Top 30 Amazing Things to Do in San Francisco

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 San Francisco is a magnificent city with a variety of iconic attractions such as Chinatown and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Also, it is a city with incredible, unique culture and incredible food.

San Francisco combines amazing local ways of life and numerous touristy places.

The truth is that it is absolutely impossible to avoid visiting this city with its amazing pieces of sightseeing, food, and unique atmosphere.

In fact, there are so many cool things to see and to try in San Francisco, that you may even lack time.

To make it easier for you to decide what to do in this city, we’ve gathered a list of 30 things you should try during your stay there.

It is a great way to explore this cosmopolitan city and experience its unique vibe.

30 Things You Should Do While Visiting San Francisco

As we’ve already said there is a whole bunch of great things to do in San Francisco.

If you want to explore the city to its fullest, you need to plan everything properly.

Also, don’t forget to book a hostel or a hotel in advance as accommodations sell out very fast there.

1. Get Tropical at the Aquarium

It is hard to find a person who doesn’t like to aquariums with there relaxing atmosphere and that Little Mermaid under-the-sea vibe.

You can experience the underwater life and beauty without worrying about numerous dangers that can wait for you under the water.

It is a great way to have this unique experience and take beautiful photos without risking your life.

Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco is one of the most amazing aquariums in the country,

It has a bunch of touch pools as well as an incredible variety of marine animals.

There are more than 20 000 species and 300-feer underwater tunnels so you can walk through the aquarium surrounded by the beauty of the underwater world.

It is an incredible experience as you can walk around observing sharks swimming around you.

Also, in this aquarium, you can find river otters that are very cute.

2. Watch Fortune Cookies Being Made in Chinatown

It is impossible to visit San Francisco and don’t try famous local fortune cookies.

Fortune cookies can be found only in American Chinese restaurants as this treat was popularized all over California.

In fact, fortune cookies became very popular during the 20th century.

Visiting San Francisco, you can not only try fortune cookies but also visit one of the factories that produce it.

One of the most famous and amazing factories is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.

Just remember that while the visit there is free, each photo will cost you 50 cents.

3. Walk Over the Golden Gate Bridge

One other place that you cannot miss while visiting San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge.

The truth is that this attraction isn’t only the most popular place among tourists but also it is a real symbol of the city.

Almost any tourist that comes to San Francisco, take a walk through the Golden Gate Bridge.

It is also known for its incredible architecture and perfectly reflects the lets-make-everything-giant-and-out-of-steel mindset of the 1930s.

The bridge can be really crowded but you cannot miss it in any case as you will have an unforgettable experience.

4. Enjoy Numerous Amazing Books at the Book Club of California

If you are a real book lover, you just cannot skip on this place.

Located right near Chinatown, the Book Club of California is full of numerous tomes written by great writers from all over the world.

It’s an amazing destination that attracts bookworms and English Literature graduates constantly.

Every Monday evening some special events are held there.

Also, there are special annual events such as the Christmas Card Fair that is well-known in the city.

If you visit San Francisco during the festive season, make sure to visit the place and enroll in the event.

5. Visit the Impenetrable Fortress that is Alcatraz

Alcatraz is the most famous prison of all time in the world.

It is impossible to visit San Francisco and skip on this incredible place.

Lots of people often forget about this place but it is absolutely worth visiting.

To get to this place, you need to take a ferry to the island and enjoy a stunning view during your ride.

As soon as you get to this maximum-security former prison, you’ll understand that this place has a very strange vibe and for sure gives you chills.

Just keep in mind that the place is very popular and crowded so make sure to plan everything beforehand.

6. Enjoy a Ride Down the Concrete Slides

This activity is a perfect opportunity to summon your inner child while visiting San Francisco.

It is hard to find a person who doesn’t like slides.

However, most of us never enjoy this fun activity after reaching 18 years old.

Designed by a local teen in the 60s, the slides located at Steward Street are absolutely amazing and joyful.

Just take cardboard and enjoy some great slides in a local park.

7. Learn About Latin Culture in the Mission District

Before becoming a part of the USA, the city was officially a part of Mexico that was a colony of the Spanish Empire.

It is absolutely clear that Spanish and especially Latin culture has an incredible impact on the city.

The Mission is the area where everything began so it has a very Latin vibe.

Visiting it, you can learn a lot about Latin culture, attend numerous historic attractions, and enjoy delicious Mexican food.

The best way to explore the area is to take one of the guided tours so you don’t skip some great places.

Make sure to visit the church that has the same name as the whole area.

The Mission church is one of the oldest buildings in the whole city as it was built in the 16th century.

8. Get Freaky in the Mirror Maze

Those people who love funhouses and similar places should consider visiting a local mirror maze that is pretty unique.

What is unique about this place?

From first glance, it looks like a usual mirror maze but instead of funny reflections, you’ll see your confused face.

