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San Francisco Attractions: 25 Must-See During Your Stay
by Jill Loeffler •
San Francisco attractions range from the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge to the infamous prison on Alcatraz Island.
The city is also known for its colorful Painted Ladies of Alamo Square, historic cable cars, and one of the crookedest streets in the world, Lombard Street.
An iconic San Francisco moment with the fog rolling in under the Golden Gate Bridge on a late August afternoon.Other highlights on my list of the top 25 places to visit in San Francisco include some of our top districts, such as Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Haight-Asbury neighborhood.
Read on for details about each one, including my insider tips on what to expect from each one during your stay.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
1. Alcatraz Island
One of the top San Francisco attractions is Alcatraz Island, a former federal prison that offers daily tours to visitors.
This old prison complex opened in the mid-1850s as a US military fort. In the early 1900s, it was a military prison and then a maximum-security federal prison from 1934 to 1963.
In 1973, the island opened to the public for tours.
You will recognize many prisoners who served time on "The Rock," including Al Capone, Robert Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz), and Machine Gun Kelly.
Each ticket to visit Alcatraz includes a ferry ride to and from the island (the only way to get here), a self-guided audio tour of the main prison building, and a chance to explore several other buildings while you are there.
I typically spend anywhere from two to three hours on the island unless I'm on the Behind the Scenes tour, which lasts about four to five hours.
I also recommend getting tickets so your trip leaves as early as possible since you want to have as much time as possible to see the whole island.
Three Tour Options to Visit Alcatraz
- Day Tour: This tour runs throughout the day and is the most popular option.
- Night Tour: This is my favorite as you get to visit in the evening when more areas of the island are open. It's also less crowded.
- Behind the Scenes Tour: This is great for those who want to learn a lot about the island. It starts in the late afternoon and then merges with the Alcatraz Night Tour.
Recommended Alcatraz Combo Tours
You can also save on your visit by buying a combo tour.
These include tickets to Alcatraz as well as an additional tour or activity.
These are just some of my top picks.
- Alcatraz Tour + Hop On Hop Off Bus: Most popular Alcatraz combo ticket
- Alcatraz Tour + Bay Cruise: Great option for those wanting to see Alcatraz and cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Tour + Muir Woods: See Alcatraz and our famous redwoods in one day
2. Golden Gate Bridge
This view of the Golden Gate Bridge is near Fort Point along Crissy Field. It's one of many great places to capture the beauty of the bridge from below.The Golden Gate Bridge is another one of the iconic San Francisco attractions.
This 1.7-mile gem connects San Francisco with Marin County and points farther north.
Originally finished in 1937, this free attraction in San Francisco opens its doors daily to visitors.
The bridge's eastern side has a large sidewalk for pedestrians (find my walking tips here).
It opens just before sunrise each morning and closes after dark each night.
Before or after your walk on the bridge, check out the small museum on the southern San Francisco side.
You will learn a little more about the bridge, including some fun facts and history.
You will also find a gift shop, snack shop, and a small restaurant on the same side.
>> Tips on the best places to take pictures of this beauty
Top Cruises to See the Golden Gate Bridge
- Golden Gate Bay Cruise: Most popular bay cruise, it runs several times a day, 60 minutes
- Bridge to Bridge Cruise: Offers a look at both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge, runs once a day, 90 minutes
- California Twilight Cruise: Runs in the early evening, cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge as the sun is setting
3. Cable Cars
This is the Powell and Mason Street cable car along its route near North Beach. The route takes passengers between Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square.Another one of the must-see (and must ride!) San Francisco tourist attractions are our historic cable cars.
These cars have been cruising around SF's streets since 1873.
In the late 1800s, many wealthy SF residents were building or living on the top of some of our highest hills.
It was difficult for the horses and carriages to safely get up and down these hills.
That is why the city of San Francisco started to build cable car lines.
By 1889, we had eight cable car lines running through the city.
Today, four lines are still running and they service three cable car routes.
