San Francisco is one of those cities I can visit over and over again and still find something I enjoy. Yes, it has its issues, and some areas have changed considerably over the years, but there is still something about San Francisco that I love. Maybe it’s the hills, the architecture, the water, the bridges, the neighborhoods or simply the fact that you can turn a corner and find a completely different part of the city. One of my favorite things about San Francisco is that you don’t necessarily need a packed itinerary. Walking around is an attraction in itself. Wander around and stop when something looks interesting. On my last trip, I walked by a park that was having an outdoor festival and into an ice rink that was having a competition. Both were fun to see.
Here are some of the places and experiences I think are most worth your time.
Alcatraz Is Absolutely Worth Visiting
If you haven’t been to Alcatraz, put it on your list. I did this on my very first visit and to this day, it still remains one of my favorite things I’ve done in the city. The ferry ride over gives you great views of San Francisco and the Bay, and once you’re on the island, there’s much more to see than just the prison. The Cellhouse audio tour is particularly good. You’re walking through the actual prison while hearing stories from former prisoners and correctional officers, which makes the history much more interesting than simply reading about it. You can also explore the outdoor areas, see the gardens, take in the views back toward San Francisco and learn about the island’s history before and after it became a federal penitentiary. The standard Alcatraz Day Tour currently starts around $47.95, although prices vary by date and tour. Plan on approximately 2–3 hours for the experience.
Tips: Book Alcatraz in advance. It is extremely popular, and I wouldn’t wait until you arrive in San Francisco to figure it out. And bring a jacket as it can get windy on that boat ride.
Take a Sunset Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge
One of my favorite ways to see San Francisco is from the water. A sunset cruise gives you an entirely different perspective of the city, and going underneath the Golden Gate Bridge is so cool. You get the skyline, the bridge, Alcatraz, the bay and, if you’re lucky, a beautiful sunset all in one outing. I don’t think you need to do a dinner cruise. Save your money and do a sightseeing cruise. For example, Bay Discovery Cruises currently start around $44 and run approximately 90 minutes, with routes that include Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
One thing, if you’ve done Alcatraz you could forgo the sunset cruise unless you really like boats or want another perspective. I did Alcatraz one visit and a sunset cruise on another visit.
Walk, Just Walk
San Francisco is one of those cities where I actually enjoy wandering without a specific destination. You can walk from one neighborhood into another and suddenly the architecture, restaurants and atmosphere completely change. It’s unique and it is fun. Some of my favorite areas for wandering include:
- North Beach for Italian restaurants, cafés and the neighborhood atmosphere
- Chinatown for colorful streets, shops and restaurants
- The Embarcadero for waterfront walking
- Crissy Field for incredible Golden Gate Bridge views
- Marina District for restaurants and architecture
- Pacific Heights for beautiful homes and some of the city’s prettiest streets
Just remember that San Francisco is hilly. A walk that looks easy on a map can be much more challenging once you actually start climbing. You need comfy shoes. But it’s good cardio!
Golden Gate Park and the Japanese Tea Garden
Golden Gate Park is huge, and you could easily spend an entire day exploring it. One of my favorite places is the Japanese Tea Garden. It is peaceful, beautiful and feels completely removed from the city. The garden is the oldest Japanese tea garden in the United States and covers about 3.5 acres. You’ll find Japanese maples, winding paths, ponds, stone lanterns, a pagoda and beautiful seasonal plantings. It is $16 for adults to visit the garden.
The Japanese Tea Garden is part of the Gardens of Golden Gate Park, which includes:
- Japanese Tea Garden
- San Francisco Botanical Garden
- Conservatory of Flowers
They’re all close together, so if you enjoy gardens, you can easily combine them. The Japanese Tea Garden even has free admission from 9–10 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Tip: Buy the 3 garden pass. It’s $25 for adults and you can visit all three for three consecutive days.
I also recommend stopping at the teahouse at the Japanese Tea Garden. Get some tea and some cookies and just take in the scenery. It’s so enjoyable. And, since you are in the area, head over to the de Young Museum of Art. Take the elevator to the top for the Hamon Observation Tower. Great views of the city and park and completely free.
Fisherman’s Wharf: Tourist Trap? Yes, but Visit
I’m not going to pretend Fisherman’s Wharf isn’t touristy. It is, but you should still stop by, if only for a short time. Walk along the waterfront, look around, see the sea lions, and then move on. Leave there and head over to Ghirardelli Square for ice cream. That’s one of my favorite caloric splurges.
