25 Things to See in San Francisco
San Francisco has a lot of things to offer and covering all the places on a first visit is close to impossible. So here are the 25 places which I covered in 3days and are also the must see places according to me while in SFO.
1.Golden gate bridge : If you are visiting San Francisco then how can you miss Golden Gate Bridge??? This Beauty is one of the Iconic Landmarks of the Bay Area. You can walk, Drive or bike on the bridge. We choose to Bike on the bridge and had an awesome experience with panoramic views of the city.
Admission : Free
2.Alcatraz Island : It’s a small Island known for it’s military prison and a federal prison, where you can actually feel the history within the walls. You will have to travel in a cruise to reach the island which is included in tickets of Alcatarz Tour. It took us 4 hours to tour the entire island. you will see/learn a lot of history,especially the attacks and escapes that occurred. If you have to pay for any attraction in SF, Alcatarz is definitely a worth.
Admission : 45$
3.Lombard Street : San Francisco is a hilly area and Lombard street is one of the steepest streets in the city with eight sharp hairpin turns.Though some people find it challenging driving on Lombard street but I would recommend walking to the top of the street as that spot overlooks the city and give you great views of downtown and the east bay.
Admission : Free
4.Painted Ladies : These are Victorian and Edwardian houses and buildings painted in three or more colors that enhance their architectural details. Painted ladies is one of the most photographed places in San Francisco with a jaw-dropping backdrop. There is a huge picnic spot and a play area for kids to have fun while you enjoy the views of the city.
Admission : Free
5.Coit Tower : It is a 210 foot tower in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. When you enter , you will get to know a lot of SFO’s history and you can also ride the elevator up the tower and see the whole city and bay and get a great 360 degree panoramic shot.The views are great both during day and night.
Admission : 7$
Location : 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
6.Palace of Fine Arts : As the name itself says it’s truly a ‘Palace’ of Fine Arts. This place is absolutely jaw dropping with it’s Gorgeous architecture surrounded by a lake full of turtles, swans, and ducks. There are also tons of benches for you to sit, relax, maybe even have a picnic. The best thing about this place is, it’s full of greenery and fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Admission : Free
Location : 3301 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA.
7.Union Square : It’s an High end shopping district where you can find almost everything you want or you can just sit here for hours and watch the live entertainment as there is tons of seating available.You can also find San Francisco’s hearts here which are cool for a photo op.
Admission : Free
8.Dragons Gate : Dragons gate is the entrance for the china town. The architecture of this gate makes a perfect photo op.
9.China Town : I always love visiting China towns and love their lively atmosphere. Walking under the lanterns , tasting their authentic Chinese food , exploring their culture and shopping at it’s cheapest price you can ever find in USA will make you feel like you are in China
10.Ghirardelli Square : Ghirardelli Square is a landmark public square with shops and restaurants. We went there only to taste the Ghirardelli Choclates & Ice creams as it was their first store in USA. It was crowded with tourists with long waiting lines but the lines move fast. I ordered the world famous fudge sundae and it was perfectly delicious(Absolutely worth the wait). You can’t think of missing this place if you are in San Francisco.
Location : 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
11.Embarcadero : Embarcadero is a 3 mile roadway with waterfront and from which piers extend into the bay. It has Ferry Building Market place, Pier 35 (from where cruises depart), Pier 39 (the most visited place in SFO) and the Fisherman’s wharf. There are tons Food and clothing stalls and activities going on on here. oOne can easily spend an entire day strolling.
12.Fisherman’s Wharf : There’s plenty to see & Plenty to do here with many stores to Shop for less, sizzling Sea Foods to try, Free Exhibits, Paid Museums, Street performances, Artists , Breathtaking views of the bay bridge , Alcatraz ,Ocean and Sea lions will make a perfect place to relax or for a photo opp . Don’t forget to take a selfie at the Historic Crab Sign before you leave 😉
Admission : Free
13.Pier 39 : Pier 39 is the second most visited place in San Francisco after the Golden Gate Bridge . Besides it’s live performances, Food and Shopping , it has alot of activities for kids from Merry go round to Aquarium . The coolest part was ‘The Musical Stairs’ – presented by Artist Remo Saraceni . You can Actually create your own music while you walk up and down the stairs which is something I have never experienced.
Admission : Free
14.Aquarium of the Bay : The aquarium is fairly small but they have lot to see. There were tunnel,touch and feel pools, and the best part is feeding the sharks. People might find the tickets are bit expensive but The money you spend on your ticket goes to conservation efforts and free educational programs which makes it quite fair. And trust me, if you are going their with kids, you ain’t coming back home lol.