Two of them run from Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square.
The third runs up California Street from the Financial District to Nob Hill.
SF Tourism Tip: If you are visiting for a few days, pick up a Muni Passport that allows you to ride public transportation, including the cable cars, all day for one set price.
>> More about our cable cars and tips to ride them
>> Learn all about the history of these rolling attractions at their designated museum
4. Twin Peaks
This is a look at the view from Twin Peaks. It's out over the south eastern part of San Francisco. It also gives you a quick look at the steps you need to take to get to the top.If you want some of the best views of downtown San Francisco and the surrounding areas, head to the top of Twin Peaks.
This outdoor, free SF attraction features two hills that tower 922 feet above sea level.
The two hills are located in the center of San Francisco, so that you can see from the SF Bay over to the Pacific Ocean.
You can also get great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
There are several viewing areas, so spend some time exploring for the best views.
>> Additional free attractions in San Francisco
Don't want to visit on your own? This fun VW bus tour allows you the chance to see Twin Peaks and several other top SF attractions. It's a three-hour tour that includes stops at Coit Tower, Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, and more.
What to Wear in SF by Month
Not sure what to pack for your San Francisco visit? Check out my recommendations for each month of the year!
5. SF Museum of Modern Art
One of the exhibits leading into the Walter and Elise Haas Galleries at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.The newly remodeled SF Museum of Modern Arts is one of the best places to visit in San Francisco for modern art lovers.
This top-rated museum is home to more than 30,000 art pieces, including photography, paintings, sculptures, and much more.
Some of the most well-known artists with pieces in their collection include Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Diego Rivera.
You will also find works from Alexander Calder, Clyfford Still, and John Baldessari.
The SF Museum of Modern Art is one of the top San Francisco tourist attractions, and you will find it in the South of Market (SOMA) district.
If you don't have time to visit the entire museum, stop by their lobby, as they have a few wonderful pieces on display that you can see for free.
The museum's architecture is also a work of art, so check it out.
>> Find tickets for your visit to the SF Museum of Modern Art
6. Palace of Fine Arts
The main dome at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. This attraction is open 24/7 and free to visit.The Palace of Fine Arts is a free attraction in San Francisco's Marina District.
During your visit here, you will get the chance to walk along the gorgeous outdoor paths, get a closer look at the details of its design, and take some wonderful pictures.
It's also one of my favorite places for a picnic or to spend time relaxing on the lawn.
You can stop by during the day or at night when its lights are on, and it's gorgeous.
It was built for the 1916 Panama Pacific Exposition, a momentous event that put SF back on the map after the devastating 1906 Earthquake and Fire.
It's the only one of the original structures from the event that is still standing.
The buildings for the expo were designed only to stay standing for a short time, so by the late 1950s, this building needed a significant amount of retrofitting so that it wouldn't be destroyed.
Because of that, the building was taken down to its frame and almost entirely rebuilt in 1965.
>> Details about the Palace of Fine Arts and my tips to visit
7. Lombard Street
The famous picture that looks up at Lombard Street from Leavenworth Street. The flowers here bloom quite a few months out of the year.Have you heard about one of the "crookedest streets" in San Francisco?
That would be the next on my list of top attractions in San Francisco, the crazy-cornered Lombard Street!
Lombard Street features eight hairpin turns, all within a one-block section between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets.
You can walk down its sidewalks, admire its gorgeous flowers, or take your turn SLOWLY driving down it.
The best views of this free SF attraction are from the bottom at Leavenworth and Lombard Streets.
If you plan to drive, arrive as early as you can in the morning as there is often an hour or longer wait to drive down it.
Want to experience Lombard Street in a unique way? Check out this fun GoCar Tour that takes you down this popular street's twists and turns.
>> My tips for visiting Lombard Street
8. Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39
This is the famous Fisherman's Wharf sign in this popular San Francisco District. It's on the corner of Jefferson and Taylor Streets.As you would guess, the most famous district in San Francisco is Fisherman's Wharf.