The maze is light up with colorful neon lights and filled with sounds of rave music that makes it even weirder.

It sounds pretty strange and weird but it absolutely worth your time.

9. Get a Selfie With a Sea Lion

You for sure should visit Pier 39 while staying in San Francisco.

This place is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

You may think that a general tourist attraction won’t be very interesting but there is something absolutely special about this place.

The truth is that the place is very popular not only among tourists but also among friendly sea lions.

Hundreds of these great animals relax in the area so you can take a few selfies with them.

One other great thing is that Pier 39 is a part of Fisherman’s Warf that is another popular place in the city.

10. Take Your Time and Climb the Secret Tiled Steps

You may say that there is nothing interesting about steps.

What exciting is there about steps that just go up and down?

It can be surprising but steps can be very exciting and amazing.

It is enough to add some cool art to each stape and it will become a real masterpiece.

Moreover, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are more than just decorated with beautiful arts they are actually tiled.

Each step is decorated with colorful tiles creating an amazing place for unique photos.

11. Walk Through the Streets and Observe Some Graffiti

San Francisco is literally covered with numerous beautiful graffitis.

Make sure to take your time and explore the city streets full of amazing pieces of spray-painted art.

There aren’t only buildings but a whole variety of surfaces in the city that are covered with graffiti.

The best place to observe beautiful graffiti is Clarion Alley that is located between Mission and Valencia Streets and 17th and 18th Streets.

The area is known for its bohemian vibe and numerous incredible graffitis that change constantly.

In fact, you can visit more than once as each time you’ll be able to find something new.

12. Take to the Skies in a Helicopter

San Francisco is an amazing city that should be explored on foot as there is a variety of hidden gems all over the city.

However, it looks really stunning from the sky and it is an unforgettable experience.

Be sure that you’ll never forget this little journey.

You can see almost the whole city at once and observe it from a new angle.

Of course, it can be pretty expensive but it absolutely worth each cent.

13. Eat Your Way Around the Ferry Building

Ferry Building is one of the most amazing and coolest buildings in San Francisco.

Having absolutely symmetrical, ideal shape, the building is decorated with a tall clock tower that is a perfect cherry on the cake.

The building is made in the Beaux Art style that was popular in 1892.

Moreover, it is a perfect destination for any food lover.

Visiting it, you can enjoy oysters, burgers, cocktails, beer, chocolate, cheese and a bunch of other amazing food.

14. Admire the Sights From the Top of a Bus

While visiting San Francisco, you for sure need to take an open-top bus tour.

It is available in a whole variety of cities and the reason is that it is a comfortable way to explore the city while enjoying magnificent views.

Moreover, it is something unique and fun about sitting up top while observing the city.

If you want to make this experience even more incredible and unique, take a night bus tour.

It is magnificent and stunning as you can ride through the city lit up with millions of lights.

15. See Some Land Art in the Forest

Located in the 100 years old woodland in Presidio, an incredible land art installation by Scottish artist Andy Goldsworthy is for sure something you should see.

The land art has an amazing atmosphere as while being a piece of art it looks very natural and simple.

There is a line of eucalyptus trunks that are lined through the forest.

You can not only experience this unique art installation but also enjoy a quiet stroll through the forest and relax after a day in this busy city.

16. Have Fun and Party at the Science Academy

Have you ever had an idea that a museum can be a perfect place for a party?

In San Francisco, there is a place where this concept can become a reality.

Every Tuesday night, the California Academy of science becomes a real night club where great DJs play their music.

Also, there are numerous cool bars where you can buy actual alcohol while being in an actual museum.

One other important point is that it is one of the largest natural history museums in the world.

Moreover, it is the oldest museum in the state.

17. Get on Your Bike

There is something unusual and romantic about exploring the city by bicycle.

Actually, riding a bicycle is an important and exciting activity for numerous people.

It is a great way to explore the city and see some of the best attractions while riding a bike.

Just make sure to take a map and a helmet with you to make your trip safe.

18. Watch Some Land Art at Lands End Trail

The hiking itself is a great activity and it becomes even better if you have a certain aim.

If you want to explore some great areas of San Francisco, you can go hiking through the Lands End Trail.

It can be not the best option for those who don’t like walking but if you don’t mind it you for sure should walk through this trail.

There is a bunch of amazing views throughout the trail including numerous stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Moreover, there are some of the most amazing land arts such as octagon house, rock labyrinth and so on.

Finally, you can enjoy the view of the coastal city and take numerous gorgeous photos.

19. Hit Up the Biergarten

If you want to hang out and like beer, then take some money and head to the Biergarten located in Hayes Valley.

It can be translated into English as a beer garden and the place is known as a little piece of Germany in San Francisco.

It is a perfect place to enjoy excellent German beer and pretzels while sitting on a bench in the garden.

This place is very unique and has an amazing atmosphere so you can relax and have lots of fun while visiting it.

