Things to do in San Fransciso
Blessed with incredible views, intriguing historic buildings, magnificent multicultural cuisine and plenty of exotic nighttime happenings, San Francisco is a fascinating mix of cultures, history and just plain fun.
Catch a Ride
For a unique San Francisco sightseeing experience, take a cable car or double decker bus to see the city as you explore the variety of things to do in San Francisco. You can take a tour of downtown, take the bus or car to some of the sights you want to see, or just grab a ride to take a break from walking. You can take a bus through a variety of locations inclusing the Financial Distric, Mission District, Castro District, Golden Gate Park and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge
A stroll across the graceful expanse of the world’s most photographed bridge is an unforgettable way to experience the fog-shrouded loveliness of San Francisco. Soaring nearly 750 feet above the water, the 1-3/4 mile bridge is best experienced by foot or bicycle, allowing more time to drink in jaw-dropping views of San Francisco, Marin County and massive oceangoing liners.
Munch Your Way through the Ferry Building
Stuffed with chichi wine bars, gourmet coffee shops, locally-sourced eateries, a farmers’ market and intriguing purveyors of all things food-related, the historic Ferry Building is a foodie’s dream come true. Browse such local culinary treasures as Cowgirl Creamery, Hog Island Oysters and Prather Ranch Meat Company. Perfect for picnicking, benches out back overlook panoramic bay views.
Tour the Mission District’s Murals
Work began on the eye-popping Mission District Murals in the 1970s when a group of artists decided to turn the city’s walls into a treasure-trove of accessible art. These 800-plus street-side works of art range from Latino political commentaries to vast explorations of the ecosystem and portraits of carpet-swathed Indonesian elephants.
Shop in Union Square
Bustling, elegant Union Square epitomizes the cool cosmopolitan style of the city. Wander quaint cobbled streets, admire intricate architectural details, browse unusual sidewalk stalls and roam the hallowed halls of designer shops from Prada to Cartier. Brimming with art galleries, unique boutiques and quirky eateries, Union Square is the perfect place to while away an afternoon window shopping, people-watching or exercising some credit cards.
Prowl the Halls of Alcatraz
One of the city’s most popular attractions, eerie Alcatraz was once home to such legendary bad guys as Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly and Robert Stroud, the notorious Birdman of Alcatraz. With its sheer cliffs and ominous stretches of icy waters, it’s easy to believe the island was considered escape-proof. Tours approach by boat for both scenic daytime and intimately spooky evening explorations, including an atmospheric audio tour narrated by former guards and inmates.
Wherever you go in San Francisco, you’ll find glimpses of the city’s colorful history, sizzling arts scene and world- famous cuisine. Rollerblade through Golden Gate Park, hop aboard a boat tour or check out some transgender theater. There’s always something new to do or see in San Francisco.