Budget | Orchard Hotel
Inspired by Singapore's Orchard Road, the charming Orchard Hotel is centrally located near Union Square. This boutique hotel is also considered one of the most eco-friendly hotels in the US.
Planning a trip to the city on the bay? San Francisco seemingly offers it all. From misty morning wanders at the waterfront to historic tours, there are plenty of fun things to do in San Francisco.
You may know this city as the home of the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge in the 1930s. But with a history stretching back to 1776, SF is a city of many more surprising firsts and bests. I’ve compiled some must-do activities in San Francisco to get to know the heart and soul of this exciting city.
Looking to add more US destinations to your travel list? Explore my USA bucket list to fuel your wanderlust.
What to Do in San Francisco
Get active, curious and excited with these top things to do in San Francisco.
Explore San Francisco on Wheels
A bike tour is the perfect eco-friendly way to catch some sunshine and get an overview of all the city has to offer. I booked a three-hour e-bike tour with Blazing Saddles and pedalled past some of the most iconic San Francisco landmarks. We passed gems like the Palace of Fine Arts and Golden Gate Park before crossing the stunning Golden Gate Bridge.
After the tour, you can opt to keep the bike for the rest of the day. San Francisco is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States. So you can safely explore more of the city at your own pace.
Tip: Explore more ways to travel sustainably with my key tips for eco-friendly trips.
Ride the Powell-Hyde Cable Car Line
Did you know that San Francisco was the birthplace of the cable car? Invented by Andrew Smith Hallidie in 1873, the cable car became a key mode of transport in SF. Of the 23 cable car lines that operated in its heyday, only three remain.
The Powell-Hyde cable car line is arguably the most popular of the three lines. This line travels through downtown SF, passes Union Square, ascends Nob Hill and descends to Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s an incredibly scenic and thrilling ride full of photo ops and beautiful sights.
Hop on at the Powell Street Cable Car turnaround at the San Francisco Centre shopping mall. A single-trip ticket costs only $8 and can be purchased via the MuniMobile app.
Tip: Hop off between Jackson and Bush streets to explore the oldest Chinatown in North America. Join a food tour, do some shopping, and visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.
Explore The Presidio of San Francisco
The Presidio is a 1,491-acre national park overlooking the bay. This stunning expanse is the historic territory of the Yelamu tribe of the Ramaytush Ohlone peoples. It was converted into a Spanish fort in 1776 and served as a military post for centuries. In 1994, the Presidio became part of the national park system as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Today, the Presidio is home to over 3,000 residents and various species of endangered plants and animals. The park offers multiple recreational activities and attractions, making it perfect for a family day out.
- Visit the Letterman Digital Arts Center, the home of Lucasfilm, to admire the life-size Yoda fountain and other iconic Star Wars statues. The campus also features a 17-acre public lawn offering gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts.
- Walk, hike and bike along the Presidio’s various trails on a self-guided adventure. Request a Presidio Adventure Passport, an explorer backpack or an adventure map at the Presidio Field Station and explore the area. Look out for artworks by Andy Goldsworthy on your adventure.
- Grab a bite at the Presidio Social Club, Colibri Mexican Bistro or Dailida. Or explore what street food goodies are on offer at the food trucks.
- Camp overnight at Presidio’s highest point, Rob Hill Campground, between April and October.
- Stop by the Visitor Centre for resources, maps, mementoes or a bathroom break.
- Plop down for a picnic at Baker Beach, the Rob Hill Campground or the Presidio Tunnel Tops. The Tunnel Tops is a new development with a fun playground, picnic spots and dreamy views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Visit the Walt Disney Family Museum to learn more about the life of Walt Disney. See the first-ever drawing of Mickey Mouse, explore temporary exhibitions, and admire a model of Walt’s dream Disneyland.
Tip: Hop on the free Presidio GO Shuttle from downtown San Francisco to the Presidio Transit Centre.
Wander About at Fisherman’s Wharf
Take the cable car down to Fisherman’s Wharf to greet the sea lions at Pier 39 and explore the buzzing waterfront. Here, you can head out on whale-watching tours and bay cruises to see the city from a new angle.
When hunger calls, sample the day’s catch at one of the many seafood restaurants while soaking up bay views. Fishermen bring in fresh scallops, halibut and Dungeness crab in and around the bay.
