57 Best Things to Do in San Francisco (2025) & Hidden Gems & Day Trips Nearby

Introduction

San Francisco is one of the world’s most exciting cities a place where cable cars climb steep hills, bridges rise out of the fog, and cultures mix to create something truly unique. Visitors often ask: What are the best things to do in San Francisco? The truth is, this city has far more than one list can hold.

That’s why we’ve built this mega-guide with 57 unforgettable things to do in San Francisco. For even more tips and events, you can also check the official San Francisco Travel guide.”From landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge to hidden murals in the Mission, from free family attractions to day trips by San Francisco into redwood forests and wine country everything you need is right here.

Each spot includes how to get there, tickets or entry info, timings, and a pro tip so you can plan your visit with ease.

Iconic Landmarks

Golden Gate Bridge

The ultimate icon and the first stop on any list of things to do in San Francisco. Walk or bike the 1.7-mile span, or drive for the experience.

• How to get there: Golden Gate Transit #101/130 from downtown.
• Tickets: Free for walkers/cyclists; cars pay $8 toll southbound.
• Timings: Open 24/7.
• Pro Tip: Sunrise is clearest; Battery Spencer viewpoint is best for photos.

Alcatraz Island

The infamous prison that once held Al Capone is now a National Park. Exploring it is one of the top things to do in San Francisco.

• How to get there: Ferry from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing.
• Tickets: Adults ~$45–50. Book 2–3 weeks early.
• Timings: Ferries daily; tours last 3–4 hours.
• Pro Tip: Book the night tour for a spookier vibe.

Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39

Bustling waterfront, clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls, and sea lions make this a family favorite best things to do in San Francisco.

• How to get there: Powell–Hyde cable car or F-line streetcar.
• Tickets: Free; cruises from $25.
• Timings: Shops 10am–8pm.
• Pro Tip: Sea lions are most active in the afternoon.

Chinatown

The oldest Chinatown in North America. Exploring markets and eating dim sum here is among the most authentic things to do in San Francisco.

• How to get there: BART to Montgomery, then 10-min walk.
• Tickets: Free to explore.
• Timings: Shops 10am–9pm.
• Pro Tip: Stop at Golden Gate Bakery for egg tarts.

Golden Gate Park

Larger than New York’s Central Park, this green expanse is full of museums, lakes, and gardens.

• How to get there: Muni N-Judah line.
• Tickets: Free; museums $15–40.
• Timings: 5am–midnight.
• Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Bison Paddock and Japanese Tea Garden.

Painted Ladies

Victorian homes at Alamo Square with the city skyline behind. One of the most photographed things to do in San Francisco.

• How to get there: Bus #21.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Open 24/7.
• Pro Tip: Go at sunset for golden light photos.

Coit Tower

Art Deco tower with WPA murals and citywide views.

• How to get there: Bus #39 from Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Tickets: $10 adults.
• Timings: Daily 10am–6pm.
• Pro Tip: Elevator available for accessibility.

Cable Cars

Riding these historic cars is a moving landmark experience is best things to do in San Francisco

• How to get there: Start at Powell/Market turntable.
• Tickets: $8 per ride.
• Timings: 7am–11pm.
• Pro Tip: The Powell–Hyde line is most scenic.

Lombard Street

The “crookedest street in the world.”

• How to get there: Walk from North Beach or Powell–Hyde car.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Always open.
• Pro Tip: Morning visits avoid crowds.

Palace of Fine Arts

Beaux-Arts beauty with a lagoon.

• How to get there: Bus #30/43.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: 6am–9pm.
• Pro Tip: Evening light makes perfect reflections.

Parks & Outdoor

Presidio Tunnel Tops

Newly opened park with lawns, food trucks, and bridge views are best things to do in San Francisco

• How to get there: PresidiGo shuttle (free).
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: 6am–10pm.
• Pro Tip: Great for family picnics.

Crissy Field

Beachside park is ideal for kites and jogging.

• How to get there: Bus #30.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Dawn to dusk.
• Pro Tip: East Beach is perfect for Golden Gate photos.

