Top 23 Things to Do in San Francisco for First-time Visitors

I have lived in the San Francisco suburbs for 20+ years, and it is my favorite city in California! San Francisco offers so much that even as a local, I still find something new and exciting every time I visit.

For first-time visitors, the city has plenty of iconic sights like Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, popular attractions like the historic cable car and bay cruise, and unique neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy that will offer you a taste of its eclectic charm and natural beauty.

Here’s my curated list of the must-do things on your San Francisco trip. I have been to all of them, and I can assure you that they are the most popular attractions the city has to offer!

You will need at least 3 days in San Francisco to cover them all. If you have less time, stick with the first top 10 on the list or go with your interests.

➡️I highly recommend taking the 1-day or 2-day San Francisco Hop On Hop Off bus to get to many of these places without worrying about parking or public transport.

I have taken this bus tour myself, and here is my review of the Hop-On Hop-Off bus in San Francisco.

San Francisco is a small city, with an area of only around 49 square miles, and it’s easy to find Uber/Lyft and even driverless Waymo cabs to get to these attractions. You can also use public transport like Bart train and Muni buses to get around in San Francisco.

1. Golden Gate Bridge

You can’t come to San Francisco and not see the Golden Gate Bridge! Even after so many years, every time I go to the city, I have to see the bridge, which is not hard as you can see it from many places in the city!

Whether you’re walking, biking, driving over it, or just snapping photos from viewpoints like Fort Point or Battery Spencer, it’s picture-perfect from every angle.

Sometimes there might be fog (its called ‘Karl’ here) around the bridge in the mornings and evenings which might obstruct the perfect views but it usually clears out in the afternoons.

To walk or bike on the bridge, you can head to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center on the southern end of the bridge or the North Vista Point to the north of the bridge.

➡️If you want to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, its best to book a guided bike tour for that, and I recommend getting an electric bike as the initial climb can be challenging.

2. Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a lively area geared towards tourists and offers seafood spots, souvenir shops, and classic San Francisco waterfront sights.

Some popular things to do here are strolling around Pier 39 and watching the sea lions, eating an ice cream sundae at Ghirardeli Square, and walking along Jefferson Street and Aquatic Park, taking in the sights.

Skystar Ferris Wheel with enclosed gondolas will give you panoramic views of the city and bay!

You can grab a cup of clam chowder in a sourdough bowl at Boudin Bakery or a burger at the very popular In-N-Out Burger fast food joint, and Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe.

The Musée Mécanique is a quirky museum filled with vintage arcade games and Hyde Street Pier is a historic pier with some unique ships.

Fisherman’s Wharf is also a great area for first-time visitors to stay in, and it has many good hotel accommodations for various budget ranges. Staying here puts you within walking distance to several attractions. San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf is a great mid-range hotel, while Hotel Fairmont Heritage Place is a luxury hotel in Ghirardelli Square.

3. Pier 39

Just a few steps from Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 is its own attraction with family-friendly vibes. This is our go to place to take visiting family and friends.

You’ll find a carousel, street performers, an aquarium, and, of course, the famous sea lions lounging on the docks. If you’re visiting with kids, the Aquarium of the Bay offers a look at marine life from the area.

Take some time to browse the quirky stores and souvenir shops, or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants here. The Fog Harbor Fish House is a popular seafood restaurant here, and the Boudin Bakery is famous for their sourdough bread bowls with soup.

Lapperts Icecream and the Biscoff Coffee Corner are my favorite places for a snack break!

Pier 39 is also a good spot to catch a boat ride of the San Francisco Bay. The views of Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge from here are beautiful.

4. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island, a former federal prison, is a very popular San Francisco landmark. You can see the island from Pier 39, but to visit the island and see the prison, you have to book a tour.

The Alcatraz tour involves a ferry ride from Pier 33 to the island and then a self-guided audio tour to see the prison grounds and buildings. This is a very popular thing to do here, and I highly recommend booking your Alcatraz tour tickets in advance, especially during the busy summer months.

It can be very windy on the ferry and the island, so make sure to keep a warm jacket, even if it feels sunny in the city.

Alcatraz City Cruises is the official website to buy Alcatraz tickets, and make sure to get them in advance as they do get sold out!

➡️There are many companies that offer combo tickets for Alcatraz Island, and I recommend this Alcatraz Island & 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour that will allow you to visit most of the places on this list.