20. Meet Famous Stars on a Movie Tour

Enrolling in this tour, you can visit the places where various famous movies were filmed.

If you are lucky enough, you may even meet some famous movie stars.

It is a great way to feel like your favorite character of a well-known movie.

Most guides there are former actors so you can ask them numerous questions about the film industry.

21. Listen to the Waves at The Wave Organ

The Wave Organ is a unique construction that will provide you with an unforgettable experience.

This installation is located on a jetty in the bay and it was created by a sculptor and a master stonemason.

To understand why it is so amazing you need to hear it on your own.

The structure produces music due to waves and changes in the tide height.

This interactive installation is a great way to experience the new side of nature and listen to something unique and amazing.

22. Take a Hike

There are numerous places around the city where you can try some incredible food.

Maybe it’s time to think about some workout so you can get rid of those extra calories.

San Francisco with its Twin Peaks is a perfect place for hiking as there are numerous trails that are great for beginners and for experienced hikers.

Most trails located not far from the city so you can easily get there.

At the end of each trail, various beautiful places such as beaches and playgrounds wait for you.

23. Take a Tiny Car Tour and Pretend You’re in a Mario Kart

In San Francisco, you can become a driver of a Mario Kart while exploring the city.

It is an incredible experience to ride around the city in a tiny yellow car.

It is an absolutely awesome thing to do while visiting San Francisco.

These tiny cars run on electricity and can be easily operated as you only need to follow voice instructions to deal with it.

One other great point is that the car itself will tell you about the city and its attractions.

24. Take a Ride in a Cable Car

While being an obvious thing to do, a ride on a cable car in San Francisco is a great thing to do.

Just imagine riding an open cable car while the breeze blows through your hair.

Also, it is a great way to take a whole bunch of stunning photos for your Insta and Snapcha.

While being very cheap, this activity will provide you with lots of positive emotions and unforgettable experience.

25. Go Italian on a Food Tour

One other thing you should try in San Francisco is Italian food.

You can even enroll in an Italian food tour while staying in the city.

During this tour, you’ll visit Little Italy in San Francisco and try numerous mouthwatering dishes made by locals.

Local pasta will for sure catch your heart as it is just like your mamma used to make it.

Also, during the tour, you’ll stop at numerous backstreet craft shops where you can buy different amazing souvenirs.

The tour ends at North Beach where one of the most amazing pizzerias is located.

There you’ll learn how to make a perfect kneaded dough.

26. Explore the First Openly LGBT Neighborhoods in the US

The Castro District is known as a source of hope for people who look for a liberal lifestyle.

It is known as the first open gayborhood in the country.

The place is a real bastion for freedom of expression and fabulousness.

Also, the Castro District with its incredible history, magical charm, and bright colors is an amazing place to see in San Francisco.

Just take your time and explore the area and enjoy some of the best parties in the city that are held in this part of San Francisco.

27. Feed Your Sugar Cravings

One thing that you absolutely cannot skip in San Francisco is local pudding.

While visiting San Francisco, you can forget about eating healthy as the city offers a variety of amazing desserts you should try.

In the Mission, you can find a variety of amazing places that serve numerous delicious desserts.

Just make sure to visit Craftsman and Wolves to try great pastries and Sixth Course to have a bunch of very tasty ice cream.

Finally, have some gooey cookies made by Anthony’s cookies shop.

28. Don’t Forget About the Beach…

It is impossible to visit San Francisco and don’t spend some time at one of the local beaches.

The best one in the city is of course Ocean Beach that is a real paradise in San Francisco.

Stretching for 3.5 miles, this beach is a great place to sunbathe, swim, and have fun.

Also, it is a perfect destination for any surfer as waves there are amazing.

29. Hit the Pubs

If you want to chill out and have a few drinks, numerous pubs and bars around the city have something to offer you.

Take a guided tour that starts in a secret place and explore the bustling nightlife in San Francisco.

During the tour, you can visit Top 4 party spots in the city, enjoy great drinks and VIP entries.

The tour lasts for 3 hours and ends in one of the best clubs in San Francisco where you can party till the morning.

30. Shop at Union Square

If you like shopping, head to Union Square while visiting San Francisco.

The area in the city center has a bunch of luxurious hotels and shops.

Stroll through the stylish designer shops and upscale boutiques and buy a bunch of gorgeous things.

Just keep in mind that the area can be pretty busy but if you want to avoid crowds make sure to visit some hidden gems in the area.

Moreover, there are lots of great museums and galleries around Union Square.

That’s it!

As you can see, there are so many amazing and incredible things you can try while visiting San Francisco.

The city can offer you a variety of delicious food, fun activities, beautiful views, and great attractions.

The truth is that San Francisco has so many incredible attractions that you’ll always be able to find something new there.

Just take your time and explore this amazing city to its fullest.

San Francisco Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: San Francisco Safety Review

Safety Index:

61

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
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• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW