In a popular destination such as San Francisco, there are always going to be places with a reputation for being “touristy,” the sorts of places that most locals avoid. But a particular attraction’s popularity with tourists doesn’t necessarily mean the place isn’t still worth visiting.
I’ve lived in San Francisco for almost 20 years, and while I do love lesser-known attractions, some of my favorite things to do in the city are still the ones that are also popular with visitors.
These are the places that I take friends and family whenever they’re visiting the Bay Area. They should be on the list of anyone who is traveling to San Francisco, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.
Head to the Ferry Building
The Ferry Building & Market in San Francisco
(Izzet Keribar via Getty Images)
I love starting out a day exploring San Francisco at the Ferry Building. The food stalls and restaurants of the Ferry Building Marketplace offer anything you want to eat across a wide variety of cuisines, from quick snacks to fine dining. There’s also a farmer’s market. Some of my favorite stops include Hog Island Oyster Company, Gott’s Roadside, Humphry Slocombe, and Señor Sisig.
The shops are also some of the best places in the city to find gifts for family and friends, especially if they enjoy receiving delicious food and drinks.
After you’re done at the Ferry Building, it’s easy to get anywhere else in the city on foot, bicycle, or public transportation, which is why I like to start the day there.
Don’t skip Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
Sea lions at Pier 39,, SS Jeremiah O’Brien and Golden Gate Bridge in the background in San Francisco
(SvetlanaSF via Getty Images)
Yes, yes, I know. Fisherman’s Wharf is one place in San Francisco that every local who is reading this is immediately getting riled up about me including on this list. But hear me out. While there’s a certain level of tourist kitsch, there are still plenty of things there worth seeing, even if you’re a jaded local.
The walk along the Embarcadero from the Ferry Building to Fisherman’s Wharf is always pleasant, with lots to see (including the excellent Exploratorium, one of the best things to do with kids in San Francisco). Alternatively, you can take one of the city’s historic streetcars along the same route.
The shops and restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf’s Pier 39 are popular with visitors, but the main reason I stop there is to see the sea lions.
Plus, Humble Sea is one of my favorite local breweries. Their taproom is a great place to relax with a pint.
Further along the waterfront, the Musée Mécanique is a delightful arcade with games that the entire family will enjoy.
Hyde Street Pier is another must-do for history lovers. If you’re looking for a place with unique waterfront views (including ships!), it’s rarely busy.
While Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 might seem easy to dismiss, the truth is they bring together a lot of the great things about San Francisco, especially for first-time visitors. The area might not be for everyone, but it’s somehow underrated despite its popularity. At the very least, it also has an In-N-Out Burger.
Visit the Cable Car Museum
Riding the Cable Car in San Francisco, with views of the Transamerica Pyramid
(Matt Mawson via Getty Images)
Riding San Francisco’s cable cars is another popular activity for visitors. While I enjoy riding the cable cars, the lines can be long. Here’s a tip: Although the California cable car line isn’t quite as scenic or practical, it’s typically far less crowded than the lines that run between Powell Street and Fisherman’s Wharf.
If you’re curious how the system works, the Cable Car Museum at Washington and Mason is the place to go.
Not only can you learn about the history of the cable cars and see old memorabilia, but the whole place is an active transportation hub with cables and giant wheels. It will give you a good appreciation of the engineering that goes into this transportation system, which is found nowhere else.
Explore Golden Gate Park
People cycling, walking, and relaxing in Golden Gate Park in front of the Conservatory of Flowers
(Takako Phillips via Getty Images)
Golden Gate Park is San Francisco’s backyard. Stretching across nearly half the city from Haight-Ashbury to Ocean Beach, the park has miles of walking and cycling paths, museums, gardens, and event spaces.
The Japanese Tea Garden is my favorite place to see the cherry blossoms each spring. The Bison Paddock and Blue Heron Lake are particularly nice for wildlife viewing.
Go to Land’s End at the edge of San Francisco
Looking towards the Marin Headlands across the Golden Gate from Land’s End in San Francisco
(Gu via Getty Images)
If you head north along Ocean Beach from the western end of Golden Gate Park, you’ll arrive at Cliff House and Land’s End, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Once home to public baths, this area of San Francisco is my favorite place for a walk.
The panoramic views from the cliffs are spectacular, making it one of the best urban hikes in the United States.
Wander around the neighborhoods
Japantown, San Francisco
(SvetlanaSF via Getty Images)
Each one of San Francisco’s distinct neighborhoods is worthy of an afternoon wander. They all have different vibes and international flavors. My favorites include Japantown, North Beach, the Mission, the Castro, Alamo Square, Chinatown, and the Richmond. Go hungry, since each neighborhood is filled with excellent places to eat.
See the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge and Fort Point
(Dan Kurtzman via Getty Images)
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco’s most famous landmark. Every tour bus stops there for photos. Those with more time can rent a bike near Fisherman’s Wharf and ride across the bridge to nearby Sausalito.
But my favorite view of the Golden Gate Bridge is one that not nearly as many visitors see. Head to Fort Point, a National Historic Site located right below the bridge. And I do mean right below. If the fort is open, you can go inside and climb to the upper levels to see the bridge towering above you.
While the Golden Gate Bridge is impressive from any view, it’s from this waterside vantage point that you can see just how imposing it is.
Eat and drink at excellent restaurants and bars
People waiting for burritos at El Farolito in San Francisco
(Sam Gomez via Getty Images)
San Francisco has some of the best bars and restaurants in the world. All of the neighborhoods I mentioned above have excellent places to eat. Some of my favorite restaurants include State Bird Provisions, La Mar, Pizzeria Delfina, Yank Sing, Tartine, Coqueta, Sweet Maple, and Marufuku Ramen.
I’m partial to El Farolito in the Mission for a burrito. If you want to start an argument with people in San Francisco, just ask them about their favorite burrito spot – La Taqueria and Taqueria Cancun are also worthy of your attention.
Toronado and Liquid Gold are two of my favorite places for craft beer. I also love Pacific Cocktail Haven, True Laurel, and Trick Dog, all of which are on the list of North America’s 50 Best Bars.
They’re the perfect places to end a memorable day exploring San Francisco.
For even more great activities in the Bay Area, check out my full list of things to do in San Francisco.
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