San Francisco is one of the most popular cities to visit in California and in the whole country. The city is a financial hub, one of the United States’ most populated cities, and attracts millions of tourists each year. Not to mention, San Francisco has a rich history, unlike any other American city. In the early 1800s, the area was technically a part of Mexico.
This changed when it was ceded to the US in 1846, and the city really began to take shape during the California Gold Rush. Discoveries and economies in the area continued booming, aided by the high influx of immigrants. This allowed San Francisco to gain sure footing as a strong city and an intriguing cultural landscape.
Throughout the years, the iconic city has been renowned for its island prison, Alcatraz, as well as the picturesque Golden Gate Bridge.
Just like any city, there’s a lot to do and a lot to see in San Francisco. The city is full of history, has a wide array of different cultural influences, but at the same time, it’s one of the most modern and quickly developing areas. Right on the West Coast and surrounded by islands, forests, and urban environments- there’s something for everyone in San Fran.
Clearly, it can be difficult to narrow down your choices if you only have a limited amount of time to check out San Francisco. Check out this list of the top 10 things to do in the Golden Gate City.
Visit the Golden Gate Bridge
A visit to San Francisco simply would not be complete without a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge. An image that can be found on almost every San Francisco postcard or souvenir, the bridge has become synonymous and indistinguishable from the spirit of the city itself. The Golden Gate Bridge is a bright red suspension bridge that is classified as one of the Wonders of the Modern World.
The bridge connects San Francisco to Marin Country on the other side of the Pacific Ocean strait. The reason for the Golden Gate name is because of the bridge’s perfect position to capture the sun’s rays in the fog of the area. The color of the bridge and the color of the sunshine in the fog creates a golden hue that is incomparable.
The Golden Gate Bridge is the most photographed bridge in the world and one of the top tourist destinations. The Bridge does feature walking paths and biking paths for tourists who want to check out the view right from the bridge itself. However, there are also plenty of viewpoints on the San Francisco or the Marin Countrysides to get the perfect view of the whole bridge.
On the city side, head to Fort Point, Battery East or West Trail, Crissy Field, or Marshall’s Beach for the ideal postcard-worth view. On the Marin Countryside of the bridge, Kirby Cove, North Vista Point, Fort Baker, Battery Spencer, Hawk Hill, Slacker Hill, and Point Bonita each offer some spectacular viewpoints.
Visit Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is no typical island, and it’s one of the most interesting tourist destinations in the whole of the United States. The original use of Alcatraz Island was as a military and federal prison, as well as a military fortification. This was the case from 1934 to 1963 until the prison was abandoned and ceased to be used.
However, that was not the conclusion to the Alcatraz Island story. From 1969 to 1970, the island spent 19 months occupied by a group of Native American activists as part of a protest. In 1986, long after the island’s days as a prison or a protest site, Alcatraz became a National Historic Landmark and began to attract tourists.
Today, the island still houses the abandoned prison building as well as the oldest West Coast lighthouse in existence. It’s managed by the National Park Service and ferries head out to Alcatraz each day to show tourists about the intriguing part of San Francisco history.
Alcatraz Island is naturally beautiful and also the site of some of the most interesting and iconic American history. Back in its days as a federal prison, high profile felons like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly were held there. Because of the prison’s position on an island, no prisoner was ever successfully able to escape.
Tourists who wish to visit Alcatraz are delighted by the amount of art, exhibitions, and historic information that is now available on the island. The only way to arrive on the island is by taking a ferry with Alcatraz Cruises LLC.
Spend the Day at Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a large neighborhood of San Francisco and one of the top spots for tourists to explore. The neighborhood extends across the waterfront and offers plenty of activities for tourists and locals alike. In fact, Fisherman’s Wharf is home to a handful of other, smaller tourist attractions like Ripley’s Believe it or Not and Ghirardelli Square.
Pier 39 is also found in Fisherman’s Wharf, and it’s a great place to spend a day. Pier 39 is an outdoor shopping center and market build directly on a pier. The charming market is ideal for a day of shopping and strolling around. It also offers an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge and a handful of islands, including Alcatraz!
The fun at Fisherman’s Wharf doesn’t stop there. Tourists can also enjoy a wax museum, the Musée Mécanique, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, and the Cannery Shopping Center. Hyde Street Pier, a part of the National Park, even features an old World War II submarine, an amazing attraction for any history buffs or people who want to learn more about the past of San Francisco.
Fisherman’s Wharf is a quintessential part of San Francisco, and spending a day exploring and enjoying this neighborhood is the perfect activity for any tourist. Whether you want to enjoy the sunshine and the view from the piers or get some shopping done, Fisherman’s Wharf has you covered.
You can even try to catch a glimpse of the adorable colony of sea lions that live right next to Pier 39 and enjoy basking in the sun on abandoned docks. There’s certainly no shortage of things to check out in this neighborhood!
