This Northern Californian city is known for being a home to a mix of cultures, influenced by its food, art fashion and museums. When you think of San Francisco, your mind automatically goes to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, but this city has so much more to offer. Spend some time exploring the different neighborhoods, climbing steep San Francisco hills and indulging in delicious cuisine from all over the world. We’ve gathered a list of the main attractions you won’t want to miss during your time in San Francisco.
San Francisco has a great public transportation system to get you around the city. However, trekking up and down the steep streets can get tough and there is so much to see, so a car rental could be a good idea. Choose from a wide selection of car categories with SIXT, like an SUV with 4-wheel drive, or a compact sedan to get through traffic easily.
- 1. Golden Gate Bridge
- 2. Alcatraz Island
- 3. Pier 39
- 4. Twin Peaks
- 5. Muir Woods National Monument
- 6. Exploratorium
- 7. California Academy of Sciences
- 8. Golden Gate Park
- 9. Dunes Beach
- 10. Marin Headlands
- Best Places to Eat & Drink in San Francisco
Must-see attractions in San Francisco
1. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge has become the most iconic symbol of the city. You can’t go to San Francisco and not see the famous red suspension bridge! Get a panoramic view from the Golden Gate Beach shore and the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, or even cross its mile-long stretch and get a view of it with San Francisco in the background.
Address: Coastal Trail, San Francisco, CA 94129
Entry fees: Free. There’s a one-way toll if you drive across it.
Hours: Open 24/7. However, the bridge’s parking lot has a schedule.
Time required to see the attraction: Crossing the bridge on foot takes around 30 minutes one way.
2. Alcatraz Island
Visit Alcatraz Island to explore and learn about the notorious prison in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. It has a complex history attached to it, along with a natural beauty. Tour the grounds and hear thrilling stories and anecdotes of legendary figures who were there, such as Al Capone. Go prepared with a warm jacket, snacks and some water.
Address: Boats depart from Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94133
Entry fees: Buy tickets
Hours: https://www.nps.gov/alca/planyourvisit/hours.htm
Time required to see the attraction: Expect to spend around 3 hours to get to the island, explore it and return.
3. Pier 39
PIER 39 is a unique shopping center located on a scenic pier on The Embarcadero. It’s a great place for visitors of all ages. Children will love riding the iconic carousel and watching the sea lions napping in the sun. There are plenty of other attractions, shops and restaurants along the pier as well.
Address: Beach Street & The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
Entry fees: Free
Hours: https://www.pier39.com/pier-info/address-hours/
Time required to see the attraction: You can spend as much or little time as you want.
4. Twin Peaks
This park offers great views of the Bay Area from above. Twin Peaks has various hiking trails including one to get up to the actual park. It’s also possible to drive up, and it’s worth the climb for the panoramic lookout. If you’re an early riser, catch a beautiful sunrise over the city from here.
Address: 501 Twin Peaks Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94114
Entry fees: Free
Hours: https://sfrecpark.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Twin-Peaks-384
Time required to see the attraction: The loop trail to the park and back takes around 1 hour. If you drive up, you can spend as much or little time as you want taking in the views.
5. Muir Woods National Monument
Spend the day enjoying nature at the Muir Woods National Monument. These woods are home to giant redwoods trees and have plenty of hiking trails and scenic spots to explore. Remember to bring comfortable shoes and maybe a picnic as well if you’re planning on visiting this monument across the Golden Gate.
Address: 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Entry fees: https://www.nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Hours: https://www.nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/hours.htm
Time required to see the attraction: Expect to spend about 2-3 hours exploring the woods.
6. Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is the perfect place to bring your children when you’re in San Francisco. It’s a hands-on science museum with multiple exhibits to explore, and both indoor and outdoor galleries. Even though this museum is naturally a favorite among children, it’s fun for all ages and they even offer an adults-only night.
Address: Pier 15 Embarcadero at Green St., San Francisco, CA 94111
Entry fees: Buy tickets
Hours: https://www.exploratorium.edu/visit#hours
Time required to see the attraction: Expect to spend around 3 hours enjoying the exhibits.
7. California Academy of Sciences
San Francisco is known for its museums, and the California Academy of Sciences is one of the top ones. It’s a great destination for visitors of all ages. This museum is unique because it’s an aquarium, a planetarium and a rainforest all in one. The visit will be worth it for a diverse experience while learning about the natural world.
Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr., San Francisco, CA 94118
Entry fees: Buy tickets
Hours: https://www.calacademy.org/hours-admission
Time required to see the attraction: Expect to spend around 3 hours exploring the academy
8. Golden Gate Park
Whether you’re attending an event or just planning a picnic on a sunny day, Golden Gate Park has many things to do and see, as well as trails to just walk along. The park attracts bikers, runners, art lovers and music fans too. Take some time to see the Golden Gate Park to experience an oasis and escape the city bustle.
Address: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94122
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: You can spend as much or little time as you want at the park.
9. Dunes Beach
If you’re looking to get out of the city and there is perfect beach-weather, head to Dunes Beach just south of San Francisco. Dunes Beach is one of the four beaches of Half Moon State Beach, where visitors can swim, fish, have picnics and even camp.
Address: 1400 Pilarcitos Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Entry fees: There is not entry fee, but there is a parking fee.
Hours: The beach is generally open during the daytime
Time required to see the attraction: You can spend as much or little time as you want at the beach.
10. Marin Headlands
The Marin Headlands is the peninsula just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. It has dramatic cliffs over the ocean with panoramic views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. As you drive along Conzelman Rd., there are multiple viewpoints worth stopping at, along with coastal hiking trails, beaches and the Point Bonita Lighthouse.
Address: Conzelman Rd., Mill Valley, CA 94941
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: You can spend as much or little time as you want driving or hiking.
Best Places to Eat & Drink in San Francisco
One of the things San Francisco is known for is its food. Not only is it full of different eateries from all over the world, but there are also some traditional dishes you’ll want to try while you’re there, like bay shrimp or crusty sourdough bread.
Sotto Mare: This seafood restaurant is a favorite for both locals and tourists. This is the place to go to try San Francisco’s Dungeness crab.
Sam Wo Restaurant: This Chinese restaurant is believed to be the oldest in San Francisco. Enjoy a simple yet delicious Cantonese meal here.
Li Po Cocktail Lounge: Stop for a drink with a group of friends in this unique destination located in a cave-like locale in Chinatown.
Trick Dog: This is where you want to go to try some of the best cocktails in the city. The menus are themed, and they also serve food. You can expect this place to get pretty busy.
