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The 24 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

By Kimberley Lovato and Carey Jones

Don’t let San Francisco’s small seven-mile by seven-mile footprint  (under 10 percent the size of Los Angeles) fool you. This cosmopolitan, mini-metropolis surrounded by the bay and Pacific Ocean is awash with outdoor adventure, Michelin-star restaurants, historic sites, world-class museums, and independent mom-and-pop shops—all tucked into a tapestry of hilly neighborhoods lined with Victorian houses, green parks, and an independent ethos. Invigorating hikes through nature and walks along the city-proper trails and beaches are as much a part of life in San Francisco as Karl the Fog (yes, San Franciscans have named their most famous weather pattern), which can creep in at a moment’s notice in all four seasons. Whether you’re looking for a music- and art-filled visit, diverse food, or you simply can’t wait to fulfill your dream of riding a cable car or crossing the Golden Gate, this guide has you covered. Here are 24 of the best things to do the next time you’re in San Francisco.

Read our complete San Francisco guide here .

Golden Gate Bridge Arrow

Arching over the Golden Gate Strait, which connects the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay, the defining landmark of the city links San Francisco to Marin and Sausalito. At just under two miles, it's walkable by foot but also easy to see by car. It's hard to understand the magnitude or beauty of the bridge until you cross it. Stop outside the Welcome Center at the statue of Joseph Strauss, the bridge's designer, and look for the plaques explaining the bridge’s history and, of course, grab the obligatory snapshot. For more insights of the bridge’s backstory, sign up for a free walking tour of the bridge with San Francisco City Guides .

Edible Excursions: Japantown Food Tour Arrow

Edible Excursions is run by a team of expert guides obsessed with San Francisco, food, and showing off Japantown. Small groups walk and nibble, sip and savor, for around two hours while hearing stories about the neighborhood and meeting family-run business owners. This is a neighborhood where you can't be afraid to step through doors because behind them teems friendly people, delicious foods, and a community passionate about their heritage and culture. At first, Japantown appears quiet, but once inside a restaurant, a grocery store, or even a mall, your perception changes. For curious visitors and backyard travelers who want to learn more about San Francisco’s Japantown, its history, and its food, and for anyone who loves trying dishes they might not make or find at home, this is a can't-miss.

Muir Woods National Monument Arrow

The towering trees of Muir Woods National Monument might be known as Sequoia sempervirens to botanists and naturalists, but to travelers like us, they are California coastal redwoods and are some of the tallest and oldest trees on earth. This 558-acre preserve was named after conservationist John Muir and proclaimed a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. It is home to one of the last remaining ancient redwood forests in the Bay Area. Every step you take here is a do-not-miss wonder. There are around six miles of trails within the park, that wind among the mammoth trees to areas such as Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove, and along Redwood Creek. More experienced hikers can extend their treks to the adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Arrow

SFMOMA stands out among other elite museums in the city for its innovative, exciting exhibits in a cutting-edge building. Located by a BART station and right off MUNI bus lines, it's accessible in a busy downtown location. Architecture firm Snøhetta spearheaded an innovative expansion, which includes a two-story-high and half-block-long "living wall" covered in native plants, as well as fiberglass-reinforced panels on the exterior that evoke the waters of the Bay. The collection is full of heavy hitters and the Museum Store is packed with wonders, ranging from Lichtenstein-inspired vases to glowing book-shaped lamps, delicate silver necklaces to a chess set with San Francisco landmarks for pieces. Spending an entire day here is certainly not out of the question.

Meaghan Kenny

Mercedes Bleth

Hannah Summers

The Legion of Honor Museum Arrow

The Legion of Honor museum is not only one of San Francisco's best, but one of its most beautiful buildings, built as a replica of Paris ' Legion d'Honneur. It's home to more than 800 European paintings, including works from Picasso, Monet, and Rembrandt, as well as more than 90 sculptures by Rodin, most notably The Thinker. Save some time for a walk along the grounds, for breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge .

San Francisco Cable Cars Arrow

Horses and carriages long had trouble conquering San Francisco's steep hills, and so in 1873 the cable car system was born—three lines of the original eight remain today. They are a symbol of San Francisco, the world's last manually operated cable car system, and one of the city’s most popular attractions. An estimated 9.7 million people hop aboard each year–the vast majority are tourists, but some residents still use these moving monuments to crisscross the city, just as was intended more than 150 years ago. Riding is a blend of an open-air bus and a slow-moving roller coaster. When you board, you'll either sit on the wooden benches for a more comfortable ride, or seek thrills and stand on the car's exterior, gripping the poles as the car moves up and down the steep streets of San Francisco.

Lands End Trail Arrow

You know the well-worn piece of advice, not to spend too long in California, or it’ll ruin you? This hike will ruin you. Snaking along the rocky clifftops at the city’s wild edge, the Coastal Trail at Lands End follows the Golden Gate Strait out to the Pacific Ocean, delivering jaw-dropping views along the way. The 1.7-mile path wends around corners and over hills, through wide-open spaces and cathedral-like groves of trees, tracing the path of a long-gone railway that once ferried pleasure seekers to Sutro Baths and Ocean Beach. You’ll get there, too, but don’t hurry—this is a hike to be savored.

California Academy of Sciences Arrow

An impressive science and natural history museum in Golden Gate Park, the museum was completely rebuilt in 2008, and the new Renzo Piano-designed building features unique architectural elements like a rooftop covered in native plant life. The "living exhibits" are probably the highlights. There is a rainforest populated by plants, frogs, and free-flying birds and butterflies, with a flooded rainforest tunnel filled with Amazonian fish. Other live animal exhibits include a recreated swamp, where you can peer down at Claude, the resident albino alligator with ruby-red eyes, plus a colony of playful African penguins who share a tank with pyjama sharks and sea stars, where they swim and do flips. There's also the Steinhart Aquarium, with jellyfish and a living coral reef. The less “live” exhibits include Shake House, an immersive exhibit that allows visitors to (safely) experience the kinds of tremors that shook the Bay Area during the city’s two biggest quakes—the Loma Prieta Earthquake and the Great Earthquake of 1906.

Sutro Baths Arrow

These Instagram-worthy ruins overlooking the Pacific draw hikers and visitors during the day, especially at sunset, when the views are unforgettable. They are all that remains from a complex opened by Mayor Adolph Sutro in 1896, that burned down 70 years later. The spooky beauty makes this place stand out in a city with many outdoor spaces. Where else in San Francisco can you find sprawling ruins on the edge of the sea? It's practically like something out of the ancient world.

Chinatown Arrow

San Francisco’s Chinatown looms large in our collective imagination, and rightly so. Born during the California Gold Rush years, the neighborhood dates back further than any other Chinese community in North America. With  30 square blocks to explore, it’s also the largest neighborhood of its kind outside Asia. Explore Chinatown’s nooks and crannies on foot and you’ll find something new and wondrous beneath the swaying red lanterns and neon signs. Down one side alley sits Tin How Temple, a quiet, incense-filled space where locals gather to pray; down another sits Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, a small shop where workers rapid-fold fortune cookies beneath a soundtrack of whirring machinery. You’ll see a real cross-section of humanity here—families  eating dim sum , older Chinese men and women playing mahjong in Portsmouth Square, dressed-up foodies making a night of it at Michelin-star Mister Jiu’s, gorgeous Empress by Boon, or the exclusive Eight Tables,  and tourists hunting for souvenirs (prices are cheaper here than in Union Square and Pier 39). 

Alcatraz Island Arrow

You may know it by its real name or you may know it as “The Rock” (thanks Nic Cage!). It is the prison that was open as a federal penitentiary for 29 years and, at one point, housed gangster Al Capone. It became notorious for failed escape attempts—the island is just 1.25 miles offshore and, lured by the glittering lights of the city, 34 prisoners tried their hand at swimming through the frigid, choppy waters to freedom. Today, you can take a 12-minute ferry ride out to the island and take in the infamous prison up close. Audio tours guide visitors through the main cell block, laundry facility, and chow house. Don’t miss the ruins of the 15-room Warden’s mansion, where lavish parties were held. It was burned to the ground during the 19-month-long occupation of Alcatraz Island by Native American activists in 1970. Outdoor spaces to see are Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, and the island’s colorful gardens, maintained by volunteer gardeners of the  Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy .

Ferry Building Arrow

The Ferry Building becomes San Francisco’s prime food destination during the Saturday Ferry Plaza farmers’ market, which brings more than 80 farmers and purveyors to the plaza surrounding the building, selling everything from rare citrus to small-batch miso to California olive oil. There's much to eat at other times, too, any time of day. Start your day with organic bagels at Daily Driver or vegan donuts from Donut Farm, washed down with Red Bay Coffee.  The ever-popular Hog Island Oyster Company has an outpost here serving briny delights pulled from its  flagship location on Tomales Bay . Also in the building is Grande Creperie, serving sweet and savory Brittany-style crepes in a French café setting. And recently opened  Reem’s  brings Arab street food, such as their popular mana’eesh and sharable mezze, from James Beard-nominated restaurant owner Reem Assil to the space vacated by Cowgirl Creamery. The Ferry Building outdoor seating currently holds 100 chairs and 50 tables on the back plaza, while all indoor dining areas are back to full seating capacity.

Mission District Street Art Arrow

The Mission's famous street art, which spills out of alleys, splashes across the exterior of grocery stores and bodegas, and covers homes, is one of its most pronounced characteristics. Some pieces are commissioned, others more spontaneous, but all of it contributes to the neighborhood’s character.  The spots you should make sure to hit if you’re touring around are Balmy Alley, just off Mission and 24th Streets, and Clarion Alley near the 16th Street BART station. If you have a bit more time, check out the neighborhood’s major mural corridors, 24th Street from Valencia to Portrero Avenue and Mission Street from the corner of 15th Street to Cesar Chavez. For a real deep dive, contact Precita Eyes Muralists, a nonprofit that runs street art tours of the neighborhood.

Angel Island Arrow

Once the port of entry for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Asia and the Pacific Rim, Angel Island is a state park in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Hop on the ferry (your ticket includes the cost of admission), to get here from Tiburon or San Francisco. Once you get off, it's a lush scene for the eyes. The island is loaded with native plants and animals, and has views of both San Francisco and Marin. This is a great half-day activity: You can walk or bike the whole island in a few hours. You can also visit the Angel Island Immigration Station as well as the Angel Island Immigration Museum (AIIM), which opened in 2022 inside the former hospital building.

City Lights Booksellers and Publishers Arrow

Founded in the 1950s by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and college professor Peter D. Martin, City Lights became famous for publishing Howl by Allen Ginsberg (and undergoing an obscenity trial as a result) and developed a reputation as one of the country's most interesting bookshops . Today, City Lights still publishes some of its own books, with a particular focus on poetry and titles that speak to vital political and social issues, and runs a well-stocked bookstore. If you want to supports artists, discover a new writer published by a small press, to imagine yourself in Kerouac's shoes, or to kill an hour before meeting someone for dinner, this is your place. Their selection is great and, for poetry lovers, the Poetry Room upstairs—with its vast, comprehensive collection—is a place of legend. You needn’t look far for signs of fans’ love of the place. During the pandemic, when it was thought the store might close indefinitely—and the store’s CEO posted a heartfelt GoFundMe asking readers for support—City Lights devotees donated $500,000 in four days to help the iconic store survive.

The Presidio Arrow

A National Park established in 1994 from a massive converted Army base, the Presidio is a sprawling, scenic, wild-feeling park in San Francisco proper. The grounds have plenty of attractions, but the real appeal is visual, with trails leading to scenic overlooks of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge . It is perfect for folks who want a remote-feeling walk without wanting to invest time or energy in a full out-of-town hike. The Batteries to Bluffs (.7 miles), Bay Area Ridge (2.5 miles), and Lovers' Lane trails (.6 miles) are all tremendously scenic without being strenuous and, a new addition: Hikers on the Tennessee Hollow Trail can walk through a new section of restored wetlands habitat, which stretches from Thompson Reach all the way to Crissy Field.

Tiburon Arrow

 This former railroad and maritime town is picturesque in a classic-New England-meets-laid-back-California kind of way, and an easy day trip for a bite and shopping. Just 30 minutes across the bay on the Golden Gate Ferry, Tiburon is practically another neighborhood of San Francisco and is fast becoming a culinary destination too. Here and you can visit a museum, sample caviar and champagne, sip California wine, pick up some hand-blended spices, and grab brunch on an outdoor deck, all in an afternoon. For budget minded travelers, Tiburon can be spendy, especially if you tack on a restaurant visit to the cost of a ferry ticket. That being said, there is no cost to simply walk around Tiburon and enjoy the atmosphere. There are also places to simply grab a coffee or a sandwich, or BYO picnic if you prefer. The ferry runs on a strict schedule so check ahead for departure and return times.

Park Life Store and Gallery Arrow

Located on Clement Street in the foggy Richmond District, the eclectic Park Life fits right in with the neighborhood's diverse restaurants, cozy coffee shops, unfussy dim sum joints, and other independent stores. Like an indi-mart married an art gallery, Park Life is a champion of emerging global artists and designers who create one-of-a-kind paintings, quirky curios, interesting books, and unconventional home accessories. The inventory is ever-changing, and art and design products collected from around the world are stacked on the tables, shelves, floors, and walls of the 1,400-square-foot space. Here you might page through a book featuring maps from National Parks spanning the last 100 years, spot an oil and acrylic painting of a pink tulip that’s just right for your new office, or pick up an embroidered throw pillow or colored pencils for your studio. 

Asian Art Museum Arrow

Housed in an airy 1917 Beaux-Arts Building—the former location of the city’s main library—the Asian Art Museum is home to a massive collection, with works from India, China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Southeast Asia, and more. The museum’s vast holdings include pottery, carvings, calligraphy, and unusual artifacts such as coffins, pipes, weapons, snuff bottles, even an entire reconstructed Zen Japanese tea room. The collection of Chinese bronze sculptures is one of the best outside of Asia. If that sounds like a lot to take in, remain calm: in the fall of 2020, the museum unveiled redesigned collection galleries, structured around 15 strikingly displayed masterpieces. Chosen for their beauty, rarity, and significance, these objects give visitors a useful lens through which to view the other 2,500 works on display. Of special note: On the first Sunday of the month, the museum offers free admission.

Japanese Tea Garden Arrow

The oldest continuously operating public Japanese garden in North America, the Japanese Tea Garden, located in Golden Gate Park , is a wonderful spot to relax while exploring the park, but it's also worth a trip in its own right. Sitting among the perfectly pruned trees, small Japanese-style buildings, and gently flowing water features, sipping tea, it’s impossible not to relax, even on those Saturdays when the place gets a bit busier. Locals get a discount on entry ($7 instead of $10), so be sure to bring your ID.

Marrakech Magic Theater Arrow

Step off the busy streets near Union Square and make your way downstairs and into the Oasis Lounge, a former speakeasy with Moroccan tile, velvet banquets, and flickering lanterns adjacent to the 35-seat jewel box theater. This is the exclusive venue of mentalist and magician Jay Alexander, whose show is a little bit Broadway, a little bit Vegas, and a little bit comedy club. It begins in the lounge with close-up magic and sleight-of-hand. The main event moves to the adjacent theater–with Alexander on stage, the interactive performance brings in the audience for mind reading, human lie detector tests, and extraordinary stunts of mind-bending magic. Even skeptics will be convinced that magic is real!

Golden Gate Ferry San Francisco-Sausalito Arrow

The Blue & Gold Fleet, San Francisco’s largest ferry company, takes passengers to big-name destinations around the bay: Alcatraz , Tiburon, Angel Island . In 1997, the company launched a San Francisco to Sausalito ride. The journey begins, really, at the departure point: Fisherman’s Wharf. This is the city’s thrumming tourist heart: bicycle taxis fly down the street, aspiring soul-savers hand out pamphlets, the Silver Man poses for photos, and vendors sell T-shirts and knit caps. Once you board the ferry, though, you’ve entered another realm. The engine rumbles to life, and you’re heading out onto the bay. The sounds of the pier fade gradually; then suddenly, all you can hear is the water splashing off the ship, and the low hum of the motor. As the boat cuts through the water, the city starts to shrink and fade, the familiar forms of Coit Tower, Salesforce Tower, and the Transamerica Pyramid growing ever smaller, the rest of the city a sea of matchstick buildings in eggshell and gray and white and dusty rose. Then, perhaps before you even realized it, the boat’s engines decrescendo. Sausalito emerges, a vision in green.

Amoeba Music San Francisco Arrow

Think of Amoeba Music as the mascot of Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco’s famously countercultural neighborhood and the epicenter of the Summer of Love. Born in 1997—the same year as Radiohead’s OK Computer and the Notorious BIG’s Life After Death—Amoeba is colorful and fascinating, a riot of color and sound. An independent music shop thriving in the age of Spotify and Amazon, the whole place has a punky, free-spirited vibe: The walls are papered with band posters, cheeky merch abounds (Iron Maiden bobbleheads, Bob Ross action figures, a Nicolas Cage prayer candle), and the staff deejays, playing ear-catching CDs of their choice from bands you may have never heard before.

San Francisco Crosstown Trail Arrow

Conceived nearly a decade ago by volunteers, neighborhood activists, and outdoor enthusiasts, San Francisco’s Crosstown Trail finally became a reality when it opened in 2019. The epic 17-mile path takes walkers, runners, and bikers diagonally across the city, from the southeast near Candlestick Point Recreation Area to the northwest corner at Sutro Baths. Along the way, you’ll traverse city streets, meander through community gardens and neighborhoods, pass cafes and restaurants (for much-needed food and water breaks), and climb up hillsides and stairways where the city and bay views don’t disappoint. Walking, running, biking the trail is free, but to do the entire thing in a day would take 8-10 hours–break it up into small sections, being sure to pass the south end of sandy Baker Beach, a perfect place for a selfie with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

San Francisco Travel Guide

Last Updated: July 17, 2023

To me, visiting San Francisco is all about the outdoors and the food. You come here to dine on some of the best Asian food in the country, relax in a chill cafe, and then head out to the parks to lounge away the day.

While it is one of the most expensive cities in the United States , there are still plenty of ways to visit on a budget (even I, a person used to living in New York City , get sticker shock when I visit).

This travel guide to San Francisco can help you plan a fun and affordable trip!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on San Francisco

Top 5 Things to See and Do in San Francisco

1. Tour Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island is the site of an abandoned federal prison, the oldest operating lighthouse on the west coast (built in 1909), and 19th-century military fortifications. Its best known for Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, a notorious maximum security prison that operated from 1934-1963. Take a tour to learn about the island’s past and its famous inmates (including mobster Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly). Be sure to book the ferry early as it fills up fast. Day-tour tickets cost $41 USD, night-tours are $51 USD, and behind-the-scenes tours cost $96 USD.

2. Walk the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is an engineering marvel and one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks. When it opened in 1937, it was the longest and the tallest suspension bridge in the entire world and was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. You can walk the 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) across the bridge, visit the visitor’s center to learn the history of the bridge, or just stare at it from every angle and take a stupid amount of pictures like I did.

3. Visit Golden Gate Park

This gigantic park spanning 1,017 acres features a Japanese garden, an art museum, an arboretum, a tulip garden, a herd of wild bison, and tons of hiking and walking trails. At 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) long and stretching some 30 blocks, it’s 20% bigger than New York’s Central Park! Walking from end to end can take half a day! The park itself is free to visit, though most of the museums and gardens charge admission.

4. See Wine Country

Near the city are the world-famous Napa and Sonoma wine regions. If you love wine and have time to leave the city, you obviously need to come here. Organized day trips with Tower Tours cost $145 USD. That said, at around 1.5 hours one-way from the city, it’s far better to spend the night. It can be a pricey place to visit, but I’ve found that it is indeed possible to visit Napa on a budget .

5. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is the only remaining remnant of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Meant to emulate a decaying Roman ruin, the outdoor rotunda (and its lagoon) is one of the city’s most photographed sights. Take a leisurely stroll around the lagoon, relax under the rotunda, or enjoy a picnic on the grass. Admission is free.

Other Things to See and Do in San Francisco

1. hang out in the mission.

The Mission District is one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco; in fact, the oldest building in the city is located here (Mission San Francisco de Asís, built in 1791). The neighborhood is the epicenter of the city’s Mexican community and has long been an alternative artist enclave as well. After a busy day, relax in Dolores Park for great views of the city (the famous “Full House” house is here), grab a drink at the cool bars, and dig into incredible Mexican food. There’s an eclectic food scene in general in the area, including several Michelin-starred restaurants.

2. Ride the cable cars

Riding the cable cars is an excellent way to tour the city and experience the various neighborhoods of San Francisco. Originally built in 1823, the city’s cable cars are the last manually operated system in the entire world. Of the 22 lines that were originally created in the 19th century, only three are still in operation. They are fun to ride and will save you lots of time since the city is so hilly. A one-way fare on a cable car is $8 USD and a single-day pass is $13 USD.

3. Visit Lombard Street

This is the world’s windiest street. Surrounded by gardens and flowers, it’s made up of eight hairpin turns. The roads were made this way during the 1920s when people in San Francisco were beginning to drive around in automobiles. Since many of the city’s famous hills were too steep to navigate, the idea of using a curved street to help vehicles move downhill was embraced. This took the hill’s incline from 27% to 16%. Today, you can watch cars and bikers navigate the sharp turns as tourists gawk at them.

4. Head up Coit Tower

Perched atop Telegraph Hill, this art deco tower was built in 1933. Standing 180 feet (55 meters) tall, it’s home to over 25 murals and offers a panoramic view of the city. The murals here were painted in 1934 by local artists and depict life in San Francisco during the Depression. The tower became a San Francisco Designated Landmark in 1984 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. It’s free to visit the ground floor, though if you want to take the elevator to the top and see more artwork on the second floor it’s $10 USD.

5. Head to Chinatown

After New York City , this is the most famous Chinatown in the United States (it’s also the biggest). Immigrants from China first arrived on the West Coast and set up shop in San Francisco. Due to racial segregation, this neighborhood became predominantly Chinese. Though mandatory segregation is over, the area has remained Chinese and the area has some of the best places to eat Chinese food in the country, as well as wonderful teahouses, bars, souvenir stalls, and fortune cookie makers.

6. Take a harbor tour

Take an afternoon cruise of the bay to see the city from the water. There are many tour companies available, but a budget way to see the harbor is to take the public ferries starting at $7 USD (prices vary depending on which route you take). Same views, lower price. If you really want to do a tour, go with Red and White Fleet . Their tours start at $38 USD.

7. Hang out in the Castro

Since the 1960s, the Castro has been known as the LGBTQ district of San Francisco. The area has lots of trendy restaurants serving local and seasonal food, as well as the GLBT Historical Society Museum ($10 USD admission) and the Rainbow Honor Walk, a walk of fame for LGBTQ members who left a significant impact on society. Plus, there are a plethora of lively bars and clubs that cater to the LGBTQ community (but are fun for everyone!).

