San Francisco Bucket List: 23 Things to Do in San Fran

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So what are the top things to do in San Francisco? Built on hills, with pretty and colorful Victorian houses and that cable car system, San Francisco is pretty but punchy. This city has a strong identity and particular charm so whether you are planning a weekend getaway, working in a stop on a road trip or just fancy a challenge here’s the San Francisco bucket list.

You may also like our guide on how to spend 3 days in San Francisco.

San Francisco Bucket List

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge 

The Golden Gate is, without doubt, one of the most famous bridges in the world. It measures 2.7 km and connects the city to Sausalito.

If you are counting steps on your phone, this would be a great walk, and you can enjoy the vista from Fort Point and Battery Spencer.  A must-see in San Francisco.

For unique places and attractions, check out our guide to San Francisco hidden gems, which also feature Fort Point.

Ride the Cable Car

One of the landmarks of the city, the cable car is a must-see if you are in San Francisco.

Getting tickets for your ride might take a while, but the journey is a fun experience, totally worth it!

Embark on a Cruise to Alcatraz

If this is your first time in the city, Alcatraz is one of the top San Francisco attractions according to TripAdvisor.

Here you can visit the famous prison, but keep in mind that no one ever escaped from Alcatraz!

During the tour, you can learn more about the history of the place and see the cells that accommodated some renowned criminals.  

This tour combines Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Get a Pic of the Painted Ladies

No, these are not real ladies, but they will look absolutely adorable in your pictures!

The Painted Ladies is the name of the Victorian houses that have been built in the XIXth century. 

Pop 710-720 Steiner Street into maps to find them.

Visit Alamo Square

Up on a hill, it offers some of the most impressive views over the city. From here, you can notice the diversity of what San Francisco has to offer. 

What about the Four Seasons Houses?

The Painted Ladies are not the only colorful buildings worthy of a spot on a San Francisco itinerary.

The Four Seasons Houses at 1315 Waller Street have nods to each season.

Dreamy!

The houses are located in the Haight-Ashbury which is famous for its links to the 60s Summer of Love.

Check out the Sea Lions at Pier 39

You’ll smell them before you see them! On Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll find restaurants, souvenir shops, live concerts, and lots of other tourists as it is one of the most touristic places in San Francisco.

However, there is a reason for you to get there, even if you are trying to stay away from the crowds, and this is the sea lions resting on the pier. It’s fun and unique, so make sure not to miss it!

Enjoy a Seafood Dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf

If there is one place perfect for an unforgettable dinner for the seafood lover, this would be the Fisherman’s Wharf.

Try Alioto’s for its stunning views and great food.

Take a Stroll on Lombard Street

In just a few words, Lombard Street is a winding street.

And certainly not the kind of street that you want to take to go to work or to take your kids to school.

But it’s the perfect street for when you are on holiday! And probably one of the funniest streets in the world!

Eat Chocolate in Ghiradelli Square

Ghiradelli Square is probably the happiest place in the Fisherman’s Wharf area.

And it couldn’t be any other way with all that chocolate! Ghiradelli is one of THE brand names when it comes to chocolate, so chocolate lover or not, you just can’t miss it. 

Have Lunch in Chinatown

Wander through the city’s Chinatown, browsing the stores to work up a hunger then dine at one of the restaurants.

Love food? You might want to try this Chinatown food tour. 

Chinatown also features in our guide to rainy days in San Francisco.

Go Shopping in Union Square

Union Square is in downtown San Francisco, and this is the place to go shopping.

You’ll find most of the brands you love and much more.

Be careful not to get lost in the huge Macy’s. 

You may also like our guide to San Francisco in December which features Union Square’s tree lighting during the month.

Admire the Sunset from Baker Beach

Since I’ve already mentioned the best place to catch the sunrise, it would be only fair to give a suggestion to sunset lovers as well.

The perfect place to admire the sunset is probably on Baker Beach.

Great views with Golden Gate and the Pacific Ocean.

If you love romantic walks as well as sunsets, you could also try Crissy Field East Beach, and it’s less than an hour walk from Pier 39. 

Explore a Farmer’s Market

If it’s Sunday and you want to see what the locals are into when it comes to fresh, healthy food, try a Farmer’s Market.

You’ll find lots of cool stuff and delicious ingredients for the perfect brunch. 

Drink Tea in the Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden is a public garden located inside the Golden Gate Park.

It’s a work of art and not only for those interested in Asian culture.

Here you can have tea or a snack and enjoy the tranquillity and peace for a small entrance fee. 

The Japanese Tea Garden also features in our guide to San Francisco in fall.

Take Pictures of the Transamerica Pyramid

The Transamerica Pyramid is one of the highest buildings in the area.

Due to its shape, the structure can easily be noticed from most of the hills around the city, so it became an important landmark of San Francisco. 

See the City from Twin Peaks

If you love hiking or want to get panoramic views of the Bay Area, you need to get to Twin Peaks.

This is also the best place if you’re going to admire the sunrise over the city. 

The Castro

Find the dangling legs in the Castro neighborhood.

This is where Harvey Milk started the LGBT campaign.

Have Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl at Boudin Bakery

If there is one food that you can’t miss in San Francisco, this would be the clam chowder in sourdough bread, and this is among the best places to try it.   

Have Cheesecake at Zanze’s Cheesecake

If you love sweets as much as I do, then you probably need more recommendations than the chocolate I mentioned before.

So here comes the cheesecake bomb.

This one is not as famous as the New York cheesecake is, but it should be!

It’s lighter and more delicate so that you might need more than one slice. 

Participate in the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown

If you are visiting San Francisco in mid-April, you can participate in the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Japantown.

A parade, live performances, and demonstrations will bring Japan to live right here in San Francisco. 

Dress Up for the Bay to Breakers Footrace

On the third Sunday of May, you can put on an amazing costume and participate in one of the most famous races in the world.

Prizes are awarded for costumes too, not only how fit you are, so show your creativity here!

Enjoy the Music at Outside Lands Festival

One of the most important music festivals in San Francisco is the Outside Lands Festival.

Plan to see San Francisco in August, if you want to enjoy music from all over the world at the Outside Lands Festival.

Pin to your San Francisco planning board

Final Words 

San Francisco is a charming and atypical city and not only due to its position on the hills and by the Pacific Ocean.

The architecture is fantastic, but so are the parks and the people.

It’s a city that you should put on your bucket list (if it’s not already ready there) with plenty to offer, whatever your interests might be. 

About the author
Anne is a big fan of the USA with its vast landscapes, captivating culture, diverse culinary and thousands of activities. Read more of Anne’s travel guides here.