Look, I get it. Planning a trip to San Francisco can feel overwhelming. Between the fog, the hills, and the sheer number of attractions, where do you even start? Having lived here for eight years, I've made all the mistakes so you don't have to. This isn't some generic list - it's the real deal on actually fun things to do in San Francisco that locals actually enjoy.
Iconic Landmarks You Can't Miss
Okay, let's get the big ones out of the way first. These are the postcard spots, but I'll tell you how to actually enjoy them without the tourist traps.
Golden Gate Bridge
Yep, it's obvious but you gotta see it. Thing is, most people go to the same crowded viewpoints. My advice? Head to Battery Spencer on the Marin side for that killer photo angle (free parking but gets packed by 10am). Or if you're biking, do the bridge to Sausalito route - just bring layers because that wind cuts through you. Last Tuesday I watched three tourists shivering in shorts while I was wearing my winter jacket.
| Key Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Photo Spot | Battery Spencer, Golden Gate Overlook |
| Parking Cost | $3-7/hr at lots, FREE at Presidio Tunnel Tops |
| Bridge Walk Time | 1.7 miles each way (about 45 mins) |
| Bike Rental | Blazing Saddles ($35-50/day) |
| My Hot Take | Skip the souvenir shops - overpriced and same junk sold everywhere |
Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39
Alright, full disclosure: locals avoid this place like the plague on weekends. But those sea lions? Totally worth seeing once. Go early (before 10am) to avoid crowds. Don't waste money on Madame Tussauds - instead grab clam chowder in a sourdough bowl at Boudin Bakery. Their flagship location at 160 Jefferson St opens at 8am.
Pier 39 sea lions - best viewing is late afternoon when they're most active. Free to watch. Parking nightmare though - use SpotHero app or take F-Line streetcar.
Neighborhood Deep Dives
San Francisco's real magic is in its neighborhoods. Forget chain stores - this is where you find the soul of the city.
Mission District Murals & Food
My absolute favorite part of town. Balmy Alley (between 24th-25th St) has mind-blowing murals - completely free. Afterward, grab tacos at La Taqueria (2889 Mission St). Their carnitas burrito? Life-changing. But be warned: cash only and the line snakes down the block by noon.
| Must-Eat Spots in Mission | Specialty | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tartine Bakery | Morning buns | $4.50 |
| Bi-Rite Creamery | Salted caramel ice cream | $7 single scoop |
| Delfina Pizzeria | Neapolitan pizza | $20-25 pie |
| El Farolito | Super burrito | $12 |
Chinatown Secrets
Skip the souvenir shops on Grant Avenue. Wander Stockton Street instead where residents actually shop. Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory (56 Ross Alley) lets you watch fortune cookies being made - free entry but $1 to take photos. Dim sum at City View Restaurant (662 Commercial St) is legit - go before 11am to avoid wait.
Personal tip: Don't bother with those "tea ceremonies" that end with expensive tea purchases. Total tourist trap.
Outdoor & Nature Spots
When Karl the Fog decides to give us a break, these are my go-to spots.
Golden Gate Park
Bigger than Central Park! Must-sees:
- Japanese Tea Garden - $14 entry but worth it for the tranquility
- Stow Lake - Rent paddleboats ($24/hour)
- California Academy of Sciences - $40 entry but world-class aquarium
- Free salsa dancing Sundays at 1pm near Spreckels Temple
Secret spot: Shakespeare Garden - tiny hidden garden perfect for picnics.
Lands End Trail
Best coastal hike with bridge views. 3.4 mile loop starting at Lands End Lookout (free parking). Pro tip: Go at sunset but bring flashlight for return hike. Watch for poison oak!
| SF Parks Comparison | Best For | Parking |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Gate Park | Families, museums, gardens | Limited free spots |
| Presidio | Bridge views, historic sites | Mostly free |
| Twin Peaks | Panoramic city views | Free lot at top |
| Dolores Park | People watching, sunbathing | Street parking nightmare |
Foodie Adventures
Let's be real - half the things to do in San Francisco involve eating. Here's where to get the good stuff.
Breakfast & Brunch
Zazie (Cole Valley) has insane French toast - but expect 90+ minute waits on weekends. Trick? Put your name down then walk to Golden Gate Park. Mama's in North Beach isn't worth the 2-hour line fight me.
