Things To Do
in San Francisco
San Francisco is a compact, hilly city on a scenic peninsula in Northern California known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, colorful neighborhoods, and historic cable cars. It blends a rich immigrant history with a cutting-edge tech and startup culture, producing vibrant food, arts, and music scenes. The city is famous for microclimates—foggy coastlines and sunny inland pockets—and dramatic bay views.
Visitors can easily combine urban exploration, waterfront activities, and nearby wilderness in a short trip.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Ferry Building Marketplace, where you can enjoy artisan coffee and fresh pastries. Stroll along the Embarcadero and take in the views of the Bay Bridge as you make your way to the Exploratorium. The hands-on science museum opens your mind to new ideas and makes for a fun, interactive morning.
After lunch at one of the many food stalls in the Ferry Building, head over to the historic Alcatraz Island. Take the ferry from Pier 33 and explore the infamous former prison, listening to the haunting audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards. The stunning views of the San Francisco skyline from the island are an added bonus.
Conclude your day with a leisurely dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can savor fresh clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. As the sun sets, take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the lively atmosphere, watching street performers and artists. If you’re up for it, finish the night with a nightcap at a cozy bar with views of the bay.
Spend the morning biking through the scenic Golden Gate Park, which is larger than New York's Central Park. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden for a peaceful stroll among the beautiful landscapes and serene ponds. Don't forget to stop by the de Young Museum to see contemporary American art.
After a picnic lunch in the park, head to the California Academy of Sciences to experience the aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one roof. Engage with the interactive exhibits and be sure to check out the stunning living roof. The afternoon will slip away as you lose yourself in the wonders of nature and science.
Wrap up your day with a visit to the nearby Haight-Ashbury district, known for its rich history in the 1960s counterculture movement. Explore the eclectic shops and vintage stores, and grab dinner at a local eatery that specializes in farm-to-table cuisine. As the night progresses, enjoy live music at one of the neighborhood's iconic venues.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $70-130 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $4-6 |
| 🚇Public transit one-way fare (Muni/BART/Clipper) | $3-5 |
| 🛌Mid-range hotel per night | $150-300 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Iconic landmarks and scenic vistas in a compact area
- World-class and diverse food scene
- Easy access to nearby nature like Muir Woods and Point Reyes
- Rich cultural neighborhoods and year-round activities
- High prices for lodging, dining, and services
- Frequent microclimates and fog can limit views
- Notable homeless population and visible urban social issues
- Traffic and limited parking in popular areas
Places to Visit in San Francisco
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic vantage points across the bridge offer sweeping views, sunrise/sunset shots, and fog-draped bridge photos.
The row of Victorian houses with the city skyline behind them — quintessential San Francisco postcard view, best in late afternoon light.
High-elevation panoramic views of the city and bay; excellent for golden hour and night skyline photography.
Panoramic viewpoints and historic murals; climb the nearby steps for intimate cityscapes and harbor views.
Waterfront architecture, ferry boats, and the Bay Bridge — great for sunrise and bustling market scenes.
Elegant Greco-Roman architecture and reflective lagoon — perfect for portraits and romantic compositions.
The famous crooked street framed by colorful flower beds and classic San Francisco houses; capture from the base or top for different perspectives.
Dramatic coastal ruins, rocky shorelines, and sunsets with the rugged Pacific in the foreground.
Food in San Francisco
San Francisco Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rich New England-style clam chowder served in a hollowed-out San Francisco sourdough loaf; classic at Fisherman's Wharf and Boudin Bakery.
Must-Try!
A tomato-based seafood stew with local crab, clams, mussels and fish; available at many seafood restaurants in Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach.
A large burrito style originating in the Mission District, packed with rice, beans, meat or veggies, salsa and more; try La Taqueria or El Farolito.
Seasonal, sweet crab from the Northern California coast, often served simply boiled or as crab cakes and cioppino at waterfront restaurants.
Tart, chewy sourdough made with a centuries-old starter — iconic bakeries include Boudin and Tartine Bakery.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A food-lover's hub with artisanal producers, cheese, fresh oysters, and Sunday farmer's market — great for sampling local specialties.
