Top 15 Things To Do in San Francisco Like A Local!

If you’re moving to San Francisco, the land of fog, hills, and thrills, then you’re in for having some of the best times of your life! San Francisco is not just a city, it’s a state of mind. With a geographical size of only 49 square miles, it easy to explore the amazing sights and natural spaces in a short time. So, get ready to wander through the world’s windiest streets, savor sourdough straight from the oven, and snap fun pictures with sea lions. Let’s explore the top 15 things to do in San Francisco, where every corner holds a new adventure!

Top 15 Things To Do in San Francisco

When it comes to fun things to do in San Francisco, the options are endless. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to eclectic neighborhoods like North Beach and Chinatown, the city is packed with experiences that will take your breath away. Whether you’re looking to soak up San Fran’s history, explore the magnificent arts scene, or just unwind with beautiful scenery, the city has it all. Let’s dive into the top 15 things to do in San Francisco.

1. Golden Gate Park

A 1,017-acre wonderland, Golden Gate Park is one of the things to see in San Francisco. Lush green gardens, serene lakes, and beautiful cultural landmarks adorn this place. Here one can explore a lot, starting from the peaceful Japanese Tea Garden, where you can sip matcha among pagodas and koi ponds. Then, take a stroll through the Conservatory of Flowers, featuring nearly 1,700 species of aquatic and tropical plants (including a 100-year-old giant Imperial philodendron!). The San Francisco Botanical Gardens is where one can learn about the 8,000 different plant species.

Wait, there’s more! For art lovers, the beautiful de Young Museum showcases some of the best art collections and architectural innovations. While nature lovers can rent a paddleboat at Stow Lake and paddle through the tranquil waters. On Sundays, the JFK Drive becomes heaven for cyclists and rollerbladers who can cycle through the 1.5-mile stretch of car-free road. Also, don’t miss the iconic windmills at the park’s western edge or the herd of resident bison in the Bison Paddock!

Golden Gate Park has so much to offer that one day might not be enough! If you’re eager to explore all its neighbouring attractions, why not extend your stay? With a selection of best hotels in San Francisco, you can ensure a comfortable and unforgettable experience throughout your visit!

2. Ride a Cable Car

Riding a cable car must also be one of the things to do in San Francisco California. The last manually operated cable cars, they have been taking people around since 1873 when Andrew S. Hallidie first dared to dream of conquering the city’s steep terrain. The melodic clanging of the cable car bells can be heard from blocks away. 

Getting on a cable car in San Fran is a timeless experience, allowing one to explore the city’s famously steep hills in an old-world way. Hop on at the Powell-Hyde or Powel-Mason lines for the most scenic views, including stunning views of Alcatraz and the Bay. Settle into a polished seat or stand on the running boards (for the full experience) while taking in the amazing city views. Do keep in mind to get a day pass if you plan multiple rides. Definitely one of the best activities to do in San Francisco!

3. Have a Picnic at the Palace of Fine Arts

With its Greco-Roman elegance and breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Thus, it must make it to your best things to do in San Francisco list! Constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, the palace is the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic. Pack delicious food, grab a few blankets, and enjoy the stunning views of the grand rotunda and colonnades reflected in the water. 

Here, you can watch the resident swans and take a slow walk around the lagoon. The morning light is best for getting beautiful pictures and the evenings offer the opportunity to witness the sunset when the structure glows golden. The Palace of Fine Arts, a must-see in San Francisco, is also ideal for corporate events, trade shows, galas, and large-scale performances. If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to unwind and spend time with friends or family, this is one of the things to do in San Francisco California.

4. Hiking at Lands End

One of the free things to do in San Francisco is explore the Lands End trails. Offering one of the most scenic trails in the city, Lands End is where students can hike along the coastal paths with mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. You can start at Sutro Baths, which was once the world’s largest indoor swimming complex, and go towards the Golden Gate recreation area. After Sutro Baths, head through a little forest to Point Lobos. If you want to do more adventure, take the stairs down to Mile Rock Beach, where you can witness dolphins and whales, especially during migration seasons. After a good, long hike, treat yourself to some delicious snacks and coffee at the on-site cafe.

5. Golden Gate Bridge

Experiencing San Francisco is not complete without visiting the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which attracts over 10 million visitors every year. It took four challenging years of battling fierce winds, dense fog, rocky terrain, and dangerous tides to build this marvel. Easily recognizable for its vibrant International Orange hue, it stands as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It stretches 1.7 miles in length and is supported by two pillars that rise 746 feet into the sky.

One of the top things to do in San Francisco, visiting the Golden Gate Bridge offers breathtaking views of the sunset or when the fog rolls through. Did you know nearly 112,000 vehicles drive through the bridge every day? One can even walk or bike across this engineering marvel to take in the panoramic views of the bay, the city, and Marin County. The vista points on either side of the bridge offer perfect spots for picnics and photos. So, don’t forget to add a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge to your list of best things to do in San Francisco.