Lands End & Sutro Baths

Hike along cliffs and visit ruins.

• How to get there: Bus #38.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Sunrise–sunset.
• Pro Tip: Sunset views here are legendary.

Twin Peaks

Best panoramic city views are more iconic and best things to do in San Francisco

• How to get there: Bus #37 or car.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Open 24/7.
• Pro Tip: Visit at night for sparkling skyline lights.

Dolores Park

Local-favorite hangout.

• How to get there: Muni J-Church line.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: 6am–10pm.
• Pro Tip: Grab a Mission burrito for your picnic.

Mission Murals (Balmy Alley)

Outdoor art gallery of colorful murals.

• How to get there: BART to 24th Street.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Daylight hours best.
• Pro Tip: Guided mural tours add context.

Yerba Buena Gardens

Peaceful downtown park with art and shows.

• How to get there: BART to Powell.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: 7am–10pm.
• Pro Tip: Free summer concerts.

Botanical Garden

Global plant collections are best things to do in San Francisco

• How to get there: Golden Gate Park (9th Ave entrance).
• Tickets: $10 adults, free early mornings.
• Timings: 7:30am–5pm.
• Pro Tip: Magnolias bloom in spring.

Japanese Tea Garden

Serene garden with koi ponds.

• How to get there: Inside Golden Gate Park.
• Tickets: $13 adults. Free Mon/Wed before 10am.
• Timings: 9am–6pm.
• Pro Tip: Try matcha tea at the teahouse.

San Francisco Zoo

Family-friendly zoo with over 2,000 animals are worthy to watch and best things things to do in San Francisco

• How to get there: Muni L-Taraval.
• Tickets: $25 adults, $20 kids.
• Timings: 10am–5pm.
• Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Little Puffer steam train.

Museums & Culture

Exploratorium

A science museum where learning feels like play. Kids and adults can experiment with 600+ hands-on exhibits, making it one of the most fun things to do in San Francisco for families.

• How to get there: F-line streetcar to Pier 15 (Embarcadero).
• Tickets: Adults $30, kids $20.
• Timings: Tue–Sun, 10am–5pm; Thu evenings adults only.
• Pro Tip: Buy tickets online to skip queues.

California Academy of Sciences

A one-stop wonder with an aquarium, rainforest dome, planetarium, and natural history museum under one roof.

• How to get there: Inside Golden Gate Park, near Music Concourse.
• Tickets: Adults $40, kids $30.
• Timings: Daily 9:30am–5pm.
• Pro Tip: Go early lines build quickly.

SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art)

A striking modern building housing works by Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and local artists.

• How to get there: BART to Montgomery, 5-min walk.
• Tickets: Adults $25, kids free.
• Timings: Fri–Tue, 10am–5pm (closed Wed).
• Pro Tip: The outdoor sculpture terrace is free.

de Young Museum

Fine arts museum with American art, textiles, and a free observation tower offering city views.

• How to get there: Golden Gate Park (near Tea Garden).
• Tickets: Adults $15; tower free.
• Timings: Tue–Sun, 9:30am–5:15pm.
• Pro Tip: Visit on free admission days (first Tue each month).

Asian Art Museum

One of the largest collections of Asian art in the world, covering 6,000 years of history are must seeing places and good things to do in San Francisco

• How to get there: Civic Center BART station.
• Tickets: Adults $20.
• Timings: Thu–Mon, 10am–5pm.
• Pro Tip: Check special rotating exhibits for rare treasures.

Cable Car Museum

See the machinery that still powers San Francisco’s cable cars free and fascinating.

• How to get there: Powell–Mason line, Washington & Mason stop.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Daily 10am–5pm.
• Pro Tip: Watch the giant wheels pulling the cables in real time.

Walt Disney Family Museum

A museum tracing the life and creativity of Walt Disney, filled with original sketches and models are nice things to do in San Francisco

• How to get there: Presidio (Muni #43).
• Tickets: Adults $25, kids $15.
• Timings: Thu–Sun, 10am–5:30pm.
• Pro Tip: The model of Disneyland is a highlight.

