A tailored guide to the things to do in San Francisco is prepared for you, whether you are a traveler exploring the Golden City for the first time or a local looking to discover its hidden treasures. The city’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and sophisticated urban life make it an ideal destination for intrepid explorers seeking endless adventures. There is a range of San Francisco things to do, including sightseeing, culinary, unique cultural and artistic, and nature-exploration experiences. Now, we cordially invite you to join us in exploring the charm of San Francisco!
What to Do in San Francisco?
- #1 Go sightseeing at the best tourist attractions & iconic spots in San Francisco.
- #2 Enjoy cuisine, coffee & drinks at the best places in San Francisco.
- #3 Explore the top museums, galleries, performing art & music venues in San Francisco.
When is the Best Time to Visit San Francisco?
We recommend visiting San Francisco during the spring months of March through May or the fall months of September through November to experience optimal weather conditions. If you are open to the possibility of inclement weather of rain and fog and wish to take advantage of more affordable travel prices, the winter months of December through February are also a viable option.
- Spring, from March to May, is the ideal season to find things to do in San Francisco California at vibrant parks and gardens as they burst into bloom. Spring boasts relatively mild temperatures and rainfall, but you should be prepared for weather changes.
- Summer (June through August) has the coolest temperatures and increased fog. Mark Twain once said, “The coldest winter is a San Francisco summer.”
- Fall, from September to November, is the optimal season to visit San Francisco due to the pleasant weather of the “Indian summer,” making it an ideal time to find the best things to do in San Francisco outdoors.
- The winter months (December through February) are relatively mild and snow-free, though colder than the other months. Winter is San Francisco’s rainy season, but the occasional rain and fog can create a tranquil atmosphere. During this season, tourist prices are often lower, with fewer visitors.
For first-time visitors, we recommend you allocate at least a week to explore the city, given its size and attractions. For students, we offer student housing in San Francisco on various lease terms in many prime locations. If you need help finding a home to stay in when you travel or study in San Francisco, USA, we are always here to assist you.
Things to Do in San Francisco: Sightseeing
Lands End Trail 📍680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
The Lands End Trail is regarded as one of the most exceptional hiking destinations in San Francisco. The area boasts numerous trails, offering diverse views of the coastal terrain and providing unique perspectives of the Golden Gate Bridge. The area offers top things to do in San Francisco, including hiking to the Sutro Baths, exploring the coastline at Point Lobos, visiting the USS San Francisco Memorial, viewing the Mile Rock Lighthouse, etc.
- Hours: Open year-round
Angel Island
Angel Island is often considered the “lesser known” Alcatraz. It is one of the popular San Francisco places to visit due to its various activities and cost-effectiveness. You can take historical, hiking, and bike tours and visit charming cafés by the water. This unique attraction is suited for a day trip, offering a comprehensive experience in a single day.
Golden Gate Bridge 📍Golden Gate Brg, San Francisco, CA
Once considered unbuildable, the Golden Gate Bridge has become one of the seven wonders of the modern world. This remarkable bridge is San Francisco’s most iconic landmark and one of the top places to see in San Francisco. The bridge connects San Francisco to the Marin Headlands, spanning 1.7 miles. As one of Earth’s most frequently photographed sites, it is a popular destination for photographers. It is accessible to pedestrians, wheelchair users, and bicyclists daily.
Golden Gate Park 📍501 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117
As the third most visited urban park in the United States, Golden Gate Park is located in Downtown San Francisco. The park offers various things to do in San Francisco Bay Area, including taking guided or self-guided tours, biking through beautiful trails, and ticking off famous attractions. The park has several notable attractions, including the Japanese Tea Garden, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, the de Young Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences. The park also boasts numerous things to see in San Francisco, including secluded trails, verdant lawns, horse trails, lakes, and an impressive 7,000 species of plants.
