The first time I visited San Francisco, I couldn’t stop smiling. Between the salty ocean breeze, colorful Victorian homes, and the clang of cable cars echoing through the streets, the city felt like a living movie set. I’d seen it in postcards and rom-coms, but nothing prepared me for how eclectic and full of character it really was.
From biking across the Golden Gate Bridge to sipping espresso in North Beach, every day brought something new. Whether you’re planning your first visit or coming back for seconds, here’s everything I loved doing in San Francisco and what I think you shouldn’t miss.
Iconic San Francisco Landmarks
Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge
It’s the first thing most people think of when they picture San Francisco and for good reason. The Golden Gate Bridge is more than just a photo op. It’s a piece of living history suspended 746 feet above the water, and walking across it was one of the most surreal moments of my trip.
I started on the south end in the Presidio, near Crissy Field, and took the eastern walkway across to Marin. The whole walk takes about 30–45 minutes one way if you’re stopping for photos (which you absolutely should). There’s something magical about seeing the city slowly fade into the fog behind you while Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the endless Pacific stretch out in front.
Zee Tip: Go early in the morning for thinner crowds and better light or late afternoon if you want a golden hour glow. Dress in layers fog can sweep in fast, even on sunny days.
Take the Ferry to Alcatraz Island
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from “The Rock.” But once I stepped off the ferry and began the uphill walk into the main prison building, I was completely pulled in. The audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards was gripping and gave me chills as I wandered the empty, echoing cell blocks.
Standing inside solitary confinement, staring out barred windows toward the distant skyline, I couldn’t help but feel the contrast between freedom and captivity. Alcatraz’s layered history, first as a military fort, then a federal prison, and now a national park, is incredibly well preserved.
Besides the prison itself, the island is home to gardens, bird colonies, and some of the best panoramic views of San Francisco you’ll find.
Book your tickets directly through the official site (Alcatraz City Cruises), and do it at least a week in advance especially in peak season. I took the evening tour and highly recommend it for the eerie atmosphere and sunset views on the return ferry.
See the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square
You’ve probably seen them in photos, postcards, or maybe reruns of Full House but the Painted Ladies are even more charming in person. These pastel-hued Victorian homes sit perched on a hill facing downtown, creating a picture-perfect juxtaposition between old-world charm and a modern skyline.
I brought coffee and pastries from a nearby bakery (try Boba Guys or The Mill) and camped out on the grassy slope of Alamo Square Park to take it all in. It’s a popular spot, especially in the afternoon when the sun lights up the city backdrop, but it never felt too crowded.
There are other Painted Ladies scattered throughout the city, but this row is the most famous and rightly so.
Zee Tip: Visit just before sunset and bring a blanket for a little picnic. You’ll get golden light on the houses and the skyline glowing behind them.
Ride a Historic Cable Car
Sure, it’s touristy. But I couldn’t visit San Francisco and not hop on a cable car it’s practically a rite of passage. I rode the Powell-Hyde line, which winds dramatically through Nob Hill, Russian Hill, and down to Ghirardelli Square. The clang of the bell, the breeze in your hair, and the thrill of cresting a hill with the bay suddenly in view it’s part joyride, part time travel.
These aren’t just replicas they’re functioning, hand-operated cars from the 1870s, and they’re the last of their kind in the world. Watching the gripman (yes, that’s the official job title) work the brakes and levers is a performance in itself.
I recommend starting your ride near Union Square and grabbing a spot on the outside bench for the full experience. You’ll pass postcard-worthy views and hear the city’s pulse in a way that buses and Ubers can’t match.
You can buy a single ticket, but I opted for a 1-day Muni pass to ride it a few times. Just hold on tight it’s steeper than it looks!
Outdoor Adventures & Scenic Views
Twin Peaks at Sunset
When I want a 360° view of San Francisco that truly takes my breath away, I head straight for Twin Peaks. At over 900 feet above sea level, this spot offers an epic vantage point of the city, the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, and (on clear days) even the Farallon Islands way out in the Pacific.
I went just before sunset, and the light was pure magic. Watching the fog creep through the valleys while the sun painted the city in gold and pink was one of those moments I’ll always remember.
There’s a short, paved trail to the top, and even though it can get windy (seriously, bring a jacket), the view is totally worth it. It’s also one of the best spots for photography especially after dark when the city lights twinkle below like stars.
Tip: You can drive up or take a rideshare, but parking is limited. Go early or midweek for fewer crowds.