8. Explore Haight-Ashbury

The birthplace of America’s counter-culture, the Haight was ground zero during the summer of 1967, a.k.a. The Summer of Love. Hippies used to live here (including Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead), but yuppies have since moved in, buying up all the colorful Victorian homes and replacing head shops with high-end boutiques, chic restaurants, and hip cafés. Flower Power Walking Tours run in-depth and informative hippie history tours throughout the neighborhood for $25 USD.

9. Take a walking tour

Free SF Tours runs daily free walking tours that can show you the main sights of the city. You’ll not only get to learn about the city but you’ll have access to an expert local guide who can answer all your questions. Just be sure to tip at the end! For more in-depth paid tours, check out Take Walks .

10. Eat at the Ferry Building

This iconic historic building on the San Francisco waterfront used to be one of the busiest transportation terminals in the world. Today, it’s home to a massive food marketplace and is my top place to eat in San Francisco. This place is a foodie dream. Inside, you’ll find restaurants and food vendors selling specialty food items as well as butchers, cheesemongers, a wine bar, and more. On the weekdays, food stands set up outside the building and on the weekends, there’s a big farmer’s market. Come here with an appetite!

11. Visit Crissy Field

This park located near the Golden Gate Bridge used to be a US Army airfield. After its closure in 1974, it was derelict for years until it reopened in 2001 as a park. Today, it has a beach, some restaurants, piers where you can see locals fishing, and plenty of green space to relax. It offers sweeping views of the harbor, making it a laid-back place to come in the summer to have a picnic, lounge in the sun, read a book, and watch life go by.

12. Explore Japantown

Come here for amazing sushi, Japanese food, Korean food, and kitchen ingredients. Shabu Sen has amazing ramen, and Yama-chan has delicious onigiri (rice balls) and takoyaki (octopus balls). To learn more about the food and the neighborhood, you can take a food tour with Edible Excursions for $122 USD (they have a specific Japantown tour, as well as other food tours around the city). Tours last around 3 hours.

13. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square cover numerous blocks along the waterfront and visiting this area is one of the most popular (touristy) things to do in the city. There are street performers, souvenir shops, and tons of overpriced restaurants. This is a good place to wander and explore for people watching, but don’t eat here. The food is overpriced and, to be honest, not that good. If you want to try some of the mouthwatering seafood that San Francisco is famous for, I liked Waterbar and the Anchor Oyster Bar.

14. See Muir Woods

Named after famed naturalist John Muir, Muir Woods is the closest place to San Francisco where you can see giant redwood trees (it’s just 17 miles/27 kilometeres outside of the city). You don’t get to encounter the huge, iconic redwoods (which are sequoias and further away at Sequoia National Park), but if you’re looking to see something close to the city, this is as good as it gets. Admission is $15 USD in addition to either a parking reservation ($9 USD) or a shuttle reservation ($3.50 USD round-trip). You can also do a guided tour with Get Your Guide for $89 USD (including transportation).

15. Explore Oakland

Just across the Bay Bridge, Oakland is considered the Brooklyn to San Francisco’s Manhattan. In recent years, Oakland has developed a niche for craft beer and specialty restaurants. There are tons of bars and breweries, and they even have their own “Ale Trail” if you want to wander the city and sample its best drinks. You can also visit Oakland Redwood Regional Park, Lake Merritt, or catch a baseball game at Oakland Coliseum. There’s a lot you can do in Oakland and you can easily spend a day or more here!

16. Visit the Beat Museum

Dedicated to the Beat Generation (the 1950s counter-culture), here you’ll find original manuscripts, rare books, letters, and more from authors like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Founded in 2003, the museum has over 1,000 pieces of memorabilia including Ginsberg’s typewriter and a first edition copy of Kerouac’s novel  The Town and the City . They also hold regular events (and walking tours) so check the website to see if anything is happening during your visit. Admission is $8 USD.

17. Visit Berkeley

Across the bay and close to Oakland is the city of Berkeley, home to music, hippies, students, and the University of California – Berkeley. Here you’ll find a plethora of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, street performers, and eclectic shops (including booths selling jewelry and other goods on the streets). Don’t miss the University of California Botanical Garden, which has over 10,000 plants! Admission is $15 USD and advance reservations are required.

For more information on other cities in the United States, check out these guides:

• Austin Travel Guide
• Boston Travel Guide
• Chicago Travel Guide
• Hawaii Travel Guide
• Las Vegas Travel Guide
• Los Angeles Travel Guide
• Miami Travel Guide
• New York City Travel Guide
• Philadelphia Travel Guide
• Seattle Travel Guide
• Washington D.C. Travel Guide

San Francisco Travel Costs

Hostel prices – In peak season, a bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs around $46-57 USD, while off-peak season costs $35-46 USD. For a dorm with 8-10 beds (or more), expect to pay $42-44 USD in peak season and $32-35 USD in off-peak season. Private double rooms cost $130-160 USD per night in peak season and $100-130 USD in off-peak season. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels have self-catering facilities. Quite a few of hostels include free breakfast as well.

Campgrounds are available outside the city starting at $30 USD per night for a basic plot for two people without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at $125 USD per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, AC, and a coffee/tea maker.

There are lots of Airbnb options in San Francisco. A private room averages about $105 USD per night while an entire home/apartment starts at $160 USD. Expect to pay double (or more) if you don’t book early.

Food – Although eating out here can be expensive (there are lots of fancy restaurants and rich techies driving the cost of food and rents up), you can keep your spending in check by going to the local supermarkets, markets, food trucks, and mom-and-pop restaurants. It’s easy to find street food like burritos and falafel for $10 USD. Pizza costs around $15 USD while fast food (think McDonald’s) is $10 USD for a combo meal.

Eating Chinese food is a must in San Francisco because it’s delicious and also less expensive than other choices. Expect to spend $10-15 USD for a main dish.

A meal at an inexpensive casual restaurant costs around $20 USD. A three-course meal with a drink costs closer to $50 USD (if not more).

There are lots of high-end dining options in San Francisco. You can find a 6-8 course tasting menu for about $150 USD (but some go for nearly double that). A plate of pasta or fish starts from about $20 USD, while a steak dinner costs about $45 USD. A glass of wine costs at least $12 USD.

Beer is around $8 USD, cocktails are $13-16 USD, and a latte/cappuccino is $5 USD. Bottled water is $2 USD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay around $60-70 USD per week for basics like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.

Two restaurants you shouldn’t miss are Naan ‘N’ Curry and Old Siam.

Backpacking San Francisco Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking San Francisco, expect to spend about $75 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like the parks and free walking tours. If you plan on drinking, add $10-20 USD per day to your budget.

A mid-range budget of $210 USD you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb room, eat out for most meals at Chinese restaurants and fast-food chains, have a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like museum visits and visiting Alcatraz.

On a “luxury” budget of about $390 or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to do some day trips, and do more guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

San Francisco Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. You’re going to spend a lot of money here if you go out a lot, see lots of attractions, and decide to drink. But, like any major city, there are lots of ways to cut costs if you know where to look. Here are some ways to save money in San Francisco:

• Get the CityPASS – Getting a city sightseeing card is always a good idea if you plan on seeing a lot of attractions. CityPASS is good for nine days and costs $76 USD. It includes admission to 4 of the city’s main attractions (California Academy of Sciences and Blue & Gold Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruise along with your choice of 2 others). If you want to see these more expensive attractions, this will save you money.
• Get a GoCity Pass – If you want a more inclusive option than the above CityPASS, GoCity offers all-inclusive options in 1-5-day increments. The one-day pass costs $67 USD while the 5-day pass is $156 USD.
• Eat cheap in Chinatown – San Francisco’s Chinatown has some of the best places to eat Chinese food (especially dim sum) in the country, with teahouses, bars, souvenir stalls, and fortune cookie makers. Eat your heart out here!
• Find the oyster happy hours – There are lots of restaurants that offer an oyster happy hour at least once a week for about $1-1.50 USD per oyster. Waterbar and Waterfront Restaurant are good places to start.
• Take a free walking tour – This is the best way to see the main sights on a budget. I always do one when I visit a new city. Free SF Tours has a great tour that provides a solid intro to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is the best way to meet locals and save money. You’ll get to meet a local whose brain you can pick for tips and suggestions all while getting a free place to stay. Just be sure to send your request well in advance.
• Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft are way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi.
• Fly into Oakland Airport (OAK) – OAK is nearly as close to downtown as SFO is and sometimes flights there are cheaper. Make sure you make a comparison before you book your trip.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Accommodation is extremely expensive in San Francisco. Before you book, make sure you have a hostel in the location where you want to spend most of your time. Here are some recommended places to stay in San Francisco:

• HI San Francisco – Downtown
• Green Tortoise Hostel
• HI San Francisco – Fisherman’s Wharf

How to Get Around San Francisco

Public transportation – The subway can get you all over the city, as well as to the airport and eastward to places like Oakland and Berkeley. Fares depend on where you’re going but cost at least $2.75 USD. You can use either a cash ticket or a Clipper card to tap in and tap out. Although the Clipper card is $3 USD to purchase, it’s cheaper in the long run because each regular ticket costs $0.50 USD more than a fare purchased with a Clipper card. You can also download the Clipper app, load your fare, and use tap-to-pay.

San Francisco’s bus system is even more extensive than the subway. If you want to save money, download the MuniMobile ticket app or use a Clipper card. One-way rides are $2.50 USD with the Clipper card or $3 USD cash (exact change is required).

You can also get a single-day Visitor Passport for unlimited use across the bus, cable car, and streetcar network. If you purchase the Visitor Passport through the MuniMobile app or Clipper card, it costs $13 USD. If you purchase a paper Visitor Passport, it costs $24 USD. A 3-day passport is $31 USD ($36 USD for paper), and a 7-day passport is $41 USD ($47 USD for paper).

Cable cars are a fun way to travel between the waterfront and Union Square. Their website (sfmta.com) has a listing of all routes and schedules. Single rides cost $8 USD, however, a Visitor Passport gives you unlimited rides.

The historic streetcars are an excellent way to see certain parts of San Francisco, especially the touristy places along the Embarcadero (which stops at Fisherman’s Wharf, the Ferry Building, etc.). Streetcars are part of the MUNI system, so prices are the same as for the bus.

Ferry – You can get a Golden Gate Transit ferry to Sausalito or Tiburon for $13.50 USD. A Blue and Gold Fleet ferry to Tiburon costs $14.25 USD. The ferry to Alcatraz is included with your ticket ($41 USD).

Bicycle – Bay Wheels (operated by Lyft) is San Francisco’s biggest bike-sharing program. To unlock a bike, it’s $3.49 USD, which includes 30 free minutes (past that, it’s a hefty $.30 per minute, which adds up quickly). When you’re using your Lyft app, you’ll see a bicycle icon show up on your app’s home screen when you’re in the bike service area. Just return your bicycle to the nearest Bay Wheels station when you’re done.

Taxis – Taxis are expensive. Everything is meter-based, starting at $3.50 USD and then an additional $3 USD per mile after that. Avoid them!

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a cab.

When to Go to San Francisco

Summer (June-August) is the busiest time of the year as people flock to Cali for some fun in the sun. The weather averages around 65-68°F (18-20°C) during this time.

Winter is an excellent time to come for the lowest accommodation prices and the least number of visitors. It can be chilly during this time, though, with temperatures averaging about 57°F (14°C) in December and January.

Personally, I think September-November is the best time to visit San Francisco. It offers warm temperatures (70°F/21°C) but with much fewer crowds compared to the summer.

Spring starts out cool and rainy, but temperatures eventually get a bit more comfortable, ranging from 57-64°F (14-18°C) from the beginning and end of the season.

Regardless of the time of year, bring some rain gear and pack some warm clothing for when temperatures dip.

How to Stay Safe in San Francisco

San Francisco is a relatively safe place to travel but you have to keep a vigilant eye. Petty theft is the most common crime here, with a particularly high rate of car break-ins. If you have a rental car , make sure it is locked at all times. Don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Keep an extra eye out at night.

Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially while taking crowded public transportation.

If you’re concerned about getting ripped off, you can read about common scams to avoid here (there aren’t many here though).

Unfortunately, there’s a serious drug and homeless problem in San Francisco though, and there’s no way to sugarcoat this situation. It’s not uncommon for visitors to witness drug use in the streets, as well as mental health episodes. The city is making moves to resolve these issues, but you’ll still need to stay aware of your surroundings. The soituation has only gotten worse since COVID and, while there’s not a lot violence, you’re going to be careful of where you walk, especially at night.

The Tenderloin (one of the city’s neighborhoods) is especially known for its street drug activity, and it’s near enough to the city’s touristy areas that you might find yourself in the neighborhood at some point. You’re better off avoiding this area altogether at night (especially the intersection of Turk and Taylor).

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

San Francisco Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

San Francisco Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local

The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

Where to Stay in Miami: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Spend 24 Hours in Raleigh, North Carolina

The 6 Best Hotels in Austin

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The best things to do in San Francisco right now

From Mission burrito joints to laid-back wine bars, here are the best things to do in San Francisco right now.

San Francisco is a city like none other—its charming streets, famous landmarks, sweeping views,  world-class restaurants , boundless nature and vibrant culture make it one of the most beloved places to visit in the world. While the city's top tourist attractions, like the Golden Gate Bridge  and  Alcatraz  are worth seeing—if you want to experience the city like a local, we have you covered.

From eating burritos  in the Mission to rooftop bar hopping  to hanging out on a sunny day at Dolores Park , we have rounded up the best ways to truly get a taste of this wonderful city. So, grab a sweater to keep you cozy and some sneaks to get you up our iconic hills, and get ready to leave your heart in San Francisco. 

RECOMMENDED: The best museums in San Francisco

This guide was updated by San Francisco-based writer Clara Hogan . At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

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Best things to do in San Francisco

1.  Presidio Tunnel Tops

What is it:  An expansive new park  opened in 2022  on  top of the Presidio Parkway highway tunnels,  connecting the Presidio to the Crissy Field waterfront—designed by the same people behind New York's High Line. 

Why go:   The 14-acre federal parkland offers tons of green space by the water and is now  one of the best spots to take in views of the  Golden Gate Bridge . If you have kids in tow, they'll love the Outpost, a natural-themed playground, and the Field Station, where they can draw butterflies, discover maps and get hands-on with science.

2.  Rooftop bar hopping

What is it?  Take in sweeping views of San Francisco and the bay with a craft cocktail in hand.

Why go? Rooftop bars  used to be hard to come by in the city—until recently. The past few years have brought a series of sky-high venues that are now some of the hottest places to drink in town. Personal favorites include the recently reopened Starlite , a nearly 100-year-old cocktail bar on the 21st floor of the Beacon Grand Hotel. Other hot spots include  Cavaña , a Latin American-inspired bar in Mission Bay, and Rise Over Run , a lush drinking destination on the top floor of the LINE Hotel.

3.  Golden Gate Bridge

• Things to do

What is it?  The world’s most photographed bridge (and for good reason). 

Why go?  The iconic 746-foot-tall orange towers of the Golden Gate Bridge have stood sentinel over the San Francisco Bay since 1937. Even when shrouded in fog, the bridge never fails to impress. The view is spectacular when passing over this span, with cityscapes on one side, nature on the other, and a beautiful shock of blue below. Come prepared wearing extra layers; Karl the Fog doesn’t mess around when it comes to the Golden Gate. 

4.  Ferry Building Marketplace

What is it?  San Francisco's largest farmers market and beloved permanent home for local artisan producers. 

Why go?  Waiting inside the historic Ferry Building are merchants like Dandelion Chocolate and Fort Point Beer Co., but for three days a week, the real action is found outdoors. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 2pm, and Saturdays from 8am until 2pm, regional farmers and ranchers converge to hock fresh veggies, flowers, meats, and other small-batch beauties. On market days, the food stalls give indoor brick-and-mortar restaurants a serious run for their money.

5.  North Beach

What is it? Dubbed San Francisco's "Little Italy," North Beach is one of San Francisco's oldest and most loved neighborhoods.

Why go?  With European-style cafe seating, iconic bookstore City Lights , and buzzy coffee shops, a day in North Beach is a day well spent. Dine at Italian-American classics like Original Joe's  (open for more than 100 years), Tony's Pizza Napoletana or  Café Zoetrope .

Don't miss:  Stop by for a glass of wine or two at  Waystone , a delightfully unpretentious wine bar that's quickly become a local favorite. 

6.  Alcatraz

• Walks and tours
• San Francisco

What is it? A former maximum-security prison in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. 

Why go? Converted from a lighthouse station to a military prison in the 1870s, Alcatraz  is a formidable fortress in the middle of San Francisco Bay that was home to the early 20th century’s most notorious criminals. Today, you’ll only make it to “The Rock” via ferry from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. Once there, the self-guided audio cell house tour narrated by former inmates and guards will fill you in on harrowing escape attempts, prison riots, and the 19-month-long occupation of the site by Native Americans demanding reparation for broken treaties in 1969. 

Don’t miss: To get a more creepy bang for your buck, try a night tour. Plan to spend about three hours round trip and bring a jacket to protect you from heavy year-round fog and the agonized spirits of the island’s former residents. 

7.  Have a spa day

What is it?  Unwind at one of the city's best day spas.

Why go?  San Francisco has a spa for everyone. Looking to splurge? Book a treatment at the Bamford Wellness Spa , followed by an outdoor bath soak on the rooftop terrace. Looking for more amenities? Head to the more approachable  Burke Williams Day Spa , which features a large selection of treatments in addition to a jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. Up for experiencing something new—with a side of nudity?  Archimedes Banya  is a massive co-ed bathhouse that blends wellness rituals from around the world. 

Don't miss:  A quick pop-in for a foot rub at one of the many Chinatown massage shops.

8.  Treat yourself to a fancy dinner

What is it?  After the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars, San Francisco may be most famous for its incredible restaurant scene. 

Why go?  Book a reservation at one of San Francisco's many Michelin-starred restaurants  for a dining experience that's sure to blow you away—including the city's newest star earners,  Aphotic and Nari . If you're looking for a memorable prix fixe experience without shelling out a small fortune, try newcomer 7 Adams , which offers a five-course tasting menu for $87 from Michelin-starred chef David Fisher and partner Chef Serena Chow Fisher.

9.  Chinatown

What is it?  The oldest and most storied enclave of Chinese immigrants outside of Asia.

Why go?  After passing through the Dragon Gate at the corner of Bush Street and Grant Avenue, get revved to explore Chinatown 's historic buildings, pocket parks, and shops. Considered the birthplace of American Chinese food like chop suey and fortune cookies, as well as credited with introducing dim sum to the Western palate, you'd be remiss not to stop for a bite at an eatery like   Good Mong Kok Bakery .

Don’t miss:  The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory  (56 Ross Alley) , where some 20,000 fortune cookies are made every day—folded by hand as they come off an ancient-looking cookie conveyor belt.

10.  PIER 39 + Fisherman's Wharf

• Fisherman's Wharf

What is it? Where you can   see a plethora of playful, barking California sea lions. 

Why go?  It wasn’t until after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that sea lions began “hauling out” on K dock at Pier 39 . Why they chose this location is a mystery, but the protected bay, teeming with the fish and squid pinnipeds prefer, has kept them coming back for 30 years. Watch the group, mostly made up of younger males, frolic all year long from the wooden walkway behind Pier 39.    

11.  Mission burritos

What is it?  SF’s quintessential dish. 

Why go?  It is common knowledge that burritos, as we know them today, are an American invention. And no burrito is more famous than SF’s Mission-style burrito formed in the '60s. There is still some debate as to who created the first Mission-style burrito.  Taqueria La Cumbre  is generally credited with the creation—they introduced the tortilla-wrapped combination of beans, rice, meat, and cheese in 1969. Their neighborhood competitor,  El Faro  (2399 Folsom St) , also claims to have originated the delicacy, serving it up to local firefighters as early as 1961. If you want the best, though, head to  La Taqueria (2989 Mission St), which consistently appears on top restaurant lists year after year thanks to its behemoth, rice-free foil-wrapped bombs.

12.  Golden Gate Park

• Golden Gate Park

What is it?  Twenty percent larger than New York’s Central Park and just as iconic, Golden Gate Park is 1,000-plus acres of rolling hills, groves of trees, gardens, and hidden treasures. 

Why go? Golden Gate Park  houses some of San Francisco’s most beloved institutions—the Victorian-era glass-ensconced Conservatory of Flowers, the de Young Fine Arts Museum, and the Academy of Sciences, among them—as well as less famous attractions such as the bison paddock, Shakespeare’s Garden and the north and south windmills. On Sundays, the main drive is closed to cars. Bicyclists, rollerskaters, and eager Lindy Hop aficionados take over the streets. 

Don’t miss:  Snacks can be found throughout the park, but for a meal, the  Beach Chalet  and  Park Chalet  on the park’s western edge offer lovely views and house-brewed beer.

13.  Lombard Street

What is it? One of the most famous sights in the city is  Lombard Street , also known as the "Crookedest Street in San Francisco."

Why go? The zig-zag road makes eight sharp turns across Russian Hill—start at the top for a great view and walk down the steps to take in the surrounding mansions and gaze upward. Or if you have a car, you can try the drive for yourself. Tip: The Hyde Street cable car will drop you off at the top of the street.

14.  The Painted Ladies

• Alamo Square

What is it?  Colorful Victorian and Edwardian houses, many of which feature three or more colors. 

Why go?  The most famous ones—there are hundreds of houses—can be found in NoPa, the Lower Haight, Haight-Ashbury, and Cole Valley neighborhoods. But there’s one row, in particular, so iconic that it’s simply referred to as “the Painted Ladies” (or sometimes “Postcard Row”): the houses of 710-720 Steiner Street at the corner of Hayes Street. These gals have appeared in an estimated 70 movies, ads, and TV shows, including, yes,  Full House . You can’t enter the Painted Ladies (real people live there), but you can get a great view and a photo of your own from the east-facing hillside of Alamo Square across the street. 

15.  Dolores Park

What is it?  Once a Jewish cemetery, today Dolores Park is one of San Francisco’s favorite warm-weather destinations.

Why go?  It may be miles from the ocean, but sunny Mission Dolores Park might just be the most popular 'beach' in San Francisco. Any weekend above 60 degrees and every green inch of the park is guaranteed to be packed with barbecues, locals lounging on inflatable couches, hula-hoopers, and tightrope walkers. Recently expanded restrooms and an updated playground for little ones make the convergence a little more comfortable. The southwest slope offers the best views of the downtown skyline and a variety of manscaping on what is known as the 'Fruit Shelf'.   

16.  Palace of Fine Arts

• Event spaces
• Marina District

What is it? Local architect Bernard Maybeck's pièce de résistance, this Greco-Roman rotunda is one of the only surviving structures from the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Why go? You will feel like you have stepped onto a movie set watching the swans skim across the reflections of the Greco-Roman columns and rotunda of the Palace of Fine Arts . Originally constructed of wood and burlap for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition, the structures were so beloved they were preserved and rebuilt in the 1960s. Bonus: The Palace is an easy, descending walk from the also-picturesque Lyon Street Steps.

17.  Daily Driver

What is it?  The city's first urban creamery, where you can see butter, cream cheese and cheese made fresh daily. 