It's home to Pier 39, the Wax Museum, and our beautiful bay cruises.
In this waterfront district, you will also find the wonderful Ghirardelli Square, the Maritime Museum, and ferries to Alcatraz Island.
On Pier 39, you will find various fun things to do, including the 7D Experience, a mirror maze, and free kids shows.
Popular Things to Do in Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39
- Aquarium of the Bay: Engaging aquarium with a walk-through aquarium and lots of plants and animals from the SF Bay
- Sky Star Wheel: A temporary Ferris wheel along the SF waterfront
- 7D Experience: Top Pier 39 attraction that is part video game and part movie
It also has dozens of wonderful shops, restaurants, and San Francisco's famous sea lions.
While some add this to their "do not visit list" because it can be busy and crowded, I always recommend it because it's the hub of many fun attractions, museums, and other activities.
>> Get an overview of Fisherman's Wharf
>> Find more details about Pier 39
9. California Academy of Sciences
This is Claude, a rare white alligator. He is one of the most popular stops at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.Head over to Golden Gate Park to find one of the great kid and family-friendly San Francisco places to visit.
The California Academy of Sciences is four museums in one with a planetarium, a history museum, a 4-story rain forest (my favorite!), and an aquarium.
During your visit here, make sure to stop by and say "Hi" to Claude, the rare white alligator, and spend some time watching the penguins play (you can watch them eat at 10:30 am and 3 pm!).
Best Ways to Experience the California Academy of Sciences
- Skip the Line Ticket: General admission ticket, most popular option and you can skip the ticket line when you arrive
- Thursday Nightlife: 21+ event, fun way to experience the Academy after dark with music, cocktails and more
- CityPASS: Discount card that includes admission to the museum and 3 other must-see SF attractions
I typically stay for at least 3 or 4 hours as there is SO much to see and do here.
The California Academy of Sciences also offers special behind-the-scenes tours and an adult-only event most Thursday nights.
>> Find my tips to visit the California Academy of Sciences
10. Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a 1,000+ acre man-made park on SF's western edge. Highlights include the California Academy of Sciences, the Conservatory of Flowers, and the Botanical Gardens.
You will also find the Japanese Tea Garden, Blue Heron Lake (formerly Stow Lake), and the de Young Museum of Fine Art.
Golden Gate Park is home to several beautiful gardens. It's one of my favorite places to run or head out for a long walk.
There are so many incredible San Francisco sights inside and so much beauty all around the park itself.
At the far western end of the park, you will also find the Beach Chalet, where you can grab a bite to eat as you admire the Pacific Ocean through its floor-to-ceiling windows.
This is also where you will find the Golden Gate Park Welcome Center, where you can pick up maps and find a full range of fun things to do.
>> Best things to do in Golden Gate Park
11. Street Art & Murals
This is one example of the types of murals you will see around San Francisco. This is a full alley of murals in the Mission District. They change frequently, so each visit offers a new experience.San Francisco is such a beautiful place to visit because we have more than 1,000 pieces of street art and murals.
You will find these beautiful pieces of art inside and out of many buildings around the city.
The largest concentration of outdoor murals is found in SF's Mission District.
More and more pieces are also popping up in Chinatown and North Beach.
Some of the best indoor pieces include those by controversial artist Diego Rivera and inside attractions such as Coit Tower.
No matter where you are in San Francisco, make sure to keep an eye out for our colorful street art and murals.
>> Learn about the Mission District's best murals (and food!) on this guided tour
>> Overview of where to find the best street around around San Francisco
>> Tips to find the best murals in the Mission District
Monthly Event Calendars
Are you looking for some additional fun things to do during your stay? Make sure to check out my calendars that showcase the best events each month.
12. Union Square
These artistic hearts in Union Square help raise money for a local hospital. They change out frequently and find new permanent homes all around San Francisco.Next on my list of top San Francisco tourist attractions is Union Square.
