25 Things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco, the “City by the Bay,” offers a kaleidoscope of experiences with its diverse culture, innovative tech scene, historic landmarks, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Let’s dive into our top 15 must-visit places and then to do with the kids!

1. Golden Gate Bridge: An iconic symbol of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge offers breathtaking views of the city and bay. Walking or biking across this 1.7-mile marvel is a memorable experience. Website
2. Alcatraz Island: Explore the notorious federal prison that once held infamous criminals like Al Capone. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into its history. Website
3. Fisherman’s Wharf: Bustling with shops, restaurants, and vibrant street performances, Fisherman’s Wharf is home to the famous Pier 39 and the playful sea lions. Website
4. Chinatown: As the oldest Chinatown in North America, it offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, shops, and fantastic Chinese cuisine. Website
5. Golden Gate Park: Larger than NYC’s Central Park, it houses numerous attractions, including the California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, and de Young Museum. Website
6. Cable Car Museum: Dive into the history and mechanics of the city’s beloved cable car system. An active part of the city’s transport network, it’s a delightful ride back in time. Website
7. Union Square: A shopper’s paradise offering high-end retail stores, vibrant art galleries, and a plethora of dining options. Website
8. The Exploratorium: An interactive science museum, located on the city’s Embarcadero, it encourages learning through hands-on exploration. Website
9. The Ferry Building Marketplace: Gourmet food lovers unite! This bustling marketplace houses a variety of artisanal food and beverage vendors. Website
10. Coit Tower: Enjoy a 360-degree view of the city and bay from atop this monument, located in Telegraph Hill neighbourhood. Website
11. The Presidio: Once a military post, now a national park site, it offers beautiful trails, historic buildings, and scenic overlooks. Website
12. Haight-Ashbury: Known for its bohemian vibe, vintage stores, and stunning Victorian “Painted Ladies” houses, it’s the birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement. Website
13. The Mission District: Visit for its vibrant Latino culture, street murals, and the delectable Mission-style burrito. Don’t miss Dolores Park for a city view. Website
14. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA): Home to over 33,000 works, SFMOMA is a paradise for modern and contemporary art lovers. Website
15. California Academy of Sciences: A natural history museum, aquarium, and planetarium rolled into one. Website

Now, let’s dive into the top 11 places that kids will absolutely love! Yes, we added one extra.

1. Children’s Creativity Museum: Encourages children to imagine, create, and share in a multimedia environment. Website
2. San Francisco Zoo: Home to over 1,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals. A fantastic place for kids to learn about wildlife. Website
3. Aquarium of the Bay: Experience the rich aquatic life of the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters. Website
4. Ghirardelli Square: Known for its historic landmark public square with shops and restaurants in the Fisherman’s Wharf area of San Francisco. Kids will be thrilled to visit the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, where they can learn about the chocolate-making process and, of course, taste some chocolate! Website
5. Crissy Field: Once a military airfield, Crissy Field is now a restored salt marsh and recreation area where families can enjoy picnics, kite flying, bird watching, and spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The nearby House of Air, an indoor trampoline park located in a historic aeroplane hangar, is also a huge hit with kids. Website
6. The Walt Disney Family Museum: Displays the life and legacy of Walt Disney. Great for kids and Disney fans alike! Website
7. California Academy of Sciences: The kid-friendly exhibits at this museum make learning about the natural world fun! Website
8. Randall Museum: Offers a range of exhibits and classes aimed at engaging children in science, nature, and the arts. Website
9. Bay Area Discovery Museum: An outdoor/indoor museum with a focus on fostering creativity in children. Website
10. Children’s Fairyland: A whimsical storybook-themed park, perfect for younger kids. Website
11. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park: Let your kids explore maritime history, tour historic ships, and even set sail. Website

Getting Around San Francisco

San Francisco boasts a comprehensive public transport network.

• Muni: Operates buses, trams, and iconic cable cars. Website
• BART: Rapid transit for longer distances, especially to the East Bay and the airport. Website
• Ferry Services: For travel across the bay. Website
• Rideshares: Uber and Lyft operate extensively in San Francisco.

Top 5 Hotels in San Francisco

1. The Fairmont San Francisco: Offers luxurious accommodations with panoramic views of the city. Website
2. The St. Regis San Francisco: A blend of modern sophistication and timeless luxury. Website
3. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco: A Nob Hill landmark reimagined with modern elegance. Website
4. Hotel Drisco: Nestled in Pacific Heights, offers complimentary amenities and beautiful city views. Website
5. The Palace Hotel: A historic luxury hotel with modern accommodations and an iconic atrium lobby. Website

San Francisco Climate Guide

Travel Tips

• Dress in layers, as the city’s microclimates can make temperatures vary dramatically within short distances.
• Don’t miss out on trying local foods like clam chowder, sourdough bread, and the Mission burrito.
• Make sure to pre-book Alcatraz tours, as they sell out quickly.
• Respect the local culture and the environment, especially in parks and beaches.
• Enjoy the city on foot. Many of the attractions are within walking distance of each other.
• Keep an eye on your belongings. Like any major city, petty theft can be an issue.

Enjoy your unforgettable journey through the enchanting city of San Francisco!