Why go? A perfect first stop in your day's activities, Daily Driver offers wood-fired bagels, paired with its hand-batted organic butter and cream cheese, plus small batch coffee. Gobble down your bagel, and then watch the butter and cheese making in action. You can even take more to go. 

18.  City Lights Bookstore

• price 2 of 4

What is it?  For more than 60 years, City Lights bookstore has been a beacon of free speech and radical ideas. 

Why go?  Co-founded in 1953 by poet-artist Lawrence Ferlinghetti, City Lights is where Allen Ginsberg’s  Howl & Other Poems  was first published, putting the Beat Generation on the map. The creaky wooden shop and publishing house is still a center of progressive politics and indie-literary voices, which it stocks alongside a huge inventory of new and used fiction and nonfiction.

Don’t miss:  You’ll find the shop on the corner of Jack Kerouac Alley (so named after being renovated and reopened to the public in 2007) and across from  Vesuvio Cafe , the bar where Kerouac, Neal Cassady, and other Beat heavyweights once held court. 

19.  San Francisco Botanical Garden

What is it?  Seasonal blooms bring new life and color to this beautiful garden. 

Why go?  The 75-year-old San Francisco Botanical Garden sprawls across 55 acres in Golden Gate Park. While the native plants are plentiful, it's known for its assortment of flora from around the world, including the forests of Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia. The garden claims the fourth most significant collection of magnolias on the planet. Wander amid mosaic-paved trails and stone-laden paths, and you'll find the ancient plant garden, a quiet redwood grove, the rhododendron garden, and the dwarf conifer pond.

Don't miss:  One of the most popular areas is the Garden of Fragrance, where plaques encourage visitors to sniff sweet-smelling plants like cascading rosemary, rockrose, lemon verbena, chamomile, and lavender.   

20.  The Buena Vista

What is it?  The birthplace of the Irish Coffee. 

Why go?  Although the Buena Vista has been slinging drinks for seafaring folk since 1916, it wasn’t until 1952 that the cafe got its big break. That year Joe Sheridan, an Irish chef, invented the Irish Coffee. These days, the restaurant’s white-jacketed bartenders serve up to 2,000 of the froth and whiskey concoctions daily from behind the long, mahogany bar. 

Don’t miss:  Alongside their specialty, the Buena Vista has a menu featuring a variety of seafood options like clam chowder and Dungeness crab cocktail, befitting its Fisherman’s Wharf location. 

21.  Japanese Tea Garden

What is it?  The oldest public Japanese gardens in the country are at the heart of Golden Gate Park.

Why go?  The Japanese gardens burst with color and beauty in the early spring as maples flame and cherry blossoms bud. Walk stone paths through manicured terraces, through pagodas, and over the impossibly arched drum bridge, or meditate on the zen garden before heading to the picturesque Tea House for a cuppa.

Don’t miss:  For over a century, the Tea House has served fortune cookies, believed to be the first to be introduced to the United States. They are still on the menu, tucked into cookie plates and bowls of arare.  

22.  Urban hikes

What is it?  Unusually for a modern American metropolis, San Francisco is crisscrossed with dozens of hiking trails .

Why go?  Some treks like the Creek to Peaks trail at Glen Canyon Park traverse steep, rocky terrain. Others, such as the Presidio’s Bay Ridge Trail, are better suited for a leisurely wander. Whatever level of difficulty you choose, your path will expose you to the city’s natural landscape, which rivals the built one that made it famous in beauty. Still have energy? The trails at Mt. Davidson, Lands End, Bernal Heights Park, and Buena Vista Park are also very popular.

23.  San Francisco Whale Tours

What is it?  A short boat ride out of San Francisco Bay affords you a front-row seat to one of the most spectacular wildlife migrations when some 20,000 gray whales travel south in January and back north in the early spring months.  

Why go?  From April through November, humpbacks and blue whales—the largest animals to have ever lived—frequent these anchovy-rich waters.  San Francisco Whale Tours  and the  Oceanic Society  offer tours led by expert naturalists.  

Don’t miss:  For the more seaworthy, full-day expeditions circle the Farallon Islands, home to massive breeding colonies of sleek Common Murres and clownish Tufted Puffins. Round that out with seals and sea lions, dolphins, killer whales, and the peculiar ocean sunfish, and you’ll feel like David Attenborough for a day. 

24.  The Presidio

What is it?  A former military base boasting more than two square miles of swaying eucalyptus trees and gorgeous views. 

Why go?  From the oceanside Crissy Field with its immaculate views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz to the Disney Museum on the Main Post, and from the abandoned military forts on the shore to the Yoda monument, the Presidio  is full of surprises. Hike or bike around this park, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and larger than Golden Gate Park, or take the free  PresidiGo shuttle .

Don’t miss:  Check out the Presidio's buzzy new restaurant openings, Mediterranean restaurant Dalida  and casual Italian-inspired cafe, Il Parco . 

25.  Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Café

What is it?  At the flagship Boudin Bakery on Fisherman’s Wharf, tangy loaves are still made from a mother dough first cultivated here in 1849.

Why go?  Discovered by Gold Rush-era bakers, sourdough became so beloved so quickly that miners seeking their fortune in the nearby Sierra Nevadas snuggled up to their yeast starters (“mothers”) on cold nights to keep them alive. The bacteria responsible for the sour flavor,  lactobacillus sanfranciscensis,  has since even been named after the city—and this is  the  place to sample sourdough, period. 

Don’t miss:  Watching the bread-making process from the railing overlooking the showcase kitchen, sampling it at the café, and buying a few loaves to bring home with you. 

26.  Mission murals

What is it? The Mission District ’s alleys and buildings are decorated with over 200 distinct murals, many reflecting the neighborhood’s Latino heritage and themes of social justice. 

Why go? Thanks in large part to the efforts of artist Susan Cervantes and the Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center , you’ll find the most concentrated outdoor galleries at Caledonia Alley (at 15th Street), Clarion Alley (at Valencia Street), Balmy Alley (at 24th Street), Horace Alley (at 25th Street), Cypress and Lilac Alleys (at 26th Street) and Osage Alley (at 25th Street).  Keep an eye out for Mary Nash’s Las Milagrosas: Tribute to Women Artists  on Balmy Alley.

27.  Dispensaries

What is it?  A new "crop" of recreational cannabis dispensaries with lounges for on-site smoking.

Why go?  Since recreational marijuana use became legal in 2018, San Francisco’s weed dispensaries have slowly ramped up to offer not just ever-wider varieties of edible and smokable strains but full-on Amsterdam-inspired weed cafes. (Architectural Digest even named  Apothecarium  one of the best-designed dispensaries in the country). At the  Barbary Coast Dispensary , the brick-walled bud bar and damask wallpapered lounge channel Gold Rush-era San Francisco. Try the dabs on tap or purchase a pre-rolled joint to smoke in the high-backed leather booths. Volcano vaporizers laid out on tables at SoMa’s  Sparc  are available for quick sit-and-hit or longer stays. 

28.  Tartine Bakery

• Mission Dolores
• price 3 of 4

What is it?  A Mission bakery where you can munch on tried-and-true pie varieties baked to perfection, from the creamy pumpkin to the oat-walnut crumble-topped apple.

Why go? Tartine ’s master bakers, husband and wife team Chad Robertson and Liz Prueitt, have taken home numerous local and national awards for their rustic approach to pastry and bread. The line around the block of food lovers seeking heavenly Croque monsieurs, fresh fruit bread puddings, frangipane tarts, and their famous crusty country bread hasn’t budged since the bakery opened in 2002. And it is still worth the wait. 

Don’t miss:  Don't have time to queue? At Tartine Manufactory, you will find Robertson and Prueitt’s beloved baked goods along with some of the city’s best artisan ice cream, coffee, and more. 

29.  Angel Island

What is it? The Ellis Island of the West.  

Why go? Angel Island  is a hidden gem that serves a perfect mix of history and nature for an easy day trip from the city. Tour the U.S. Immigration Station, where over a million Chinese immigrants were processed from 1910 to 1940 and sometimes detained for years. (Chinese poetry can still be seen carved into the walls of the barracks.) Afterward, hike to the summit of Mt. Livermore, bike the 5-mile Perimeter Trail, or take a break at several picnic sites.   

30.  Divisadero Street

What is it?  What Valencia Street was to the Mission 10 years ago, Divisadero Street is to the Alamo Square/NoPa—a corridor filled with some of the city's best eateries and bars with more on the way.

Why go?  There are so many fantastic restaurants and bars packed into these six blocks of Divisadero Street you'll have trouble choosing your favorites. For brunch or a light snack, try  Brenda's Meat and Three , which serves some of the city's best soul food, or  The Mill  for freshly baked toast and  Four Barrell coffee . At dinner, head to Italian favorite  Che Fico  or the original neighborhood dining powerhouse,  NoPa . For drinks, try cocktail bar  Horsefeather  or  Club Waziema , an Ethiopian restaurant with a beloved dive bar up front.

31.  Breweries

• Potrero Hill

What is it?  The Bay Area has a bevy of intoxicating options for suds savants. 

Why go?  Sipping your way through SF's famed breweries might be the best (or at least buzziest) way to spend an afternoon. There's  Almanac Beer Co.  (known for its farm-to-barrel brewing techniques),  Anchor Brewing Company  (a pioneer dating back to 1896),  Fort Point Beer  (an expert in low-ABV brews), and many other great breweries that will keep any hops-head happy. 

32.  Dogpatch

• Ice cream parlors

What is it?  Once an industrial neighborhood, the Dogpatch is reinventing itself as a go-to for craft brewers, wine bars, and cocktail experimentation.

Why go?  Where should we start? Breweries? Sure, the Dogpatch has those. Cocktails are on order at the drinks-and-jerky bar  Third Rail  and the lounge  School Night  atop event space The Pearl. You can also  take a deep dive into the classic Victorian stylings of  The Sea Star . 

Don’t miss:  Ungrafted , an industrial-cool, family-friendly wine bar with a menu of grown-up comfort food.

33.  Colorful stairways

What is it?  Nearly 400 different stairways , some of them built more than a century ago, connecting San Francisco’s 42 hills.

Why go?  These steep passageways not only get you off the grid but offer some of the city’s best views, from the 290-step Lyon Street stairway (between Green Street and Broadway) to the delightful, garden-accented Pemberton Steps (starting at Corbett and Clay Streets). On Moraga Street in the Inner Sunset 163 mosaic tiled steps connect 15th and 16th Avenues. Macondray Lane (off Leavenworth St between Union and Green Sts) inspired Armistead Maupin’s secretive, leafy green Barbary Lane in his  Tales of the City  series. 

Don’t miss:  The Filbert Street Steps, arguably the most spectacular of them all, climb through tropical gardens from the bottom of Sansome Street to Coit Tower in North Beach.

34.  Tony’s Pizza Napoletana

• North Beach

What is it?  Tony Gemignani, the first American to win the World Champion Pizza Maker title in Naples, has made his namesake pizzeria one of North Beach’s top destination dining spots.  

Why go?  Don't come to Tony's Pizza Napoletana  looking for New York-style pizza. This is Gemignani's paean to Napoli, complete with ten different kinds of pizza baked in seven different ovens, ranging in temperature from 550 to 1,000 degrees. Crowds line up sometimes hours to sample one of these perfectly blistered creations. And there are no reservations, so put in your name and be prepared to wait. 

Don’t miss:  Heavenly Tomato Pie, with hand-crushed tomato sauce and cooked in a coal-fired oven, and the Margherita, with San Felice-flour dough and San Marzano tomatoes. 

35.  San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

• Art and design
• Yerba Buena

What is it? SFMOMA  is the stylish go-to for top-notch modern art. 

