San Francisco is one of those cities that feels completely different from anywhere else I’ve visited.
One minute you’re walking along the waterfront watching ferries cross the bay, the next you’re climbing one of the city’s famously steep hills or wandering through neighbourhoods that each have their own unique personality. It somehow manages to feel relaxed and energetic at the same time, and I found myself constantly stopping just to take it all in.
What I loved most was how much variety there is packed into a relatively small city. You can spend the morning crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, the afternoon exploring beautiful parks or historic neighbourhoods, and finish the day watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Every day felt different, which made San Francisco such a fun place to explore.
If you’re planning your first trip, here are the best places to visit in San Francisco that I think deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Golden Gate Bridge
You can’t really visit San Francisco without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. It might be one of the most photographed landmarks in the world, but it still manages to live up to the hype. Seeing it in person is something completely different to seeing it in photos. It’s much bigger than I imagined, and standing beneath those enormous towers really puts its scale into perspective.
One of the best things to do is walk across the bridge. Along the way you’ll get incredible views of the bay, Alcatraz, the city skyline and the rolling hills of the Marin Headlands. Even if you don’t feel like walking the whole way, I’d still recommend making it at least halfway across.
One thing worth knowing before you visit is that San Francisco’s weather can change incredibly quickly. Even on a sunny day, the famous fog can roll in without much warning, so I’d definitely pack a light jacket. If you can, head there earlier in the morning before it gets too busy.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of those places that almost every first-time visitor ends up exploring, and for good reason. Yes, it’s busy and definitely one of the more touristy parts of the city, but there’s a really fun atmosphere here. You’ll find seafood restaurants, historic ships, museums, souvenir shops, street performers and beautiful views across the bay, making it an easy place to spend a few hours.
Of course, one of the biggest attractions is Pier 39, where hundreds of sea lions lounge around the floating docks. I could have stood there watching them for ages. They’re surprisingly entertaining, and hearing them bark long before you see them is all part of the experience.
While you’re here, don’t leave without trying San Francisco’s famous clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. It’s a local classic for a reason, especially on one of the city’s cooler days.
Alcatraz Island
Before visiting San Francisco, Alcatraz was probably the attraction I was most curious about. Sitting out in the middle of the bay, the former prison has fascinated visitors for decades. It once housed some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone, but today it’s one of the city’s most popular historical attractions.
The self-guided audio tour is what really makes the experience. Hearing stories told by former guards and inmates as you walk through the prison blocks gives you a fascinating insight into what life was actually like on the island. It feels much more immersive than simply reading information boards.
One tip I’d definitely give is to book your tickets well in advance. They regularly sell out, particularly during the warmer months, and it’d be a shame to miss out.
Golden Gate Park
Whenever people compare Golden Gate Park to New York’s Central Park, they’re only telling part of the story. Golden Gate Park is actually even bigger, and there’s so much more here than just open green space. It’s filled with walking trails, lakes, gardens, museums and hidden corners where you could easily spend an entire afternoon.
Some of the highlights include the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden, the colourful Conservatory of Flowers and the California Academy of Sciences, which combines an aquarium, planetarium and natural history museum under one roof.
If your trip to San Francisco feels a little busy, this is the perfect place to slow down for a while.
Lombard Street
You’ve probably seen photos of Lombard Street long before planning your trip to San Francisco. Known as the “crookedest street in the world”, this famous stretch of road winds its way down the hill through eight tight hairpin bends surrounded by colourful gardens.
Watching cars carefully navigate each corner is surprisingly entertaining, but I’d actually recommend walking down instead. You’ll get much better views over the city and quickly realise just how steep San Francisco’s streets really are.
If you’d like photos without too many people around, it’s worth visiting earlier in the day.
The Painted Ladies
Even if the name doesn’t sound familiar, chances are you’ve seen the Painted Ladies before. These colourful Victorian homes overlooking Alamo Square have become one of San Francisco’s most recognisable views, especially after appearing in the opening credits of Full House.
What I love about this spot isn’t just the houses themselves, but the contrast between old and new. Sitting on the grass in Alamo Square with these historic homes in front of you and the modern skyline behind them creates one of the city’s most iconic views.
It’s also a lovely place to take a break after exploring some of San Francisco’s hillier streets.
Chinatown
One thing I always try to do when I visit a new city is spend time exploring its different neighbourhoods, and San Francisco’s Chinatown is one you definitely shouldn’t miss.
As the oldest Chinatown in North America, it has an incredible history, but it’s also full of life. Walking beneath the Dragon Gate, you’ll find colourful lanterns, traditional tea shops, bakeries, markets and little side streets that feel completely different from the rest of the city.
If you’re a foodie, arrive hungry. This is one of the best places in San Francisco to try freshly made dumplings, dim sum, Cantonese barbecue and delicious egg tarts. It’s one of those neighbourhoods where wandering without a plan is half the fun.
Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts was one of those places that completely exceeded my expectations. Photos really don’t do it justice. The enormous rotunda, elegant columns and peaceful lagoon make it feel more like something you’d stumble across in Europe than California.
Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, it has become one of the city’s most photographed landmarks, and it’s easy to see why.
If you can, visit later in the afternoon when the light becomes softer and the reflections across the water make the whole place feel even more magical.
Twin Peaks
If you’re wondering where to find the best view in San Francisco, I’d put Twin Peaks right at the top of the list. From up here you’ll get incredible panoramic views stretching across the city, the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding hills. It’s one of those places that really helps you appreciate just how unique San Francisco’s location is.
Sunrise and sunset are particularly popular times to visit, although it can get surprisingly windy at the top. Even if the weather feels warm down below, I’d still recommend bringing another layer. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
Ferry Building Marketplace
I always think one of the easiest ways to get to know a city is through its food, and the Ferry Building Marketplace is the perfect place to do exactly that. What was once San Francisco’s main transportation hub is now filled with artisan food producers, independent cafés, bakeries, oyster bars, cheese shops and local coffee roasters.
It’s a brilliant place to stop for breakfast, grab lunch or simply enjoy a coffee while looking out across the bay. If your visit happens to fall on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, you’ll also be able to explore the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, where local farmers and producers sell some of Northern California’s best seasonal produce.
Even if you only pop in for half an hour, it’s well worth adding to your itinerary.
Why San Francisco Should Be on Your Travel List
San Francisco is one of those cities that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s not just the famous landmarks that make it special, but the little moments in between. Walking through colourful neighbourhoods, watching the fog roll over the Golden Gate Bridge, stumbling across a great coffee shop or finding another incredible viewpoint around the next corner all add up to an experience that’s hard to forget.
If you’re visiting for the first time, these places to visit in San Francisco are a great starting point. They’ll take you from some of the city’s most iconic sights to a few places where you can slow down and soak up its unique atmosphere.
If you’re planning more stops around California or the USA, I’ve got plenty more destination guides here on the Travel For Phoebe blog to help you put your itinerary together. And if you’d like to see what these places are really like before you go, come and join me on YouTube, where I share my adventures, honest travel tips and all the little moments that don’t always make it into my travel guides.