Taquerias and food trucks offering authentic tacos, burritos, and late-night snacks; the area is famous for its Mission-style burrito.
Street vendors and small shops selling dim sum, bakeries, and Chinese specialty ingredients; great for inexpensive bites and snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
San Franciscans are generally casual, direct, and progressive-minded — politeness and openness are valued. Conversations about politics and tech are common; be respectful and open-minded.
Form orderly lines and respect personal space on sidewalks and public transit; give cyclists and pedestrians room.
Recycling and composting are common; follow local sorting rules and avoid single-use plastics when possible.
Ask permission before photographing people in close-up or private property; many neighborhoods are residential and neighbors value privacy.
Safety
Tipping in San Francisco
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is standard: 15–20% of pre-tax bill at restaurants, $1–2 per drink for bartenders, and 10–15% for taxis or ride-shares. Tip hotel porters and housekeeping when appropriate.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) and mobile wallets are common. Cash is accepted but less used; public transit uses Clipper Card or contactless payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with variable sun and fog; good time for wildflower blooms in nearby parks and fewer tourists than summer.
Expect cool, foggy mornings and evenings (June–August 'June Gloom'), with the sunniest pockets inland; bring layers even in July and August.
Often the warmest and sunniest time of year with clearer skies and calmer winds — ideal for outdoor activities and views.
Cool, wetter months with temperatures rarely freezing; occasional storms and rough surf, but also cozy city scenes and fewer crowds.
San Francisco at Night
Hiking in San Francisco
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Old-growth redwood forest north of the Golden Gate Bridge with well-maintained trails and towering trees; popular and often busy — reservations or early arrival recommended.
Diverse trails with panoramic views of the Bay Area, Marin Headlands, and Pacific Ocean; great for hiking and mountain biking.
Wild coastal landscapes, cliffside trails, tule elk, and historic lighthouse; full-day trip territory with many scenic hikes.
A scenic coastal trail within city limits offering dramatic ocean views, ruins of the Sutro Baths, and views of the Golden Gate.
Accessible by ferry, this island offers loop hikes, historic sites, and sweeping views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate, and surrounding bays.
Airports
How to reach San Francisco by plane.
The main international airport serving the Bay Area with extensive domestic and international connections; accessible by BART, airport shuttles, taxis, and ride-hailing services.
Located across the bay in Oakland; convenient for some domestic flights and budget airlines, reachable by BART plus bus/shuttle or by car/taxi.
Located south in San Jose; an option for travelers heading to the South Bay or catching certain domestic flights, accessible by car or Caltrain/BART connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A substantial portion of the population, including long-term residents and professionals in tech and other industries.
Large and diverse Asian communities, with Chinatown, Richmond, and Sunset neighborhoods reflecting deep cultural roots and businesses.
Significant Latinx population concentrated in neighborhoods like the Mission District, contributing strongly to the city's food and cultural life.
Historically significant communities, though demographic shifts in recent decades have changed population distributions; cultural institutions remain important.
San Francisco has one of the most prominent and historic LGBTQ+ communities in the U.S., centered historically in the Castro and widely visible across the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The Giants play at Oracle Park on the waterfront; a beloved local team with a passionate fan base and scenic ballpark views.
The 49ers are the region's NFL team, playing in Santa Clara at Levi's Stadium; many fans travel from the city to attend games.
While the Warriors now play in San Francisco's Chase Center, the broader Bay Area supports multiple basketball and regional sports activities.
Bay sailing, kiteboarding, and rowing are popular — the bay's conditions make it a hub for nautical sports and regattas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Francisco.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
San Francisco is very vegetarian- and vegan-friendly; many restaurants offer plant-based menus and dedicated vegan spots are common, especially in the Mission and Hayes Valley.
Numerous vegan restaurants and creative plant-based options at mainstream eateries; check menus or online reviews for the best choices.
Many bakeries and restaurants offer gluten-free options, but cross-contamination can occur in bakeries — ask staff if you have celiac disease.
Halal and kosher options exist in given neighborhoods; use restaurant apps and local listings to find certified establishments.