The 13 things to do in San Francisco

Visit San Francisco: what are the best things to do in San Francisco, The City by the Bay ?

San Francisco is one of the only American cities to have "a soul." It is a very European city that will seduce you very quickly. People smile very much here. Traffic tends to be caused by drivers asking the other to move first. It is a city where people are tolerant, open and alternative. Even better for you, San Francisco is human in size, about 10 km2, and traffic is not as bad as it is in New York or Los Angeles. It is therefore possible to visit San Francisco In just a few days. Without going into the details and the right addresses, here are the best things to do in San Francisco ideal for a first stay.

1. The island and the prison of Alcatraz

Flickr – Krystian Olszanski

Alcatraz prison has not always been a place where people wanted to go, but today it is one of the most popular sites in the city, its mystical image having been romanced by the famous films on criminals who have lived here or tried to escape. Today it is possible to visit Alcatraz, and even without prisoners, there is a rather mysterious atmosphere.

2. The Golden Gate Bridge

Flickr – Yang and Yun’s Album

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of California’s icons, overlooking San Francisco Bay. It is probably the most photographed site in the city, with its orange color supported by the blue water and its two towers sometimes piercing the low clouds. The bridge has an interesting story and adds a unique charm to San Francisco.

3. The Fisherman’s Wharf

Flickr – Nick Ares

It is one of SF’s most popular and touristic places. The Fisherman’s Wharf ("Quai des Pêcheurs") attracts crowds who come to shopping, eating and walking along the docks. There are museums and there are many choices to entertain. For those looking to go out on the bay, the excursion boats and ferries for Alcatraz leave Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy it to see the Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square nearby.

4. Mount in a Cable Car (tramway)

Flickr – Shubert Ciencia

Emblemishes, fun and clean in San Francisco, Cable Cars are another "moving" icon of frisco . The famous trams were introduced in 1873 to help the premises climb the many hills on which the city is built. Today, the few Cable Cars still in service offer tourists an excellent way to discover the city historically. Since 1964, these trams have long had the peculiarity of being the only public transport system to be classified as a historic monument. The lines Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde are the most picturesque. The Cable Cars will lead you to major attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Ferry Building, Nob Hill, and Lombard Street. If you decide to visit San Francisco several days, consider buying a Pass .

5. Golden Gate Park

Rustic Bridge – Flickr – runner310

Larger than Central Park New York City, Golden Gate Park is the largest outdoor space in the city. If you go, you can see Dutch windmills, a herd of buffalo, remote boats, museums and gardens, and a lot of places to relax or make a picnic. On foot or by bike, you will also see a Japanese garden, botanical garden or California Academy of Sciences (museum).

6. Chinatown

Flickr – Shubert Ciencia

You may have been in Chinatown in other cities, but the Chinese neighborhood of San Francisco is a whole other kingdom. It is both the most important outside Asia and the oldest of its kind in North America. Almost completely destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, Chinatown was completely rebuilt in a Chinese style and is even more appealing than before the disaster. With its temples, theatres, workshops, small businesses, shops, antique shops and souvenir shops, tea salons and pharmacies with old panacea, Chinatown became one of the main districts of San Francisco. If you travel to SF during an important Chinese event, you may attend elaborate celebrations. The Chinese New Year (end of January – mid-February) are often considered the best in North America.

7. Lombard Street

Flickr – latteda

Although presented as the "most sinuous street in the United States", Lombard Street is actually not. Nor is it the steepest, but it’s probably the best known. Long of only one block, its eight tight turns are lined with colorful flowers. Most tourists go down the street, this one being in a unique sense. It’s not the city’s flagship attraction but it’s worth seeing.

8. L’Exploratorium

Flickr – Ray Bouknight

L’ Exploratorium is a leading science museum. It targets mainly children and families, but can really be appreciated by anyone. There are many exhibitions covering various areas of interest, all designed to educate and entertain. Children tend to love this museum, with all kinds of experiences and interesting things to do. Surprisingly, whether they have children or not, most adults also praise the Explorerium. This museum is located on the seafront, along the Embarcadero.

9. The Palace of Fine Arts

Flickr – Dzhingarova

The Palace of Fine Arts (Palais des Beaux-Arts) of San Francisco is the last remaining structure of the Panama-Pacific international exhibition held in 1915. The palace was restored, as well as the motifs. The theatre in it can accommodate about 1,000 people.

10. Twin Peaks

San Francisco view from Twin Peaks – Flickr – Jeff Turner

These two special and uninhabited hills (the twin peaks) of almost 305 metres high are not the highest of the 43 hills of San Francisco, a distinction belonging to Mount Davidson, which peaks at 315 metres. However, they are easier to access and offer what may be the most beautiful views of the city and the bay. ♪ Twin Peaks are the only hills in San Francisco that have not been built. The Spanish conquistadors called the Twin Peaks "Los Pechos de la Chola" or "the breasts of the Indian girl". Even during the hot days, strong fresh breezes blow from the Pacific, especially in the late afternoon. Think about taking hot clothes.

11. Museums in San Francisco

Flickr – David Orban

In addition to the museums we have already seen here, there are others that deserve to be explored. California Academy of Sciences , in the Golden Gate Park, is an architectural wonder and a multi-faceted museum. Inside, there is an incredible natural history museum, a planetarium, an aquarium, a tropical forest, and more.

The Young Museum is the oldest museum in San Francisco. Also in the Golden Gate Park, he presents mainly works of art from North America, but there are also numerous exhibitions from Egypt, Greece, Rome and the Near East. British art, and folk art from Africa, America and the Pacific Islands are also represented.

The Modern Art Museum (SFMOMA) is housed in War Memorial Building Veterans on the west side of the Civic Center Plaza. It is dedicated to modern and contemporary art.

The Asian Art Museum is undoubtedly one of the most important museums in San Francisco. The museum opened in 1966, with as a basis the collection from the art collector, Avery Brundage, to “close the gap between East and West”. It now houses about 15,000 objects from Asia.

12. Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Flickr – Geoff Livingston

On the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, it is a perfect place to enjoy nature and relax. There are hiking trails, camping pitches, picnic areas, and beautiful beaches. The park is also a place of history. Fort Baker was a post of the U.S. Army in the early 20th century, with many historic buildings. A beautiful place to escape from the city for a day.

13. La Napa Valley

Flickr – Malcolm Carlaw

Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley are the largest and most famous wine regions in California. Located 85 km from San Francisco, Napa Valley has a world reputation for its wine. You can visit this region of Marin County to taste the best Californian wines in the heart of production.

How to go to San Francisco and where to stay?

Find cheap flights to San Francisco on our partner's website Ulysses .

The hotels in San Francisco are as varied as its hilly landscapes. If you have the means, you can stay in The Palace or enjoy The Sir Francis Drake. If you have a smaller budget, Fisherman’s Wharf and Inner Sunset have much more accessible hotels. For more details, read our guide to find out where to stay in San Francisco . To find a cheap hotel in SF, search our website Compare hotels . You can also rent apartments for a short time. This concept is also born here with Airbnb.

Have you visited San Francisco?