San Francisco is a wonderful city with contagious energy, vibrant neighborhoods, parks perfect for biking and jogging, tempting boutiques, stellar locavore restaurants and cocktail bars, hot arts scene, and breathtaking nature.
Every year, thousands of people from all over the world come and visit this wonderful city in California.
Have you ever wished to visit and explore the city of the Golden Gate? If so, you should find Travel & Pleasure’s list of top ten things to do in San Francisco quite helpful.
1. Experience the Magnificence of the Golden Gate Bridge
As it has already been mentioned above, the Golden Gate Bridge is really – and almost always – the first stop for San Francisco visitors. It is after all the world’s most famous bridge – and also one of the most photographed attractions on Earth. So, be a true tourist and walk over this wonderful and mesmerizing piece of architecture. So, visiting Golden Gate Bridge surely is one of the never-miss things to do in San Francisco.
2. Bond with Nature at the Golden Gate Park
Yes, there’s the Golden Gate Bridge and there’s the Golden Gate Park. This 4.5 mile long mini paradise is located in what used to be scrubby sand dunes. The locals have been successful and proud in their efforts of preserving this green land since 1866. The park offers attractions like the California Academy of Sciences, MH de Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden and the Beach Chalet. So, you can’t exclude a visit to the Golden Gate Park from your list of top things to do in San Francisco.
3. Have a Taste of California Cuisine
San Francisco beats New York when it comes to restaurants/capita ratio. It is the Californian city that is considered as one of the dreamiest dining destinations in the world. Because of such accolades, San Francisco chefs continuously vie to be unique, inventive, innovative and more sustainable. They carry on with the tasks like their lives depend on them. When in San Francisco, you are just never going to run out of food or restaurant choices.
4. Visit Alcatraz
The Rock, as it is aptly named, was a notorious prison located in Alcatraz Island. It held Native American dissidents and Civil War deserters when it first opened in the 19th century, and it was closed in 1963 by Bobby Kennedy. Records say that no prisoner was ever successful in escaping from this place – several certainly tried though. Visiting The Rock will give you a glimpse of prison life; the cell-house tours are really fascinating.
5. Meet the Sea Lions
One of San Francisco’s most popular places to visit is the PIER 39 – located at the Fisherman’s Wharf. Tourists to this place are regularly treated to the antics of the California sea lions that have taken up residence on the floats of the Marina. This can be a unique experience and you should consider including in your list of things to do in San Francisco.
6. Go Shopping in Union Square
For serious and avid shoppers, visiting the Union Square should definitely be a part of their definite things to do in San Francisco. Designer boutiques and big department stores line the streets like Grant, Geary, Stockton, Sutter, Powell and Post.
7. Explore the City’s Italian Section
The North Beach is not a beach; rather it is a neighborhood of beautiful European-style cafes, shops and restaurants. It is located near Washington Square along Grant and Columbus avenues. Two of the best attractions in this Italian quarter are the Coit Tower and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul.
8. Enter the Dragon’s Gate
San Francisco’s China Town is the oldest China Town in the world. Its entrance is named the Dragon’s Gate and within its premises, visitors enjoy the hustle and bustle of San Francisco’s oldest street, Grant Avenue. This place is a city on its own and it offers famous restaurants, exotic shops, temples, museums and food markets. Spending at least a few hours in the China Town can be a really exciting experience.
9. Enjoy a Cable Car Ride
Since the late part of the 19th century, cable cars have been considered as a great way to enjoy San Francisco. A one-way trip is surely something to look forward to. It provides the best views of the city’s popular hills, making a ride on this one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco.
10. Fall in Love with the Murals
Murals are great works of arts. In San Francisco, particularly in the Mission district, murals are abundant. They come in different themes, but they are all beautiful with their bold colors and fearless social relevance.
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