Contemporary Jewish Museum

Architecturally stunning with unique temporary exhibitions blending art and culture.

• How to get there: BART to Montgomery.
• Tickets: Adults $16.
• Timings: Thu–Sun, 11am–5pm.
• Pro Tip: First Fridays are free.

Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD)

Focused on African art and culture, it’s small but powerful things to do in San Francisco.

• How to get there: Near SFMOMA, 3rd Street.
• Tickets: Adults $12.
• Timings: Wed–Sun, 11am–6pm.
• Pro Tip: Visit on Free First Saturday.

Beat Museum

Celebrating San Francisco’s literary history of the Beat Generation (Kerouac, Ginsberg).

• How to get there: North Beach (Broadway & Columbus).
• Tickets: $8 adults.
• Timings: Thu–Sun, 10am–7pm.
• Pro Tip: Stop by the City Lights Bookstore nearby.

Neighborhood & Foodie Spots

North Beach (Little Italy)

Known for Italian cafés, pizzerias, and jazz bars are worthy things to do in San Francisco.

• How to get there: Bus #30 or walk from Chinatown.
• Tickets: Free to explore.
• Timings: Evenings are liveliest.
• Pro Tip: Order espresso at Café Trieste.

Ferry Building Marketplace

A food lover’s paradise of artisan vendors.

• How to get there: Embarcadero BART stop.
• Tickets: Free; pay for food.
• Timings: Shops 10am–7pm; Sat farmers’ market 8am–2pm.
• Pro Tip: Try oysters with a bay view.

Haight-Ashbury

Birthplace of the 1960s counterculture, now full of vintage shops and murals.

• How to get there: Bus #7 or #43.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Shops open 11am–7pm.
• Pro Tip: Amoeba Music is a must for vinyl fans.

Castro District

The heart of LGBTQ+ culture in San Francisco.

• How to get there: Castro Muni station.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Nightlife is best after 9pm.
• Pro Tip: Visit Castro Theatre for a sing-along screening are awesome things to do in San Francisco

Japantown

Compact but vibrant with sushi spots, markets, and cultural events.

• How to get there: Bus #38 or #22.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Shops/restaurants 10am–8pm.
• Pro Tip: Attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in April.

Mission District

Street food, nightlife, and vibrant murals.

• How to get there: BART to 16th or 24th Street.
• Tickets: Free to explore.
• Timings: Best during the day for murals, evenings for food.
• Pro Tip: La Taqueria for legendary tacos.

Embarcadero

A scenic bayfront walkway stretching from AT&T Park to Fisherman’s Wharf.

• How to get there: Embarcadero BART.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Sunrise to sunset.
• Pro Tip: Evening strolls give great Bay Bridge views.

Union Square

Shopping hub and central plaza.

• How to get there: Powell Street BART station.
• Tickets: Free to enter.
• Timings: Stores 10am–9pm.
• Pro Tip: Holiday ice skating here is magical.

Fillmore District

Rich in jazz history and soul food also great things to do in San Francisco

• How to get there: Bus #22 Fillmore.
• Tickets: Free; clubs charge entry.
• Timings: Evenings for music.
• Pro Tip: Visit during the Fillmore Jazz Festival in July.

Richmond District

Diverse food scene from Russian bakeries to Burmese restaurants.

• How to get there: Bus #38 Geary.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Evenings best for dining.
• Pro Tip: Burma Superstar is a neighborhood gem.

Hidden Gems

Fort Point

Historic fort under the Golden Gate Bridge.

• How to get there: Drive or bike near Crissy Field.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Fri–Sun, 10am–5pm.
• Pro Tip: Watch surfers braving icy waves.

Wave Organ

An acoustic sculpture that makes music with the tides.

• How to get there: End of Marina Green Drive.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Best at high tide.
• Pro Tip: Bring headphones down for the natural soundtrack.

Seward Street Slides

Concrete slides hidden in a residential area.

