San Francisco has more to do than you can realistically fit into one trip, which is why planning can feel overwhelming.
In this video, I walk you through 30 of the best things to do in San Francisco, organized by type so you can easily find activities that fit your trip.
Instead of one long list, I break everything down into categories, including:
• Iconic San Francisco experiences
• Neighborhoods to explore
• Parks and scenic viewpoints
• Classic food experiences
• Unique and unexpected stops
• Easy day trips from the city
You’ll see everything from the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz to colorful staircases, historic neighborhoods, and redwood forests just outside the city.
Helpful planning links below
ICONIC SAN FRANCISCO EXPERIENCES
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge (What to Expect)
Everything you should know before walking the bridge:
Alcatraz Tours – Explained
Which tour is right for you, and what sells out first:
San Francisco Bay Cruise (Great Alcatraz Alternative)
Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz:
https://gyg.me/ZyIIRij6
My Full Guide to Fisherman’s Wharf
What’s worth your time and what to skip:
EXPLORE SAN FRANCISCO NEIGHBORHOODS
Self-Guided Chinatown Walking Tour
A mapped route so you don’t miss the hidden streets:
Blue Painted Lady Tour
Step inside one of these historic gems:
https://www.viator.com/tours/San-Francisco/Blue-painted-Lady-House-Tour-Interior-Guided-Tour-by-Owner-of-Iconic-SF-Home/d651-338013P1?pid=P00037366&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=yt-things-bluepaintedlady
PARKS & SCENIC VIEWS
California Academy of Sciences Tickets
Aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest dome in Golden Gate Park:
https://gyg.me/a3mW1fft
My Full Presidio Guide
Where to park, the best viewpoints, and what not to miss:
UNIQUE & UNEXPECTED SAN FRANCISCO
The Secret Side of San Francisco
Hidden spots most visitors never discover:
EASY DAY TRIPS FROM SAN FRANCISCO
Muir Woods Tour (Transportation + Entry Included)
An easy way to visit the redwoods without driving:
https://gyg.me/Ns0vA1hy
Napa & Sonoma Wine Country Tour
Visit multiple wineries in one day:
https://gyg.me/rMinWqoz
Yosemite National Park Day Trip from San Francisco
One of the most dramatic landscapes in California:
https://gyg.me/Agb7cps9
WHERE TO STAY IN SAN FRANCISCO
Where to Stay in San Francisco (Neighborhood Guide)
https://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-lodging.html
Fisherman’s Wharf Hotels
https://expedia.stay22.com/jillloeffler/CTPcIiWa2X
Union Square Hotels
https://expedia.stay22.com/jillloeffler/27GSYq6hdH
MORE SAN FRANCISCO TRIP PLANNING
I’m Jill, a San Francisco local and travel expert helping visitors plan smarter trips to the city I love.
You’ll find full guides, itineraries, and local tips here:
https://www.sftourismtips.com
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:21 Section 1: Iconic Experiences
00:50 1. Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
02:48 2. Visit Alcatraz Island
04:40 3. Cruise Around the Bay
06:06 4. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf
07:09 5. Ride a Cable Car
08:13 6. See the Pier 39 Sea Lions
09:00 Section 2: Neighborhoods
09:22 7. Explore Chinatown
10:52 8. Discover North Beach
12:39 9. Visit Haight-Ashbury
13:46 10. Walk Through the Castro
15:07 Section 3: Parks & Scenic Views
15:30 11. Wander Golden Gate Park
16:37 12. Visit the California Academy of Sciences
17:25 13. Explore the Presidio
18:45 14. Hike Lands End
19:35 15. View the City from Twin Peaks
20:27 16. Climb the Colorful Staircases
21:28 17. See the Painted Ladies
22:39 18. Walk Baker Beach
23:33 Section 4: Food Experiences
23:50 19. Try San Francisco Sourdough
24:42 20. Visit Ghirardelli Square
25:23 21. Have an Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista
26:08 22. Explore the Ferry Building
26:52 Section 5: Unique & Unexpected
27:13 23. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts
28:07 24. Walk Down Lombard Street
29:00 25. Explore Fort Point
30:04 26. Step Inside Musée Mécanique
30:59 27. Listen to the Wave Organ
31:57 Section 6: Day Trips
32:22 28. Visit Muir Woods
33:41 29. Explore Wine Country
34:42 30. Take a Day Trip to Yosemite
Very comprehensive Grandview Park would be a good add.
Is it possible to walk alongside Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands? I'm thinking about taking an Uber to the Hawk Hill area and then walking all the back to SF across the bridge. It looks doable on Google maps street view but can't tell for sure
Nice job. I live in the Bay Area and still found your information helpful.
Sorry but fisherman's wharf is not a great place to visit. It's just a tourist trap. Walking the Embarcadero and checking out many different wharfs is a much better suggestion.
Live in Florida, have taken probably 30+ vacations that either started or ended in SF. I have been to most of the sites you mentioned, all excellent. My favorite that you didn’t mention, and now has limited hours, is Point Bonita Lighthouse. I would never do a day trip to Yosemite. This is a very good vlog for someone that wants something to do in SF and has never been.
Hello madam ❤❤
I’m visiting San Francisco in July. Thank you so much for the great ideas!
Another great video. One thing I found out recently was about the bridge tolls and having to pay within 48 hours online. Don't think I've heard you mention that before
My family are native California's going back to the gold rush and my great-great-grandmother survived the earthquake in San Francisco. So therefore I can say with most authority that this is one of the very best guides to San Francisco that I've seen on YouTube. I agree with her right away the best way to see San Francisco is to get on a boat and go to Alcatraz or tour underneath the Golden gate bridge. Being on the bay gives you an idea what San Francisco is all about. Now I would try to avoid restaurants associated with the tourist areas because there are so many restaurants in the city that are absolutely amazing you need to get out and try something different and new. Let me give you an example I recently went to a restaurant that was recommended by a friend on Balboa, call Cinderella's Cafe, which serves Russian food. I had never tried borscht before, but it was much better than I thought it would be. They have a salmon dish for around $20. This is just one example of many of the small places that you really want to get out and explore.
Do you recommend Chinatown at night? Or is there not much there, especially on a weekday?
Indeed, good for the itinerary.