20 Things To Do in San Francisco

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San-Francisco City

Source: Maria Grazia Montagnari

San Francisco might be a small city just extending over 7 miles, yet it’s full of attractions and activities that is certain to cater the needs of every kind of traveler, foodies and all backpackers of all ages.From a walk around the famous Golden Gate Bridge to a drive down the crooked avenues to world-class music in the recreation centers, San Francisco is a blessing from heaven for the all types of budget traveler. Whether you’re new to the city or simply searching for new destinations, below is the list of some must things to do in San Francisco City.

1. Enjoy San Francisco From Twin Peak

Twin Peak San Francisco City

Source: Nicolas Raymond

With altitude more than 920 feet, Twin Peaks is the second tallest top in the city after Mount Davidson. This is what makes it a perfect choice for viewing the spectacular views of the city. It offers a staggering perspective of the city from any area that you are at on top of Twin Peaks. Twin Peaks is an absolute destination to stop on your voyage through San Francisco. This set of high crests is situated close to the geological focal point of the city, offering dazzling 360-degree all encompassing view of this wonderful city, bay and the ocean.

Information

  • Name: Twin peak
  • Address: 501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco

2. A Walk on Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

Source: Nicolas Raymond

Golden Gate Bridge is the most famous iconic destination of the city that is famous all over the world. Walking or biking over the bridge must be in must to do list for local people and tourists alike. From here one can enjoy the great view of the Pacific Ocean on one side and on the other side its San Francisco Bay. If it’s not foggy out, you can see an extraordinary perspective of the city horizon from the bridge.

Information

  • Name: Golden Gate Bridge
  • Address: Golden Gate Bridge, California
  • Website: http://goldengatebridge.org/

3. Enjoy Live Concerts

The Independent in San Francisco

Source: Justin Davis

From intimate jazz joints to massive amphitheaters to famous historic concert halls, there are numerous places to enjoy live concerts in San Francisco. Listen to some legendary artists or discover a new rocking local band. Some of the famous places to go for concerts in San Francisco are Bimbo’s 365 Club, The Fillmore, War Memorial Opera House, Great American Music Hall and many more.San Francisco have a number of venues for every type of music lover.

4. Enjoy Baseball Game at AT&T Park

AT&T Park

Source: irene

One of the most famous baseball grounds in the county, AT&T Park is home to the San Francisco Giants team. Settled at the edge of downtown San Francisco, AT&T Park is located amidst King Street and the China Basin. The principle three zones made for seating for guests comprise of 41,600 green seats that stretch out from behind Homeplate to both the foul beasts. AT&T Park is a great spot to watch a ball game in light of the of the wonderful perspectives of the San Francisco Bay and the encompassing region.

Information

  • Name: AT&T Park
  • Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107
  • Fees Parking : $10

5. Explore Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli-Square

Source: prayitnophotography

Located in Fisherman’s Wharf area of San Francisco, Ghirardelli Square is one of the favorite spots for someone who is looking to go shopping and dining . More than 40 shops are based here of which some are eateries while others are shops. Ghirardelli Square is a great place for chocolate lovers. The chocolate here is widely acclaimed for its quality and taste. Ghirardelli Square likewise has one of the best perspectives on the whole city. From here, you can see the perfect views of San Francisco Bay, alongside Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Information

  • Name: Ghirardelli Square
  • Address: 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
  • Parking : $5 (1st Hour), $8 (Each Additional hour) $35 (Max Upto 12 Hours)
  • Timings: 6 Am – 12 Am
  • Website : http://www.ghirardellisq.com/

6. Take a Walk along the Nature

Lake Merced Park San Francisco

Source: Sandip Bhattacharya

Apart from famous tourist attractions , parks and gardens in San Francisco can give you can array of other options to enjoy your holiday and relax in the lap of nature. Do visit Golden gate Park which is one of the most famous parks of the USA. You can find gardens, monuments, playgrounds, picnic spots, lakes, nature’s trails and various other attractions. You can also indulge in number of activities, cultural venues and events. Some of the most famous places in this huge park are DeYoung Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, California Academy of Sciences,San Francisco Botanical Garden and many others.

Information

  • Some Famous Parks: Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco Botanical Garden

7. Visit Museums

Museums

Souce: torbakhopper

Take out time and explore city’s numerous world-class historical centers like the California Academy of Sciences, de Young Memorial Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and numerous others. World-class aquariums, intuitive science shows and many of the nation’s most differing workmanship accumulations make San Francisco’s historical centers a must to visit places in the city. Free Entry is offered by numerous historical centers on specific days, mostly during the first week of every month.