My actual favorites:
- Devil's Teeth Baking Co (3876 Noriega St) - Best breakfast sandwich ($11)
- Brenda's French Soul Food (652 Polk St) - Beignets that'll ruin other beignets for you ($14)
Dinner Musts
San Francisco things to do absolutely include eating at these spots:
| Restaurant | Specialty | Price Range | Reservation Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| House of Prime Rib | Prime rib carved tableside | $$$$ | Book 60 days out |
| State Bird Provisions | Dim sum style California | $$$ | Impossible - do walk-in |
| Tony's Pizza | World pizza champ pies | $$ | No - expect wait |
Honestly? Skip the overhyped Tartine Manufactory. Bread's great but $18 for avocado toast is robbery.
Free & Cheap Activities
Because SF prices hurt. Here's how to enjoy things to do in San Francisco without going broke.
Always Free
- Golden Gate Bridge walk (just pay parking)
- Cable Car Museum (1201 Mason St) - See the massive wheels pulling cables
- Seward Street Slides - Bring cardboard! (Seward St & Douglass St)
- Musée Mécanique - Creepy antique arcade games (free entry, games $0.25-1)
Worth the Splurge
- Alcatraz tour ($45) - Book MONTHS ahead on official site
- SFMOMA ($25) - Stunning modern art collection
- Coit Tower ($9 elevator) - 360° views worth every penny
Seasonal Considerations
Not all times are equal for San Francisco activities. Here's the real scoop:
Weather Reality Check
That "California sunshine" myth? Doesn't apply here. Summer (June-Aug) is foggy and cold. Seriously - I wear wool hats in July. Best weather is Sept-Nov. Always carry layers.
| Season | Avg Temp | Crowd Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec-Feb | 50-58°F | Low | Museums, restaurants |
| Mar-May | 55-65°F | Medium | Hiking, gardens |
| Jun-Aug | 55-70°F | High | Coastal escapes |
| Sep-Nov | 60-75°F | High | Everything |
Getting Around
Transportation is half the battle for San Francisco things to do. Trust me, I learned the hard way.
Public Transit Tips
- Muni Passport - $13/day unlimited rides (includes cable cars!)
- Cable cars - Fun but $8/ride. Do once then use buses
- BART - Best for airport/SF to East Bay
- Avoid driving - Parking costs more than meals trust me
Personal rant: Rideshares surge pricing around Pier 39 is criminal. Walk 3 blocks away and prices drop 40%.
Local Secrets & Hidden Gems
Beyond the typical things to do in San Francisco, here's what locals love:
- Sutro Baths at sunset - Eerie ruins with ocean views (free)
- Wave Organ - Musical sculpture played by bay waves (Marina District)
- Urban Putt - Indoor mini golf with cocktails ($24/person)
- Free Gold Watch - Pinball museum with $20 all-day play (1758 Stanyan St)
My favorite Sunday: Ferry Building farmers market (Tues/Thurs/Sat) for samples, then walk Embarcadero to Pier 23 Cafe for live music.
Local's Warning: That "Full House" house at 1709 Broderick St? It's a private home with annoyed residents. Snap pics quickly and move along.
Things to Do in San Francisco FAQs
How many days do I need for San Francisco?
Minimum 3 full days. Anything less and you'll just scratch the surface. With 5 days you can add Muir Woods or Napa day trip.
Is Fisherman's Wharf worth visiting?
Once for sea lions and chowder bread bowls, but don't spend more than 2 hours there. It's extremely touristy.
Where should I avoid in San Francisco?
Tenderloin at night (especially near Civic Center). Also Market St between 5th-8th gets sketchy after dark.
What's better - Alcatraz night or day tour?
Night tour hands down. Spookier atmosphere and smaller crowds. But book 3+ months ahead.
How do I avoid paying bridge tolls?
Rental cars charge $8/day service fee + tolls. Use FasTrak lanes only if you have transponder. Otherwise invoice comes by mail - pay within 21 days to avoid penalty.
Best neighborhood for first-timers?
North Beach - central, walkable, great food, authentic vibe without being overwhelming.
Final Reality Check
San Francisco isn't perfect. The homelessness crisis is visible, car break-ins are rampant (seriously - leave NOTHING in your car), and prices will make your eyes water. But when you're eating fresh crab on a sunny ferry ride to Sausalito, or watching fog pour over Twin Peaks like liquid smoke, you'll get why we put up with it.
Things to do in San Francisco? Endless. Just pack good shoes, dress in layers like an onion, and bring an appetite. You'll be planning your next trip before you've even left.
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