- Thursday-Tuesday Hours: 10am – 4:30pm, Last entry at 4pm
- Free Day: First Tuesday of the Month
- Closed:
Wednesdays for weekly maintenance;
Holidays: Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1 (open other major holidays);
2025 Annual Maintenance Closure: January 22-February 5, 2025
SkyStar Wheel 📍2860 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94111
A visit to the Skystar Wheel is a popular stuff to do in San Francisco. Skystar Wheel features 36 enclosed, airy cable cars. For a premium experience, you can consider the VIP option, allowing for expedited access and a longer ride in a deluxe cable car with leather seats and hardwood floors. With the 15-story high, it offers breathtaking views of the city and bay. You can take in breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, the glittering skyscrapers of downtown San Francisco, and the scenic North Bay neighborhoods of Sausalito and Tiburon.
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week
Things to Do in San Francisco: Food & Drink Scene
Explore Best Restaurants in San Francisco
#1 House of Prime Rib San Francisco 📍1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109
The House of Prime Rib serves premium British prime rib that is well-marbled and of the highest quality. This restaurant exclusively offers the finest 2% of all beef on the market. Sipping cocktails and fine vintage wines with beef is one of the great things to do in San Francisco to gain a quintessential experience. The decor is elegantly appointed in the traditional English style.
- Hours: Mon-Fri 5-10pm, Sat-Sun 4-10pm
#2 Tony's Pizza San Francisco 📍1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana was founded by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani. The restaurant offers 12 pizza styles, including Neapolitan, Classic American, Italian, California, New York, Detroit, St. Louis, New Haven, Sicilian, Grandma’s, Roman, and Gluten Free. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana is one of the premier things to visit in San Francisco. You can sample various appetizers, pizzas, Italian dishes, pasta, and desserts, all crafted with the finest local and Italian imported ingredients.
- Hours: Mon & Tue: 12p – 9:30p; Wed & Thur: 12p – 10p; Fri & Sat: 12P – 11p; Sun: 12p – 10:30p
#3 Scoma's Restaurant 📍1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133
Scoma’s is a nearly 60-year-old San Francisco restaurant located on the Bayfront Pier. The restaurant is renowned for its signature dishes, including oysters, Dungeness crab cocktail, clam chowder, cioppino, spicy chicken sandwich, and pasta with red sauce. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the sounds of the waves while they dine.
- Hours:
Monday 12:00 – 9:00
Tuesday 12:00 – 9:00
Wednesday 12:00 – 9:00
Thursday 12:00 – 9:00
Friday 12:00 – 9:30
Saturday 12:00 – 9:30
Sunday 12:00 – 9:00
- Closed:
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Get Best Coffee in San Francisco
#1 Buena Vista San Francisco 📍2765 Hyde St (@ Beach), San Francisco, CA 94109
Buena Vista San Francisco has been perfected in San Francisco for its Irish coffee since 1952. Stopping by for Irish coffee and great food is one of the great things to do in San Francisco. The menu features various popular items, including Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, the Dungeness Crab Omelette, traditional bread pudding, and high-quality 100 percent Angus Beef burgers and steaks.
- Hours:
Christmas Day – 10am – 5pm (Drinks Only, Kitchen Closed)
Mon-Thu – 9am – 11pm (kitchen closed 9:30pm)
Fri 9am – 12am (kitchen closed 9:30pm)
Sat 8am – 12am (kitchen closed 9:30pm)
Sun 8am – 11pm (kitchen closed 9:30pm)
#2 Kopiku 📍1443a Lombard Street, San Francisco, California 94123
Kopiku is one of the best places in San Francisco to go for unusual coffee flavors to take away. Situated near the San Francisco Bay, it serves Firebrand pastries and some of the rarest coffee drinks in the Bay Area. You can savor the view while enjoying iced pandan coffee and pineapple shortbread (nastar).
- Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 6:30 AM-5 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 7 AM-5 PM
- Closed: Monday
#3 Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters 📍2271 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Wrecking Ball is renowned for expertise in crafting well-balanced espresso drinks and meticulous, technologically advanced pour-overs. The full-service cafe is located in the Cow Hollow neighborhood of San Francisco. The menu features a variety of beverages, including espresso drinks, brewed coffee, matcha lattes, and a selection of teas and herbal tisanes.
