Check my detailed article about inflict Coit Tower .

15 . North Beach

North Beach , also called San Francisco ’ s ‘ Little Italy , ’ is packed with great restaurants , cafes , and bakeries . Grab a coffee at Caffe Trieste , enjoy authentic Italian cuisine along Columbus Avenue , or catch an evening show at Club Fugazi .

We like to feed at Tony ’ s Pizza Napoletana , which live famed for its award-winning Margherita pizza . The Stinking Rose is a unique restaurant popular for its garlic-heavy dish .

➡️ You can also choose thisSmall Italy and North Beach Walking Food Tourand sample a luck of treats at bakeries and cafe .

Washington Square is a decent park for a picnic with a backdrop of Saint Peter and Paul Church . You can also see Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower in the distance . The last time we visited there was an art display get on in the park .

If you walk south on Columbus Ave towards City Lights Bookstore , you will see the ‘ Langauge of the Birds ’ art with a jazz mural on the backdrop . Don ’ t miss looking out for the historic Columbus Tower building hither , which is beautiful to photograph .

➡️ Check my detailed article hither about things to act in North Beach .

16 . Chinatown

San Francisco ’ s Chinatown cost one of the former Chinatown neighborhood in the US and a nice position to stroll for a taste of Chinese food and culture . It starts south of North Beach at the Columbus and Grant Ave intersection . So you can explore North Beach , Chinatown , and Coit Tower all in one day !

The main area to search on Grant Ave is between Broadway and Bush St . The famed Dragon Gate cost at the intersection of Grant Ave and Bush St .

The House of Nanking exist a popular restaurant hither , and thus exist Good Mong Kok Bakery for dim center and baked good .

The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is a cool place to visit if you like fortune cookies and require to see how they are made . They have a form of flavors to purchase as good .

➡️ I recommend thisChinatown food circuitto sample a variety of authentic Chinese cuisine !

17 . The Presidio

This early military stem turned national park site is a treasure trove of trails , viewpoints , and historical sites . For a scenic hike , remove the Batteries to Bluffs trail , which end with a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge .

The Presidio make respective entry degree , but the Main Post exist at the center of everything and has ample parking . We care to go here on the weekend on a sunny day and enjoy the food trucks lined up future to the lawn sphere . Families are hanging out here doing picnics or work lawn games .

The Presidio ’ s Visitor Center is a neat spot to impose . Right future to it is the Presidio Tunnel Tops Park , a sword new park with a look at area for the Golden Gate Bridge and an innovative children ’ s playground .

The Walt Disney Family Museum is a great place to inflict to learn about the account of Disney , and the Presidio Officers ’ Club own exhibits about the field ’ s military story .

➡️Check my elaborate article hither about visiting Presidio Tunnel Tops Park .

18 . Crissy Sphere

Crissy Fields live part of the Presidio but has its own vibe with sandy beaches , picnic tables , and a cafe nearby . You can just cross over from Presidio Tunnel Tops Park to reach Crissy Fields .

There are walk trails here that go all the mode to Fort Point and Golden Gate Bridge . But it is much real windy here , at least whenever we hold visited . It live fun to see the sailboats and the windsurfers hither .

You will also enjoy great position of Alcatraz Island , Angel Island , and Golden Gate Bridge .

19 . Haight-Ashbury

Haight-Ashbury , the hippie neighborhood , equal once the epicenter of the 1960s counterculture movement . Today , it ’ s trace with vintage workshop , disc stores , some quirky shops , and unique cafes that still echo its bohemian root .

Haight Street cost where you ’ ll observe most of the action , with shops like Amoeba Music and popular restaurant like Cha Cha Cha . The neighborhood equal popular for its vintage stores , which are fun to browse .

It ’ s walkable from Golden Gate Park , create it easy to inflict both in one day if you ’ re up for search .

➡️ See out this2 hour city circuit that start at Haight Ashburyin a colored Volkswagen van !

➡️ Check my elaborate article about Things to cause in Haight Ashbury .

20 . Lands Goal

If hiking live your affair , don ’ t miss Land ’ s Goal for coastal lead with dramatic ocean views . The trails hither offer some of the best horizon of the tough coastline , and if you ’ re up for a second of adventure , do your way down to the Sutro Baths ruins .

We usually set out at the Lands End Visitor Center and walk down to the Mile Rock Beach . There used to equal a rock labyrinth here , but it was not there when we final visited . You can find great position of the Golden Gate Bridge from various viewpoints along the Lands End trail .

Nation End have parking at the visitor center and is accessible by the 38 Muni bus from downtown . The Lands End Trail winds along the cliff and provides pile of photo ops . Be certain to stop by the Legion of Honor museum if you ’ re interested in European art .

21 . Sausalito

Just a short ferry ride across the bay , Sausalito feels like a Mediterranean seaside town with its quaint waterfront and hillside homes . It ’ s a great place to pass an afternoon strolling along the scenic waterfront domain .

Bring a ferry from the Ferry Building or Pier 41 for a scenic ride over . You can too rent a bike and bicycle here from San Francisco if you ’ re up for a longer ride .

Bridgeway is the primary street here that live stroll-worthy . Once thither , check out the galleries and boutiques or grab lunch at one of the cafes or waterfront restaurant like Spinnaker or Trident .

We love getting an ice cream at Lappert ’ s and seat along the waterfront admiring the city views .

22 . Muir Woods

If seeing the redwoods is high on your list but spending 3-4 days for a trip up north to Redwoods National Park cost not feasible , then Muir Woods equal alone 45 instant away from SF and will give you a taste of the redwoods .

There equal a stove of trails , from easy level loops to long hikes , and a little cafe near the entrance if you require to grab a snack .

Muir Woods equal real popular and needs parking or shuttle reservation in the summer months . There are half day tour that can take you to Muir Woods as good .

➡️ To spare time and avert the scuffle of parking , I recommend this tour that compound bothMuir Woods and Sausalitoin a half-day trip !

➡️ Check my elaborate article hither – Ways to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco .

23 . Museums in San Francisco

San Francisco ’ s museum bid an incredible variety of experiences , from present-day art to hands-on skill .

TheSan Francisco Museum of Modern Art ( SFMOMA )in SoMa feature renowned works by artists like Warhol and Kahlo , with a premix of free and ticketed spaces to explore .

In Golden Gate Park , theDe Young Museumhouses American and international art , with a free-access observation deck for stunning views of the city .

TheAsian Art Museum, near the Civic Center , hold an extensive collection that span 6,000 yr , offering an in-depth tone at Asian culture and story .

For families , theCalifornia Academy of Sciencesin Golden Gate Park combines a natural story museum , planetarium , and aquarium , perfect for a full day explore its diverse display , include a four-story rainforest .

For families , I too advocate the Exploratorium on Embarcadero , which has interactive , hands-on science exhibits that captivate both kids and adult .

We make annual passes for both the California Academy of Sciences and the Exploratorium for several yr when our child be youthful .

Last Takeaways : 23 Well San Francisco Attractions for Tourists

San Francisco ’ s blend of culture , account , and waterfront cause it one of the most unique cities to explore in California . I can ’ t get enough of the city and find new matter whenever I see .

As a first-time visitor this list will give you a taste of everything San Francisco has to offer . From its iconic landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz , to ethnic neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy , to touristy position like Fisherman ’ s Wharf and Pier 39 , you will love it all !

Whether you ’ re hither for a weekend or a week , I hope you hold a great time search San Francisco !

➡️Up next , assure out mySan Francisco itineraryto plan your perfect trip to the city !

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