San Francisco is, hands down, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city boasts a magical combination of sun and fog, hills and valleys plus quirks like its famous, whimsical cable cars. Despite the parade of negative news, San Francisco still offers delights of all kinds.
From iconic landmarks to cultural gems, we’ve put together a list of our favorite places to visit in San Francisco the next time you’re looking for something to do or need to entertain out-of-town guests.
Ride a cable car
It seems as if any article about fun things to do in downtown San Francisco is practically obliged to start with the city’s famous cable cars. One of two National Historic Streetcar Landmarks still in operation today (the other is in New Orleans), San Francisco cable cars were invented in 1873 and still move locals and tourists through some of San Francisco’s most beloved neighborhoods. There are three lines: Powell/Hyde, Powell/Mason and California. Many tourists favor the Powell/Hyde line, which connects Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf, with stops at the Cable Car Museum, and Chinatown. Capture San Francisco’s charm as you ride past iconic landmarks, including the bustling and picturesque Powell and Lombard streets. No matter which line you choose, be kind to your seat mate — the city’s steep hills mean you are likely to slide against your neighbor as the car trundles its way up and down.
Insider tip: Avoid the long lines at the popular cable car turnarounds by boarding at lesser-known stops such as California Street or Hyde Street.
Find it: San Francisco Cable Car Museum, 1201 Mason St., San Francisco, CA 94108; 415-474-1887
Boudin Bakery, established in 1849 — about the time when the California gold rush was just heating up — is credited with codifying the recipe for San Francisco sourdough bread.
Boudin Bakery via Yelp
Taste sourdough bread made from San Francisco’s original mother
San Francisco’s unique climate is responsible for the mythical alchemy of moisture, cold and local yeasts that yield arguably some of the best sourdough in the world. And Boudin is the birthplace of the bread that has become synonymous with San Francisco eating. Boudin’s legendary creation is best experienced at its Fisherman’s Wharf location, where, if you arrive in the morning (the shop opens at 8 a.m.) while the bakers are wrapping up their work for the day, the bread for your avocado toast can be pulled from a basket slung from a ceiling-high delivery system direct from the bakery’s ovens. Upstairs, there’s a small museum dedicated to the city’s beloved sourdough and its “mother” — the flour, water and yeast starter that started it all.
Find it: Boudin At The Wharf, 160 Jefferson St., Lower Level, San Francisco, CA 94133; 415-928-1849
San Francisco’s Filbert Street Steps pass homes, gardens and little lanes along the climb from bottom to top.
Matt Charnock
Get your workout in: Climb the Filbert Steps to Coit Tower
After riding a cable car and eating some local sourdough, walking up and down steps is a very San Francisco thing to do — the city is packed with steps and stairways, many unknown even to locals. Walking the 500 or so stairs that make up the Filbert Steps to Coit Tower requires an effort but is worth it — you’ll pass through landscaped gardens, get a chance to hear and maybe even see Telegraph Hill’s famous parrots and catch stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Upon your arrival at Pioneer Park, which surrounds Coit Tower, you’ll look forward to even more steps —13 flights in fact — if your aim is get to the top of Coit Tower. (You can also try the elevator, but it isn’t always in service.) Luckily, you can take in the building’s historic murals, which were painted in 1934, without the hike — they are on the ground floor. Phew!
Find it: Coit Tower, 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133
The small island was once a fort, a military prison and a maximum security federal penitentiary.
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Tour Alcatraz, the country’s most notorious prison
Alcatraz, the island with epic San Francisco views and a sordid past, was not only a military prison and federal penitentiary. It was also, for 19 months, an island that symbolized freedom and sovereignty when the Indians of All Tribes occupied the land in 1969. (The prison was officially closed in 1963.) The island’s storied history and unique location makes it one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist attractions. Embark on a guided tour which will unravel the mysteries of Al Capone, Robert Stroud and others who were imprisoned here. Immerse yourself in history while reveling in views of the San Francisco Bay.
Note: Tickets sell out months in advance, especially in high season, so be sure to book yours in advance.
Insider tip: A tour of the island at night is extra creepy.
Find it: Alcatraz Island, accessible by ferries from Piers 31-33 by the intersection of Embarcadero and Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; 415-561-4900
Step back in time at the Asian Art Museum
More than 18,000 works of art exploring the history of Asia and the Asian-American diaspora at the Asian Art Museum are curated to inspire and connect visitors to the region’s varied cultures. Exhibitions explore the museum’s vast collection: for example, “Beyond Bollywood” looks at 2,000 years of art inspired by dance and “Delightful Luxury: The Art of Chinese Lacquer” digs into the dynastic treasures of the Southern Song era. The museum’s ongoing programming is interactive, inviting all ages to participate with films, lectures and family fun days. (Check the calendar for details.)
The museum is open every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays and closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day; double check the website for times. Tickets can be booked in advance online.
Find it: Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St., San Francisco, CA 94102; 415-581-3500
A sunny view of the Golden Gate Bridge from an overlook in Marin County, Calif.