6. Visit Chinatown

A visit to Chinatown is also one of the must-do things in San Francisco. Situated near North Beach and the Financial District, it’s the oldest Chinatown in the USA and is bustling with authentic shops, eateries, and cultural landmarks. You can enter through the Dragon’s Gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Street. At the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum on Clay Street, you can explore the city’s rich history. See rotating exhibitions at the Chinese Culture Center’s Visual Art Center. 

Love Fortune Cookies? Visit the Fortune Cookie Factory on Ross Alley to see how they’re made and try the fresh ones! Take a break by trying out delicious dim sums at popular spots like Good Mong Kok or City View. You can continue to shop for tea at Red Blossom Tea Company and buy authentic Chinese pottery at Canton Bazaar. For a peaceful retreat, you can head over to the Tin How Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in America. And, do visit Portsmouth Square where locals play mahjong and practice Tai Chi. Visiting Chinatown, a must-see in San Francisco, is a decision you won’t regret!

7. The Presidio

One of San Francisco top attractions is The Presidio, a 1,491-acre national park and urban oasis, rich with history, art, dining, forests, meadows, and beaches. Once a military base, it is now a park offering amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, downtown San Francisco, and historical sites. Here, one can take a scenic hike along Crissy Field or walk through the tranquil Lover’s Lane. Check out the interactive exhibits and Disney artifacts at the Walt Disney Family Museum and the famous The Tunnel Tops that connect the Main Lawn of The Presidio to Crissy Field. The Presidio, one of the best places to visit in San Francisco, features scenic trails and picnic areas, along with diverse food options, including Indian food, tacos, burgers, donuts, and sandwiches.  

The historic military buildings are another appealing part of The Presidio, housing unique attractions like the House of Air trampoline park. At The Presidio, one cannot miss Andy Goldsworthy’s four site-specific art installations, including the popular Wood Line. Plus, it hosts weekly food truck gatherings offering diverse local flavors.

8. California Academy of Sciences

Next on fun things to do in San Francisco is visiting the California Academy of Sciences. An aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum, it is situated in Golden Gate Park. Home to around 60,000 animal residents, from colony playful African penguins to alligators, the California Academy of Sciences is sure to woo you. You can begin exploring from the four-story rainforest dome rising 90 feet high. Here, one can marvel at 1,600+ plants and animals, including bright sun beetles, industrious leafcutter ants, and an Amazonian tree boa. After that, head to the Steinhart Aquarium, featuring around 60,000 live animals from over 1,000 unique species. The aquarium offers a glimpse into both underwater and terrestrial ecosystems, showcasing species found nowhere else. 

Gradually, you can make your way to the Morrison Planetarium. This will lead you to a 75-foot dome where you will explore hyper-realistic virtual environments, from distant galaxies to the intricate workings of planet Earth. The California Academy of Sciences is a must-add to your things to do in San Francisco California list.

9. Enjoy the San Francisco Nightlife

One of the cool things to do in San Francisco is making the most of the city’s nightlife. As the sun sets on the Golden Gate, the city of San Francisco turns into a lively playground of night owls. From upscale lounges and lively SF dive bars to late-night clubs and live music venues, the city has something for everyone. Dance to the beats of emerging artists and DJs at clubs like Folsom, Temple Night Club, and Public Works, or savor craft beers and cocktails at Fort Point Beer Company, The Barrel Room, and The Barbarossa Lounge. 

Besides visiting clubs, one of the fun activities in San Francisco, one can also explore comedy clubs, late-night food markets, and museums, or catch a movie at a retro cinema. You can explore the Sunset Night Market, Exploratorium, Diva Royal (for drag shows), San Francisco LGBT Center, and Dueling Swing Bands. And of course, if you’re up for something spooky, join one of the city’s popular ghost tours through historic neighborhoods.

10. Alcatraz

Alcatraz, also known as ‘The Rock,’ was once a prison that kept some of the most notorious criminals like AI Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly from 1934-1963. Today, it’s a national park and part of the 80,000-acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area. A visit to Alcatraz is one of the fun things to do in San Francisco. One can take a ferry to the island and explore the preserved cell blocks, the mess hall, the library, and ominous dark holes, and hear stories of famous inmates. There’s also an audio tour, narrated by former guards and inmates, which you will surely enjoy. Beyond the cell house, one can spend time in the beautiful gardens while watching the bird colonies. Ensure to book tickets well in advance for Alcatraz, one of the things to see in San Francisco, as they sell out quickly.

11. Attend an Outdoor Festival

On stuff to do in San Francisco, don’t forget to add attending an outdoor festival. Packed year-round with a variety of festivals, the city has something for every taste. From music concerts and live dance performances to live theater and opera, you will find whatever interests you. Attend the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival, featuring over 80 artists performing country, soul, folk, and indie blues in a beautiful outdoor setting. There’s also the Golden Gate Park Bandshell with 100+ free shows, including rock bands and singer/songwriters, R&B, soul, jazz, big band musicians, string ensembles, and dancers. Literature lovers can rejoice at the Shakespeare in the Park festival that offers over 30,000 people to watch high-quality, professional theater for free.    