Go Shopping in Union Square
Another place in San Francisco that is perfect for a day of shopping or relaxing, is the iconic Union Square. Found right downtown, surrounded by the heart of San Francisco, Union Square is a public plaza and encompasses several shopping centers and theaters.
The square itself features a nice green area with plenty of seating areas for people to take a break in the midst of the bustling city. It’s also surrounded by several blocks of shops and theaters for tourists and locals to enjoy. Checking out Union Square itself, as well as the shopping options around it, is a must-do for any visitor to San Francisco.
Union Square was originally created by San Francisco’s mayor John Geary in 1850. It was named for the pro-Union rallies and sentiment that existed there during the Civil War. Nowadays, Union Square is home to the Dewey Monument, a statue of the Greek Goddess Nike dedicated to Admiral George Dewey.
The area of Union Square has changed a lot throughout the years, but it is one of the longest-lasting parts of San Francisco. The square is one of the iconic areas of San Francisco that has been in existence for decades, offering a calm place of refuge in the midst of a quickly developing and bustling city.
Nowadays, Union Square boasts a Free-Wi-Fi zone, an underground parking garage, and even hosts many outdoor events and concerts. It’s a locale for public art, music, culture, and relaxation. Whether you just have time for a quick walkthrough or you’re looking for a place to relax with a cup of coffee- Union Square is a must-see in San Francisco.
Visit North America’s Oldest Chinatown
Almost every North American city boasts a Chinatown neighborhood. In fact, most of the major cities in the entire world have a Chinatown area. These areas of major cities become refuges where the Chinese culture, customs, and languages are largely preserved. They are established by large groups of immigrants coming to the same cities, generation after generation.
In San Francisco, the oldest Chinatown in all of North America covers 24 blocks of the downtown area. Not only is it the oldest Chinatown, but it is also the largest Chinese enclave anywhere outside of Asia. San Francisco’s Chinatown began to develop in the 1850s, as Chinese immigrants arrived in the city right in the area. They settled in groups in what is now Chinatown and began to open many of their own businesses.
Nowadays, San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the richest and most culturally diverse areas in the entire city. It’s definitely worth a visit for any San Francisco tourist. Enjoy some delicious Asian food while strolling through the lively neighborhood and learning a little bit about the history of Chinese immigrants in America.
Simply walking around in Chinatown is a wonderful way to spend the day, but if you’re looking for something else to do- there’s no shortage of activities in Chinatown. The Chinese Culture Center and the Chinese Historical Society of America often holds interesting exhibits and tours. One of the best places to stop for a picture is the entrance to Chinatown on Grant St., featuring the Dragon Gate.
Ride A Cable Car
The cable car is another iconic image reminiscent of San Francisco. The cable car system is something totally unique to the city. While many other cities incorporate cable cars into their public transportation systems, the cable car system in San Francisco is massive and widely used. In fact, it is the last manually operated cable car system in the world!
Visitors to San Francisco should always take the time to watch the intriguing cable cars go by and hop on one whenever they have the chance. Why not take advantage of the easy and exciting way to get around the city? The cable cars themselves are actually considered one of San Francisco’s top attractions.
The idea for the cable car system was originally brought up in 1869 when streetcar issues were observed. San Francisco is a city of many steep hills, so the cable car system seemed to promise a less dangerous form of public transportation.
Nowadays, there are three cable car lines. One route goes along California Street and two cars ride the distance between Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. The cable cars are well geared towards tourists, meaning that they are actually a great way of getting from attraction to attraction while also enjoying yourself.
They are even considered a part of the National Register of Historic Places and over 20,000 people ride the cable cars every single day in San Francisco. If you want to learn more about the unique method of transportation, you can even check out the San Francisco Cable Car Museum.
Check Out the Charming Local Markets
San Francisco boasts numerous shopping options for locals and tourists to enjoy. From malls and shopping centers to charming markets and outdoor shops- there’s no shortage of place to shop and peruse around. Markets are definitely some of the best places to get a true sense of a city and find some unique souvenirs to take home.
Some of the top farmer’s markets or flea markets in San Francisco include the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market, the Embarcadero Farmer’s Market, Treasure Fest, and Heart of the City Farmer’s Market. This type of market is great for people who want to enjoy a picnic or cook their own food- you can save some money and actually enjoy your grocery shopping by doing it at a market.
Fillmore Street is another top shopping district found right downtown San Francisco. The street encompasses around 12 blocks of elegant neighborhood, full of shopping options as well as music shops. Fillmore Street is a must-see area of the city since it offers a lively combination of shopping, residences, and plenty of jazz.
Another major San Francisco district is called the Haight Ashbury district, home to the hippie culture of the city that reigned in the 1960s. Haight Street is still a major shopping area and retains some of its hippie charms. Keep in mind that Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, and the Grateful Dead all lived on the street at one point. Any fans of these artists will definitely not want to miss strolling and shopping on Haight Street.