Situated in the heart of downtown SF, this beautiful square and district offers so many fun things to do.
You can learn more about it on a free walking tour, or you can stroll around on your own as you shop the day away.
You will also find some great events inside Union Square, such as the famous Christmas tree that calls the square home throughout the holidays.
Union Square is also full of galleries and excellent restaurants.
It's also one of the most popular places to stay as it has a large number and variety of hotels as well as a great central location.
Just a few steps away, you will also find the Theater District, Chinatown, and the South of Market area (SOMA) which is home to some of our top museums.
>> More about what there is to do in Union Square
13. Painted Ladies of Alamo Square
This is the famous view of the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square with downtown San Francisco in the background.The Painted Ladies of Alamo Square have always been one of the top iconic San Francisco places to visit.
They became even more famous when they were featured during the opening credits of the TV show "Full House."
Today, thousands of visitors swing by Alamo Square to admire their beauty.
The Painted Ladies of Alamo Square (also called the "Seven Sisters") are six identical Victorian houses all in a row.
The seventh painted lady sits on the northern side of the block and, although it looks different, is often included with the six identical houses.
Although you cannot step inside most of them for a visit (one owner of the blue one does offer this tour of his home), you can get great views of them across the street at Alamo Square.
You can also walk up to the top of the hill in the park for views of these Seven Sisters with a view of downtown San Francisco behind them.
You can get great photos from here.
Insider's Tip: The best time to visit the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square is in the afternoon. The front of the houses face west, and you will get the best pictures when the sun shines on them in the early to mid-afternoon.
>> My tips about visiting Alamo Square
>> History, details, and my photos of SF's best Painted Ladies
14. Chinatown
The famous Chinatown Dragon Gate is beautiful both day and night. It's located at Grant Avenue and is the official entrance into Chinatown.San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities outside of Asia.
The biggest draws to Chinatown are its inexpensive shops, fascinating history, and dim sum bakeries.
The district is spread over more than 24 square blocks and borders Union Square, Nob Hill, and North Beach.
Because its location is so central, the district gets thousands of visitors each year.
In fact, I've read that it gets more visitors than even #2 on my list, which is the Golden Gate Bridge!
The heart of this district and the most visited places are along or near Grant Avenue between Bush Street and Broadway.
Top Chinatown Tours
- Chinatown Food Walking Tour: 3-hour tour, a chance to sample five specialty foods, samples included in ticket price
- Chinatown & North Beach Food Tour: 4-hour tour, sample dim sum, coffee, and pizza, visit the fortune cookie factory
- Chinatown History Tour: 2-hour tour focuses on the history of this intriguing district
If you venture deeper into the district, you will find even better deals as this is where the locals shop.
In addition to shopping, you will find ancient temples, a history museum, and some delicious dim sum restaurants.
>> What to see and do in Chinatown
>> Where to find the Chinatown temples and my visiting tips
15. Exploratorium
Kids of all ages will love spending time at the Exploratorium.
It is often described as a hands-on science and human perception museum.
This expansive museum on SF's Piers 15 & 17 features exhibits on everything ranging from our famous local fog to human cells and more.
You can also learn more about light, sound, and human interactions.
While many of the exhibits are hands-on, you will also find many of them change constantly, so you will have a new experience every time you visit it.
>> Pick up your tickets in advance
>> My tips to visit the Exploratorium
16. Japanese Tea Garden
This is one of the colorful structures in the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. It's open daily, and you can get in free when you enter between Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 9 am and 10 am.The Japanese Tea Garden is another highly rated San Francisco tourist spot. You will find it inside Golden Gate Park.
This five-acre attraction in San Francisco features well maintained walking paths, an arched drum bridge, pagodas, and the Zen garden.
It opened in 1894 as part of a World's Fair and was called the California Midwinter International Exposition.
It has been expanded since it first opened and has continued to grow over the years as locals donate money, structures, and time to create the beautiful garden it is today.