Why go?  Reopened to much fanfare in May 2016, this new-and-improved institution features a ten-story 170,000-square-foot addition that nearly triples the space of its original Mario Botta-designed building. On display alongside favorites from the museum’s permanent collection are sixteen special exhibition galleries, works specially commissioned for the new museum, and 45,000 square feet of ground-floor exhibits.

36.  San Francisco Cable Cars

What is it?  A chance to take in Nob Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf, Russian Hill, and the bay while hanging off the running boards Doris-Day-style. 

Why go?  In the late 1800s, San Francisco’s cable cars ran 23 routes to move people around the city’s 49 square miles. Today, though most locals have switched to more efficient modes of public transportation to get around, a ride on one of the three remaining cable car lines is still a classic San Francisco treat. Hop aboard one of these and a National Historic Landmark and shoot back to simpler times.  

Don’t miss:  Make a stop at the  Cable Car Museum  at Mason and Washington Streets to learn more about the history of the cars and get a glimpse of the giant wheels turning the underground cables that power 'em.   

37.  Exploratorium

• Science and technology

What is it?  A massive museum for the child in everyone.

Why go?  At its home on the Embarcadero waterfront, the Exploratorium  uses play and experimentation to introduce visitors to scientific principles. From the storage lockers that play tones when you touch them to the outdoor fog bridge by artist Fujiko Nakaya, everything in the museum is hands-on. New exhibits appear regularly, but even the museum’s most beloved mainstays—the Sweeper's Clock, a fascinating movie loop in which two street sweepers keep time by pushing around piles of trash; the toothpick diorama of San Francisco; and the Tactile Dome, a sensory-deprivation crawl-through maze—are worth returning for again and again. 

Don’t miss:  Upstairs on the second floor, the glass and steel Bay Observatory and the sustainable seafood restaurant Seaglass , which offers stunning views of the Bay.

38.  Stern Grove Festival

• Music venues

What is it?  The longest-running non-profit music festival in the country, these   free weekly concerts in the summer at Stern Grove take place in the middle of a eucalyptus forest.

Why go?  A summer of free shows at this idyllic outdoor amphitheater in Golden Gate Park featuring major names from across the music industry. Keep an eye out for the lineup; it is guaranteed to be stellar.  

39.  Oracle Park

• Sports and fitness
• South Beach

What is it?  Overlooking the bay, Oracle Park is home to the San Francisco Giants.

Why go?  With over 700 Wi-Fi access points, the park is one of the largest public wireless hotspots in the world. It was the first Major League ballpark to receive LEED Silver Certification. It was ranked the Most Vegetarian-Friendly Ballpark by PETA in 2014, 2011, 2006, and 2005. And it is where Kanye West proposed to Kim Kardashian in 2014. Sure, things eventually turned sour, but they'll always have Oracle Park. 

Don't miss:  Grab a perfectly greasy slice of Tony's Pizza, a North Beach classic joint. 

40.  California Academy of Sciences

What is it?  An incredible showcase of all things science. 

Why go?  The Cal Academy  offers a bit of everything for science-loving folks. Budding marine biologists should make a beeline for the Steinhart Aquarium, which takes up the entire lower floor and has exhibits like the world’s deepest living coral reef. Are you into ecology? Check out a four-story living rainforest that boasts butterflies, birds, and a variety of tropical plants. The living roof is home to 1.7 million native plant species.

Don't miss:  The Morrison Planetarium is state-of-the-art and great for aspiring astronomers. 

41.  San Francisco Symphony

• Civic Center
• price 4 of 4

What is it?  Whether you’re a classical music connoisseur or can’t tell Bach from Beethoven, you’ll find something to love about the San Francisco Symphony’s film nights . 

Why go? Watching a Hollywood movie on the big screen while a full orchestra performs the score is the ultimate surround sound and a glimpse of movie magic. It’s also a high-wire act for the musicians who have to stay in perfect sync scene to scene while channeling adrenaline and shmaltz.

42.  Coit Tower

What is it?  Added to the San Francisco skyline in 1933, this monumental love letter to the city remains an iconic welcome for travelers westbound across the Bay Bridge. 

Why go?  Named for Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy eccentric whose $118,000 bequest to the city resulted in Coit Tower 's construction, the tapered, fluted tower stands 180 feet tall at the crest of Telegraph Hill. At the top is the tower’s observation deck with 360-degree views of San Francisco and the Bay. 

Don’t miss:  A rotunda at its base, covered in Depression-era WPA murals depicting socialist images painted by more than two dozen artists, some of whom studied under Diego Rivera.  

43.  TreasureFest

What is it?  A festival held on Treasure Island on the last weekend of each mont with live music, food vendors and amazing views.   Why go? The rebrand to TreasureFest from Treasure Island Flea is a fitting upgrade for this kid- and dog-friendly outdoor extravaganza. Expect handcrafted jewelry and ceramics, vintage clothing, antique art, and furnishings. Sip a sangria, show off your pooch, and hunt for that perfect pair of vintage Levi’s. Bring cash for extra haggling power.

44.  Castro Theatre

• Movie theaters
• Independent

Note: The theater is currently closed as it undergoes renovations.

What is it?  The chance to dress up and catch a show at a historic LGBTQ+ community landmark.

Why go?  The Castro Theatre  always has a full entertainment line-up, so check the calendar. Catch an indie flick, attend a podcast pop-up or see a comedy show—no matter what you book tickets for, you'll be in awe of the beauty of this architectural gem. 

Don't miss:  What started out as an excuse for Castro District denizens to don dirndl dresses and do their best Julie Andrews impressions has blossomed into regular sing-along sessions to some of the biggest live-action and Disney musicals of the last 100 years, including  Grease ,  The Little Mermaid ,  West Side Story , and  Frozen . 

45.  Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar

What is it?  A kitschy, island-themed Tiki Bar born in the Bay Area.

Why go?  The tiki kitsch is at its best at the historic Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar , where the walls drip with tropical storms and a band plays on a floating island in the middle of what was once the pool of the Fairmont Hotel.

Don't miss:  Local band the Island Groove, who plays nightly at 7pm ($15 cover)

46.  El Rio LGBTQ bar

• Bernal Heights
• price 1 of 4

What is it?  The chance to take in San Fran's rich LGBTQ culture (and a few drinks). 

Why go?  San Francisco—home of the country's first openly gay elected official (Harvey Milk), the birthplace of the rainbow flag, and the first city in the United States to legalize gay marriage—remains a major LGBTQ epicenter. While the Castro serves as the community’s beloved home with plenty of gay-friendly bars, for great live music, try Bernal Heights’ Latin-themed former Brazilian leather-cum-lesbian bar, El Rio .

Don't miss: Daily happy hour from 4-7pm with $1 off well drinks and draft beers

47.  Church of 8 Wheels

• Lower Haight

What is it?  An old church where you can roller skate to funky beats. 

Why go?  Each weekend at the Church of 8 Wheels  Godfather of skate, D. Miles, Jr., holds the 'rolliest' of services at the Church of 8 Wheels. Strap on some skates (available for rent for $5) and join the Holy Rollers, the groovy costume-wearing regulars, beneath the twinkling mirror ball. It is the most spiritual of skating experiences.

Don’t miss:  Want to take the party outside? On Fridays, the Rollers host an alfresco 12-mile skate. It all kicks off at Ferry Plaza. 

48.  Musée Mécanique

• Special interest

What is it?  An homage to turn-of-the-century mechanization, with more than 200 coin-operated games.

Why go?  A museum in name only, everything at the Musée Mécanique can, and should, be played with. Many of these amusements were salvaged from San Francisco’s now-defunct seaside amusement park, Playland at the Beach. Gypsy fortune tellers, giant moving dioramas, can-can-girl stereoscopes, carnival strength testers, player pianos, and a looming Laughing Sal (the cackling Playland greeter) are just as amusing for adults as they are for kids. 

Don’t miss:  When you’ve had your fill of fun, check out the earthquake memorabilia and early photos of San Francisco along the walls of the arcade.

49.  Audium Theater of Sound

What is it?  A one-of-a-kind theater for blowing your sonic mind. 

Why go? Inside the Audium , t hroughout a two-hour performance, theater-goers are left in darkness to be bathed in “sound sculptures” from the 176 speakers surrounding the circular 49-seat theater. The sound calls attention to its speed and movement, but any more than that is hard to explain; you’ll just have to experience it yourself.

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The 16 best things to do in San Francisco

Feb 5, 2024 • 9 min read

From riding cable cars to exploring the city's food scene, these are the essential things to do on a visit to San Francisco © lechatnoir / Getty Images

Famously beautiful,  San Francisco  is one of the most filmed, photographed (and shared on social networks) cities in the world. It’s even better in real life.

Pictures can never capture the taste of mouthwatering, farm-fresh dishes, the clang of the cable car and the truly joyous celebrations of individuality you’ll find on any visit here. But where do you start your urban exploration? From world-class museums to the best in LGBTIQ+ culture and incredible city vistas, here are the best things to do on any visit to San Francisco.

1. Admire the Golden Gate Bridge from these vantage points

Other suspension bridges are impressive feats of engineering, but the Golden Gate Bridge tops them all for its razzle-dazzle. On sunny days, this American icon transfixes crowds with its radiant glow (there are great views from Crissy Field ), made possible by the work of 28 daredevil painters who reapply around 1000 gallons of International Orange paint each week. To inspect their work, duck under the bridge into Fort Point , make your way to the roof and look up: you’ll notice that even on the underbelly of the bridge, not a single rivet is allowed to get rusty.

Planning tip:  Head to the Marin County end of the bridge as the late-afternoon fog rolls in, and you’ll witness the ultimate magic show: now you see the Golden Gate Bridge, now you don’t. Return tomorrow for its dramatic unveiling, just in time for the morning commute.

2. Explore the attractions of Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park seems to contain just about everything San Franciscans love about their city, from bonsai and buffalo to flowers, free music and free spirits. The  de Young Museum  offers superb exhibitions of fine art in a striking contemporary building designed by Herzog & de Meuron, while the nearby  California Academy of Sciences  is a research institute and fabulous natural history museum complete with its own rainforest and aquarium. The park is also home to the  San Francisco Botanical Garden , Japanese Tea Garden , Conservatory of Flowers and Stow Lake . Today, everything SF needs is here: inspiration, nature and murals.

Planning tip:  With its myriad attractions, you could wander the park for a week and still not see them all. Select a few, take your time, and end your day enjoying the sunset over the Pacific with a fresh-brewed beer at the Beach Chalet .

3. Photograph the Mission’s 400+ street murals

Love changed the course of art history in the 1930s when modern-art power couple Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo honeymooned in San Francisco. Kahlo completed her first portrait commissions during her time in the city, while Rivera created public masterpieces that inspired generations of San Francisco muralists. Today San Francisco’s Mission District is an urban-art showstopper, featuring more than 400 murals throughout the neighborhood .

Planning tip: Head to  Balmy Alley for some of the oldest murals, while 24th St and the landmark San Francisco Women’s Building are covered with glorious portrayals of community pride and political dissent.

4. Browse the iconic City Lights Books

Free speech and free spirits have rejoiced since 1957, when City Lights founder and poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and manager Shigeyoshi Murao won a landmark ruling defending their right to publish Allen Ginsberg's magnificent epic poem Howl . Celebrate your freedom to read freely in the designated Poet’s Chair upstairs, overlooking Jack Kerouac Alley. Then load up on zines on the mezzanine and entertain radical ideas downstairs in the new “Pedagogies of Resistance” section.

