San Francisco is one of the best cities in the USA. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is amazing, but there’s more in this city too. Check out these top things to do in San Francisco.
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When is the best time to visit San Francisco?
San Francisco has so many attractions that can be enjoyed all year round. You can have a great stay in San Francisco at any time of the year. If you’re visiting in the summer, be aware that it might not be as warm and sunny as the rest of California in the summer. The famous San Francisco fog can roll in, bringing cold weather even in the summer. But no matter the weather, you can still enjoy the top things to do in San Francisco.
Top things to do in San Francisco
When you’re planning your trip to San Francisco, I’d recommend checking out this great travel guide to San Francisco (affiliate). There are some great ideas for places to stay and restaurants in each area, as well as some useful maps.
1. Golden Gate Bridge
One of the top things to do in San Francisco is to visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This red bridge is instantly recognisable and great for photos. Walk alongside the bridge for some great photos. And you can also walk along the bridge as well. Although it’s a lot higher than it looks so not a good idea if you’re not keen on heights!
2. Lombard Street
Famous as the most winding street in the world, Lombard Street is another great sight in San Francisco. It’s incredibly steep, with eight hairpin bends. It’s great to watch cars negotiate their way down the street.
3. Alcatraz
One of the most famous prisons in the world, Alcatraz sits on an island just off the coast of San Francisco. You can visit it by boat on a day trip from San Francisco. Make sure you book the boat trip plenty of time in advance of your trip as they sell out quickly. Check out the website to book your trip.
Once you’re on the island, you can follow an audio guide to look around the prison and the island. You really get a feeling of how isolated it must have been. You can also hear stories about life as a prisoner, and the escape attempts from some of the prisoners. It’s a harrowing place, but fascinating as well.
4. Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
Another of the top things to do in San Francisco is to visit Fisherman’s Wharf Pier 39. It’s a really fun place to spend an afternoon. Browse the shops and buy food at the food stalls. There are some video arcade games and street performers as well to add to the fun.
5. Sealions on Pier 39
Another great attraction on Pier 39 is the sea lions. These wild sea lions can be seen throughout most of the year as they relax in the sun alongside the pier. They’re great fun to watch as they dip in and out of the water and look like they’re arguing with each other for the best spot to lay.
6. Musee Mecanique
Situated on Fisherman’s Wharf is the amazing Musee Mecanique. It’s a museum of old mechanical arcade games. It’s like going back in time and there are some great games. Including the slightly terrifying laughing woman!
7. St Paul’s Catholic Church – Sister Act Church
If you enjoy the films of Sister Act with Whoopi Goldberg, then you’ll definitely want to visit St Paul’s Catholic Church. It’s one of the top things to do in San Francisco for fans of the film. This church was used in the films so you’ll be able to recognise it. You can also go inside the church as well.
8. Aquarium of the Bay
The Aquarium of the Bay is one of the top aquariums in the world. It’s a great place to learn more about the marine life that lives around the San Francisco area. My favourite part of the aquarium was the dome where you could walk under the water and see fish, sharks and more swimming all around you.
9. Coit Tower
Coit Tower is 210 foot high tower in the Telegraph Hill area of San Francisco. The streets around Coit Tower are the iconic steep hills this city is famous for, so it’s a great area to explore. Climb to the top of Coit Tower hill for great views over the city.
10. Focaccia at Liguria Bakery
For some of the best Focaccia outside of Italy, check out the small Liguria bakery on Stockton Street. Enjoy freshly baked focaccia, and choose between different flavours including rosemary and pizza. Get here early as they sell out quickly.
11. Lucas Film Headquarters
For any Star Wars fans, a visit to the Lucas Film Headquarters has to be one of the top things to do in San Francisco. Visit the Yoda fountain just outside, and go inside to look around at the displays of iconic Star Wars memorabilia. A visit here won’t take too long, but it’s a great place to visit if you’re a fan of the films.
12. IHOP pancakes
For some classic American pancakes and crepes, head to IHOP. This classic American restaurant sells savoury as well as sweet pancakes and crepes. It’s a great place for brunch, or any time of the day.
13. Ride the Cable Cars
The cable cars that go up and down some of San Francisco’s steepest streets are another top thing to do in San Francisco. They can get quite busy, but it’s still definitely worth doing for the views and photos.
14. San Francisco Improv Festival
The annual San Francisco Improv Festival brings some great evening entertainment for the city. In September every year, improvised comedy groups from all over the world come together for a few nights of improvised comedy madness. You can get tickets for the whole festival or just an evening, and watch some different improv groups on stage. One of my favourite improv groups I saw there was Extreme Improv – check out their website to see what other shows they have or watch an online show.
15. Take a day trip to Muir Woods and Napa Valley wine region
If you’ve got some extra time in San Francisco, consider taking a day trip. Muir Woods is home to some impressively huge redwood trees. It’s only an hour from San Francisco, or you can take an organised tour there if you don’t want to drive yourself. It’s a great place to appreciate some of California’s stunning nature.
Another great option is to take a day trip to California’s famous wine regions. The Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley are famous for their wines. Take an organised tour so you can stop off at a selection of wineries to try some different wines and explore the taste of this region.
Enjoy your time exploring the top things to do in San Francisco! Remember to check out this great San Francisco travel guide for your trip (affiliate). Make sure you check out some other things to do in California on your trip. Why not head to Monterey, Santa Barbara or Los Angeles. Or enjoy the coast at Big Sur or explore the mountains in Yosemite National Park. You can also visit San Francisco by train – check out the best USA train routes here, and also what it’s like to travel by train in the USA.
I spent some time in San Francisco in 2015 and enjoyed my exploration of the city. Alcatraz had one of the best audio guide I have ever experienced.
Glad you enjoyed it!