I also love spending time in the tea house sipping on a drink and enjoying my surroundings.
>> Pictures of and more details to visit the garden
17. Stairways of SF
The Tompkins Steps are just one example of the colorful staircases around San Francisco. This set is in the Bernal Heights District.One of the things that makes San Francisco unique is the number of staircases we have throughout the city.
The city has almost 50 named hills, and many of which have a few sets of stairs to get you to the top.
Some of the most popular are our mosaic stairs.
These include the 16th Avenue Tiled Stairs, the Hidden Garden Steps, and the Lincoln Park Staircase.
Other well-traveled stairs include two sets that take you up to the top of Telegraph Hill, where you will find Coit Tower.
These are the Filbert and Greenwich Steps.
These unique places to visit in San Francisco will surely delight and also get your heart pumping.
>> Find a list of my favorite staircases around SF
18. Oracle Park
Oracle Park is home to our San Francisco Giants baseball team. It's one of the best places to catch an MLB game.
The stadium sits along the SF Bay with gorgeous views of the surrounding area.
Since there is a breeze off the water, it also stays cool and is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon or evening in San Francisco.
In addition to baseball games, you will also find a handful of large concerts here every year, and a free simulcast of a SF Opera performance each summer.
You can even sit on the field during this event and eat some delicious garlic fries.
If you want to know more about this beautiful ballpark, you can also get a behind-the-scenes look when you go on their popular ballpark tour.
The tour runs twice a day, every day except during a few black out days throughout the year.
On the tour, you will step inside a luxury suite, the clubhouse, and both dugouts.
You will also get to see the field from the warning track and the visitor's indoor batting cage.
>> Find tickets for upcoming SF Giants games
>> More about attending an SF Giants game at Oracle Park
19. Castro District
Our famous LGBTQ district, the Castro, is another must-see attraction in San Francisco.
There are many ways to explore this district, including taking a guided walking tour, visiting the GLBT museum, or just hanging out and spending some time checking out its unique shops.
This district was transformed into one of the first gay districts in the US during the 1960s and 1970s.
As more families moved to the suburbs, the LGBT community saw this as the perfect place to call home.
One of the most famous residents in the Castro was Harvey Milk.
He was an outspoken gay political activist who was the first openly gay man to win a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
You might have seen the movie about him in the Castro.
>> Tips to visit the Castro and the top things to see and do here
>> Learn more on this historical walking tour of the Castro
20. Angel Island
A look from above at Angel Island in the San Francisco Bay. It's a great place to go for a hike and enjoy the outdoors!Escape the chaos of the city with a visit to the tranquil Angel Island. Top activities on the island include hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
This is one of two San Francisco points of interest that require you to take a ferry if you want to visit them.
The other is the more famous or infamous Alcatraz Island.
Some of the old army and immigration buildings are also open to visitors. It's a great place to learn more about the island's history.
There are also guided tours and a place to rent bikes.
Ferries leave for the island in the morning and return mid to late afternoon.
It's a complete day trip and a perfect addition to any itinerary.
>> More about visiting Angel Island
21. Coit Tower
This is the top section of Coit Tower. The three smaller windows are where visitors look out for views around SF.I'm sure you've seen photos of the tall, skinny, cream-colored tower on the hill near North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf and wondered what it was.
It is the one-of-a-kind Coit Tower.
There are two draws to this San Francisco attraction: first is the historic murals on its first level.
They were added in the 1930s as part of the Public Works of Arts Project (PWAP).
They show life in San Francisco and California in the 1930s.
The second is the view from the top of Coit Tower.
You will never forget it since it has a 360-degree view of San Francisco.
Several small windows throughout the top floor allow you to see from the Golden Gate Bridge to cities on the other side of the SF Bay.
>> More about visiting Coit Tower
22. de Young & Legion of Honor
I've added both as one (I know, it's cheating a little) because you only need one ticket to visit each of these museums.