The Palace of Fine Arts is a Favorite
If I had to pick one place in San Francisco that I simply enjoy wandering around, the Palace of Fine Arts would be at the top of the list. It’s beautiful. The enormous rotunda, columns, lagoon and surrounding architecture make it a spectacular place for wandering around. And, it’s free. Give yourself at least 30–60 minutes, although you could easily spend longer here if you want to take photographs or simply sit by the lagoon. I also enjoy walking around the neighborhoods nearby there. You’ll often see people taking photos for special occasions at the Palace of Fine Arts too.
Ride a Cable Car
You can’t come to San Francisco and not at least consider riding a cable car. However, you need to be aware that they are crowded and busy. Know that lines can be long at Powell and Market. Pack your patience or look to get on farther along the route where possible and go early. And, if you don’t end up doing it, it won’t be the end of the world. A single cable car ride is currently $9.
The Ferry Building
The Ferry Building is another place I like to wander through. It’s right along the Embarcadero and has restaurants, cafés, shops and food vendors inside. It’s a particularly easy stop to combine with a waterfront walk. You don’t necessarily need to plan an entire meal here. Sometimes I think it’s more fun to walk around, see what’s available and grab something that looks good. And don’t forget to look outside. The waterfront views are part of the experience.
Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown is another neighborhood where I recommend popping into. Look at the buildings, signs, shops and restaurants. Wander down some of the side streets instead of staying only on the main tourist areas. Visit the Fortune Cookie Store. I picked some up when I was there in late 2019 and it made for a funny time in 2020 during the pandemic when we were reading our daily fortunes.
North Beach for Italian Food
Right next to Chinatown is North Beach, San Francisco’s historic Italian neighborhood. North Beach has Italian restaurants, cafés, bakeries and plenty of places to stop for a meal or coffee. And while you’re in San Francisco, you have to try sourdough bread. It’s so good.
Muir Woods: Make the Trip If You Can
If you have enough time to get outside the city, I highly recommend Muir Woods National Monument. Walking among the enormous coastal redwoods is an entirely different experience from anything you’ll find in the city. The trees are incredible, and the forest is peaceful in a way that is hard to describe until you’re standing there. The current entrance fee is $15 per person for visitors 16 and older, and children under 16 are free. Parking or shuttle reservations are also required, and those fees are separate from admission. Don’t just show up and hope for parking. Make your reservation before you go. If you have half a day, Muir Woods can be combined with Sausalito, which makes for a really nice outing. It’s a lovely town on the water with gorgeous shops and buildings.
A Few More San Francisco Highlights
Grace Cathedral
This is on Nob Hill and free to visit. It is spectacular inside. Highly worth the visit. Sometimes they have events there too. For example, on Halloween, we went and saw a Hitchcock film. Across the street is a nice park and you are close to the Intercontinental which has the Top of the Mark bar and the Fairmont which is equally iconic and has the Tonga Room (Though there are arguably better Tiki Bars in San Francisco.)
Lombard Street
Yes, it’s crowded and very touristy. But it’s also one of those things that is fun to see once. Walk down the crooked section and then keep exploring the neighborhood.
Painted Ladies & Alamo Square
The famous Victorian houses are worth a quick stop, especially if you enjoy architecture. I like walking through the park near there too.
Crissy Field
Get a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge by walking along the waterfront.
Ghost Tours
If you like something a little different, try a San Francisco ghost tour. I’ve done ghost tours in several cities, and I think they’re a fun way to see a destination after dark while hearing some of its stranger stories and history. You don’t have to believe every story to enjoy it.
What About Union Square?
Union Square is still worth seeing if you want to shop. There are plenty of major retailers and it’s historically one of San Francisco’s main shopping areas. That said, the area has struggled with homelessness, vacant storefronts and other issues, and it doesn’t have the same feel it once did. I wouldn’t focus so much on Union Square unless you really want to do some shopping.
Just Visit
San Francisco is worth visiting. There’s so much to see and the Bay is beautiful. The city offers a rich history and an opportunity to just walk and explore. It’s also a nice combination with Wine Country where you could spend several days in San Francisco and go out to Wine Country. (More on that in a future blog post.) But see Alcatraz, grab a bite to eat in North Beach and admire the Palace of Fine Arts. Just explore the city and see what you find.
Have you been? What’s been your favorite thing to see or do?
