Visiting San Francisco had been a long-time dream! This iconic Californian city, often considered the most European in the United States, had captivated my imagination for years. While I typically prefer living close to nature, I believe I could have made a home in a city like this. It was something I had been thinking about for quite some time.

What to Do in San Francisco: My Must-See List

If you’re planning to visit San Francisco, I’ve put together a list of everything we did during our week there, ranked by my personal favorites. Of course, this is purely subjective, but these are the spots that stood out the most to me!

The Golden Gate Bridge: The Symbol of San Francisco

A trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen this massive red bridge in countless movies and TV shows. Once you’re there, you’ll feel compelled to see it up close—and it definitely did not disappoint.

Stretching 2.7 kilometers, this vivid red steel structure offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The bridge is accessible by foot, bike, or car. We crossed it several times by car, but also biked across it, which I highly recommend for the experience! If you’re interested in learning about the bridge’s history, there’s a Visitor Center with interactive exhibits. We skipped it due to time constraints.

Lombard Street

This street is famous for its zigzag section, making it unlike any other. You’ve probably seen it in movies! It’s impressive and truly one of a kind.

Descending Lombard Street offers a stunning view of the city. The street is lined with beautiful Victorian homes, adding to its charm. Naturally, this attracts a lot of tourists! In May, the street is in full bloom, making it even more enchanting compared to my January visit a few years ago.

But the real draw of Lombard Street is its zigzag section—eight tight hairpin turns designed to reduce the street’s steep slope. It’s quite a sight to see, as cars slowly make their way down. We drove down in our rented Mustang during our West Coast road trip. I was a bit nervous at first, with all the turns and the crowds, but it was actually a fun experience. Still, I’d say the best way to explore Lombard Street is on foot, so you can fully take in the views, admire the houses, and snap some great photos.

Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39

These two spots in the northern part of the city are quite touristy, but they’re definitely worth a visit. Fisherman’s Wharf has an authentic vibe, with plenty of seafood restaurants, street food vendors, shops, and attractions, including museums. It’s a great place for a stroll and a bite to eat—don’t miss out on trying clam chowder, a local specialty.

A short walk away (just follow the crowds) brings you to Pier 39, home to one of the main attractions: sea lions basking in the sun on the docks. It’s amazing to see so many of them lounging around or playfully interacting with each other. Though it’s crowded and very touristy, it’s still a must-see. Pier 39 is a lively area, with open-air shopping, restaurants, street performers, and incredible views of the city’s skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. At sunset, it becomes even more magical.

The Seven Painted Ladies

On Steiner Street, you’ll find the famous “Painted Ladies,” also known as the “Seven Painted Ladies.” These seven perfectly aligned Victorian homes are one of San Francisco’s top attractions. Built between 1892 and 1896, they are among the oldest houses in the city and became famous after appearing in several movies and TV shows, particularly in the opening credits of “Full House.”

From Alamo Square Park, located across from the Painted Ladies, you get a stunning view of these homes. Unfortunately, during our stay, the park was undergoing maintenance, so we couldn’t get any great photos. We had to return three weeks later after our road trip to finally enjoy the view.

Chinatown

Chinatown is one of the most vibrant and colorful neighborhoods in the city. It’s home to the oldest Chinese community outside Asia and the largest Chinatown in North America. The streets are lined with shops, restaurants, markets, and Chinese temples. The historic gateway on Grant Avenue is an iconic symbol of the neighborhood. When it comes to food, don’t miss the chance to try the delicious Chinese specialties from the numerous restaurants and food stalls, and be sure to visit the fortune cookie factory at 56 Ross Alley! The neighborhood is also known for its traditional architecture, lively festivals, and Chinese New Year celebrations, which draw thousands of visitors annually.

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks offers an amazing panoramic view of the city and bay. At 282 meters, the summit provides one of the best views in San Francisco, with sweeping vistas of the city skyline, bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean. Visiting at sunset or at night is particularly breathtaking—just be aware that the summit is often shrouded in fog!

Coit Tower

Coit Tower, a 64-meter-tall tower in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood, provides panoramic views of the city, bay, and Golden Gate Bridge. You can reach the top via an elevator, and the tower’s interior features murals from the 1930s that depict daily life in San Francisco during the Great Depression. We walked to the tower, which allowed us to explore the surrounding neighborhood, and the view from the top was incredible!

Palace of Fine Arts

This is one of the city’s more surprising spots that I absolutely loved. Located in the Marina district, the Palace of Fine Arts was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition to showcase art and artifacts from participating countries. Now, it’s a park where both tourists and locals can relax. Surrounded by a lake and gardens, it’s a lovely place for a walk.

Little Italy (North Beach)

North Beach, also known as Little Italy, is a vibrant and colorful district in San Francisco. Located on Telegraph Hill, it’s filled with Italian cafes, restaurants, and shops. Since the 1920s, it has been the heart of the city’s Italian community, and its heritage is still strong today. The area also boasts several historical landmarks, including Saints Peter and Paul Church, Coit Tower, and the Transamerica Pyramid. We enjoyed a delightful food tour here, sampling Italian specialties along the way!

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a massive public park on the west side of San Francisco, spanning over 4 square kilometers. Established in 1870, it’s one of the city’s most popular green spaces, drawing millions of visitors each year. The park is home to several renowned attractions, including the California Academy of Sciences, the De Young Museum, the Botanical Garden, the Japanese Tea Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers, and more. We visited on a weekend when the park was bustling with people, and the lively atmosphere made for a fantastic day.

The Castro and Mission Districts

These two iconic neighborhoods are filled with history, activism, and vibrant culture. Castro is known for its LGBTQ+ history and activism, marked by the giant rainbow flag that flies above Harvey Milk Plaza. Victorian homes and stunning views from Dolores Park make it a must-see.

Mission, on the other hand, is the heart of San Francisco’s Latino community. Walking along palm tree-lined Dolores Street, you’ll come across Victorian houses and the Women’s Building, adorned with colorful murals. A guided tour is well worth it to understand the rich history of these neighborhoods.

Transamerica Pyramid

The Transamerica Pyramid, designed by architect William Pereira, is an iconic skyscraper in San Francisco’s financial district. Completed in 1972, it was the tallest building in the city until 2018, standing at 260 meters. Its unique pyramid shape is visible from various points around the city as you explore.