San Francisco is an exciting and fun city to visit. There are so many choices when it comes to deciding what to do in San Francisco. I am fortunate to have been able to visit this city multiple times and I would love to go again. When I went to San Francisco for the first time my parents were driving me to college which was a couple hours away. For my first visit to San Francisco I made a list of all of the things that I wanted to see. While we all have different interests I hope that this list of top things to do in San Francisco will give you some insight into the fun you could have.
The Golden Gate Bridge
For me the first thing that comes to mind when I think of San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge. This beautiful bridge is one of the most iconic spots in California. As far as I’m concerned no visit to San Francisco is complete until you lay eyes on the bridge. Some of my favorite pictures that I have ever taken were of this bridge. You can walk or drive across the bridge which I would recommend because the best views are across from San Francisco. There are no longer toll booth operators at the bridge which means that you will either need to pay the toll before you visit or after. For payment information please click here: http://goldengatebridge.org/tolls_traffic/toll_rates.php The toll is only collected going one way.
Ride a Cable Car
Riding a cable car was pretty high on the list of things I wanted to do in San Francisco. Not only did I think that the cable cars looked like a fun way to see the city I also wanted to stand on the side of it like DJ did on Full House. How many cities have you visited that have cable cars for you to ride on? When I visit places I like to do things that are unique to that city and the cable cars fit that bill. San Francisco is well known for the steep hills and the cable cars were created to safely get people up and down those hills. Currently there are still three different cable car routes and I rode on the Powell/Hyde line. Tickets for the cable cars are $7 for a one way ticket and will give you a great memory.
Pier 39
Have you ever seen so many Sea lions? I was amazed by how many I saw at Pier 39 and it really was quite a sight to see. Pier 39 is full of places to eat, shops, and there is a lot to see with all of the live entertainment. It tends to be crowded as it is one of the more touristy areas of San Francisco but I think it is worth visiting anyway. If you are looking for a shirt or something that says San Francisco on it this is a great place to look for one. Plus Fishermans Wharf is very close by which provides even more reasons to visit. This is on my favorite places to visit when I am in the area.
Lombard St
Lombard Street is famous for its sharp turns making it one of the most crooked streets in the world. My Dad drove us down this street and while I enjoyed experiencing it I am glad I was not driving. If you don’t wish to drive down Lombard Street you can always take the stairs. While I think the street itself is pretty and worthy of a picture the view of the city from the top of the street is equally as picturesque. Lombard Street does not take very long to visit which makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Alamo Square
Alamo Square is home to the famous “painted ladies” which can best be viewed from the Alamo Square park. I liked stopping here to take pictures and walk around the park. The “painted ladies” are the Victorian houses pictured above which are featured in several TV shows and movies. This is the park that the Tanner family is seen having a picnic in during the opening credits of Full House. To see the original house used for Full House you will want to visit 1709 Broaderick Street.
The Walt Disney Family Museum
I wish I had pictures from this to share with you but on my visit here in 2010 they did not allow any pictures. When my friends and I went to the museum we had a difficult time finding it because a bank in San Francisco also has the exact same address. The Walt Disney Family Museum is located inside the presido so you will want to make sure your gps understands that or you will wind up lost and frustrated. The museum was founded by Walt Disney’s daughter Diane and is a very special place for fans of Disney to visit. There are exhibits with information on Walt’s life before he got started making movies. My favorite part was the Disneyland exhibits which are so full of information and as a previous tour guide for the parks I can really appreciate what I saw. At various times of the year they will switch out some of the exhibits so if you plan to visit be sure to check out their website first to see what they are offering.
Everything listed above is my own list of top things to do in San Francisco. I know that I didn’t mention everything worth doing in the city. Everything that made my list is something that I have done or a place that I have visited. Alcatraz is an incredibly popular place to visit when in San Francisco but the idea of going there freaks me out. Alcatraz did not make my list because I have no desire to go there and have zero information to provide on it. Just because something didn’t make my list doesn’t mean that is not worth including in your trip. I created this list to share where I like to visit in the city to help inspire you should you visit. Doing your research prior to a trip is a great way to make sure that you get to see and do some cool/fun things. I am hoping that on my next trip to San Francisco I can attend a Giants baseball game which I think would be a blast.
What are your top things to do in San Francisco?
My friend lives in San Francisco and keeps telling me I should visit. These photos really make me want to hop on a plane.