If you’re fascinated by vintage arcade games, get nostalgic at the Musée Mécanique. This museum is home to over 300 coin-operated mechanical machines and musical instruments, and is free to enter.
Watch the Giants at Oracle Park
Catch a baseball game at Oracle Park, the home of the San Francisco Giants since 2000. I watched the San Francisco Giants win against the Cincinnati Reds, and the energy in the stadium was incredible. Paired with life-changing garlic fries and an energetic Hello Kitty mascot, it was such a memorable time.
Visiting with the kids? They can look forward to sliding down the Coca-Cola bottle slide or admiring the world’s largest baseball glove up close. There’s also a 50-by-50-foot replica of Oracle Park for aspiring baseballers to run the bases. If you’re a big baseball fan, you can also book a behind-the-scenes tour of Oracle Park.
Key Places to Visit in San Francisco
Grab your camera and prepare to be awe-struck by these unmissable places to see in San Francisco.
The Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most photogenic things to see in San Francisco. This architectural gem was built in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Most of the buildings built for this exposition were torn down. However, the Palace of Fine Arts, with its Greco-Roman rotunda and colonnades overlooking a lagoon, was too beautiful to destroy.
The Palace of Fine Arts was completely restored in 1959 and gained a theatre in 1970. Today, it is a popular wedding and event venue and the perfect place to plop down for a picnic. You’ll also catch stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge from here, so be sure to bring your camera!
Lombard Street
Lombard Street is one of the quirkiest San Francisco attractions. Known as the “Crookedest Street in the World,” this downhill lane consists of eight hairpin turns. The turns were implemented in the 1920s to make the downhill descent safer for drivers and pedestrians.
From the top of the hill, you’ll enjoy glorious views of San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge. From the bottom, you’ll get postcard-worthy views of the winding street surrounded by manicured gardens and Russian Hill houses.
The best time to visit is during the late morning and early afternoon, when residents aren’t heading out to work. While admiring the street, be sure to respect the residents by staying on the sidewalks and off the lawns.
Tip: While Lombard Street has its fair share of crookedness, Vermont Street is technically the curviest street in San Francisco. Find it in the Potrero Hill district between 20th and 22nd streets.
Club Fugazi
The legendary Club Fugazi has been a cultural gem for over 100 years. Originally built in 1913, it has set the stage for creatives, politicians and everyone in between. This is the spot where jazz icon Thelonious Monk recorded his album Thelonious Alone in San Francisco (1959). It’s where Beat poets like Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac felt at home.
You may know Club Fugazi best as the home of Steve Silver’s Beach Blanket Babylon, the world’s longest-running musical review. The production ran for 45 years, drawing over six million guests.
I watched Club Fugazi’s latest resident production, “Dear San Francisco.” This daring, acrobatic love letter to the city pays homage to all the characters, beauty and history that make it so unique. The impressive acts are sure to have you awe-struck and on the edge of your seat.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is one of the eeriest places to visit in the San Francisco Bay Area. Located about 2 km offshore, it was originally home to a seabird colony before the construction of a military fort and prison in the 1800s.
Between 1934 and 1963, the building served as a federal prison, housing some of the most dangerous prisoners. These included George Kelly and Al Capone. While there were about 14 escape attempts during this time, it is said that nobody has ever escaped the island alive.
I took a self-guided tour to learn more about this island’s history and really felt the eerie energy of this prison. The tour offers an insightful look into some of the most infamous prisoners and offers glimpses into the past.
The Painted Ladies
These aren’t real ladies! Rather, the Painted Ladies are seven beautifully preserved Victorian houses. The term “painted ladies” is often used to refer to any set of Victorian and Edwardian houses that have been repainted in different colours.
Nestled in the heart of Alamo Square on Steiner Street, these picture-perfect houses were built in the late 19th century. They’re one of the most popular things to see in San Francisco, and are especially striking against a backdrop of modern skyscrapers. Stop by at sunset to capture some memorable shots. You can also relax at Alamo Square Park across the road.
Wrapping Up: Top Things to Do in SF
Whether you’re on a family trip or hitting San Fran solo, this city has something for everyone. Its cultural diversity, rich history and stunning natural landscapes offer photo ops and adventures galore.
While you’re in the Western United States, why not explore Nevada off the beaten path? There are also plenty of fun things to do in Las Vegas.