Admission : 25$
15.Cupid’s spain : This is also one of the best place for photo ops in SFO . It’s a giant contemporary sculpture depicting Cupid’s bow, situated on a lawn with bay & city views. It also has a place where you can sit and have a picnic or just stroll around the area.
16.Tiled Steps : It’s so satisfying to watch a beautiful art on the stairs and click some pictures. It’s tourists place with lots of people waiting for their turn to take picture. Once you go at the top you enter in to Grand view park which has amazing views of Sunset, Ocean beach, and the Marin Head lands.
Admission : Free
Location : Moraga St ,San Francisco, CA 94122
17.Twin Peaks : It’s bit of a hike but gets really easy if you have a car. Up there you have a great view of the city and you’ll likely see a bunch of people around but everyone is generally really nice and willing to help take pictures. Definitely a place to put on the list while in town.
Admission : Free
Location : 501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94131
18.Japanese Tea Garden : This place actually made me feel like am in japan with full of Fancy bridges, koi ponds, statues and towers and lots of beautiful flowers. Great place to walk and take pictures .
Admission : 9$
Location : 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA CA 94118, USA
19.Crissy Field : Crissy Field is a part of Golden Gate recreation Area with a beautiful view of ocean and Golden Gate bridge . It has a grass to setup a picnic or to do a photoshoot.
Admission : Free
Location : 1199 East Beach,San Francisco, CA 94129
20.Point Bonita : As soon as you exit the golden gate bridge you will find Point Bonita lighthouse on your right. You will have to walk through a small cave to reach the lighthouse which has some gorgeous views of Ocean, Bay bridge and the city skyline from a different angle .
Admission : Free
21.Lands End : It’s the most amazing hiking trail in the city with Ocean beach, Sutro baths and Labyrinth. We started at the Sutro baths ruins and made our way down to the walkway that leads to the cave , from there we had a spectacular scenic ocean trail and ended up at Labyrinth.
Admission : Free
22.San Francisco City Hall : It is a historical building located in the heart of SFO. Visiting this place was a magical experience. We went on a weekend and it was not much crowded. While we were there, we saw some marriages and wedding photoshoots happening and people dancing to the music which was so good to watch. Later i learnt that it is one of the top 10 beautiful halls for weddings in the USA.
Admission : Free
23.Muir Woods : It’s a part of California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area with giant coastal redwood trees which are awe-inspiring.This place is perfect for a nature lover to have a relaxing day far from hustle and bustle of the city. The admission fee is 10$ per adult and If you are visiting before 9 am then it’s free. The parking is very limited and so as of 2018 this park will be the only national parks to require a reservation to visit. So I would recommend checking for availability before you visit.
Admission : 10$
24.Yerba Buena Gardens : These are some beautiful gardens in the middle of the city where you can just come and relax or have a picnic. It’s opposite to St. Patrick’s church .There’s a play area for kids and a nice waterfall where you can walk under.
Admission : Free
Location : 750 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
25.Color Factory : This place is for Instagram lovers, ofcourse you will have fun too but most of the people come here to take pictures for their Instagram, as it’s becoming one of the most Instagrammable places in SFO. As the name itself says,it’s full of colors. There were rooms dedicated to each color.
Admission : 36$
Location : 575 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Summary : I would recommend using a Bus,Bike and ofcourse cable cars to stroll around the city as Parking is quite expensive and at times you might difficult to find one.
33 Comments
mangwanya
Im planning to visit the US in 2019 – I will definitely make a stop over!
Suzanne
I never even thought of visiting San Fran but you’ve whetted my appetite. It seems like a beautiful city, with stunning natural landscapes. I also appreciate the fact that it celebrates its ethnic diversity through places like Chinatown and the Japanese tea garden.
eazynazy
You should definitely plan a trip to SFO soon 🙂
Lisa
Hands down my favourite attraction is Muir Woods, and I’d return in a heartbeat if I was American! I don’t remember the Spain statue, is it new? I loved my trip there a few years back, especially Fisherman’s Wharf, and seeing the winding road. Never fails to disappoint!
eazynazy
I loved Muir Woods too ❤️ and I guess the Cupid’s Spain is there since 2002
Ada
wow that a great list! You definitely put here everything what must been seen in San Francisco ! I was there few years ago and I think its my favourite American city! It so alive, colourful and beautiful! What I enjoyed the most was Lombard Street and Twin Peak! But seems like I haven’t seen everything so I hope ill get to go back soon !