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00am-4:00pm; Saturday & Sunday, 8:00am-4:00pm
Find Best Bars in San Francisco
#1 Pacific Cocktail Haven 📍550 Sutter St San Francisco, CA 94102
PCH is a low-key Union Square tiki bar that serves a variety of cocktails with unexpected yet delicious ingredients, such as li-hing mui, salted pandan, and black sesame honey. The name of its drinks, such as scotch with buttered popcorn, nori, and wasabi, is unusual and creates a distinctive culinary experience. The ambiance is relaxed and tropical-themed, providing a comfortable setting for patrons.
- Closed: Sun
- Hours: Mon: 5pm-Midnight
Tues: 5pm-Midnight
Wed: 5pm–Midnight
Thurs: 5pm–Midnight
Fri: 5pm–Midnight
Sat: 5pm–Midnight
#2 Céleste 📍2165 Union St San Francisco, California 94123
This wine bar is the most popular establishment on Union Street. The ambiance is characterized by red bathroom tiles and blue laser projections, creating a distinctive atmosphere. The beverage menu features intriguing names such as “pillow talk” and “babe town,” along with a selection of Mediterranean cuisine, including crudo, labneh, and kebabs.
#3 April Jean 📍1371 Grant Ave San Francisco, California 94133
This bar is renowned for its inventive approach to crafting cocktails. The menu features unique and unexpected ingredient pairings, such as pie crust, condensed milk, raisins, and cookies. The mid-century modern lounge setting, complete with mahogany stools, creates an ambiance reminiscent of a lively social gathering with gossipy conversations.
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 2pm Til’ Late; Saturday & Sunday, 12pm Til’ Late
Best Streets for Bar Hopping
Experiencing the nightlife is one of the best San Francisco activities. Each neighborhood has its own nightlife, meaning that bar-hopping activities vary significantly from one neighborhood to another. This diversity makes each bar hopping a unique experience.
- Valencia Street is regarded as the city’s preeminent party district, offering a diverse selection of bars. Live entertainment is available at The Chapel (📍777 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110) and The Valencia Room (📍647 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110), which features a cozy bar on the ground floor and live music performances on the upper level. For party-friendly lounges, you can consider Blondies (📍540 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110) and Skylark (📍3089 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103). Local favorites include the Latin American Club (📍3286 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94110) and Make-Out Room (📍3225 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94110) on 22nd Street.
- Polk Street is an ideal location to seek California San Francisco things to do, with numerous bars offering a range of entertainment options. There are multiple bars in the area that are worth exploring, such as Kozy Kar (📍1548 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109), where you can mingle with diverse, creative individuals.
There are other neighborhoods, including Union Street, Columbus and Broadway, Haight Street, 11th Street, Duboce Triangle, and Union Square, worth your exploration.
Things to Do in San Francisco: Culture, History & Art
Visit Top Museums
#1 American Bookbinders Museum 📍355 Clementina St, San Francisco, CA 94103
American Bookbinders Museum is one of the top San Francisco California tourist spots. The museum is the only institution of its kind in the United States, and it showcases the history and technology behind bookbinding. This technology revolutionized the way people around the globe packaged, shared, and consumed ideas. Among its holdings are items with origins dating back nearly 400 years. Admission to the museum’s special exhibitions is complimentary.
- Hours: Open 10am-4pm, Tuesday-Saturday
- Admission: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (62+) and youths (10-17). Children under 10 are free.
#2 Aquarium of the Bay 📍PIER 39 The Embarcadero &, Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133
As one of the top San Francisco things to see, Aquarium of the Bay gives you the chance to have an unforgettable close encounter with marine life. You can walk through 300 feet of clear acrylic tunnels that hold 700,000 gallons of bay water, touch tide pool animals, and see playful river otters up close.
- Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm
November 23: 10am-3pm (Last ticket sold at 2pm)
December 24:10am-3pm (Last ticket sold at 2pm)
December 25: closed - Admission: From $32.75
#3 Asian Art Museum 📍200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Located in the Civic Center, this museum boasts one of the world’s most extensive collections of art and artifacts from the Asian continent. This one of the worthwhile things to visit in San Francisco, CA, offers a journey through 6,000 years of human history, showcasing exquisite paintings, sculptures, furniture, textiles, and armor from Turkey, China, India, Japan, the Philippines, and other Asian cultures.
