Things to do · Hub guide
San Francisco attractions
The big sights, the museums, the viewpoints and the smaller places worth a detour, with what to book ahead and how to fit them together.
San Francisco attractions at a glance
- Book first Alcatraz, up to 90 days ahead
- Free and famous Golden Gate Bridge walk, Lands End, Painted Ladies
- Best views Twin Peaks, Coit Tower, the de Young tower
- Rainy day California Academy of Sciences, Exploratorium, SFMOMA
- Cable car $9 a ride, $12 from January 2027
- Group by area Waterfront, Presidio and bridge, Golden Gate Park
In this guide
San Francisco packs a lot into a small space. Most of the famous sights sit along the northern waterfront or in Golden Gate Park, so grouping them by area saves hours of crossing town.
Start with our list of things to do in San Francisco if you want the short version. If you are still planning dates and hotels, the San Francisco visitors guide covers the basics.
The big sights
Golden Gate Bridge
Walk the east sidewalk, find the best viewpoints and see where to park.
Lombard Street
The crooked block between Hyde and Leavenworth, and how to see it on foot.
Landmarks and viewpoints
Museums
The city’s big museums are spread out. The de Young and the California Academy of Sciences face each other in Golden Gate Park. SFMOMA and the Yerba Buena area are south of Market, the Exploratorium is on the Embarcadero at Pier 15, and the Asian Art Museum is at Civic Center.
Parks and the outdoors
Golden Gate Park is bigger than Central Park in New York and has gardens, lakes, museums and a bison paddock. The Presidio has trails, beaches and the Tunnel Tops park above the highway. Lands End runs along the cliffs from the Sutro Baths ruins toward the Golden Gate.
Lands End and the Sutro Baths
The trail from the Sutro Baths ruins along the cliffs is one of the best free walks in the city. Go in the late afternoon for sunset over the ocean, and stay on the marked trail, since the cliff edges are unstable.
For beaches, hikes and bike rides, see outdoor activities in San Francisco.
By budget and mood
- On a budget: free things to do in San Francisco
- With a partner: things to do for couples and date ideas
- When it rains: rainy day things to do
- After dark: things to do at night
- Away from the crowds: hidden gems in San Francisco
- What to skip: San Francisco tourist traps
Planning by area
| Area | What to see | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Northern waterfront | Ferry Building, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz | A full day |
| Presidio and bridge | Crissy Field, Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts | Half a day |
| Golden Gate Park | de Young, California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden | Half to a full day |
| North Beach and Chinatown | Coit Tower, Grant Avenue, Washington Square | Half a day |
| Mission and Castro | Murals, Dolores Park, Mission Dolores | Half a day |
| Lands End and Ocean Beach | Sutro Baths, the coastal trail, sunset | 2 to 3 hours |
Book Alcatraz first, then build the rest of your days around the ferry time. The island is closed for ferry dock repairs from October 26 to November 18, 2026, and tours are planned to restart on November 19.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one attraction in San Francisco?
The Golden Gate Bridge is the best-known sight, and walking across it is free. Alcatraz is the one paid attraction most visitors book.
What can I skip in San Francisco?
Many visitors find Pier 39’s shops and the chain restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf disappointing. The sea lions and the views are worth a short stop.
How far ahead should I book Alcatraz?
As early as you can. Tickets go on sale up to 90 days ahead and often sell out in summer and on holidays.
Are there free attractions in San Francisco?
Yes. The bridge walk, Lands End, Twin Peaks, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Painted Ladies and the de Young tower are all free.
More guides
- Things to do in San Francisco
- Free things to do in San Francisco
- Things to do for couples
- Date ideas in San Francisco
- Rainy day things to do
- Golden Gate Bridge guide
- Alcatraz tour guide
- Fisherman’s Wharf guide
- Pier 39 guide
- Best museums in San Francisco
- Free museum days
- Lombard Street guide
- Coit Tower guide
- Palace of Fine Arts
- Best views in San Francisco
- Painted Ladies and Alamo Square
- Hidden gems in San Francisco
- San Francisco visitors guide
- Is the San Francisco CityPASS worth it?
Photo credits
Featured image: Christoph Strässler / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0; Alcatraz: Ralf Baechle / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Cable cars: Christian Mehlführer, User:Chmehl / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0; Fisherman's Wharf: Grendelkhan / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Pier 39: Oren Rozen / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Lombard Street: Edocarli / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Coit Tower: Pavel Špindler / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0; Palace of Fine Arts: King of Hearts / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Painted Ladies: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; Best views: King of Hearts / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; Best museums: King of Hearts / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Free museum days: Mark Miller / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain; Lands End and the Sutro Baths: Gregory Varnum / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.