8. Go Shopping

The Emporium, Union Square District

Source: Ken Lund

The trip to any destination is incomplete without shopping. So yes San Francisco will not disappoint you all who loves shopping. Many of the best shops are spread out around Union Square, but for those hoping to do some serious mall shopping, San Francisco has various shopping centers that are absolutely worth visiting. Some of the famous place for shopping are The Embarcadero Center, Crocker Galleria, Great Mall, The Westfield and many more.

9. Visit the San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco Zoo and Garden

Source: Michael Fraley

Sprawling over an area of 100 acres of land, San Francisco Zoo and Gardens feature over 1,000 fascinating, endangered species representing more than 250 species of fauna and beautiful serene gardens loaded with local and foreign species of flora. There are a number of gardens you can explore like butterfly garden, sensory garden and rose gardens. There are also other gardens with definite themes like Native California Gardens, African Plants, Prehistoric Garden, and Dune Garden.

Information

  • Name: San Francisco Zoo and GardensAd
  • dress : 1 Zoo Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132
  • Timings: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • Entry Fees: $19 (Adults), Children (4-14) ($13)
  • Parking Facility: Yes ($8 in Weekdays and $10 in Weekends)
  • Website: http://www.sfzoo.org

10. Do Harbour Tours From San Francisco Bay

Boats around San Francisco Bay

Source: Pete Markham

One of the most ideal approaches to see San Francisco is from waterways of San Francisco Bay. There are numerous operators offering harbor voyages which will give you a chance to enjoy the spectacular perspectives of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, the island of Alcatraz and the city. Additionally, you can book a ticket in ferry from San Francisco over the cove to Tiburon, Sausalito, or Alameda.Boats typically depart hourly beginning around 10am and ends around 5pm. Costs range from 20-40 bucks, more for nightfall, supper, or whale watching visits.

11. Explore Chinatown

San Francisco Chinatown

Source: Kārlis Dambrāns

Chinatown of San Francisco is the biggest one outside of Asia and in addition the oldest Chinatown in North America. It is among the most visited and most famous spots in San Francisco. Crowded, turbulent and small, San Francisco’s Chinatown is a banquet for the senses. For a look of pre-twentieth century Chinatown, stroll up the thin stairs to the Tin Hau Temple above Grant Avenue, on the back road known as the Street of Painted Balconies. If you are a foodie then this place will not disappoint you, make a stop in some famous restaurants like Yuet Lee for magnificent fish, House of Nanking and numerous others.

Information

  • Name: Chinatown
  • Website: http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/

12. Get Closer to Japanese Culture

Japanese Tea Garden San Francisco

Source: majunznk

Located inside the Golden Gate park, Japanese Tea Garden of San Francisco is one of the oldest Japanese Park in USA. It offers guests with a chance to encounter the natural magnificence, serenity and peace of a Japanese-style garden. The landscape of an encompassing the Japanese Tea House is one that energizes, and encourages rejuvenation and relaxation. Japanese Tea Garden showcases the classic elements of Japanese culture here like pagodas, stepping stone paths, tranquil Koi lakes, Zen garden, arch bridge and native plants of Japan.

Information

  • Name: Japanese Tea Garden
  • Address : 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94102
  • Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Summers), 9:00 am to 4:45 pm( Winters)
  • Entry Fees: $8.00
  • Parking Facility: Yes
  • Website: http://japaneseteagardensf.com

13. Try Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan-Pizza

Source: Graeme Maclean

Tony Gemingnani is a well known name for pizza sweethearts in San Francisco, he was the first American to win the World Champion Pizza Maker title in Naples . Since than his namesake pizzeria at North Beach has become one of the most visited food joint of the area, with group lining up now and again hours to test one of his flawlessly cooked pizzas. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana offers a numerous favors of pizzas, going in temperature from 550 to 1,000 degrees. There is no facility for reservation here so be ready to wait to taste this delicacy.