Land’s End Trail
This coastal trail felt like the perfect blend of nature and history. I started at the Land’s End Lookout Visitor Center and followed the winding path along the cliffs, with the Pacific Ocean roaring below. It’s peaceful, wild, and dotted with hidden gems like the labyrinth at Eagle’s Point and crumbling bunkers from World War II.
One of the highlights for me was stumbling upon the ruins of the Sutro Baths, once a lavish public bathhouse built in the 1890s. Now, it’s a hauntingly beautiful skeleton of stone and water, perfect for exploring during low tide.
It’s not a strenuous hike more of a scenic stroll with plenty of spots to stop, breathe, and just take it all in.
Zee Tip: Wear good walking shoes. The trail has a few stairs and dirt paths, and it gets muddy after rain.
Stroll Through Golden Gate Park
I thought I knew what to expect from a city park but Golden Gate Park surprised me at every turn. It’s bigger than Central Park in New York and packed with surprises: paddle boats, hidden waterfalls, bison paddocks (yes, real bison!), and even a serene Japanese Tea Garden.
One morning, I rented a bike near the de Young Museum and spent hours zigzagging through meadows and forest trails. I made stops at the Conservatory of Flowers, the Shakespeare Garden, and the Music Concourse where live music sometimes fills the air.
The park also houses two world-class museums the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young and both are worth visiting if you’re short on time and want to combine nature with culture.
On Sundays, certain roads in the park are closed to cars, making it a haven for cyclists and walkers. Bring a picnic and spend the afternoon here you won’t regret it.
Neighborhoods to Explore
North Beach
This neighborhood stole my heart with its European charm. I wandered into Caffe Trieste (where Kerouac and Ginsberg used to hang out), and sipped a cappuccino while locals debated politics and jazz played softly in the background.
Every corner smells like fresh bread or espresso, and old-school Italian delis line the streets. I grabbed focaccia from Liguria Bakery and sat in Washington Square Park to people-watch. If you’re a fan of literature or history, City Lights Bookstore is a must tiny aisles stacked with revolutionary reads and Beat poetry.
If you’re into nightlife, check out the speakeasy-style bars along Columbus Avenue or catch a comedy set at Cobb’s Comedy Club nearby.
Chinatown
Walking under the Dragon Gate into Chinatown felt like stepping into a completely different world. It’s the oldest Chinatown in North America and still one of the most vibrant.
I browsed tiny herb shops, sampled pork buns and sesame balls at Eastern Bakery, and watched locals huddle over games in Portsmouth Square. The alleys here are full of color, life, and surprise.
One of my favorite stops? The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Ross Alley. I got to watch them fold warm cookies by hand and you can even get custom fortunes!
Tip: Don’t just stick to Grant Avenue. Venture into the side streets and alleys for more authentic food and beautiful street art.
Mission District
This neighborhood pulses with culture, activism, and street art. I came here mainly for the tacos but I ended up spending hours exploring the murals on Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley.
Every wall tells a story some political, some personal, some playful. It’s one of the most expressive, colorful places in the city.
After wandering, I stopped at La Taqueria for a legendary carne asada burrito (no rice, all flavor) and then grabbed a scoop of creamy goodness at Humphry Slocombe.
Pro Tip: If you love vintage shopping, head over to Valencia Street for quirky boutiques and secondhand finds.
Unusual Things to Do in San Francisco
Ride the Seward Street Slides
I’d read about these concrete slides tucked into a tiny park in Noe Valley, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Turns out they’re awesome.
You grab a piece of cardboard from the donation pile, climb the hill, and zoom down two side-by-side slides carved into the hillside. It’s surprisingly fast and ridiculously fun.
It’s totally free, and while it’s great for kids, adults are absolutely welcome. I may or may not have gone down three times.
Explore the Wave Organ
This odd little sculpture is built from reclaimed marble and granite and juts out into the bay at the Marina. But it’s not just for looks it “plays” with the motion of the waves.
Depending on the tide, you’ll hear sloshes, gurgles, and hollow tones echoing through the pipes. I found it strangely meditative, and the walk along the water to get there was lovely.
Zee Tip: Visit during high tide for the best acoustic effect.
Visit Musée Mécanique
Tucked away at the edge of Fisherman’s Wharf, this quirky arcade is like stepping into a time machine. It’s filled with antique coin-operated machines, think vintage pinball, fortune tellers, dancing dolls, and mechanical dioramas.