5. San Francisco Bay Cruise

I strongly believe that the best views of the city skyline are from the water! Taking a San Francisco Bay Cruise should be on everyone’s SF bucket list! This is another one of my favorite activities to do when friends or family visit us.

There are several options, from a 1-hour sightseeing cruise that goes under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz island to a romantic sunset cruise or a longer brunch or dinner cruise.

➡️I recommend this highly-rated San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

➡️ Check my detailed guide and tips here for taking a boat tour in San Francisco.

6. Cable Car

San Francisco’s historic Cable Car is an attraction in itself and also a mode of transport for locals. There are two main cable car lines from Fisherman’s Wharf to Downtown – Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason.

I recommend going to the Powell-Hyde turntable at Hyde and Beach Street in Fisherman’s Wharf, as that is the starting point, and you are more likely to get to sit on the outside row of seats (but not for kids, though, as there are no seat belts).

It’s fun to see the operators manually turning the cable car around and manually driving it. Sitting on the outside feels like a thrill ride as it goes up the steep hills!

We usually board from Fisherman’s Wharf, go to the last stop, and then ride the cable car back to the starting point. A one-way ticket costs $8, and you can pay cash on board.

7. Lombard Street

Lombard Street is the famous crooked street in San Francisco with 8 hairpin turns. A tour guide once told me that when they built this street, the cars did not have the strong brakes needed to go down straight on this steep hill, so they made the road in a zig-zag way.

The crooked street is only one block on Lombard Street. The easiest way to reach there from Fisherman’s Wharf is to walk to the lower end of Lombard Street at the intersection of Leavenworth and Lombard St. You can also take the Powell-Hyde cable car, and it will drop you at the top of the street.

There is a sidewalk on both sides of the street, and you can walk up to see the entire street from the top. This is a residential street and be mindful of private driveways.

The street is beautiful, with gardens that change with the seasons between the switchbacks.

8. Ferry Building

The historic Ferry Building is a popular landmark along the Embarcadero waterfront. Set against the backdrop of the Bay Bridge, it has a beautiful exterior and an iconic clock tower.

The Ferry Building is not only a working terminal but also a foodie haven, with an impressive lineup of artisanal vendors, local produce, and specialty shops. You will find vendors for everything from breads and malasadas to teas and oils!

Swing by for a quick bite at one of the quick-serve eateries or explore the farmers’ market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

➡️If you are in the mood for a food tour and want to taste several different food varieties, I recommend this San Francisco food tour at the Ferry Building

The interior has a long hallway with a dome-shaped ceiling and food stalls and restaurants on both sides. We often visit on Saturday mornings when there is a farmer’s market going on. It is a lively and fun place to shop for groceries and eat lunch.

Gott’s Roadside is a popular restaurant here, and Blue Bottle Coffee and Humphry Slocombe ice cream are some of my favorite places for a quick treat.

Behind the building, you will find a view of the waterfront and Bay Bridge and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Overall a great place to spend a couple of hours!

9. Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square in Fisherman’s Wharf is famous for, of course, the ice cream treats at Ghirardelli’s flagship store. We love to grab an ice cream cone and people-watch here. You can also buy chocolate gifts to take back home.

10. Palace of Fine Arts

Originally built in 1915 as a temporary exhibition, the Palace of Fine Arts is an event venue but is more popular as a landmark for its stunning architecture and lagoon.

The serene lagoon and grand rotunda make it an ideal spot for a picnic or a stroll. It is also a popular place for wedding photography, and we always see many brides being photographed here.

It is located in the Marina District near Crissy Field. If it’s not a super windy day, you can cross the street to Crissy Field for a longer walk along the waterfront.

11. Union Square

Union Square is San Francisco’s shopping hub, where you’ll find everything from big-name brands to local boutiques. During the holidays, the square is especially lively, with decorations and an ice skating rink.

Located downtown, it’s easily accessible by BART and Muni. Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks, and other brand-name stores make this area fun for shopping.

For a coffee break, pop into the historic Westin St. Francis or try the rooftop views from the Cheesecake Factory above Macy’s. The cheesecakes here are a must-try, although be prepared for a wait if you want a table. We often go to the Cheesecake Factory here for a birthday celebration.

12. Golden Gate Park

Spanning over 1,000 acres, Golden Gate Park (not to be confused with Golden Gate Bridge, they are in different areas) offers more than just green space and walking trails.

From the Conservatory of Flowers to the Japanese Tea Garden and San Francisco Botanical Garden, it’s filled with scenic gardens and lakes to explore. Don’t miss the Bison Paddock, where a small herd of bison roam.