Jen
I’m glad you covered many of my favorite spots in San Francisco! I agree with you that if anyone should pay for an attraction, it would be the Alcatraz. It’s amazing that you were able to see all of these in 3 days. We were also in San Francisco for 3 days but we missed a lot based on your list. We spent a lot of time in Muir Woods and Alcatraz. Looks like we need to visit San Francisco again! 😉
Mel Butler
I went to San Francisco a few years ago but it just was not long enough, as there was so much to do. I really keen to get back there though and explore more. You have some great tips here and definitely a few more to add to my next trip there like San Francisco City Hall & Point Bonita as they look like great instagram pics 🙂
Jaypee
I’ve been to San Francisco twice but never been to all of these places. Some are actually off my radar. Would want to go the color factory! Sounds like fun! 😀
dgutkowski
Oh wow! That “painted ladies” pic reminded me of an episode of Full House! I was in San Francisco as a child, but haven’t been back since. Looks like I missed a few things. I’ll have to check these out when I go back! Thank you for sharing!
GiGi Eats Celebrities
THIS is a list I need to hold onto because I have honestly never really explored San Fran but NEED TO! It’s only a 6 hour drive from me!
Joanna Davis
I would love to go to San Francisco one day! My first trip would be to the golden gate bridge! I actually have a friend who cycled all the way there and then up on it, to the other side. I’ve seen the photos and it looked like a great day out!
Amber
I’ve always wanted to visit San Francisco. One day, I hope! I’d want to do all of these things. I’d probably use a bus to get around.
Sarah Bailey
What some absolutely amazing sounding place to go and visit if you were in the San Francisco area. I have to admit it somewhere I would absolutely love to go myself one day and explore.
natalielovesbeauty
I dream of visiting California in the near future and would love to visit San Francisco. The Golden Gate bridge would be at the top of my must-see list!
Ana De-Jesus
There are so many places from your list that I would like to see in San Francisco. Point Bonita and Lands End really appeal to me but I can imagine how fun it would be to take pictures with the cupid’s span too. My friend went to San Francisco for a study abroad programme and she had an amazing time!
Alison Rost
There’s so much that you can see in San Francisco which makes it an awesome destination! Which is why it’s also important to plan it all out when you’re going there so you can maximize your time.
Everyday Made Fresh
I would love to visit San Francisco one of these days. You’ve given me a great list of places to check out!
Mommy Engineering
I’ve only ever passed through San Francisco but I do have a friend there that I would love to visit soon! These look like some really great spots! Though I wish I could visit all 25!
Dena S.
I didn’t know San Francisco has a lot to offer. If I will have a chance, I’ll make sure to visit Alcatraz. I have always been fascinated by it’s history.
louise2812
You’ve got some great ideas here! I was in San Francisco a few years ago for the first time but only did about a third if what you suggest! A great excuse for another visit as I loved the city. I love your photos too.
Jay Colby
I’ve never been to the Bay area before, but its on my travel list. San Francisco seems like a great place to visit with amazing things to see.
Anosa Myrabev Malanga
Been planning to visit San Francisco probably this year. I researched the must-visit places and found lesser suggestions that this. This is such a big help and the information is here already. Love it!
My Dee Dee's Diary
Wow! I have never been to San Francisco. I would love to see these places.
Lavit Gupta
stunning your all pictures and article too really nice thanks for sharing n keep it up thanks a lot……!
toastycritic
It’s crazy that I lived so close to there and I still didn’t do all of those things. I really need to go back there and visit some of the places I have never been, like Coit tower. It is so beautiful there.
lavandamichelle
I never went to San Francisco when I has the chance. There seems to be a lot going on there. I have to add this to my bucket list. Thanks for the ideas.
AnnMarie John
It’s been such a long time since I last went to San Francisco. It’s one of the best places to go to especially if you enjoy good culture, awesome architecture and more! These 25 places are all worth taking the time to see for yourself.
4theloveofmommy
I totally want to go to San Francisco and wow they have some amazing things to see! I would love the aquarium as they make me happy. Great post and pictures!
Afroza Khan
Now I really want to go to San Francisco! I feel like everything there is Instagrammable. I still can’t believe I haven’t gone yet.
The Motivated Mom
This is fantastic! I LOVE San Fran…and there are a few things on this list that I have not done. THANK YOU! And you photos are perfect!
TeeShares
I’ve never been to San Fran – your pics are soo beautiful they make one wanna go there.
Den Ride
I really enjoyed reading this. 25 things to see that`s pretty much!