The de Young and the Legion of Honor are known as the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
The de Young is just across the street from the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.
The de Young is home to a large collection of fine arts focused on the Americas, Africa, and Oceania.
You will find everything from photography to textiles.
The Legion of Honor is in SF's Lincoln Park near Lands End.
The fine art collection at the Legion of Honor is focused on ancient and European art.
Highlights in this museum include works by Auguste Rodin and Claude Monet, as well as an exciting piece by Pablo Picasso.
You will want to make sure to plan your visit in advance because if you're going to enter both museums on one ticket, you must visit each on the same day.
>> Tips to visit the Legion of Honor
23. Ghirardelli Square
A busy Ghirardelli Square on the Fourth of July just when the fireworks are about to start. They are the center of many big events in the Fisherman's Wharf district.You will find Ghirardelli Square in SF's Fisherman's Wharf district.
This old chocolate factory is home to Ghirardelli chocolate stores, boutique shops, and several restaurants.
It's a fun place to shop, eat, and sample these famous chocolates.
If you walk around the square, you can also do some wine tasting, check out some art galleries, and soak in the views of the SF Bay.
One way to learn even more is to take a guided walking tour around the square and Fisherman's Wharf.
You will learn fun facts and a detailed history of this historic building.
>> Jump on the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour to visit this and other top SF attractions
>> Things to do and see in Ghirardelli Square
24. Haight-Ashbury
These famous legs are on Haight Street in the Haight-Asbury District. Below, you will find a popular local store.Another famous and colorful district in San Francisco is the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.
Often referred to as "The Haight," this district was a huge draw to artists and musicians in the 1950s and 60s.
It became internationally known in 1967 after its famous "Summer of Love" celebration.
Over the years, it's been home to people and bands such as The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and Jefferson Airplane.
It was also a short time home to Charles Manson and Patty Hearst (during her imprisonment).
Today, this lively district features dozens of shops, vintage & second-hand clothing stores, and restaurants.
You will also find Amoeba Records here, the world's largest independent music store.
You can also head out on walking tours to learn more and see the spots where this district's most famous events took place.
Several bus tours also make their way through the neighborhood on their way around SF.
>> Tips to visit the Haight-Asbury District
>> Use the Hop On Hop Off Bus to easily get to this colorful SF district
25. The Presidio
The final item on my list of 25 must-see San Francisco sights is the Presidio.
This old army base is full of fun things to do.
My favorites include hiking the Coastal Trail, hanging out at Baker Beach, and checking out the Disney Museum.
Other top attractions include the National Cemetery, a golf course, and Fort Point National Historic Site.
You could spend all day here exploring this vast National Historic Landmark.
>> More on stopping by Baker Beach
>> More about visiting the National Cemetery
More Fun Places to Visit in San Francisco
Family & Kid Friendly Things to Do
Are you visiting with the entire family?
Here, you will discover lists of the best kid and family-friendly San Francisco tourist spots.
Highlights include the Aquarium of the Bay, the Randall Museum, and the Musee Mecanique.
You will find free things to do, museums, and activities for toddlers, teenagers, and more.
- Top Things to Do with Kids
- Free Activities
- Kids Museums
- Toddler Activities
- Teen Friendly Activities
- SF Bay Aquariums
More Fun SF Tourist Attractions
Hidden Gems
Are you looking for something a little different?
If so, then check out these hidden gems. You will find them all around San Francisco.
They range from the colorful Diego Rivera frescos to a camera obscura at Ocean Beach.
Learn More: 25 Hidden Gems
Cheap Things to Do
If you are looking to stretch your budget further, check out some of these top cheap things to do in SF.
My list includes a variety of free activities as well as options that are less than $10.
The list includes San Francisco attractions, museums, and activities all around town.
More: Find my 25 favorite cheap things to do in SF
One Day in San Francisco
Are you planning a short stay in SF and want some of the best things to do?