The California Academy of Sciences Museum is a great place for families and even adults to spend a day. I had annual passes for this museum for several years when my kids were young.

The De Young Museum across the street is great for art lovers and has a free observation deck for city views.

The park has many entrances, but you’ll likely start near the eastern side, closer to downtown. The western end meets Ocean Beach.

Rent a bike if you want to cover more ground, as the park is huge. There is also a free shuttle that runs inside the park, the Golden Gate Shuttle. Food trucks and cafes can be found throughout the park if you need to refuel.

13. Painted Ladies

The row of seven colorful Victorian houses along Alamo Square is a classic San Francisco sight made popular by being shown in the opening credits of the TV show ‘Full House.’

Known as the ‘Painted Ladies,’ these historic homes are iconic for both their beauty and backdrop against the city skyline.

The best place to photograph the Painted Ladies is from Alamo Square Park across Steiner Street. The park has an elevated viewpoint of the homes with the city skyline in the backdrop, making it perfect for pictures.

The park has plenty of green space for a picnic or to relax with an iconic view of the Painted Ladies.

14. Coit Tower

Perched atop Telegraph Hill, the historic Coit Tower offers 360-degree panoramic views of San Francisco. The murals inside the tower provide a glimpse into California’s history and are worth seeing before heading up to the observation deck.

You can walk up to Coit Tower via the Filbert Steps from North Beach if you’re up for a bit of a climb or take the 39 Muni bus. Parking is limited at the tower, so public transit or walking is recommended. We took the bus from North Beach to reach the Tower and walked down back.

The tower is open daily, and for a fee of $12, you can go to the top for 360-degree views. The elevator was not working when we visited, so we climbed 13 flights of stairs to reach the top. The views of the city from the top were worth the climb!

Coit Tower is a must-visit if you are in the North Beach neighborhood. Check my detailed article about visiting Coit Tower.

15. North Beach

North Beach, also called San Francisco’s ‘Little Italy,’ is packed with great restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. Grab a coffee at Caffe Trieste, enjoy authentic Italian cuisine along Columbus Avenue, or catch an evening show at Club Fugazi.

We like to eat at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, which is famous for its award-winning Margherita pizza. The Stinking Rose is a unique restaurant popular for its garlic-heavy dishes.

➡️ You can also take this Little Italy and North Beach Walking Food Tour and sample a lot of treats at bakeries and cafes.

Washington Square is a nice park for a picnic with a backdrop of Saints Peter and Paul Church. You can also see Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower in the distance. The last time we visited there was an art display going on in the park.

If you walk south on Columbus Ave towards City Lights Bookstore, you will find the ‘Langauge of the Birds’ art with a jazz mural on the backdrop. Don’t miss looking out for the historic Columbus Tower building here, which is beautiful to photograph.

➡️ Check my detailed article here about things to do in North Beach.

16. Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the oldest Chinatown neighborhoods in the US and a nice place to stroll for a taste of Chinese food and culture. It starts south of North Beach at the Columbus and Grant Ave intersection. So you can explore North Beach, Chinatown, and Coit Tower all in one day!

The main area to explore on Grant Ave is between Broadway and Bush St. The famous Dragon Gate is at the intersection of Grant Ave and Bush St.

The House of Nanking is a popular restaurant here, and so is Good Mong Kok Bakery for dim sum and baked goods.

The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is a cool place to visit if you like fortune cookies and want to see how they are made. They have a variety of flavors to purchase as well.

➡️ I recommend this Chinatown food tour to sample a variety of authentic Chinese cuisine!

17. The Presidio

This former military base turned national park site is a treasure trove of trails, viewpoints, and historical sites. For a scenic hike, take the Batteries to Bluffs trail, which ends with a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Presidio has several entry points, but the Main Post is at the center of everything and has ample parking. We like to go here on the weekends on a sunny day and enjoy the food trucks lined up next to the lawn area. Families are hanging out here doing picnics or playing lawn games.

The Presidio’s Visitor Center is a neat place to visit. Right next to it is the Presidio Tunnel Tops Park, a brand new park with a viewing area for the Golden Gate Bridge and an innovative children’s playground.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is a great place to visit to learn about the history of Disney, and the Presidio Officers’ Club has exhibits about the area’s military history.

➡️Check my detailed article here about visiting Presidio Tunnel Tops Park.

