Things to Do in San Francisco, CA

Known for its many hills and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco radiates with laid-back vibes. The city boasts green parks, sandy beaches, and mouthwatering food. Whether you venture to the artisanal Mission District or decide to try delicious dim sum in Chinatown, you’re in for a treat. Its penchant for both craft cocktails and dark dive bars is indicative of what the city has to offer: something for everyone.

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"If you envision San Francisco, you think of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's an iconic ma..."more

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"The tiled staircase is a beautiful instagrammy staircase with 162 steps in the Inner ..."more

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Top Attractions in San Francisco, CA

"A must when visiting San Francisco. The history! All the movies it's been featured i..."more

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"This is a well planned park. There are many trails, lakes, and various exercising st..."more

"If you envision San Francisco, you think of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's an iconic ma..."more

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"So cool to see another neighborhood beautifully preserved. I don't think a lot of fo..."more

"Baker Beach is the beach you had to go to if you want to see views of the GGB. It's t..."more

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"After we attended the burlesque parody show in nearby Chinatown, we realized we had a..."more

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Itineraries in San Francisco, CA

Whether you’re traveling with kids, searching for culture, or counting your pennies—or a combination of the three—you’ll find plenty of places to visit in San Francisco. Here are three custom itineraries to help you find your way.

The Family Traveler

With its massive millennial population, it can sometimes seem like San Francisco is really just a giant playground for 20-somethings. But there are also tons of fun things to do in San Francisco for travelers of all ages.

Insider Tips:

Koret Children’s Quarter Playground is the go-to spot for families in Golden Gate Park, but the paddleboats on Stow Lake and the bison paddock will delight children as well. Don’t miss the park’s carousel, which is over 100 years old.,Packed with classic arcade games, including some that date back to the early 20th century, the Musée Mécanique is one of the most popular destinations for families at Fisherman’s Wharf, even if the infamous Laughing Sal display may give everyone nightmares. Entry is free, but you’ll need to load up on quarters for all the games.,Many of the city’s museums offer youth-oriented exhibits, but the Children’s Creativity Museum was made with kids ages 2-12 in mind. It’s the perfect indoor activity on San Francisco’s rainier days.,Though San Diego usually gets all the attention, San Francisco is home to its own impressive zoo—and it’s just a block from the beach.

The Culture-Seeking Traveler

San Francisco has a ballet, a symphony, an opera house, a jazz center, comedy clubs, multiple theaters, tons of concert venues, and far too many museums to list here. It’s no surprise that it’s a world-class cultural destination.

Insider Tips:

With about a dozen art museums within city limits, it can be hard to pick the perfect destination for visual art. One big highlight is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), which underwent a major renovation in 2016. The new space is a stunning set piece for rotating exhibits and an impressive permanent collection featuring Andy Warhol and Mark Rothko among many others. Avoid the crowds on Thursday nights, when the museum extends its hours into the evening.,If you’re willing to venture off the beaten path, head to the Dogpatch neighborhood, where the Minnesota Street Project has recently become a hot addition to the local art scene. It’s home to a number of contemporary art galleries that share a beautifully revamped space. Keep an eye on their calendar for lectures, performances, and other special events.,Comedy fans should plan winter trips in time for the SF Sketchfest. For a few weeks in January, all of the country’s best comedians converge on San Francisco to perform improv, standup, sketch shows, and more. Tickets go fast, especially for the bigger performances.,San Francisco is home to numerous live music festivals. Treasure Island, Outside Lands, and Noise Pop all draw huge acts to the Bay Area, but the free Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival offers an impressive bill every year without a hefty ticket fee; you just have to be willing to brave the huge crowds.,And don’t forget food! San Francisco has some of the best restaurants in the country. Whether you can shell out three figures at a Michelin-starred restaurant or stumble upon an unforgettable hole-in-the-wall, you’re not going to go hungry.
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The Budget Traveler

Thanks to the tech boom, in recent years San Francisco has become one of the most notoriously expensive cities in the United States. Luckily, it’s easy to dodge the $300 prix fixe menus and $200 concert tickets and still have a great time.

Insider Tips:

With so many museums in one town, ticket costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, San Francisco is covered in street art that’s as impressive as any painting you’d find on the walls of SFMOMA. Take a walk down Clarion Alley, a block-long street in the Mission that’s covered in thought-provoking murals. ,In the warmer months, many of San Francisco’s neighborhood parks transform into cineplexes and concert halls. Dolores Park, Washington Square Park, and many other public spaces offer free outdoor movies, while the Stern Grove Festival series has featured free live performances by Janelle Monáe, Kool and the Gang, and the Bay Area’s own Fantastic Negrito.,Though it’s an urban center, San Francisco offers a surprising amount of nature hikes within the city limits; a trip to Twin Peaks, Mt. Davidson, or Glen Canyon Park will make you forget you’re in a major metropolis. Or you could search for one of the stairway walks hidden in almost every neighborhood.,With its ornate ceiling, the historic Castro Theatre is a sight to see. The movie house schedules a vast array of two-for-the-price-of-one double features almost every night, showcasing a mix of new and old cinema. During intermission, a live organist entertains the crowd.

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