These 10 San Francisco tourist attractions, tours, and museums will give you a wealth of ideas for your stay.
They include visits to the most popular spots around town, and a few hidden gems for those returning for a second visit.
More: My list of 10 of the best things to do in 24 hours in SF
Popular SF Beaches
On a warm sunny day in the city, there is no better place than at one of these San Francisco beaches.
Enjoy a picnic lunch or relax while taking in the views of the fantastic landscape around you.
These are some of the best San Francisco attractions on a sunny day!
>> Tips to Visit SF's best beaches
>> Tips to visit Marshall's Beach
Indoor Activities
Are you ready to head indoors to warm up a bit?
If so, I have the list of the best San Francisco attractions and activities for you!
On my list of 25 indoor activities, you will find fun things to do, including visiting our top museums, enjoying some local wines, and exploring our historic attractions.
More: Best Indoor Attractions, Museums, and Activities
Top Five Military History Sights
This is a look inside the USS Pampanito, a World War II submarine open for visitors in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.Do you love visiting military history sites and ships? You will find a list of SF's top five military history sites here.
The SF Bay Area has been a critical military area for hundreds of years. Several sites were built here to protect the area from potential attacks.
Read on to learn more about visiting these sites during your visit to SF.
Learn More: Military History Sites
San Francisco Activities
These 25 fun San Francisco activities will keep you going during your entire stay.
They include things to do, such as heading out on a cruise, visiting our hidden gems, or seeing a local sports team play.
More: Find a list of 25 of the best activities in SF
San Francisco Churches
SF has many historical and well-known churches throughout the city.
They range from the majestic Grace Cathedral in SF's Nob Hill neighborhood to the historic Mission San Francisco de Asis in the Mission District. Another famous one is Saints Peter and Paul Church in North Beach.
Here, you can learn more about them and even find some recommendations on where to celebrate on Sunday.
Learn More: SF Churches
San Francisco for Wine Lovers
If you love sampling wines, then check out my San Francisco for wine lover's insider's guide. It will give you all the information you need to know to sample some of SF's best wines.
Options range from tasting rooms for wines produced right in the city limits to fun wine-tasting tours up north to Napa Valley and Sonoma County.
Learn More: SF for Wine Lovers
10 Haunted SF Locations
Do you love ghost hunting or hearing the stories about SF's dark past?
If so, check out this list of 10 most haunted SF places.
This list only includes places open to the public, so you get the chance to check them out for yourself.
Learn More: Haunted SF
SF Cemeteries
If you love visiting old cemeteries, you will love what you find in San Francisco.
There are currently two historic cemeteries and two Columbariums open to the public.
All are free to visit, and a fun way to learn more about SF's past.
More: Where to Find and Tips to Visit SF's Cemeteries
25 Things You Probably Don't Know About SF
San Francisco is full of history and hidden gems.
There are also several fun and interesting facts about it that many people don't realize.
Do you know how many people live within the city limits?
Who are some of the most famous people born here?
What is unique about Al Capone's trip and arrival at Alcatraz?
Read on to find answers to these and other fun and exciting facts about SF.
Learn More: 25 Things You May Not Know About SF
Myths About SF
On this page, you will find 10 of SF's most common myths debunked.
Did anyone ever escape the "inescapable" Alcatraz Island? How often is the Golden Gate Bridge painted?
How much money did people make while panning for gold during the Gold Rush of 1849?
Visit my page to find answers to these and other top myths about SF.
Learn More: 10 Myths About San Francisco - Debunked!
San Francisco Attractions Holiday Schedule
Are you visiting on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, or New Year's Eve? Are you interested in visiting attractions during this time?
If so, click the link below for a full schedule for the significant SF attractions during the holidays.
My guide will help you plan your visits during your stay.
Learn More: SF Holiday Attraction Schedules
More San Francisco Attractions
- Diego Rivera Murals
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- Hua Zang Si
- Lyon Street Steps
- Minnesota Street Project
- Mount Davidson
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!