Information

  • Name: Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
  • Address: 1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
  • Price range- $11-$30
  • Opening Hours: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
  • Website: http://tonyspizzanapoletana.com/

14. Enjoy Sweeping Views of City From Coit Tower

Coit-Tower

Source: Jitze Couperus

Coit Tower was built in 1933 at the solicitation of Lillie Hitchcock Coit after whom the tower is named. Coit Tower sits on Telegraph Hill, over the eastern side of San Francisco with a great presence.Unobstructed by taller structures , you can climb up here to enjoy the sweeping views of both the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay Bridge. Strolling around to the opposite side of Coit Tower, you can see the top of the Transamerica Building, the magnificence of the cityscape and the bends of Lombard Street.

15. Take a Tour To Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz-Island

Source: Kashyap Hosdurga

The famous fortess amidst San Francisco Bay in Alcatraz Island known as “The Rock” was at one time a greatest security jail that housed famous detainees, for example, George Kelly , Al Capone and Robert Stroud. Till now also, Alcatraz is best known as one of the world’s most incredible prisons. If you want to explore this island and the fortress than you can choose from various special programs and guided tours that are offered for Alcatraz Island.

Information

  • Name: Alcatraz Island
  • Address: San Francisco, CA 94133
  • Tour Price: Day Price ($31), Night Price ($38)
  • Website: http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/

16. Visit San Francisco de Asis Mission Church

San Francisco de Asis Mission Church

Source: eltb

San Francisco De Asis is one of the oldest architecture marvel of San Francisco and a must visit place.Up and down the lower dividers of the Mission Basilica are 21 recolored glass windows, every one of which have different images. Let your nose take in the radiant odors of the local trees and blooms around tended garden whose history goes back to 17th-18th century.The basilica, the burial ground, the house of prayer, and the design of the spot make it a standout amongst the most popular attractions of this city.

Information

  • Name: San Francisco de Asis Mission Church
  • Address:3321 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
  • Opening Timings: 9AM–4:30PM

17. Take a Ride of Cable Cars

Cable Car in San Francisco

Source: Marco Verch

Simply jump on to one of these mechanized cable car trolleys that will help you exploring around the city while you feel the charming breeze over your face. These open cable cars are really the best way to explore the city without really walking around. You won’t need to face the traffic and you will get the opportunity to see the city in all its glory. The best way is to get a daily pass or a weekly pass which will not only save your money but you can explore more of the city areas.

18. Visit Presidio of San Francisco

San Francisco's Presidio

Source: Bruce Tuten

Presidio of San Francisco is a park and was once the military base.The park is portrayed by numerous lush green regions, slopes, and picturesque vistas offering sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.The park is home to food trucks, restaurants, galleries , art centers , historic sites, and its most noteworthy building. The Presidio is open 24 hours a day year-round with no entry charges.

Information

  • Name: Presidio of San Francisco
  • Address: Presidio , San Francisco
  • Website: http://www.presidio.gov/

19. Taste Irish Coffee at Buena Vista

Buena Vista Cafe

Soure: George Kelly

The amiable wood-framed Buena Vista Café has been a neighborhood watering hole and hanging out place for marine society since 1916, however its distinguishing strength is that it was the bar that initially acquainted Irish Coffee with America. Buena Vista’s comfortable spot in an old Victorian sitting above Aquatic Park and Fisherman’s Wharf make it a perfect spot to loosen up by the day’s end. The menu additionally features burgers and fish claims to fame, for example, shellfish chowder and Dungeness crab cakes.

Information

  • Name: Buena Vista Cafe
  • Address: 2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
  • Timings: 9 AM – 2 AM
  • Webiste: http://www.thebuenavista.com/

20. Explore Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

Asian Art Museum

Source: Ken Lund

The nation’s biggest showcase for Asian craftsmanship, the Asian Art Museum has one of the world’s most complete accumulations of Southeast Asian , Chinese,Indian, Indonesian and Japanese art, that goes back to 6,000 years of history with more than 18,000 masterpieces in its permanent collection. Antiquities range from Japanese Buddhas and Indonesian shadow manikins to sacred texts and porcelains from the Ming Dynasty of China.

Information

  • Name: Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
  • Address: 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102
  • Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
  • Entry Fees: $15 (Adults) $10 (Seniors) $10 (Students & Youth)
  • Holiday : Monday
  • Webiste: http://www.asianart.org/

San Francisco is a great tourist destination that attracts millions of tourist from all around the world. The city offers something for any kind of tourist and an array of activities and things to do. So while planning your holidays to this amazing city do check above things to do in San Francisco city. 

Have a good trip and travel!