I spent a couple of dollars and got a whole lot of nostalgia in return. Some machines are downright creepy, some hilarious, and all totally unique.
Bonus: It’s free to enter you just pay to play.
Admire the Mosaic Steps
Tucked into the residential Sunset District, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are a labor of love created by the local community. Each step is a tile mosaic representing a piece of the cosmos from the ocean to the stars.
Climbing them is a mini workout, but the views from the top stretch all the way to the ocean. I went early in the morning and had them almost to myself.
If you’re up for more, continue hiking up to Grand View Park for a sweeping view of the city and the Pacific.
Day Trips from San Francisco
Sausalito
One of my favorite half-day escapes was hopping on the ferry from the Embarcadero to Sausalito. The boat ride itself is worth the price gliding across the bay with the skyline fading behind and the Golden Gate Bridge towering beside you is the stuff of postcards.
Once in Sausalito, everything slows down. The waterfront is lined with art galleries, cozy seafood restaurants, and houseboats that look like they belong in a Wes Anderson film. I wandered aimlessly for hours, stopping for fish tacos and browsing handmade jewelry in tiny boutiques.
Tip: Rent a bike in San Francisco, cycle across the Golden Gate, and take the ferry back for the perfect loop.
Muir Woods National Monument
Just 30–40 minutes north of the city, Muir Woods is where I go to feel small in the best possible way. These ancient coastal redwoods are awe-inspiring; some are over 1,000 years old and reach heights of 250 feet.
I took the main loop trail, which is flat and easy, and soaked in the silence. The light filtering through the canopy, the earthy scent of damp moss and pine it’s like nature’s own cathedral.
Visitor tip: Parking is limited and requires a reservation. I took a shuttle from Sausalito and avoided the stress altogether.
Half Moon Bay
If you’re craving a beach day that feels remote but still close to the city, Half Moon Bay is the answer. It’s a scenic 45-minute drive down Highway 1, with dramatic coastal cliffs, farmland, and endless ocean views.
I stopped at Poplar Beach for a long walk, then grabbed brunch at The Barn, a super cute roadside café. In fall, you’ll find pumpkin patches and local harvest festivals; in spring, the fields bloom with wildflowers.
Bonus: The Blufftop Coastal Trail is great for easy walking and whale spotting in the right season.
What to Eat in San Francisco
If you’re anything like me, eating your way through a new city is part of the adventure. San Francisco didn’t disappoint.
- Mission-Style Burritos
These burritos are legendary oversized, tightly wrapped, and bursting with flavor. I tried the carne asada at El Farolito, and it was everything people said it would be: smoky, juicy, and wildly satisfying. - Sourdough Bread
I couldn’t leave without trying the classic San Francisco sourdough at Boudin Bakery near Fisherman’s Wharf. The tangy flavor and chewy crust were perfect on their own but even better filled with clam chowder. - Dim Sum in Chinatown
For an unforgettable brunch, I headed to Yank Sing. The dumplings were delicate, the flavors rich, and the service lightning fast. I still dream about the Shanghai soup dumplings. - Seafood at Swan Oyster Depot
This no-frills seafood counter on Polk Street serves up some of the freshest oysters and crab I’ve ever had. It’s tiny, so expect a line but it moves fast, and it’s totally worth it. - Ice Cream at Bi-Rite Creamery
I ended more than one day here. Their salted caramel is famous, but I loved their seasonal flavors even more, like balsamic strawberry or brown sugar ginger.
Best Time to Visit San Francisco
I didn’t realize San Francisco summers are famously foggy until I showed up in July with a suitcase full of tank tops. September and October are surprisingly sunnier, while spring brings wildflowers and fewer crowds. Winter can be rainy but peaceful, and hotel rates are lower too.
Local Tips I Learned Along the Way
- Always bring a jacket even in summer.
- Skip driving; parking is a nightmare. Use Muni or walk.
- Buy your Alcatraz tickets at least 1–2 weeks in advance.
- The best views of the Golden Gate aren’t from the bridge, they’re from Baker Beach or Battery Spencer.
My Favorite Moments in San Francisco
- Watching fog roll in over the Golden Gate at Land’s End
- Sipping espresso in North Beach as locals read their papers
- Getting lost in the murals of the Mission
- Riding the cable car with the breeze in my face
- Climbing Twin Peaks for a golden hour cityscape I’ll never forget