Head to the Top of Twin Peaks
Urban environments and the city environment isn’t for everyone. Some travelers prefer focusing on the natural surroundings of destinations, and San Francisco has plenty of incredible natural surroundings to check out. If you get bored of the city or just want to take in some of the most incredible views, you should head to the top of Twin Peaks.
Twin Peaks is found smack dab in the middle of San Francisco, made up of two massive hills. At the top of these hills, visitors can see a full 360-degree view of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the surrounding water. A visit to Twin Peaks offers an iconic look at almost all of the city’s landmarks, as well as the beautiful skyline in its totality.
Aside from the view itself, Twin Peaks also offers the perfect way to enjoy a day in San Francisco. You can enjoy the lovely hike all the way to the top of the hills. Often, tourists find themselves among the clouds up on Twin Peaks, due to the high levels of fog in San Francisco. Be sure to pack some warm clothes for the hike!
Visiting Twin Peaks is completely free, and it’s quite easy to get to. Not to mention, it’s a great option for both morning and nighttime adventures. The attraction is open until midnight every day and offers an incredible vantage point to watch either the sunrise or the sunset above the city. It’s a great way to take in the city while also getting some exercise and fresh air.
Visit Some Iconic Art Galleries and Museums
One of the most popular things to do in any city is to enjoy an art gallery or museum. This is a great activity for a rainy day and the perfect way to get a sense of the city’s cultural landscape. San Francisco is home to several unique art galleries and museums that are sure to amuse any tourist.
The Asian Art Museum, found near the Civic Center, is one of the world’s most diverse collections of Asian art and artifacts. This museum mainly focuses on items that originated in Japan, the Philippines, China, India, and Turkey.
Another amazing and well-known art museum in San Francisco is the de Young Museum. This museum is located in the Golden Gate Park and is home to a massive collection of classical and contemporary American Art. Not to mention, the 9th-floor offer yet another unbelievable view of the city.
For a more scientific experience, check out the California Academy of Sciences, found right inside the Golden Gate Park. This academy is not just a museum of natural history- it’s also home to an aquarium and planetarium. Not to mention, it’s quite kid-friendly and a great place for families to spend an educational day indoors. Another stop that’s ideal for children is the Children’s Creativity Museum.
Learn more about California and American history by stopping for a visit to the California Historical Society or the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Both of these museums offer an interesting insight into the past, boasting many intriguing items preserved for decades and longer.
Take in The View from Angel Island
Although Alcatraz Island is the island more commonly associated with San Francisco, it’s not the only island nearby. San Francisco is surrounded by several small islands, one of which is Angel Island. Luckily, Angel Island’s less-known status means that it’s much cheaper and usually much less crowded with crowds of tourists.
Angel Island is an ideal place to enjoy a day trip. The cute little island has plenty of opportunities for learning about history, biking or walking around, or just enjoying a cup of coffee while looking out onto the water.
To get to Angel Island, there are public ferries running all day long that are easy and quick. As soon as you get off the ferry, the fun begins. Just around the corner from the ferry is Immigration Station. Angel Island used to be a holding place for immigrants seeking to enter the US, similarly to Ellis Island on the East Coast. Take a tour or just take a peek at the historic Immigration Station.
Angel Island is also home to plenty of nature and great opportunities to get some fresh air. Take a hike up the North Ridge Trail- a picturesque and relatively easy hiking trail that will bring you to the top of Mount Livermore. Up at the top, there are unbelievable views of the city and comfortable seating areas to take a break. If you want to bring your bike or rent one when you get there, Angel Island is bordered by a long biking trail by the water.
Conclusion
Whether San Francisco is a faraway adventure or a short sojourn for you, it’s important to plan out what to do in one of the most visited cities in America. There’s so much to do and so many options that even San Francisco natives can have a hard time navigating all of it. Commonly nicknamed the 415, the city of San Francisco certainly won’t be a bore to anyone who passes through. The city has gone through a ton of history, rebuilding stronger and better after even the most devastating of fires and earthquakes. Today, the city is a symbol of hope and one of the hubs for liberal activism in the country. It’s recognized as one of the most accepting cities, often recognized for the hippie movement and the musical influences of bands like the Grateful Dead. San Francisco has easy access to some amazing parks, including the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which attracts over 13 million visitors a year by itself.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, San Francisco and the Silicon Valley area have come to be known for some of the most modern advancements in technology. Not to mention, several massive companies call the city home. Twitter, Yelp, Dropbox, and Reddit are all headquartered right by the Golden Gate Bridge. With such a perfect blend of culture, art, nature, and modernization- what more could a visitor to San Francisco ask for? There’s nothing left to do but start off your adventure to San Fran the right way!
