This list of the best things to see and do in San Francisco will help you prepare the routes through the most beautiful city in the United States, making the most of your time. But, if you think this list doesn't satisfy you much check out the top 10 best places to visit in San Francisco.
The city of San Francisco falls in love at first sight with its location around a bay and its European style, away from the noisy and chaotic large American cities. In addition, its mild climate and good gastronomy make it an essential stop on any trip through the Western United States.
Crossing the Golden Gate, visiting Alcatraz prison, walking through the neighborhoods of Castro and Fisherman's Wharf, reaching the Twin Peaks viewpoint or climbing to its historic tram, are just some of the reasons to visit this city of steep streets and hills.
1. Golden Gate
The Golden Gate opened in 1937, is the symbol of the city and our favorite San Francisco place.
This huge orange bridge of 227 meters high and almost 3 kilometers wide that crosses the bay of San Francisco, has come out in many movies, photographs and lists of the most beautiful bridges in the world.
To get the best views you have to reach several viewpoints located around the Golden Gate and if you are lucky and there is low fog, the views can be heart attack.
One of our favorite viewpoints is Battery Spencer, which is across the bridge in the direction of Sausalito and up a small hill to the left. From this viewpoint you will have fantastic views of the bridge and the city, with the bay in the background.
2. Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is the old port and fishing district, which has been restored to become one of the most famous places to visit in San Francisco.
To get to this neighborhood you can take one of the city's historic trams and start the route savoring a delicious ice cream at the Ghirardelli chocolate shop, the best known in the city.
From this square you can start touring the different docks such as the Hyde Street Pier with several historic ships, and the Pier 45, which houses the SS Jeremiah O'Brien and the USS Pampanito submarine, both from World War II.
3. Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island located in the San Francisco Bay and known as La Roca , was a military fort to later become the most famous prison in the world.
The prison ran from 1934 to 1963 and today his visit is one of the best experiences and things to do in San Francisco. This large tourist influx and the small size of the island, make it essential to book the entrance on this official website well in advance or book this city tour that includes the visit , so as not to run out of space.
4. Castro and Haight-Ashbury
The Castro and Haight-Ashbury neighborhoods are two great examples of the diversity and freedom that has been living in San Francisco for some time.
Castro was one of the places where he fought for the rights of the LGTBI community in the city and for the acceptance of sexual diversity throughout the country.
Among the most prominent places in the neighborhood is the theater, the colorful streets located around number 18, the Victorian houses and the old house of Harvey Milk, one of the great references of this community.
5. Painted Ladies, one of the places to see in San Francisco
Painted Ladies, Victorian-style houses painted in various pastel colors, are the city's most famous near Alamo Square Park.
These seven houses, located between 710 and 722 on Steiner Street, became very popular as "Forced Fathers" came out in series. Also from the top of the park you can take one of the best photos of San Francisco, with the houses in the foreground and in the background the silhouette of the city.
Although it is one of the places to visit in San Francisco, it should be borne in mind that the city had more than 50,000 houses of the same style, before the earthquake of 1906, and many still spread throughout the city.
6. Climb on Twin Peaks, one of the best things to do in San Francisco
One of the best things to do in San Francisco at sunset or sunrise is to climb the hill of Twin Peaks, the best viewpoint in the city.
These twin hills of almost 300 meters high, offer panoramic views of the entire city, which on a clear day allows you to see points like the Golden Gate or Alcatraz.
We reach the top of the hill by car, although you also have the option of public transport and if you are very fit you can climb on foot or by bike.
7. Golden Gate Park
The Golden Gate Park, a green space 5 kilometers long by 1 kilometer wide, is another essential place to see in San Francisco.
If you do not want to ride a lot, it is preferable to rent a bike or take the minibus that runs through the park to visit places like the Japanese garden, the Shakespeare garden, the great Dutch mill, the rose garden and the Stow lake, among many others.
Also inside the park lives a community of coyotes and American buffalo.