So, you’re heading to San Francisco and wondering what to do besides snapping the obligatory Golden Gate Bridge photo? Smart. This city has way more to offer than just that iconic orange bridge (though yeah, it’s pretty spectacular). I’ve spent plenty of time exploring SF, and let me tell you, the real magic happens when you venture beyond the obvious spots and mix in some local favorites with those must-see landmarks.

Whether you’re a first-timer or coming back for round two, San Francisco’s got this unique vibe that blends stunning natural beauty with quirky neighborhoods, world-class museums, and food that’ll make you want to move here permanently. From historic prisons to wild sea lions, I’m breaking down the 13 best things to do in San Francisco that’ll give you the full Bay Area experience.

1. Walk or Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge

Let’s start with the obvious one, but hear me out. You can’t just look at the Golden Gate Bridge from afar and call it done. Walking across this beauty is a totally different experience. The 1.7-mile span takes about 45 minutes to an hour each way, and you’ll get incredible views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the city skyline as you stroll.

Fair warning though: it gets ridiculously windy and cold up there, even in summer. I learned this the hard way wearing just a t-shirt in July :/ Biking is another fantastic option, especially if you want to continue to Sausalito and then take the ferry back. You skip the uphill return ride and get to enjoy bay views from the water. Win-win.

2. Tour Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz is hands down one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions, and for good reason. This former maximum-security federal prison housed some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. The infamous 1962 escape attempt? Yeah, that happened here, and it’s still one of the most fascinating prison breaks in history.

The island sits just 1.25 miles offshore, and you’ll catch a ferry from Pier 33 to get there. The audio tour is absolutely worth it. You’ll walk through the actual cell blocks, see those tiny 9×5-foot cells, and hear stories that’ll give you chills. Book your tickets way in advance because this place sells out fast. FYI, Alcatraz draws about 1.7 million visitors annually, so you’re definitely not alone in wanting to check it out.

3. Hang Out at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39

Is Fisherman’s Wharf touristy? Absolutely. Should you skip it? Absolutely not. This waterfront neighborhood is a San Francisco classic, and Pier 39 is where the real action happens. The main attraction here is the colony of wild sea lions that hang out on the docks, barking and lounging around like they own the place (they kind of do).

Beyond the sea lions, you’ve got tons of restaurants serving fresh seafood, street performers putting on free shows, and the Aquarium of the Bay where you can see 20,000 local sea creatures. The views of the bay are stellar, and it’s the perfect starting point for various bay cruises. Plus, you’re right near where the Alcatraz ferries depart, so you can knock out multiple attractions in one area.

4. Ride the Historic Cable Cars

San Francisco’s cable cars aren’t just transportation. They’re a rolling piece of history and an experience you can’t get anywhere else. These manually operated cable cars have been clattering up and down SF’s steep hills since the 1870s, and they’re still going strong today.

The California Street line is particularly great because it runs through some fantastic neighborhoods. You’ll pass through Chinatown, Nob Hill, and get close to the Financial District. Sure, you could walk or take a bus, but where’s the fun in that? Hang onto the outside rail as you climb those impossibly steep streets and try not to think about the lack of modern safety features. It’s all part of the charm.

5. Explore Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is massive. Like, bigger than Central Park massive. This 1,000-acre urban oasis is packed with gardens, museums, lakes, and even a herd of bison (yes, really). You could easily spend an entire day here and still not see everything.

The Japanese Tea Garden is absolutely stunning with its pagodas, koi ponds, and peaceful walking paths. The California Academy of Sciences combines a planetarium, aquarium, and indoor rainforest under one living roof. It’s perfect for families but honestly, adults love it too. And the Conservatory of Flowers is this gorgeous Victorian greenhouse filled with rare plants. Want to just relax? Rent a pedal boat at Stow Lake or have a picnic on one of the many lawns.

6. Wander Through Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America, and it’s absolutely bustling with life. This isn’t some sanitized tourist version either. It’s a real, working neighborhood where locals shop for groceries, eat authentic meals, and go about their daily lives.

Make sure you visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory where you can watch workers prepare fresh fortune cookies in an open kitchen. The dim sum here is incredible, and the shops sell everything from traditional herbs to quirky souvenirs. Walk down Grant Avenue for the main action, then duck into the smaller side streets for a more authentic feel. The architecture alone is worth the visit, with those colorful buildings and ornate balconies.