5. Jump on a cable car – and hold tight

Carnival rides can’t compare to the time-traveling thrills of the  cable car , San Francisco’s steampunk mode of public transport. As the rickety wagons ascend notoriously steep streets, first-timers slide into strangers’ laps – cable cars were invented in 1873, long before seat belts – as regulars just grip the leather hand straps, leaning back and riding the downhill plunges like pro surfers. Follow their lead, and you’ll soon master the San Francisco stance and find yourself conquering the city’s hills without even breaking a sweat.

6. Be inspired at the Asian Art Museum

Inspiration can be found across three floors spanning 6000 years of Asian art at this inspiring museum. Visitors can take in everything from meditative Tibetan mandalas to palace-intrigue Mughal miniatures, with stops to admire intricate Islamic geometric tile work, giddy arrays of Chinese snuff bottles and an entire Japanese minimalist teahouse. Besides the largest collection of Asian art outside Asia – 18,000-plus works – the Asian Art Museum offers excellent all-ages programs, from shadow-puppet shows to DJ mixers. Expanded ground-floor galleries host groundbreaking contemporary installations, from Jean Shin’s melted cell phone towers to teamLAB’s immersive Tokyo dreamscapes.

7. Savor California food culture at the Ferry Building

Global food trends start in San Francisco. To sample tomorrow’s menu today, head to the Ferry Building , the city’s monument to trailblazing local, sustainable food. Don’t miss the Saturday farmers market , where top chefs jostle for the first pick of rare heirloom varietals, and foodie babies blissfully teethe on organic California peaches.

Planning tip: Take a trip to Pier 14, where you can make a picnic from food truck finds as you overlook the sparkling bay – and let lunch and life exceed expectations.

8. Tour Alcatraz, the notorious island prison

From its 19th-century founding as a jail for Civil War deserters and Native American dissidents until its closure by Robert Kennedy in 1963, Alcatraz was America’s most notorious penitentiary. With easy access from the city, a thrilling and unexpected history, daring tales of thwarted escape attempts and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, “the Rock” garners 1.4 million visitors each year. Freedom will never feel so good as it will on the return ferry to San Francisco, only 1.25 miles across the bay’s riptides.

Planning tip:  For maximum chill factor, book the spooky night tour .

9. Duck down the backstreets of Chinatown

Enter Dragon’s Gate to saunter down Chinatown’s main tourist drag, Grant Ave. It's hard to believe this pagoda-topped, souvenir-shop-packed strip was once the wildest spot in the West – at least until you see the fascinating displays at the Chinese Historical Society of America . Walk Waverly Place , Chinatown’s soul, lined with flag-festooned, colorful temple balconies and family-run businesses. Then duck into Chinatown’s historic alleyways to glimpse a neighborhood that’s survived against daunting odds, listening for mah-jongg tiles, temple gongs and Chinese orchestras as you wander the backstreets.

Local tip: Finish your tour by refueling with some tantalizing traditional dim sum.

10. Trace the history of the avant-garde at SFMOMA

From the moment of its founding in 1935, the  San Francisco Museum of Modern Art envisioned a world of radical new possibilities. SFMOMA was a forward-thinking early collector in such then-emerging media as photography, murals, film and installation. Today, the institution has tripled in size and ambition, dedicating entire wings to new media, room-size paintings, high-tech design and monumental Richard Serra sculptures.

Planning tip:  If you want to visit all seven floors, it's best to set aside a whole afternoon.

11. Go over the rainbow in the Castro

Somewhere over the rainbow (crosswalk), you’ll realize you’ve officially arrived in the Castro district – the most out-and-proud neighborhood on the planet for more than 50 years. Walk in the footsteps of LGBTIQ+ trailblazers along the  Rainbow Honor Walk , get to know civil-rights champions at America’s first GLBT History Museum and join history perpetually in progress at San Francisco’s month-long, million-strong Pride celebrations in June .

12. Take in the city panorama from Coit Tower

Wild parrots might mock your progress up Telegraph Hill – but then again, they shouldn’t expect to keep scenery like this to themselves. The Filbert St Steps pass cliffside cottage gardens to reach SF’s monument to independent thinking: Coit Tower . Fire-fighting millionaire Lillie Hitchcock Coit commissioned this art deco monument to honor firefighters, while muralists captured 1930s San Francisco in its lobby frescoes. Coit Tower’s paintings and panoramic viewing platform show off the city at its best: all broad perspectives, outlandish and inspiring. 

Detour:  SF has 41 peaks, and as you scale those steep hills, your calf muscles will strain, and gravity will seem unkind – but persevere. All grumbling will end once you reach the summit and feel like you have the world at your feet. For different angles, head to hilltop green spaces like George Sterling Park and Ina Coolbrith Park , San Francisco’s crowning glories. Alternatively, go to  Corona Heights  and  Buena Vista Park  for wind-sculpted trees and Victorian turrets.

13. Hear the sea lions bark at Pier 39

Sea lions took over Pier 39 , San Francisco’s most coveted waterfront real estate, in 1989 and have been making a public display of themselves ever since. Naturally, these unkempt squatters have become San Francisco’s favorite mascots, and since California law requires boats to make way for marine mammals, yacht owners have had to relinquish valuable slips to accommodate as many as 1000 sea lions. Night and day, they canoodle, belch, scratch and gleefully shove one another off the docks. It’s a joy to watch.

Planning tip:  These giant mammals can be found on the docks between January and July (and whenever else they feel like sunbathing). 

14. Get hands-on with science at the Exploratorium

Can you stop time, sculpt fog or make sand sing? At the  Exploratorium , San Francisco’s hands-on laboratory of science and human perception, you’ll discover superhuman abilities you never knew you had. But the Exploratorium is not just for kids: there are kid-free hours on Thursdays offering mad-scientist cocktails, technology-assisted sing-alongs and themed exhibits for an 18-plus crowd. 

15. Play vintage amusements at Musée Mécanique

A flashback to penny arcades, the Musée Mécanique  in Fisherman’s Wharf houses a mind-blowing collection of vintage mechanical amusements. Sinister, freckle-faced “Laffing Sal” has freaked out kids for over a century, yet don’t let this manic mannequin deter you from the best arcade west of Coney Island. A quarter lets you start brawls in Wild West saloons, peep at belly dancers through a vintage Mutoscope and get hypnotized by a Ferris wheel made from toothpicks.

16. Sip a cocktail at a Barbary Coast bar

Friendly bartenders were once highly suspect in Barbary Coast, San Francisco’s Gold Rush–era red-light district. Circa 1849, a night that began with smiles and a 10-cent whiskey could end two days later, waking from a drugged sleep on a vessel bound for Patagonia. Now that double-crossing barkeep Shanghai Kelly is no longer a danger to drinkers, San Franciscans can relax over historically correct cocktails at North Beach’s revived Barbary Coast saloons, including Comstock Saloon , Devil’s Acre  and  15 Romolo . Today’s saloon scene is a fitting homage to drunken sailors of yore, with iron stools, absinthe fountains, dim lighting and reassuring barkeep banter.

This article was first published February 2015 and updated February 2024

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The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary For San Francisco (2023 Updated Travel Guide)

September 16, 2022 by Bino 4 Comments

This is a long overdue guide to one of my favorite cities in the world. For a place that has less than one million people, San Francisco has definitely pushed above its weight in terms of contributions to the world. From Levi’s and Gap to UBER and Airbnb, the city has always managed to keep itself in the cutting edge. For the casual visitor, the number of things to do seems to be disproportional to the city’s land area and it’s often hard to decide how to plan a visit to San Francisco especially when it’s the first time.

This itinerary groups together attractions and places that are near or connected to each other for a more organized trip to the city by the bay. It offers a great mix between scenic spots, eating, shopping and with a few hipster areas thrown in. Without further ado, here’s a 3-day itinerary that you can follow for San Francisco.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – From Golden Gate Bridge to North Beach

Golden gate bridge.

golden gate bridge

Start the day with a breathtaking view of San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge from the lookout point at the Golden Gate Welcome Center.

Palace of Fine Arts

Take the bus (bus # 27, 30, 70, 101) to the Palace of Fine Arts . The complex was originally built in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exposition and consists of a central rotunda built in a grand European style with several columns around it. It is situated just next to a lagoon that is often filled with swans. The complex itself is both pleasant in the day and at night when it is floodlit. Admission: Free; Hours: 6:00 to 21:00

Ghirardelli Square

ghirardelli square

Just across the entrance to the palace, there is a bus stop from where you can take bus #28 to Ghirardelli Square . If you love chocolates, this is the place to go in order to buy San Francisco’s famous Ghirardelli chocolate. Aside from that, the late 19th century style architecture is worth a look. Make sure to check out the clock tower and fountains. Although nationally recognized as a historic site, I personally found the venue to be too touristy. Or perhaps I’m just not too fond of chocolates!

Tip: If you are looking to visit a number of attractions during your visit to San Francisco, I highly suggest getting an Explorer Pass . You get to skip the lines for a price that is much cheaper than buying individual tickets to the likes of the De Young Museum, SF’s MOMA, etc. It even comes with a cruise around the bay!

Fisherman’s Wharf

fisherman’s wharf

You can walk the 1 mile or so distance to Fisherman’s Wharf , passing by San Francisco’s lovely seaside promenade along the way. Personally, I don’t enjoy Fisherman’s Wharf at all and I could do with a San Francisco trip without coming here. However, as a visitor, there are two things that would drive me here. First is the In N Out Burger joint at Jefferson Street – essentially a must when you are in California so do stop by here for lunch.

The second reason is the trip to Alcatraz which you can take from Pier 33. Long synonymous for a place where there is no escape, the name Alcatraz has captured the attention of the public especially with many high-profile prisoners such as Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Alvin Karpis. Departures from Pier 33 occur daily on half-hour intervals from around 8:45 to 15:50. Ticket price per adult is US$41

Coit Tower & North Beach

If it’s not yet too late when you return to the mainland, take a walk up to the Coit Tower for wonderful views of San Francisco’s hilly streets and the skyscrapers of downtown in the distance. Bring a zoom lens with you and you can take shots of the crooked part of Lombard Street when you head down.  Opening hours: 10:00 to 17:00; Admission: $10 for non-resident adults

north beach

If you are feeling pecking by this time, walk to North Beach which is known as San Francisco’s Little Italy for dinner. The area surrounding Washington Square and Columbus Avenue is filled with plenty of Italian restaurants. From Columbus Avenue, you can also have a direct view of the Transamerica Pyramid, perhaps the city’s most iconic skyscraper. For something different from your usual pizza or pasta, try calzone – an oven-baked pizza that looks like an enlarged dumpling. Pizzelle di North Beach (314 Columbus Avenue) serves up many types of calzone with fillings such as eggplant, spinach, various cheeses and cheesesteak.

Day 2 – Union Square, Chinatown, Mission & Castro

union square

San Francisco Cable Car Ride

Start the day with a ride on one of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars. On any given day, you’ll find long lines of people waiting for a ride. There are 3 cable car lines in the city:

• Powell-Mason : Takes you from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf. Due to the route, it’s very popular among tourists. You can use this ride to stop in the Financial District and Chinatown
• Powell-Hyde : By far, the most scenic of the three routes. The ride takes you past charming houses, some seriously steep hills and you’ll even pass near the crooked part of Lombard Street
• California : It’s an east to west line in contrast to the other two lines which are north to south. This is the least touristy of the lines and where the queue is usually shortest. The terrain is quite steep as well which makes for an exhilarating ride. You’ll pass by several tall buildings within the Financial District as well as Chinatown.
• You can also check out this link for a more detailed description of each of SF’s cable car lines.

