San Francisco is one of the nation’s most wonderful cities. It offers a ton of unique attractions with so much to do that you’ll need to plan enough time to see everything on your wishlist.
As you explore the city, you’ll experience a mix of historical landmarks and beautiful scenery, sometimes both at once at iconic locations like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Pier 39.
While these are likely high on your “must-see” list, they’re also obvious choices that will distract you from visiting some of the city’s hidden treasures. Before you set off to explore the island prison or marvel at the oversized bridge, consider also setting aside time for some of the gems we’ll discuss below.
The Most Iconic Landmarks In San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz are two of San Francisco’s most well-known spots. While I know they’re pretty much universally known by travelers making the trip to California, it seemed like an oversight not including them on a list of the city’s top spots.
They’re iconic landmarks that draw millions of visitors each year. If you’ve somehow left them off your list, it’s time to put them on so you don’t regret missing out on their spectacle.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is both San Francisco and California’s most recognizable landmark. The red-orange suspension bridge is about 1.7 miles long and links the city to Marin County.
Try walking or biking across if you can. Either way, it will give you plenty of time to take in the breathtaking views of the bay and city skyline.
For the best photo ops, you can also visit Fort Point, located directly under the bridge, and be sure to make a stop at Presidio Tunnel Tops for the family. The two-acre park is designed to let children explore, play, and learn about nature against the backdrop of the bridge.
If you want the absolute best view of the Golden Gate Bridge, make your way to Battery Spencer or Crissy Field in the early morning or late afternoon.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island, in the middle of San Francisco Bay, is home to the notorious abandoned prison. You can only get to it by a 15-minute ferry ride. There are limited tours every day, so book ahead to avoid it selling out.
Plan to spend a lot of time at Alcatraz, as the complex can really suck you in. Expect to spend much of the self-guided aspect of the tour in awe of the antiquated building. Typically, it’s recommended you take two hours to see it all, but my family and I spent about three hours on the island.
There is an audio tour that I highly recommend. It goes over old prisoners, their history, and how life was on the island for the guards.
Alcatraz isn’t just about the prison, though. The island has beautiful gardens, bird colonies, and awesome views of the Bay Area, including a bridge and Coit Tower.
San Francisco Cultural Hotspots
Beyond the Golden Gate and Alcatraz is a city with vibrant, culturally rich neighborhoods. At these hotspots, you’ll really get a taste of the city’s distinct and diverse heritage.
Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in America. As you walk through Dragon’s Gate on Grant Avenue, you’ll enter a world of colorful shops, authentic restaurants, and historic sites.
Some “must-see” places in Chinatown include the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where you can witness how fortune cookies are made, and Portsmouth Square, or the “Heart of Chinatown,” where you can see locals practicing tai chi.
Mission District
The Mission District is famous for its Latino culture. The street art in this district is absolutely striking, so keep your eyes out. Balmy Alley spans just one block and has been the hub of San Francisco’s mural scene since the ’70s.
While in Mission District, stop by Mission Dolores, the oldest building in San Francisco, for a peek into the city’s past. The chapel here was built in 1776, making it just as old as the United States.
You’ll also want to grab a bite at one of the many establishments serving authentic Mexican food, like La Taqueria. It is said to have the best burrito in the city and, in 2017, was named one of America’s Classics.
North Beach
North Beach, also known as “Little Italy,” is a haven for lovers of Italian culture. This area has some must-see iconic spots. Check out City Lights Bookstore, founded by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, to witness its transformation into a hub for the Beat Generation. Don’t forget to flip through some books and enjoy the atmosphere.
Near City Lights, you’ll find Vesuvio Cafe, a favorite hangout where you can enjoy some peace and quiet with your morning brew. Come lunchtime, you’ll want to stop at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, renowned for its award-winning pies.
Finally, with your appetite satiated, you’ll want to burn it all off with a walk through Washington Square Park, a perfect spot for people enjoying the view of Saints Peter and Paul Church.
Exploring the Outdoors
If you’re up for some outdoor adventures, San Fransico has plenty. From parks to beaches, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re traveling solo or with family.
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a massive urban park with gardens, museums, and many recreational areas. Don’t miss the Japanese Tea Garden, a peaceful spot with beautiful plants, koi ponds, and classic Japanese architecture.
There are plenty of spots to ride a bicycle. If you didn’t bring one, they are easy to rent to explore the park’s many trails. The park hosts the De Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences, both worth a stop if time allows. The on-site playgrounds and picnic areas are also perfect for a family day out.