I visited there back in 2006 and took a bus tour on those steep streets. I was terrified on the bus.
There are so many great things to do in San Fransico.
I was in San Fran about 15 years ago. I love that place and want to move there when I retire.
San Francisco is such a lovely city. I think it’s one of the most beautiful places to go to.
I’d do all of these!
I would love to go to San Francisco one day. Thanks for sharing your list of top things to do there ;-)
I never been in San Francisco but i wanted too if i have a chance. Its one of my bucket list
What a beautiful place to visit with the whole family. I wish i can go in San francisco this year
Really do want to visit San Francisco one day so this was great to read. :)
My best friend went on a study abroad scheme out there and she loved it! She has so many amazing memories there.
We have never been out there but it is on our travel list. Looks awesome!
I can’t even believe the sea lions! These all seem like really enjoyable ways to explore San Francisco. In addition to these I would also like to explore what their theater/arts scene is like!!
I’ve never been to San Fran. But I would love to visit, great ideas.
I have been lucky enough to visit San Fran a couple of time and have always really enjoyed myself!! I need to get back there soon :)
Just visited for first time. Enjoyed every moment.
I loved San Francisco! It is such a beautiful city! My favorite was the Golden Gate Bridge :)
I’ve only been to San Francisco once, years and years ago. I would love to visit again. The Walt Disney Family Museum would be on my list.
I love San Francisco! I saw many bridges in my life around the world but the Golden Gate is always amazed me. Every day looks different and I couldn’t take my eyes off from it. Cant wait tomorrow morning when I can see it again when we go through on it :))
San Francisco is one of my favorite places to visit. As a southern California born and raised gal, i still love going up north to visit. I would ad to your already great list to rent a bike a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge….and yes, to visit Alcatraz. It’s a short ferry ride over and very cool to visit.
I have been to San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge is amazing. It is a must see if you are ever in the area. I loved my time in San Francisco and i hope to go back this year.
San Francisco is such a lovely place to explore. I would love to go one day.
I definitely wanna visit one day. Besides Los Angeles and New York this is definitely a city I also wanna see in USA so thank you for sharing this list! :) And there is sooo many Sea lions there I can’t believe it hahah. And Lombard St look so cool. Great post, have a lovely day :)
Cool! Glad I came across this. I just moved to the bay area a little bit ago. I haven’t done Alamo square yet but will need to check it out next time. Lombard street is such a sight to see huh? Crazy how a street is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city.
These are some great things to do! Pier 39 and Lombard Street are always fun. I like visiting San Francisco but sometimes it’s so cold!
Molly and Stacie
San Francisco is one of my top places to visit! I have seen so many beautiful photos of the city! I would definitely want to see the painted ladies, pier 39 and the Disney museum.
So much good stuff! I love San Francisco!
I just got back from SF and loved every minute of my trip. This is a great roundup of the top places to visit. It was a trek to get to Lombard Street but it was so cool to see in person. Great post!
I would love to go to San Francisco and to visit Alcatraz.
I always recommend hiking the Lands End trail in San Francisco. You can start at the gorgeous and iconic Legion of Honor museum and get some great views of the bridge plus do something that the locals do!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
I have only been to San Fran for business and didn’t have much time to sight see. I did however visit Chinatown and the Ghiardelli factory. Reading this makes me want to make sure I go back and just absorb all the city has to offer, especially the Walt Disney Museum.
Hahaha I remember Lombard street, my husband drove us down that street several times, loved it! San Francisco is such a beautiful place, I’d love to go back for another visit.
This reminds me that it’s been way too long since I visited SF. I need to go soon. Great post.
Even though I’ve lived 45 minutes south of the city for nearly a decade and went to law school up there, I have never really done a “touristy” day. One day :)
Lovely place to visit. Lots of relatives who lives there.
I love San Francisco! I’ve been twice and loved it! One of my favorite things to do while there is visiting Pier 39.
There really are so many things I would love to see in San Francisco. I’ve never been that far west.
OH my gosh, Lombard Street is crazy! I didn’t get to see that or to ride a cable car so I’m going to make a point of that next time.
Going to San Francisco has always been on my “must visit one day” list!
I’ve never been to San Fransisco but these all look like amazing things to do! I would especially love to see that crooked street!
On a semi-related note I cannot wait for Fuller House! Every time I see that photo of the Tanner’s house that’s all I can think about!