18. Crissy Fields

Crissy Fields is part of the Presidio but has its own vibe with sandy beaches, picnic tables, and a cafe nearby. You can just cross over from Presidio Tunnel Tops Park to reach Crissy Fields.

There are walking trails here that go all the way to Fort Point and Golden Gate Bridge. But it is often very windy here, at least whenever we have visited. It is fun to see the sailboats and the windsurfers here.

You will also enjoy great views of Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, and Golden Gate Bridge.

19. Haight-Ashbury

Haight-Ashbury, the hippie neighborhood, was once the epicenter of the 1960s counterculture movement. Today, it’s lined with vintage shops, record stores, some quirky shops, and unique cafes that still echo its bohemian roots.

Haight Street is where you’ll find most of the action, with shops like Amoeba Music and popular eateries like Cha Cha Cha. The neighborhood is popular for its vintage stores, which are fun to browse.

It’s walkable from Golden Gate Park, making it easy to visit both in one day if you’re up for exploring.

➡️ Check out this 2 hour city tour that starts at Haight Ashbury in a colorful Volkswagen van!

➡️ Check my detailed article about Things to do in Haight Ashbury.

20. Lands End

If hiking is your thing, don’t miss Land’s End for coastal trails with dramatic ocean views. The trails here offer some of the best views of the rugged coastline, and if you’re up for a bit of adventure, make your way down to the Sutro Baths ruins.

We usually start at the Lands End Visitor Center and walk down to the Mile Rock Beach. There used to be a stone labyrinth here, but it was not there when we last visited. You can see great views of the Golden Gate Bridge from several viewpoints along the Lands End trail.

Lands End has parking at the visitor center and is accessible by the 38 Muni bus from downtown. The Lands End Trail winds along the cliffs and provides plenty of photo ops. Be sure to stop by the Legion of Honor museum if you’re interested in European art.

21. Sausalito

Just a short ferry ride across the bay, Sausalito feels like a Mediterranean seaside town with its quaint waterfront and hillside homes. It’s a great spot to spend an afternoon strolling along the scenic waterfront area.

Take a ferry from the Ferry Building or Pier 41 for a scenic ride over. You can also rent a bike and bike here from San Francisco if you’re up for a longer ride.

Bridgeway is the main street here that is stroll-worthy. Once there, check out the galleries and boutiques or grab lunch at one of the cafes or waterfront restaurants like Spinnaker or Trident.

We love getting an ice cream at Lappert’s and sitting along the waterfront admiring the city views.

22. Muir Woods

If seeing the redwoods is high on your list but spending 3-4 days for a trip up north to Redwoods National Park is not feasible, then Muir Woods is only 45 minutes away from SF and will give you a taste of the redwoods.

There is a range of trails, from easy flat loops to longer hikes, and a small cafe near the entrance if you want to grab a snack.

Muir Woods is very popular and needs parking or shuttle reservations in the summer months. There are half day tours that can take you to Muir Woods as well.

➡️ To save time and avoid the hassle of parking, I recommend this tour that combines both Muir Woods and Sausalito in a half-day trip!

➡️ Check my detailed article here – Ways to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco.

23. Museums in San Francisco

San Francisco’s museums offer an incredible variety of experiences, from contemporary art to hands-on science.

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in SoMa features renowned works by artists like Warhol and Kahlo, with a mix of free and ticketed spaces to explore.

In Golden Gate Park, the De Young Museum houses American and international art, with a free-access observation deck for stunning views of the city.

The Asian Art Museum, near the Civic Center, has an extensive collection that spans 6,000 years, offering an in-depth look at Asian culture and history.

For families, the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park combines a natural history museum, planetarium, and aquarium, perfect for a full day exploring its diverse exhibits, including a four-story rainforest.

For families, I also recommend the Exploratorium on Embarcadero, which has interactive, hands-on science exhibits that captivate both kids and adults.

We had annual passes for both the California Academy of Sciences and the Exploratorium for several years when our kids were young.

Final Takeaways: 23 Best San Francisco Attractions for Tourists

San Francisco’s blend of culture, history, and waterfront makes it one of the most unique cities to explore in California. I can’t get enough of the city and find new things whenever I visit.

As a first-time visitor this list will give you a taste of everything San Francisco has to offer. From its iconic landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, to ethnic neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy, to touristy spots like Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, you will love it all!

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, I hope you have a great time exploring San Francisco!

➡️Up next, check out my San Francisco itinerary to plan your perfect trip to the city!