24 Things to Do in San Francisco

Josh from Californiathroughmylens.com introduces his guide to 24 things to do in San Francisco. He begins with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, highlighting its impressive sight, the experience of walking on it, photographing it from various viewpoints, and especially from Battery Spencer at sunrise for a breathtaking view.

The second stop is Alcatraz, a former notorious jail turned national park. Visitors can take a boat ride to the island multiple times a day and explore it through a self-guided audio tour. Josh recommends dedicating at least half a day to fully experience its history and scenic views, despite its touristy nature.

Stop three is the Ferry Building, located near the Alcatraz tours. It features various shops and eateries, including Hog Island Oysters, Cowgirl Creamery, and Gott's Roadside. Even just wandering through the marketplace and grabbing a Blue Bottle Coffee makes for an enjoyable visit.

The fourth stop is Rincon Park, home to the famous Cupid's Span art piece. While there isn't much to do at the park, it offers stunning sunrise views behind the Bay Bridge and a great photo opportunity with the massive bow and arrow.

Stop five is Coit Tower, a 200-foot structure built in 1933 featuring murals and an elevator to the top. The open-air top floor offers fantastic views of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz, providing a unique perspective of San Francisco.

The sixth stop is a ride on the iconic San Francisco cable cars, a must-do experience. Josh advises waiting in line for an outside spot to enjoy the ride from Union Station to Fisherman's Wharf and to visit the free Cable Car Museum for more history on these iconic vehicles.

Stop seven is San Francisco's Chinatown, the largest outside Asia and the oldest in North America. Established in 1848, it offers shops, restaurants, and the fortune cookie factory where visitors can write their own fortunes. The visit should include seeing Dragon's Gate.

The eighth stop is Lombard Street, known for its eight hairpin turns. While the main activity is walking or driving down the street, it remains a popular tourist attraction despite the slow drive due to the crowds.

Stop nine is Fisherman's Wharf, a highly touristy yet fun area. Highlights include Boudin's clam chowder in a bread bowl and the Musee Mecanique, where visitors can play old games and enjoy small mechanical shows with just a few dollars.

The tenth stop is the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park. Run by the National Park Service, it features several restored boats from past centuries that visitors can explore. Josh enjoys spending hours here, appreciating the history and craftsmanship of the old boats.

Stop eleven is Ghirardelli Square, a popular tourist spot near the water. Visitors can enjoy free chocolate samples, decadent ice cream, and watch how chocolate is made. The historic buildings and famous sign add to the charm.

The twelfth stop is the Palace of Fine Arts, built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. This stunning structure, especially the central rotunda, is perfect for photography, particularly at dusk when the reflection is spectacular.

Stop thirteen is the Wave Organ, a fascinating piece of San Francisco history located near Crissy Fields. At high tide, the waves create sounds through underwater tubes that resonate above. It's a unique auditory experience.

The fourteenth stop is the Presidio, an old military base with over 200 years of history, now a national park. It offers historic structures, hiking trails, and artworks by Andy Goldsworthy. The Walt Disney Family Museum and various summer picnics are also highlights.

Stop fifteen is the Painted Ladies, the pastel-colored houses featured in the 'Full House' TV show. While Josh isn't a fan of the show, he enjoys the adjacent park, which is a great place to relax.

The sixteenth stop is Twin Peaks, known for its antennas and panoramic views of downtown San Francisco. Short hikes from the parking area offer different city vistas, making it a worthwhile stop, especially with a rental car.

The seventeenth stop is Golden Gate Park, larger than New York's Central Park. Josh highlights the Old Dutch Windmill, Bison Paddock, Japanese Gardens, and various museums, including the de Young Museum of Fine Art and the California Academy of Sciences.

Stop eighteen is the California Academy of Sciences, featuring a rainforest dome, a controlled ecosystem with butterflies and other animals. It's a family-friendly attraction, especially during winter when it hosts Christmas events.

Stop nineteen is Lands End, one of Josh's favorite short hikes in California. The trail offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and includes a hike down to the Lands End Labyrinth and Mile Rock Beach. It's an excellent spot for sunsets and daytime hikes alike.

The twentieth stop is the Sutro Baths, the remains of a historic saltwater swimming pool complex. Located right on the water, it's a great place for exploration and sunset views, despite the minimal remnants of the original complex.

Stop twenty-one is Marshall's Beach, Josh's favorite spot for sunsets. Located below the coastal bluffs, it offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The half-mile trail to the beach is worth the effort for the scenic photos and rugged coastline.

Stop twenty-two is Fort Point, a historic military base offering free admission when open. Located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, it provides amazing views and a sense of the bridge's immense scale. Visitors can explore multiple floors and old cannons.

Stop twenty-three is Point Bonita Lighthouse, a picturesque lighthouse accessible by a half-mile walk and a suspension bridge. It's a must-see for Bay Area visitors, though it's only open one to two days a week, so planning is essential.

The final stop is Muir Woods, located about 35 minutes from downtown San Francisco. It's a beautiful place to see redwoods, offering a serene environment for walking and exploring, making it an excellent alternative to the more distant Redwood or Sequoia National Parks.