Presidio and Crissy Field
In the Presidio, you’ll see a good mix of historic sites, scenic trails, and views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Crissy Field is a formal United States Army airfield that is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It’s perfect for picnics or bike rides, too.
Walking or biking along the Golden Gate Promenade allows you to see the bridge up close. The Presidio also offers great hiking opportunities, including paths through forests and impressive lookout points, where you can take plenty of great pics.
Beaches and Coastal Trails
San Francisco’s coastline, and California’s in general, offers some amazing spots to kick back and enjoy the West Coast sun. Ocean Beach is the longest stretch of sand in the city, ideal for a nice walk or just sitting down and letting the Pacific waves wash over your feet.
Muir Woods in Marin County is also a short drive away, and I’d say it should be one of your top five spots to check out. Here, you can trek along ancient redwoods and feel a true connection with nature.
Museum and Arts Scene
When visiting San Francisco, set time aside to check out the museums and other art venues. I’m not an “arts” person, and neither is my family, but the last time we took a trip up to San Francisco, we decided to go to a few of the venues. I wish we had done it the first time we vacationed here.
Contemporary Art and History
Out of all the areas in the U.S. we have gone to, San Francisco has some of the best contemporary art museums in the country. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a must-visit with its expansive collection and stunning architecture.
At the de Young Museum, you’ll explore American art from the 17th through the 21st century. The Asian Art Museum is another treasure that is a must-see for its showcase of art from various Asian cultures, from ancient works to contemporary pieces.
The California Academy of Sciences offers fun exhibits for nature and science enthusiasts, including an aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest dome.
Performing Arts and Music
You’ll enjoy world-class performances at the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Symphony, both known for their exceptional productions.
Music festivals like Outside Lands and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass draw massive crowds and feature diverse artists. The San Francisco Jazz Center is a staple for jazz lovers.
Food and Shopping Experiences
Of course, no San Francisco vacation is complete without a visit to some of the city’s unique, delicious dining spots, shopping venues, vibrant local markets, and festivals. There are plenty of scrumptious bites to savor and souvenirs to take home, so don’t forget to make time to experience the city’s food and retail scene.
Dining Destinations
San Francisco is famous for its diverse and tasty food scene. Start your adventure at Zuni Café for a taste of fresh California flavors. Don’t miss the legendary roasted chicken, which is far more spectacular than you could imagine!
Foreign Cinema in the Mission District is another must-visit. This spot has been a top choice for 17 years, offering dishes like oysters on the half shell and a unique dining atmosphere with retro decor.
Unique Shopping Spots
As mentioned before, San Francisco is a shopper’s paradise. It has some unique stores you won’t find anywhere else. Head to Union Square for high-end brands and recognizable department stores like Macy’s.
For something different, explore the Haight-Ashbury area. This historic neighborhood has vintage shops, music stores, and boutiques rather than big-box retailers.
Don’t forget to visit Ghirardelli Square, which is known for its famous chocolate.
Local Markets and Festivals
The Ferry Building Marketplace is a great spot for fresh produce, gourmet food, and unique crafts.
Check out the Alemany Farmers’ Market on Saturdays if you’re in the area during the weekend. It’s one of the oldest markets in the city, and it’s filled with booths you’ll want to shop at.
Tours and Day Trips
We’ve all seen movies of San Francisco with cable cars running in the background. They’re a city staple and a great way to see more of San Francisco. With a tour, you can guarantee you’ll see more authentic and iconic sites throughout the city.
San Francisco City Tours
Hop on a cable car tour to experience the charm of the city’s streets. You can also join walking tours that explore areas like Alamo Square Park with its famous Painted Ladies or Chinatown with its busy markets.
If you’d like to go deeper into the city’s history, consider historical tours that cover landmarks such as the Mission District and the Presidio.
Bay Cruises
Take a Bay Cruise to enjoy fresh air and beautiful sights. There are options for short boat tours that take you under the Golden Gate Bridge. If you decide to take the Alcatraz tour (which is one of the main reasons most people visit San Francisco), you’ll have a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge as well.
No matter how often you visit, San Francisco always has something new to offer and memories waiting to be made. So take your time, soak it all in, and let the city’s unique charm make a lasting impression on your travel adventures.
This article originally appeared on Travel Binger.
Troy De Ville is an outdoor backpacking enthusiast and founder of Core Mountaineering and Carmel Bay Coffee. His passion for the outdoors began when he was young and has only grown over the years. He’s been able to explore some of the wildest and most beautiful places on earth. His mission is to inspire others to get out there and experience nature in all its glory.