Dan Kurtzman/Getty Images
Traverse an engineering marvel
No visit to San Francisco would be complete without crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Spanning 1.7 miles across the stunning San Francisco Bay, this architectural masterpiece offers unrivaled panoramic views. Whether you choose to walk, bike or drive, the exhilaration of traversing this iconic structure is an experience that will be etched in your memory.
Insider tip: Beat the crowds by timing your visit for the early morning or late evening and witness the bridge bathed in a breathtaking golden hue or — often — mysterious fog.
Find it: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA 94129; 415-921-5858
Test your human perception at the Exploratorium or explore the intersection of science and wonder at the California Academy of Sciences
A museum and hands-on learning lab? Yes, please. At the Exploratorium, exhibits are designed to be interactive — jump right in and touch that sculpture. Step into an immersive audiovisual art experience or challenge your vision at the Wall of Illusion. If your senses are not overstimulated from the fun of the day, the Exploratorium also offers After Dark, adults-only nighttime fun where a DJ sets the vibe for discovering the unexpected about science, art and perception.
If you make your way over to Golden Gate Park — which you’d be a fool to miss — discover a world of scientific wonders at the California Academy of Sciences, a world-class museum nestled within the beauty of San Francisco’s largest and most famous park. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world as you explore the museum’s fascinating exhibits, including a planetarium, an aquarium full of marine life and interactive displays. Set aside a Thursday night to experience Nightlife, a unique, adults-only after-hours event.
Find it: Exploratorium, Pier 15, Embarcadero at Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94111; 415-528-4444.
Find it: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118; 415-379-8000
The Port of San Francisco and Ferry Building (Clock Tower) in San Francisco, California at twilight
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Eat your way through the Ferry Building
California cuisine is recognized around the world for its focus on local produce, served in season and as fresh as possible. The Ferry Building is a one-stop shop to experience the best of the San Franciscan — and Californian — food scene and sus out food trends that are sure to be coming soon to your city soon. Yes, the Ferry Building is a transit hub and commuters still move through, headed for ferries, trains and buses, but it is now first and foremost a magnificent marketplace, with world-class restaurants, bars, grocery stores and culinary shops that offer everything from empanadas and doughnuts to charcuterie and wine. Enjoy a traditional Chinese tea service at Imperial Tea Court or Filipino-Mexican fusion at Señor Sisig. Sample Arab pastries at Reem’s or local oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co.
Stop by the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market which, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, wraps around the plaza outside. No matter your culinary pleasure, a taste of California awaits.
Find it: Ferry Building Marketplace, 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105; 415-983-8000
Give in to a delightful tourist trap, Fisherman’s Wharf
Ok, so it’s super touristy, but Fisherman’s Wharf, a bustling waterfront district, is still full of charm. Stroll along the picturesque promenade, savor delectable seafood, explore unique shops and soak up the performances of talented street artists.
Sea lions have become an iconic attraction for visitors here, too. In 1989, sea lions began appearing on the docks of Pier 39 and they quickly became a beloved fixture. Today, sometimes hundreds of sea lions bask in the sun, playfully interacting with each other and entertaining onlookers with their antics.
Insider tip: To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays, enjoying the atmosphere without jostling through the masses. And consider taking a seafood cooking class. Several restaurants in the area offer hands-on cooking classes that teach you how to prepare San Francisco’s famous seafood dishes, such as clam chowder, Dungeness crab, cioppino and seafood paella.
Find it: Fisherman’s Wharf, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
Spend an evening in Union Square
Union Square, the downtown neighborhood known for shopping, is also the hub of San Francisco’s theater scene. Live performance venues — the Curran Theater, Toni Rembe Theater and San Francisco Playhouse — attract performers from around the world. Union Square is also known for its food and drink offerings. Before a show, grab a bespoke cocktail in the outdoor lounge at Pacific Cocktail Haven or sample a meal of Mediterranean specialties at Ula, where the fantastical under-the-sea atmosphere adds heaps of gemütlichkeit.
Find it: Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94123
Pass through the Dragon Gate and experience the tastes and sights of San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown neighborhood.
Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
Explore Chinatown and eat some Chinese food, too
The Dragon Gate is Chinatown’s formal welcome sign, under whose arches many visitors pass to explore a neighborhood chock-a-block with stores selling jewelry, tourist treasures, herbal medicines, and more. As you wander through its bustling streets adorned with colorful lanterns and ornate architecture, pop in to search for unique trinkets and finds. A trip here wouldn’t be complete without tasting delectable dim sum and authentic Chinese cooking; the aroma of spices and oil wafts on the air, beckoning passersby to the many restaurants that crowd the streets. Most regions of China are represented here in the cuisines — Szechuan at Z&Y Restaurant (a regular honoree of Michelin’s Bib Gourmand award), Shanghainese home cooking at House of Nanking, and dim sum at Begoni Bistro. Chinatown boasts two restaurants included in Michelin’s Best Chinese Restaurants in San Francisco list: Empress by Boon and Mister Jiu’s.
Insider tip: For an unforgettable experience, visit during Chinese New Year, when the streets come alive with dragon dances, fireworks and a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture.
Find it: Dragon Gate, 413-401 Grant Ave., San Francisco, CA 94108
This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at kristina.moy@hearst.com.
