What to Do in San Francisco?

If you are planning to travel to the United States or even going on a road trip, San Francisco is a must-visit destination. You can easily explore the city in just a few days or extend your stay for a week or more. Between museums, guided tours, and the iconic bay, you'll find plenty to do during your visit.

If you want to ensure that you can do everything in San Francisco without wasting too much time and saving some money, the San Francisco Pass will be your best friend! I particularly recommend the San Francisco All Inclusive Pass, available from $95 per person. Valid for 1 to 5 consecutive days depending on the chosen plan, you'll have access to over 25 major attractions in the city, such as the Aquarium of the Bay, the sightseeing bus, the Zoo, the Exploratorium, and even the San Francisco Bay cruise ⛴️ Be sure to get informed in advance about the pass to save time.

If you come to San Francisco, you cannot miss the famous Golden Gate Bridge, a true emblem of the city! Photography enthusiasts will be thrilled to capture incredible shots with the skyline in the background and the bridge hidden in the unique fog that characterizes San Francisco. If you're looking for a memorable experience to visit the Golden Gate, you have several interesting options:

Fly over the Golden Gate Bridge in a seaplane: you won't find a more unique way to see the Golden Gate! It's a spectacular experience that allows you to fly over the bridge and the San Francisco Bay aboard a seaplane. Of course, this experience comes at a cost, with prices starting at $230 per person.

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge by bike: for a great activity that combines fun and practicality, join a 3-hour guided bike tour starting from Fisherman's Wharf. The bike route uses bike paths and offers stunning views of the city. Once you arrive in Sausalito, you'll have free time to explore the shops and art galleries or to taste the local cuisine. You can return to San Francisco by ferry or bike back Expect to pay about $75 per person for this activity.

An iconic spot you cannot miss in San Francisco is of course Alcatraz Island and its prison. Known worldwide for having housed some of the most notorious criminals in history, such as Al Capone and George Kelly, the famous federal prison is now one of the city's biggest tourist attractions.

You can take a guided tour of Alcatraz to learn more about the history of the prison and the island. The guide will share many anecdotes about the prisoners who lived behind bars and the numerous failed escape attempts made from the prison.

For a complete and very practical experience, I highly recommend booking a San Francisco Bay cruise with a visit to Alcatraz. For around $130 per person and a 4-hour visit, you'll travel on a ferry to the federal penitentiary of Alcatraz, enjoy commentary from the audio guide during the visit, and admire the city from a different angle from the water

If you are looking for a unique experience, I strongly recommend visiting Alcatraz at night, accessible from $150 per person. This guided tour takes you to Alcatraz Island after sunset, allowing you to discover the mysteries and dark stories of this famous prison in a very special atmosphere I had the chance to take this tour and was captivated by the stories of some of the most notorious criminals in American history! Plus, this visit is less crowded than the daytime one, allowing for a more immersive experience.

There's nothing better than a sea outing to fully enjoy the unique atmosphere that San Francisco has to offer! Whether it's aboard a ferry for a city tour, a catamaran at sunset, or a romantic dinner cruise, you'll find several interesting options to sail the Farallon Gulf. Here's a quick selection of activities

If there's one activity you cannot miss when wondering what to do in San Francisco, it's a ride on the city's cable car! A true emblem of the city, the famous cable cars of San Francisco will allow you to get around the city and easily climb the steepest streets!

Introduced in 1873 for practical reasons, some cable cars are still in operation today, delighting tourists and locals alike who regularly use this transport to navigate the city. I particularly recommend taking the Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde lines, which are the most authentic in the city and offer stunning panoramas from the top of the hills Good news if you've opted for a tourist pass, rides on the cable car are often included unlimited in the package! Be sure to inquire in advance to purchase yours!

Whether you have planned a stay in San Francisco or not, you have certainly seen this famous street in photos at least once! Dubbed the windiest or steepest street in the United States (even though, in reality, it is not the case!), Lombard Street is one of the city's most well-known spots, located in the Russian Hill neighborhood.