- Hours: Thursday, 1 – 8 p.m.; Friday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Admission:
Adults: $20
Seniors (65+): $17
Students (All guests age 13-17 and college students with ID): $14
Children (12 and under): Free
There will be an additional $15 admission charge for special exhibitions.
#4 San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) 📍151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is the first museum on the West Coast to specialize in modern and contemporary art, including a collection of 33,000 modern and contemporary artworks. Visiting this museum is a must-do in San Francisco. Visitors 18 and under can receive complimentary admission to the 45,000-square-foot ground-floor galleries, contributing to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s ongoing popularity.
- Hours: Mon–Tue 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wed Closed
Thu Noon–8 p.m.
Fri–Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m. - Admission: Adult, $30; Senior (65 years and older), $25; Students (full time, with ID), $23; Age 18 and younger, Free
#5 Institute of Contemporary Art 📍345 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94104
Rather than featuring a permanent collection, this distinctive museum presents new and thought-provoking art from various global regions. The museum explores significant questions about society and culture, making contemporary art relevant and accessible to all. Therefore, visiting here is one of the must-do things in San Francisco.
- Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 11am-5pm
Open late Thursdays: 11am-7pm
Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays. - Admission: ALWAYS FREE
Enjoy Performing Art
#1 San Francisco Ballet
A San Francisco Ballet performance during the repertory season (from January through May) is one of the San Francisco top things to do for performing art lovers. The annual December performance of “The Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition for many locals. The San Francisco Ballet has been performing at the Beaux Arts War Memorial Opera House (📍301 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102) since its opening in 1932.
#2 Dance Festivals & Events
Watching and attending San Francisco’s many dance carnivals is one of the best activities in San Francisco. San Francisco hosts many festivals and dance events throughout the year, and the brightest dance stars invite the public to dance.
- Bay Area Dance Week is an annual event hosted by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce in the spring. This event brings together local dance groups and offers a variety of dance styles, including Greek, street, Argentine tango, and belly dance, taught by experienced instructors at no cost to attendees.
- Carnaval San Francisco is the largest multicultural celebration on the West Coast. This event is centered around dance, featuring thousands of local performing teams from Cuba, Brazil, and numerous other Latin countries. These teams are dressed in ornate feathered costumes and move with a lively energy.
- Chinese New Year Festival & Parade is an annual event every February. It celebrates San Francisco’s rich Chinese heritage. The event features vibrant performances by lion dancers, dragon performers, and local companies, showcasing traditional Chinese folk dances, making it one of the top activities in San Francisco for Chinese students, Chinese Americans, and Chinese immigrants.
Other Events, such as the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, San Francisco International Hip-Hop DanceFest, and San Francisco Dance Film Festival, are also unique San Francisco experiences.
Conclusion
This blog explores things to do in San Francisco to cater to everyone’s preferences. We have traversed the city’s vibrant streets and hidden corners, from the breathtaking landmarks to the rich flavors of its finest dining venues and from its coffee culture to its lively, eclectic bar scene. San Francisco is indeed a culinary and visual delight. When it comes to what to do in San Francisco to gain cultural experiences, the city offers various museums, galleries, public art, performing arts, and music scenes. The distinct neighborhoods draw visitors to experience the local activities, ensuring that each visit offers a new adventure. With so many things to do in San Francisco, we assure you that you will get what you want in the Golden City.
FAQ
What are things to do in San Francisco for young adults?
There are many things to do in San Francisco for young adults. You can explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, visit its renowned museums, hike the scenic Lands End Trail, and experience its lively nightlife.
What are unique things to do in San Francisco?
You can find various things to do in San Francisco with unique experiences, including Pier 39 tours, cable car rides, shopping and vintage dining at Haight-Ashbury, dining in the Mission District, Alcatraz tours, and the Up Your Alley Festival.
What are free things to do in San Francisco?
For free things to do in San Francisco, you can stroll through famous streets and neighborhoods like Lombard Street, Castro, and Chinatown, take photos of the Golden Gate Bridge, spend time in Golden Gate Park, Yerba Buena Gardens, hiking Twin Peaks, and attend free concerts.
