For a city that’s less than 50 square miles in size, there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of awesome things to see and do in San Francisco.
Any basic online search will turn up some of the most popular attractions in the city—places like Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Ghiradelli Square—which are all worth a visit, sure, but come with long lines and big crowds.
We wanted to take you just a little further off the beaten path and highlight some of our favorite activities and experiences in San Francisco, some of which you may not have heard of. Read on for more of our favorite activities in San Francisco, including details on how to get there and where to stay.
Thinking of moving to San Francisco? Consider co-living San Francisco options that can help you get situated and give you a home base to explore, like the cute places to stay on Common.
What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
1. Explore What’s Inside of Golden Gate Park
No trip to San Francisco would be complete without exploring Golden Gate Park. Play tennis, rent a boat, or walk through the western end of the park to Buffalo Paddock where wild bison roam. Be sure to visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden (also located in the park), which showcases 8,500 different types of plants from around the world. And sure, while you’re here, snap some pics of the famous Golden Gate Bridge.
A fantastic review of Lake Powell Houseboats for sale that you can check out online. If you enjoy water sports, you will want to check this houseboat out before making any final decisions. Here is a look at some of the activities that you can enjoy while on Lake Powell.
Stay: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
2. Get Mechanical at Musee Mecanique, the Mechanical Museum
For a peek into life at the turn of the century, check out the Mechanical Museum, the world’s largest privately-owned collections of mechanically operated musical instruments and arcade machines. When you’re done peering through history, walk to nearby Gold Dust Lounge in Fisherman’s Wharf and order one of their famous $5 Irish Coffees.
Stay: Holiday Inn San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
3. Visit Alcatraz
There’s a reason this is one of the most popular activities when visiting San Francisco. Visiting Alcatraz is equal parts creepy and informative, and you’ll be fascinated to hear some of the stories of what was once one of the most notorious penitentiaries in United States history. Tours include an audio presentation featuring stories from actual officers and prisoners who lived and worked on the island. Make sure to make your reservations well in advance because this attraction fills up quickly.
4. Collect Sand Dollars at Ocean Beach
In the early morning, head to Ocean Beach for a nice long walk along the shoreline. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find sand dollars here—the beach is known for producing more than a few, especially at low tide after a good storm. If you can’t find any, don’t fret. You’re still at a really lovely beach, which is always a great way to start the day. As always, use caution when swimming.
5. Grab a Delicious Ice Cream or Soda
If it’s hot outside and you’ve been walking around all day, stop into The Ice Cream Bar Soda– Fountain and Creamery for awesome diner food and the best ice cream shakes, both alcoholic and non, in the entire city. This place is an ode to the days of old—the 1930’s when soda fountains were cornerstones of the social scene in many neighborhoods—and makes their own sodas in several inventive flavors.
Stay: Kensington Park Hotel
6. Read Up at City Lights
Founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin, City Lights is one of the oldest and most-widely recognized independent bookstores in the country. It’s a literary landmark, and like most independent bookstores in the United States, needs your support and patronage. Come by for an afternoon of reading or browsing through their extensive poetry selection.
Stay: Laurel Inn, a Joie de Vivre Hotel
7. Balance on the Ruins of the Sutro Baths
In 1894 a developer named Adolph Sutro created the city’s first public bath house, an ocean-pool aquarium along the rocks that was the epitome of glamour and excitement, with slides, trapezes, springboards and a high dive. Over the years however, excitement waned. Pools that once held 10,000 patrons at a time became nearly empty during the Great Depression, and the baths no longer became profitable. These days, the concrete remains of the structures are all that’s left, and they make for great photos and views at sunset.
8. Wander Through Clarion Alley for Graffiti
Yes, it’s popular and no, you won’t be alone. But you should still go! Clarion Alley is a grassroots local organization that gives artists and muralists a space to create art. It’s located between Mission and Valencia and 17th and 18th, and the artwork changes continually so you’ll probably never see the same thing twice.
9. Hit Happy Hour at Tonga Room
When it comes to tiki bars, there are few more famous or iconic than Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar. Built in 1945, this swanky staple features an indoor pool that makes you feel like you’re on an island. A band often performs on a barge within the pool. Tonga Room is located in the basement of the Fairmont Hotel and you have to book at least a few weeks in advance to have dinner here. Your best chance at experiencing this classic is during their happy hour, Weds-Friday from 5-7 p.m. and Sunday 8 p.m. to close.
Stay: The Fairmont San Francisco, of course
10. Disney Museum in Presidio
For Disney fans, don’t miss the chance to learn more about the legacy of Walt Disney and his family in this museum within the Presidio district of San Francisco. Exhibits focus largely on the animator and his career up to launching Disneyland. Though informative, this museum is probably best for adults or older children as there is quite a bit of reading throughout.