You might be wondering: why can a street be so famous? Well, because it is quite unique! With its 8 hairpin turns, its significant slope, and the beautiful flowerbeds that border it, Lombard Street is a very photogenic spot that you must include in your San Francisco photo album! Be careful if you plan to rent a car in San Francisco, I'd recommend avoiding this street if possible, as it is often congested and challenging to navigate!

Mission is one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco! Known as the Latino district of San Francisco, it is also a very lively area, rich in significant cultural and historical diversity. Whether it's in terms of architecture or culture, you'll truly be transported into a unique atmosphere straight from South America Popular and artistic, the Mission is also the ideal spot for those looking to go out and have fun in San Francisco!

If the neighborhood is also very frequently visited by tourists, it's partly due to its well-developed artistic aspect. Indeed, Mission is also known as a true open-air museum, where you can discover all kinds of art, graffiti, and murals around every corner. Lastly, do not miss Dolores Park, an essential spot where locals and tourists come to recharge, exercise, enjoy a great green space, and particularly admire the view of San Francisco's skyline!

The first gay neighborhood in the United States, Castro is an iconic place you must not miss on your visit to San Francisco! Located between the neighborhoods of Haight-Ashbury and Mission District, the Castro neighborhood is rich in historical, architectural, and cultural heritage.

Historically, this LGBTQ+ neighborhood of San Francisco has long been a safe haven for gay minorities of the time who sought to live freely. It was also here that Harvey Milk was elected, the first openly gay city council member in San Francisco and a key figure in the nascent gay rights movement in the 1970s.

Today, this rainbow neighborhood is a vibrant and popular cultural sector considered the epicenter of queer culture. You will find numerous art galleries, cafes, and small independent shops. Make sure to also taste the local specialties at one of the many restaurants and food trucks in the area!

If there is one neighborhood you cannot miss in San Francisco, it is Chinatown! Why? Simply because it is the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America! It has nothing to envy the Chinatown in New York

Here, you'll experience a total change of scenery, I guarantee it Crossing the Dragon Gate located on Grant Avenue, you'll instantly find yourself in a world far away from the West Coast of the USA. Between the bustling markets, the intoxicating smells of local cuisine, traditional decorations with colorful facades and lanterns, you'll quickly be in the mood! You'll find local craft shops, markets, art galleries, and restaurants serving delicious Chinese specialties

By the way, if you're interested, do not miss the culinary walking tour of San Francisco's Chinatown, available from $78 per person. Accompanied by a local guide, you will explore the lively Chinatown district, taste a wide variety of delicious dishes, and have the chance to see the artisanal production of fortune cookies, the little typical Chinese biscuits that hide a personal message.

Fisherman's Wharf is not strictly speaking a neighborhood of San Francisco, but rather of the port. In fact, it's the oldest district of the harbor, built in 1853. If you have planned a stay in the city, you will have definitely heard about it, as it is a tourist hotspot that attracts thousands of visitors every year!

At the port, you can head to Pier 39 where you'll find several restaurants and shops, ideal for enjoying some delicious fresh fish and crab salads. While strolling along the water, you may also see dozens of sea lions basking in the sun! Among the other attractions you can do in the area, you can visit the Aquarium of the Bay, catch a glimpse of the USS Pampanito submarine, ride the SkyStar Wheel, or explore the Mechanical Museum at Pier 45 for approximately $18.

As mentioned earlier, the Haight Ashbury neighborhood is located next to the Castro neighborhood and is considered a true symbol of the hippie counterculture of the United States in the 1960s. The area is also very famous for the Summer of Love in 1967, when over 100,000 hippies gathered in the neighborhood ☮️

Even today, around every corner, you'll sense the bohemian and peaceful atmosphere that prevails. You will find all sorts of small independent shops, record stores, bookstores, vintage thrift shops, and quite a bit of colorful artwork on the walls. Music lovers will also enjoy walking in the footsteps of iconic rock figures from the 60s, such as Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead. Be sure to also catch the famous Painted Ladies, those stunning Victorian houses typical of San Francisco, and Golden Gate Park

Discover San Francisco in a unique and original way with this guided tour in English of the historic neighborhoods of San Francisco Accompanied by a passionate local guide, you'll explore must-see places like Union Square, Chinatown, and Fisherman's Wharf You'll learn more about the history of these fascinating neighborhoods, taste local dishes, and discover hidden and picturesque spots! You'll be amazed by famous sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Chinatown, all while benefiting from your guide's knowledge and fun stories. For a 3 and a half hour tour, expect to pay around $60 per person.

