Those that have been, love it, and those who haven’t yet, certainly need to go. If you’re looking for a top destination to take the family, a loved one, or even yourself on a solo adventure, there are plenty of things to do in San Francisco.
As the beating heart of Northern California, this fantastic city is full of historical landmarks and unique attractions. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge through to its sensational world-famous wineries, San Francisco makes every trip memorable.
Pack your bags, because we’ve highlighted some of the best sights and experiences you need to try in San Francisco.
Just like New York has the Empire State Building and St. Louis has The Gateway Arch, you can’t move around San Francisco without the Golden Gate Bridge capturing your attention. Visiting this stunning 746 ft. suspension bridge, built in 1937 and painted international orange– this iconic landmark has to be on your bucket list.
Attracting over 10 million visitors a year, the Golden Gate Bridge perfectly frames San Francisco Bay. And for the more adventurous sightseers, you can walk or ride across its 1.7-mile length. However, for the most spectacular views, we suggest taking the Golden Gate Ferry, which takes visitors around the bay and under the bridge itself.
Back in the day, if you were in San Francisco, the last place you’d want to be heading to is Alcatraz Island. The notorious landmark is famed for housing the most dangerous criminals in the United States from 1934 to 1963. Nowadays, the island is a must-see destination in the city and plays host to over 1.5 million visitors a year.
Fantastic day and night tours are available from Alcatraz Island Tickets to and from the mainland to this 25-acre island in the heart of San Francisco Bay. With spectacular panoramic views of San Francisco, you’re just a 15-minute ferry ride away from stepping into the cells that once housed Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly.
Did you know San Francisco has been credited with the invention of the cable car? Engineered and introduced by Andrew Smith Hallidie in 1873, these humble, street-operated trains became symbolic of the city itself. Hallidie’s innovation revolutionized San Francisco’s transportation system almost instantly, with over 53 miles of track eventually laid out over three main city lines.
If you’re in downtown San Francisco, head to the corner of Washington and Mason Streets for an insightful tour of the San Francisco Cable Car Museum. Discover how the early steam powerhouses pulled these trains across the city and explore the vintage designs of the trolleys that became a city icon.
Located on the northern city waterfront, Fisherman’s Wharf has become synonymous as San Francisco’s premier family-oriented tourist attraction. With panoramic views of the bay, an impressive array of great shops, and fantastic restaurants, Fisherman’s Wharf is a jumping point for many of the bay cruise excursions and is perfect for visitors looking to explore San Francisco’s maritime roots.
Historical ships and their towering masts complement the postcard views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Officially opened in October 1978, Pier 39 has since become a tourist attraction on its own within the Fisherman’s Wharf district. With classic eateries, visitors can also meet the world-famous, resident sea lion population, who have been calling K-Dock their home since 1990.
It would be rude to visit San Francisco and not take advantage of some of the world-class vineyards on its doorstep. Home to two of Northern California’s highly prized wine regions, day trips leave from the city center to the famous Sonoma and Napa Valleys for a fun-filled day of sightseeing and wine tasting.
Tower Tours has a range of fantastic full and half-day wine-tasting tours, visiting some of the oldest vineyards in the state. Learn how the grapes are grown and the techniques used to extract them for the best results. With the additional benefits of a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge and lunch in downtown Sonoma Plaza, this has to be high on your San Francisco wish list.
Don’t worry, sports fans, we’ve not forgotten you. For lovers of the NFL and any San Francisco 49ers fans, a trip out to Levi’s Stadium is strongly recommended, and it’s just a short drive away in Santa Clara. You can walk around the stadium and then explore the onsite 49ers Museum, which provides a nostalgic look back at the glory years of the five-time Super Bowl champions.
If you’re a basketball fan, a visit to Chase Center must be on your itinerary, as it’s located in the heart of downtown San Francisco. The Golden State Warriors are one of the NBA’s most successful franchises and the reigning 2022 NBA champions. Over the years, the Warriors have won seven championships, including the first ever Basketball Association of America (BAA) championship in 1947.
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