What’s more? One can witness the largest parade on the occasion of Chinese New Year and see the city turn into a costume party during the Bay to Breakers festival. Additionally, there are the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, Stern Grove Festival, and Opera at the Ballpark. Attending these festivals, one of the cheap things to do in San Francisco is a great way to mingle with locals and have a memorable experience.  

12. Haight-Ashbury

Flamboyant clothing shops, tattoo and piercing parlors, and trendy restaurants and cafes adorn the streets of Haight-Ashbury, the birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement. There’s so much to explore at this must-see in San Francisco! Wander through vintage shops, admire psychedelic murals, and browse quirky stores filled with vinyl records and bohemian fashion. Visit Amoeba Music, the world’s largest independent record store, and do vintage shopping at Buffalo Exchange and Wasteland. When you go further down Haight Street, you can explore several dive bars, consignment stores, and record shops. A few of the popular spots you can visit include Danny Coyle’s, Mad Dog in the Fog, and Noc Noc, perfect for an afternoon or late-night drink in the area.

In addition, you can explore nearby attractions like the former Grateful Dead house at 710 Ashbury St and the Jefferson Airplane house at 2400 Fulton St. Learn about the area’s colorful past at the Haight-Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour and visit the Painted Ladies (vibrant Victorian homes which make for the perfect photo backdrop).

13. San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

Situated along the Pacific coast, the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is one of the fun activities in San Francisco. An urban sanctuary, it is home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals from over 250 species. It’s a 100-acre zoo that combines animal encounters with native plant gardens. The beautiful Leanna Roberts African Region and Valentine Family Savanna recreate a shared habitat for giraffes, zebras, kudus, ostriches, storks, and more. Then there’s the Hearst Grizzly Gulch where one can meet rescued grizzly sisters, Kachina and Kiona. Watch the lemurs’ playful energy at the Lipman Family Lemur Forest. 

Love penguins? Then you will love Penguin Island, featuring the largest colony of Magellanic penguins outside their natural habitat. Once you explore the zoo, you can head over to the stunning gardens that grow a wide variety of plants from all over the world. Here, you will find beautiful California native plants and unique specimens from exotic locales. Plus, you can enjoy exciting rides, educational programs, and special events at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, a must-do in San Francisco.

14. Visit SF Neighborhoods

Every neighborhood in San Fran has its distinct flavors. Therefore, exploring these suburbs is one of the best things to do in San Francisco. One will find a variety of unique shops, cafes, eateries, and historic sites in these best neighborhoods in San Francisco. The famous Chinatown, with its pagoda-style and ornate lamp posts, offers the perfect mix of local history and flavors. North Beach, known as the Little Italy, has the best Italian food and Beat Generation history. Do visit City Lights Bookstore and Caffe Trieste here. Soak in the colorful murals, savor top-notch taquerias, and enjoy Dolores Park’s weekend scene. Hayes Valley’s boutiques and restaurants make it perfect for shopping and dining. Nob Hill’s luxury hotels offer high tea with views, while Pacific Heights features magnificent mansions. Don’t miss the Castro, known for its LGBTQ+ history and lively nightlife. One of the top things to do in San Francisco, neighborhood hopping will surely leave you satisfied and happy.

15. Ferry Building Marketplace

A visit to the Ferry Building Marketplace is another must-do you should add to your things to do in San Francisco California list. Featuring a lively array of local, independently owned shops and restaurants, it serves as both a gateway to San Francisco and a favorite gathering place for locals and students. Opened in 1898, the building served as the city’s main transportation hub, accommodating over 50,000 daily commuters who traveled by ferry each morning. Now it stands as a lively marketplace. It’s a foodie’s paradise with artisanal food stalls, restaurants, and specialty shops. One can sample fresh oysters, gourmet cheeses, and chocolates from local vendors. 

If you’re visiting in the morning, start with Blue Bottle Coffee and Acme Bread Company’s freshly served sourdough. You can sample California olive oils at McEvoy Ranch, learn about cheese at Cowgirl Creamery, and taste local oysters at Hog Island. The Book Passage is a haven for bibliophiles, offering Bay Area literature, fiction and non-fiction books, guidebooks, regional maps, postcards, and gifts. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays are famous for the farmers’ market, the city’s largest market offering the region’s produce and prepared foods. Over 100+ vendors put up their stalls in front of the Ferry Building, along the Embarcadero, offering a range of fresh, local produce, food products, and brunch and lunch options. Plus, the marketplace offers views of the Bay Bridge and is a starting point for a scenic ferry ride to nearby Sausalito. Visiting the Ferry Building Marketplace is one of the top things to do in San Francisco.

This is our ultimate list of the best things to do in San Francisco. The city isn’t just a study destination, it’s an experience! By the end of your exploration, you might have discovered what locals have always known that San Francisco reveals itself differently to everyone. So, when in the city, add these to your list of stuff to do in San Francisco and venture out to create unforgettable memories!