To explore San Francisco and ensure you don't miss any important sites, I highly recommend opting for the hop-on hop-off bus On an open-top Big Bus, you can easily navigate around the city and discover major attractions like Fisherman's Wharf, the Museum of Modern Art, the Embarcadero, Golden Gate Park, and more!

You can hop on and off at any stops you'd like and enjoy commentary on your smartphone's audio guide

You can also discover San Francisco in all its aspects through a combined offer of the sightseeing bus with a ferry ride and a visit to Alcatraz for $150 per person!

This way, you can visit Alcatraz Island and enjoy 2 days of sightseeing on the bus. For history lovers, visiting the infamous prison is a must to uncover its fascinating past. Additionally, live commentary in English or an audio guide in 10 different languages offers you an immersive experience

The hop-on hop-off ticket is an excellent way to discover the main tourist sites in San Francisco while enjoying the flexibility to hop on and off the bus at will. The one-hour nighttime panoramic tour also allows you to see the city in a new light

As I mentioned earlier, San Francisco has nothing to envy from the Big Apple, as here too you'll find a wonderful park right in the city: Golden Gate Park Covering 4.1 square kilometers, it is even larger than Central Park! If you're looking for a place to breathe and relax after strolling for several hours through the city streets, I highly recommend checking it out Since the park is truly expansive, there are many activities you can do:

Walk or bike around,

Enjoy a boat or paddle boat ride on Stow Lake,

Visit the Japanese Gardens, the Botanical Garden, or the Conservatory of Flowers,

Check out the windmills, and

Visit the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum.

Also, there is a free shuttle in the park that will take you directly to the most important points of interest within the park to save you a bit of time!

Want to discover one of the most beautiful panoramas of the city of San Francisco? Head to Twin Peaks, the twin hills Rising over 300 meters high and easily accessible, this spot is known for offering a stunning panoramic view of the city, the bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

To reach the summit, you can drive if you've planned to rent a vehicle, or hike for the more adventurous. Otherwise, you can also take the metro to Forest Hill station and then catch a bus to Marview Way. Personally, I highly recommend going at sunset to enjoy the beautiful colors, and there is often a bit less fog later in the day. Just be sure to dress warmly if you're planning a visit, as the wind can be quite strong at the top of the hills!

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a must-visit for lovers of modern art. The permanent collection includes over 33,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos, and multimedia installations.

During my visit to this museum, I was fascinated by the variety of artworks on display! The museum also offers dining options at Cafe 5, In Situ, and the Sightglass Coffee Bar, where you can relax and recharge to continue your visit ☕️

Whether you're an art connoisseur or simply interested in art in general, I highly recommend this activity for a rich cultural experience during your trip to San Francisco However, I advise you to book your entrance tickets in advance, as it's a very popular museum! Expect to pay around $27 per adult and $20 for ages 19-24. Admission is free for children

Established in 1853, the California Academy of Sciences is the oldest scientific institution in the western United States and one of the 10 largest natural history museums in the world! Located in Golden Gate Park, this museum actually hosts several other museums! You can learn more about marine life, galaxies, or the various ecosystems of planet Earth

Divided into several themes, the museum revolves around 4 main areas:

The Steinhart Aquarium: certainly one of the most beautiful aquariums in the world, where you can discover a wide variety of marine species, with no less than 900 different species and around 40,000 animals, while learning more about this universe through various interactive spaces.

The Morrison Planetarium: thanks to its 22-meter dome, you can observe the sky and the different galaxies that surround us. It's a true gem of technology!

The Rainforest: a perfect reproduction of a tropical rainforest, where you can find more than 1,600 plants and animals spread over 4 different levels, ranging from insects to tropical birds and Amazonian snakes. Each floor represents a different rainforest (Borneo, Madagascar, Costa Rica).