7. Hike the Lands End Trail

Want to escape the urban chaos? Lands End offers some of the most spectacular coastal views in San Francisco. This trail winds through windswept cypress trees and along dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.

The main trail is about 3.4 miles round trip and takes you to the ruins of the Sutro Baths, once the world’s largest indoor swimming complex. Now it’s just haunting concrete ruins and tide pools, but it’s honestly more interesting this way. The trail is well-marked with different paths leading to pocket beaches and scenic overlooks. Bring layers because the wind off the ocean is no joke.

8. Get Nerdy at the Exploratorium

The Exploratorium on Pier 15 is basically a giant playground for curious minds. Founded by physicist Frank Oppenheimer, it houses over 700 interactive exhibits covering everything from physics to perception to human behavior.

The Tactile Dome is this wild pitch-black maze that you navigate entirely by touch. It’s disorienting, slightly terrifying, and absolutely fascinating. The Fog Bridge envelops you in mist, and there are exhibits where you can create music with light, explore optical illusions, and experiment with everything imaginable. Adults enjoy this place just as much as kids. IMO, it’s one of the best science museums anywhere.

9. See the Painted Ladies

Those colorful Victorian houses you’ve seen in every San Francisco postcard? Those are the Painted Ladies, and they’re just as pretty in person. Located on Steiner Street across from Alamo Square Park, these seven pastel-colored Victorian homes are San Francisco icons.

The best view is from the park itself, where you can see the houses with the city skyline in the background. It’s the perfect spot for photos, and on nice days, locals hang out on the grass having picnics. The houses are privately owned, so you can’t go inside, but honestly, the exterior is what makes them special. Come during golden hour for the best lighting.

10. Climb Coit Tower

Perched atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower offers 360-degree views of the city and bay. This 210-foot Art Deco tower was built in 1933 and has become one of SF’s most recognizable landmarks.

Inside the tower, you’ll find beautiful murals depicting life in 1930s California. Take the elevator to the top for panoramic views that include the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and downtown. The neighborhood surrounding Coit Tower is charming too, with steep streets, hidden stairways, and those famous wild parrots of Telegraph Hill squawking in the trees.

11. Drive Down Lombard Street

Lombard Street claims to be the “crookedest street in the world,” and whether that’s technically true or not, it’s definitely worth seeing. This one-block section features eight hairpin turns zigzagging down a steep hill, all flanked by beautiful gardens and Victorian homes.

You can drive down it (slowly), but honestly, I prefer walking. The stairs alongside the street give you a better view of the whole spectacle, and you can take your time snapping photos. It’s pure San Francisco quirkiness. The street gets super crowded during peak hours, so visit early morning or late afternoon if you want to avoid the chaos.

12. Visit the Ferry Building Marketplace

The Ferry Building isn’t just a transit hub. It’s a food lover’s paradise packed with artisan vendors, gourmet shops, and fantastic restaurants. The building itself is gorgeous, with that iconic clock tower and grand interior with skylights.

On Saturdays, the Ferry Building Farmers Market takes over the plaza outside, and it’s one of the best farmers markets in the country. Inside, you can sample local cheeses, grab fresh oysters, pick up artisan chocolate, or sit down for a proper meal. Blue Bottle Coffee started here, so you know the coffee is excellent. The waterfront location means you get great bay views while you eat.

13. Explore the Mission District

The Mission District is where San Francisco’s creative soul lives. This neighborhood is famous for its incredible street art and murals, particularly along Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley. Every surface seems to be painted with vibrant, thought-provoking art.

The food scene here is unbeatable. You’ve got authentic Mexican taquerias serving the best burritos you’ll ever eat, trendy brunch spots, hip cafes, and bars with craft cocktails. Mission Dolores Park is the neighborhood’s living room, where locals hang out, sunbathe, and enjoy views of the downtown skyline. The Mission has this laid-back, artsy vibe that feels very authentic to what San Francisco is really about.

San Francisco packs an incredible amount of diversity into a relatively small area. From world-famous landmarks to hidden local spots, every neighborhood offers something different. The city rewards exploration, so don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path. Whether you’re walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, touring a notorious prison, or just eating your way through the Mission District, you’re going to leave with stories to tell and a serious urge to come back. Trust me, one trip is never enough.