• How to get there: Near Castro, bus #24.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Daytime only.
• Pro Tip: Bring cardboard to slide faster.

Mount Davidson

At 928 feet, the highest natural point are worthy things to do in San Francisco

• How to get there: Bus #36 Teresita.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Sunrise to sunset.
• Pro Tip: Sunrise hikes give clear skies above the fog.

Salesforce Park

A rooftop oasis in downtown is worthy to watch things to do in San Francisco

• How to get there: Salesforce Transit Center (Mission & Fremont).
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: 6am–9pm.
• Pro Tip: Attend free yoga or music sessions.

Seasonal & Events

Chinese New Year Parade

“For updated dates and details, see the San Francisco Travel official event guide.”

One of the biggest Lunar New Year parades outside Asia.

• Where: Chinatown/Market Street.
• Tickets: Free street viewing, paid bleachers $40.
• When: Jan/Feb annually.
• Pro Tip: Arrive early for curb space.

San Francisco Pride Parade

World-renowned LGBTQ+ celebration.

• Where: Market Street.
• Tickets: Free.
• When: Last weekend of June.
• Pro Tip: Wear rainbow gear and join street parties in Castro.

Stern Grove Festival

Free outdoor concerts every summer Sunday.

• Where: Stern Grove Park (19th Ave).
• Tickets: Free (reservation needed).
• When: June–Aug.
• Pro Tip: Pack a picnic blanket.

Outside Lands

Major 3-day music and food festival.

• Where: Golden Gate Park.
• Tickets: ~$400 for 3-day pass.
• When: August.
• Pro Tip: Buy early it sells out fast.

Fleet Week

Air shows featuring the Blue Angels.

• Where: Marina Green & Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Tickets: Free.
• When: October.
• Pro Tip: Crissy Field is the best free viewing spot.

Free & Family-Friendly

Sea Lions at Pier 39

Always fun to watch, especially for kids.

• How to get there: Fisherman’s Wharf cable car.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: All day.
• Pro Tip: Late afternoon is most active.

Free Museum Days

Many museums offer monthly free admission.

• Examples: de Young (first Tue), SFMOMA (first Thu evening).
• Pro Tip: Check museum websites before visiting.

Baker Beach

Beach with stunning Golden Gate backdrop.

• How to get there: Bus #29.
• Tickets: Free.
• Timings: Sunrise to sunset.
• Pro Tip: Go at sunset for golden views.

Kids’ Creativity Museum

Interactive art and tech activities for children.

• How to get there: Yerba Buena Gardens, Powell BART.
• Tickets: $15 per child/adult.
• Timings: Wed–Sun, 10am–4pm.
• Pro Tip: Ride the historic carousel outside.

Day Trips by San Francisco

Muir Woods National Monument

Towering redwoods just north of the city.

• How to get there: Shuttle from Sausalito or drive (reservation required).
• Tickets: $15 adults, kids free.
• Timings: 8am–sunset.
• Pro Tip: Parking requires advance booking online.

Sausalito

Charming waterfront town with art galleries and views back in things to do in San Francisco

• How to get there: Bike across Golden Gate, ferry back ($14).
• Tickets: Free to explore.
• Timings: Shops 10am–6pm.
• Pro Tip: Stop for seafood on the waterfront.

Napa & Sonoma Wine Country

Wine lovers’ paradise about 90 minutes away.

• How to get there: Drive, or join guided tours from SF ($120+).
• Tickets: Tastings $20–50 per winery.
• Timings: Wineries open 10am–5pm.
• Pro Tip: Go in fall during harvest for vineyard colors.

Conclusion

From bridges and cable cars to redwood forests and wine country, there are endless things to do in San Francisco. This list of 57 attractions balances icons, hidden gems, family outings, and day trips by San Francisco so you can plan the perfect trip. No matter how often you come back, there will always be more things to do in San Francisco waiting for you. “Whether you love landmarks, food, or hidden gems, this list covers the best things to do in San Francisco. You can also visit the official San Francisco Travel site for more visitor information.”

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