The Kimball Natural History Museum: here, you can learn more about the evolution of life, from the age of dinosaurs to the present day, through 150 years of research. You can admire large dinosaur skeletons and a blue whale skeleton.

The de Young Museum is also located within Golden Gate Park. It is a fine arts museum housing a vast collection of artworks, with no less than 30,000 pieces from America, Africa, and the Pacific. You will also find collections on American art in general, from the 17th century to the 21st century.

Paintings, sculptures, decorative arts; you will be amazed by all these masterful pieces! You can also regularly discover temporary exhibitions on various themes. Another major asset: you can go up to the 9th floor to reach the museum's observatory, from which you will have a fantastic view of the city For an entrance ticket to the de Young Museum, expect to pay $18 per person.

The Palace of Fine Arts, located in the Marina District, is a truly iconic building worth a visit, whether you are an art lover or not

Built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition by architect Bernard Maybeck, the palace features lines reminiscent of Roman and Greek ruins from ancient times. It's a beautiful spot to take photos, as the palace is set in the middle of a garden by a lake

For a mix of entertainment and education, I highly recommend visiting the Exploratorium in San Francisco, located at Pier 15 at Fisherman's Wharf A leading science museum, the Exploratorium is more like a true experience than a traditional museum! Don't be misled; although the site is targeted more towards children and families, everyone will find something fascinating among the various exhibitions and interactive workshops offered.

In total, there are no fewer than 650 playful exhibits and workshops accessible across 6 different spaces: the Osher Gallery, the West, South, East, and North galleries, and the Fisher Bay Observatory. Through light, color, movement, and sound games, you'll dive into a fascinating universe and be able to experiment with extraordinary scientific phenomena like tornadoes or even walk across a fog bridge, similar to the Golden Gate Bridge!

As I briefly mentioned earlier in this article, at Fisherman's Wharf, you can visit the Aquarium of the Bay, a place I highly recommend for families Here, you can observe more than 20,000 marine animals, including several species of sharks, rays, starfish, and other aquatic life living in the San Francisco Bay

You'll also find an educational area where you can come into contact with some species and better understand their ecosystem. Keep in mind that this aquarium is much smaller and older than the California Academy of Sciences aquarium I mentioned earlier, but it's still worth a visit!

The San Francisco Zoo is an ideal place to spend a day with family or friends, discovering over 2,000 animals from 250 different species and more than 40 acres of landscaped gardens

You can explore several different areas, each dedicated to different ecosystems: Valentine's Family Savanna, Leanne Roberts African Region, the Jones Family Gorilla Reserve, the Lipman Lemur Forest, and much more!

I had the opportunity to visit it, and I can only recommend this visit I loved feeding the farm animals at the Fisher Family Children's Zoo and admired the largest colony of Magellanic penguins outside of their natural habitat

Yosemite National Park is located just a few hours' drive from San Francisco and is another must-see destination! ️ This natural wonder is located about 4 hours from San Francisco, but it's truly worth the trip.

You can go for a day and have the chance to see spectacular landscapes, beautiful waterfalls, and incredible rock formations. If you have more time, you might also consider camping at Yosemite and spending several days exploring this stunning area. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts For a day trip to Yosemite National Park, expect to pay around $195 per person. The price includes entrance fees to Yosemite, the services of a professional guide, and transportation in a minibus.

If you are a wine lover, you have surely heard of the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, recognized worldwide. Indeed! With an annual production of 2.8 billion liters, California is the fourth-largest wine producer in the world and the first in the United States While the wine produced here is quite different from what we know in France, it's still interesting to learn more about this production and to visit local vineyards

If you're interested, you can join a day trip to Napa and Sonoma Valley from San Francisco, starting at around $131 per person. During this trip, you will visit 3 different wineries, where you can join a wine tasting and then tour the vineyards. Accompanied by a guide, you will also pass through the historic Downtown Sonoma Square, where you can have lunch at your leisure and enjoy some free time.

