Looking for the best things to do in San Francisco? Locals point visitors to the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park and its museums, a ferry to Alcatraz, the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf, a cable car ride, and the Mission for murals and food. Here’s how San Franciscans actually spend their time — by neighborhood, by night, by budget (and by fog).
Things to do in San Francisco, by neighborhood
Golden Gate Park & the Richmond/Sunset
The city’s green heart: the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden, and nearby Lands End and Ocean Beach.
The Mission
Murals (Balmy and Clarion Alleys), taquerias, Dolores Park, and the city’s best bar-and-food scene.
North Beach & Chinatown
Italian cafés, Coit Tower, City Lights bookstore, and the oldest Chinatown in North America.
Fisherman’s Wharf & the Embarcadero
Pier 39 sea lions, the Ferry Building marketplace, and ferries to Alcatraz and Sausalito.
Alamo Square & Hayes Valley
The Painted Ladies postcard view and the boutiques and dining of Hayes Valley.
Things to do in San Francisco at night
The Mission for bars and taquerias, SoMa for clubs and music, North Beach and Hayes Valley for dining. Sunset from Twin Peaks or Dolores Park is the local move.
Indoor, foggy & rainy-day things to do in San Francisco
SFMOMA, the de Young, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Exploratorium. The Ferry Building and Chinatown are great any-weather wanders.
Free things to do in San Francisco
- Walk or bike the Golden Gate Bridge
- Golden Gate Park and Lands End
- The Painted Ladies at Alamo Square
- The Mission murals
- Browsing the Ferry Building
Things to do in San Francisco for couples
Walk the bridge, catch sunset at Twin Peaks or Baker Beach, dine in Hayes Valley or North Beach, and ferry to Sausalito for the day.
Things to do in San Francisco with kids
Family wins: the California Academy of Sciences, the Exploratorium, the Pier 39 sea lions, a cable car ride, and the SF Zoo.
What San Francisco locals actually recommend
Which neighborhoods are worth it, where to eat off the tourist track, the best fog-free spots — that comes from people who live here. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ San Francisco community, real SF neighbors answer “what should I actually do this weekend?” Join your SF neighbors free →
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in San Francisco?
Locals send visitors to the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park (with the de Young and California Academy of Sciences), a ferry to Alcatraz, the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf, a ride on a cable car, and the Mission for murals and food. Add the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square for the classic view.
What is there to do in San Francisco at night?
SF nights live in the Mission (bars and taquerias), SoMa (clubs and music), North Beach (Italian and old-school bars), Hayes Valley, and the Castro. Sunset from Twin Peaks or Dolores Park is a local move.
What can you do in San Francisco when it’s foggy or raining?
Head indoors to SFMOMA, the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Exploratorium. The Ferry Building marketplace and Chinatown stay lively in any weather.
What are free things to do in San Francisco?
Walk or bike the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Golden Gate Park and Lands End, see the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square, wander the Mission murals (Balmy Alley, Clarion Alley), and browse the Ferry Building — all free.
What are the best things to do in San Francisco for couples?
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge, catch sunset at Twin Peaks or Baker Beach, wine and dine in Hayes Valley or North Beach, and take the ferry across the bay to Sausalito.
What are fun things to do in San Francisco with kids?
Family favorites: the California Academy of Sciences, the Exploratorium, the sea lions at Pier 39, a cable car ride, and the San Francisco Zoo.