What is the ideal duration for a stay in San Francisco? It all depends on your itinerary and the activities planned for the rest of your trip. If you stay solely in San Francisco, you can easily spend 5 to 7 days to fully enjoy the city and do all the visits. If San Francisco is just one stop on your road trip, you can do the main sights in 2 or 3 days!

To visit the city in 2 days, you'll need to be strategic about the itinerary order and focus on the main attractions. If the schedule looks a bit tight, remember to book all your tickets in advance so you're not wasting time in lines. Here's the plan

Day 1: Start with a morning visit to the Golden Gate Bridge, then head to downtown via the Palace of Fine Arts. Then, walk along the coast through Fort Mason Park to the famous Lombard Street. Next, head over to Fisherman's Wharf. To end your day, you can visit Chinatown via Telegraph Hill!

Day 2: Start this second day of exploration with a trip to Alcatraz. This should take most of your morning. For the afternoon, you can take a green break at Golden Gate Park. In the evening, I recommend heading to Union Square via the famous Painted Ladies!

Visiting San Francisco in 3 days will allow you to fully enjoy the city and include more indoor visits, particularly to some museums if that interests you! Feel free to adjust the itinerary if you wish to prioritize other landmarks in the city!

Day 1: For the first day, I suggest starting at Union Square to soak up the city center's atmosphere. Then make your way to Chinatown before heading to Ferry Building for lunch. Afterward, either head to the Exploratorium or opt for a visit to Alcatraz. Once finished, spend the end of the day at Telegraph Hill for a fantastic view from Coit Tower.

Day 2: This second day of visiting begins with discovering Fisherman's Wharf. Enjoy the bay view from Pier 39 with its famous sea lions sprawling on the docks. It's also a great opportunity to take a boat cruise on the bay! Then make your way to Fort Mason, taking a detour via Lombard Street. End the day by visiting the Palace of Fine Arts.

Day 3: To conclude your city visit, head to the Golden Gate for an unobstructed view of the emblem of San Francisco. You can then descend towards Golden Gate Park. If you're up for it, you can also stroll along the coast and enjoy beaches like Mile Rock Beach. Once you've finished your park exploration, you can visit the de Young Museum. Then regain the city center by passing through the Painted Ladies street.

Of course, to get to San Francisco, you'll need to fly into the United States. Fortunately, the city has a well-served international airport. You will easily find flights from Paris. The direct flight takes about 10 to 12 hours but can extend up to 15 hours for flights with a layover.

Regarding the budget, it will depend on the time of year you are traveling. However, prices generally range between $650 and $850 for a round trip. I especially recommend booking your flight as early as possible and using flight comparison tools like Kayak to save some money.

To enjoy the city to the fullest, choosing the right time to go to San Francisco will help you make the most of outdoor activities. With its Californian climate, the city thrives during the summer months. Temperatures remain very pleasant, averaging between 54 and 73°F, with good sunshine throughout the day! Expect a bit of fog in the morning (typical of the area), but it dissipates fairly quickly.

If you want to avoid the summer crowds without sacrificing weather, you can also opt for late spring or early fall. Temperatures are relatively similar, but expect a bit more rain. However, you can save on accommodation and flight prices by avoiding the summer period You might also consider traveling in winter since temperatures rarely drop below 41°F, but expect a fair amount of rain.

There are a variety of lodging options in San Francisco to suit every budget! From luxury hotels to quirky little inns, all you have to do is choose the best deal for your needs. To help with your search, here's a small selection of establishments to consider

For a high-end accommodation, I recommend the Beacon Grand Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, you can easily access the main attractions and nearby shops. The rooms are spacious and bright. For around $280 per night, you can also enjoy a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and private parking.

If you're looking for good value for money, the Handlery Union Square Hotel offers rooms from $175 per night. You will enjoy a nice room conveniently located just steps from Union Square. The property also features an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a sauna.

Hotel Triton boasts a prime location just steps away from Chinatown in a lively area. It's also close to the subway, which will ease your movements around the city. Rooms start at $160 per night, breakfast included, and you'll find a fitness center and private parking on-site.

And that's it, we've reached the end of this article! I hope you found it enjoyable and that you now know what to do in San Francisco To prepare for your stay, make sure to read my article on where to stay in San Francisco!