Tip: If you are planning to hop on a San Francisco cable car, do note that a single ride costs $8. If you are in town for at least 3 days, it might be more worthwhile to buy a 3-day muni pass. It starts from $31 and gives you access not just to the cable cars but also to buses, streetcars and the metro.

lion dance in san francisco chinatown

Check out San Francisco’s Chinatown , one of the largest in the United States. Most of the Chinese living in San Francisco are Cantonese and the cuisine in this area similarly reflects that. You’ll also find some of the city’s cheapest eats here. A meal consisting of rice and 2 or 3 dishes will set you back by around $5 only.

Union Square

Afterwards, head further south to do some serious shopping at Union Square , San Francisco’s equivalent of a high street. You’ll find many big-name brands here including some San Francisco brands that have made it big like Levi’s, Gap and Apple (not exactly San Francisco but within Silicon Valley). A short stroll from Union Square towards Yerba Buena is SF’s Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) . This place is huge, with 7 floors of artwork including those from Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. You can purchase discounted tickets here.

Mission District

Take a late lunch in La Taqueria (open 11AM to 8:45PM except Mondays and Tuesdays) in the Mission District – personally one of my favorite areas for food in San Francisco. The area has changed so much since I lived there some 16 years ago. Back then, it was a semi-seedy place with cheap food and nightlife. When I returned last year, I found the place filled with hipster cafes and independent boutiques (not to mention sky high rents). You’ll find the bulk of the nice cafes, restaurants and boutiques at Mission Street stretching from 18th Street down to 24th Street. Similarly, Valencia Street which is parallel to Mission two streets away, is also filled with shops.

mission dolores

After having your fill at Mission Street, walk to Mission Dolores – said to be the oldest building in the entire city. The sloping Mission Dolores Park a few blocks away offers an alternate view of the downtown area in the distance.

castro theater, san francisco

End your day at Twin Peaks  while passing through the Castro , San Francisco’s LGBT district, for the highest view you can get of the city. It’s best to come during sunset when the lights around the city are turned on which makes for a majestic sight. Do note that you can’t take the bus here. You either grab an UBER or walk around 40 minutes from the Castro to get here.

If you are in San Francisco during the Halloween period, you can check out the street party held every 31st of October in the Castro. You can see folks dressed in outrageous costumes and most are more than happy to get their pictures taken.

Day 3 – Haight-Ashbury & Golden Gate Park

Haight-ashbury.

psychedelic shops in san francisco haight ashbury

Start your day in Haight-Ashbury – one of the focal points of San Francisco’s counterculture and hippie movement. A place that one often associates with legendary musical acts such as Jefferson Airplane and Grateful Dead, the district is now more touristy than anything else. You still get that bohemian vibe with some outrageously beautiful Victorian houses, vintage clothing shops, vinyl record stores and the odd beatnik offering to sell weed.

Golden Gate Park

japanese tea garden at golden gate park

The edge of Haight Street brings you within striking distance to the entrance of Golden Gate Park . This is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and is 3 miles long. You can easily spend the rest of the day here exploring this rectangular-shaped park from one end to another. To save you time, here are the highlights:

• Conservatory of Flowers – Even if you’re not into flowers, it’s worth coming to this spot to appreciate the Victorian-style greenhouse that was built in the 1800s.
• California Academy of Sciences – A museum of natural history, come here to check out simulations of an Amazon rainforest as well as the impressive aquarium setup of Philippine marine life. Highly recommended. You can book discounted tickets here .
• De Young Museum – A fine arts museum that opened in 2005 in a modern building. Come here if you like marveling at art pieces.
• Japanese Tea Garden – In my opinion, the most picturesque area of the park, the Japanese Tea Garden is a slice of zen in San Francisco with plenty of traditional structures such as a pagoda, tea house and even a Buddha statue.
• Bison Paddock – appreciate the United States’ national mammal here. Free.

Alamo Square

alamo square

Depending on your pace, it will either be late afternoon or evening by the time you finish in Golden Gate Park. If time permits, head to Ocean Beach – just next to the western end of the park – for views of the Pacific Ocean. Alternatively, check out Alamo Square which is famous for a row of houses called painted ladies. The houses face the west so it’s best to visit in the afternoon.

Baker Beach

In case you finish early with the sun still up in the horizon, head to Baker Beach (via bus #29 from Golden Gate Park) for an alternate view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

On your way back to downtown San Francisco, stop for dinner at Burma Superstar (309 Clement Street) for some tasty fare. I dare say the food here is even better than in Burma itself.

Excursions from San Francisco

Yosemite National Park – One of California’s must-visit spots, Yosemite National Park requires a couple of hours drive from San Francisco. If you don’t feel like driving yourself, you can also book a day trip (lasting 13.5 hours) that will bring you there and back to San Francisco in the evening.

Napa Valley – A popular day trip destination from San Francisco is Napa Valley where one can glimpse some picturesque wineries. You can come here to learn about the basics of making wine as well as taste a few kinds while doing it. Day tours are available that will take you there and back to San Francisco within the day.

Muir Woods – An easy journey from San Francisco, Muir Woods boasts of some of the oldest redwood trees in the region. The park is best visited in late afternoon when the sun’s rays pierces through the thick forest canopy, creating an ethereal feel. You can book a combined half-day tour with Sausalito here . Admission: $15 per adult / Opening hours: 8:00 to 20:00 daily

Gilroy Outlets – Shopping addicts can easily spend an entire day here shopping for bargains. You’ll find many branded items at a much cheaper price compared to high street boutiques. You’ll need a car to get here.

Santa Cruz – A laidback town known for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – an amusement park that is also a historical site. If you’re heading to Monterey, a longer but more scenic route by the coast passes through this town.

17 mile drive

Monterey – A town that has featured prominently in John Steinbeck’s novels, it has a couple of family-oriented attractions such as the Monterey Aquarium and the scenic 17-mile drive. Complete the trip by also heading to neighboring Carmel . You can book a day tour here .

Sausalito – Just across the bay is Sausalito, a seaside town popular for yachts and sailing. While here, you can do a small cruise on your own with one of the many boat rental services around Sausalito .

Where to Stay in San Francisco

Midrange – Hotel Bijou which is located in Mason Street, close to the Powell BART station is a good choice for convenience/location vis-a-vis the price. The hotel has an art deco feel and has movie screenings on some days (free for guests).

Luxury – InterContinental San Francisco is my personal choice for a San Francisco luxury hotel. The rooms are spacious and the corner rooms especially have breathtaking views of the city skyline. The club lounge here is also a highlight with several culinary presentations within a day, you won’t want to leave the hotel.

For more tips as you plan your trip, check out IHG’s Guide to Traveling to San Francisco .

Have you been to San Francisco? What are your favorite spots?

You May Also Like

Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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July 9, 2017 at 10:30 am

Fantastic. We did most of this when we were in SF earlier this year. A nice compact itinerary for 3 days…

June 22, 2018 at 10:24 am

may i know where did you stay in san francisco? my husband and i are going this November.

thanks in advance

June 22, 2018 at 10:44 am

Hi, my suggested hotel is stated in the article. Stayed in both.

November 19, 2021 at 4:22 pm

Hope I can travel using your itinerary for May 2022. Thanks for the info.

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• World's Best

Travel + Leisure Readers' 5 Favorite Hotels in San Francisco of 2023

Market Street and Union Square proved to be particularly popular spots in our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2023.

Chelsee Lowe is a Los Angeles-based writer with an obsession with good eats and interesting stories. She regularly contributes to Travel + Leisure , TravelAge West , Ventura Blvd , and L.A. Parent , writing about food, family travel, and more.

How Voting Works

What readers loved, the full list.

Rich in history, culture, and style, San Francisco attracts travelers of all kinds from around the world – in fact, more than 21 million people visited the city last year. If they were looking for art, they likely visited SFMOMA and the de Young Museum. For architecture buffs, Coit Tower, the Painted Ladies, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge are among must-sees. Snacking and shopping in Chinatown, the oldest such community in the U.S., is a treat for the senses. But no matter what your itinerary includes , you will need a place to lay your head at night, and ideally that place is as captivating as the city itself.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 T+L readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Rooms/facilities

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

Manolo Yllera

If we use this year’s reader-voted winners to better understand San Francisco today, all signs point to a resurgence of energy around Market Street and Union Square, or “the epicenter of the city,” as one reader described it. All five top hotels are located here, placing guests within walking distance of the Ferry Building, cable car stops, Chinatown, historic theaters like the Orpheum, and more. 

Property No. 3, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, offers “intuitive service,” not to mention easy access to Market Street and Yerba Buena Gardens. The same goes for The St. Regis San Francisco (No. 2), which one reader calls “wonderful” enough to return for years. For a real peek into the city's past, try Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel (No. 5), a landmark structure standing since 1909. Without further ado, here are the hotel's readers picked as the best in San Francisco.

San Francisco Proper Hotel

Opened in 2017, San Francisco Proper is the epitome of style — many details inside the 131-room refurbished flatiron building were overseen by designer extraordinaire Kelly Wearstler, and no matter where you turn, her unbelievable skill at overlapping textures, patterns, colors, and shapes makes for a visual feast. Guests love the double-height lobby lounge, where mismatched, bohemian-ish furnishings and eclectic art make it feel more like your hip auntie’s sprawling living room. Rooms are just as stunning, with Wearstler-designed wallpapers that pop, and there are swoon-worthy dining venues on site, too. We’re partial to rooftop bar and restaurant Charmaine, where you can order a spritz and a burger to go with your views of the Golden City. Should you need help, one reader expects you’ll get exactly what you need from the “phenomenal” staff.

1. San Francisco Proper Hotel

Reader Score: 92.12

2. The St. Regis San Francisco

Reader Score: 91.29

3. Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

Reader Score: 90.88

4. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

Reader Score: 90.35

5. Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Reader Score: 89.00

San Francisco tourism bounces back as international visitors increase

San francisco tourism bouncing back.

Several tourists, including international ones, are flocking to San Francisco for vacations. The city is seeing its tourism levels reach similar levels from 2019.

SAN FRANCISCO - At the height of summer in the city, three years post-pandemic, tourists are flocking back to San Francisco . 

Many, including small businesses, are noticing an increased number of international visitors.

The San Francisco Traveler Association reports leisure travel is expected to continue its steady recovery this year. Overall visitation to the city is forecast to reach 23.9 million in 2023. 

At the Powell Street cable car turn-around at Market Street, Sam, a 20-year veteran cable car operator, says "tourism is picking back up in San Francisco."

"A lot of Europeans, from Italy, Denmark. They’re from everywhere," he added. 

Walking next to the long, winding line of backpack-toting tourists, KTVU overheard multiple languages mixed in with the sound of music played by an elderly man on an electric keyboard set up next to the cable car queue, with a tip jar ready for gratuities. 

"Last weekend was busy, the weekend before that too," Sam, the cable car operator, said in his yellow and orange vest atop the steps of his cable car. "Even all week, starting like Tuesday when I came back to work, there’s a line out here."

Visitors in the Bay Area for Taylor Swift’s shows Friday and Saturday night at Levi’s Stadium were taking in the city sights. 

Kirsten Lankaster and her nieces from Alberta, Canada came to San Francisco this weekend. 

"We’ve been planning this trip since November," said Lankaster. "We’re going to ride a cable car, visit Haight-Ashbury, Fisherman’s Wharf, we’re going to a baseball game tonight, so everything." 

Taylor Swift mania gives boost to South Bay economy

With Taylor Swift preparing for her highly-anticipated two-night concert at Levi's Stadium, the South Bay is experiencing a wave of "Swift mania," bringing a positive financial impact to local businesses.

They’ll spend five days in the city, according to Lankaster, and shopping is high on the agenda.

"We went to all the department stores, we walked around Union Square, and we heard there’s some boutique shopping in Haight-Ashbury, so we’re headed there next," said Lankaster.

A Pier 39 spokesperson reports restaurants and shops are seeing 95% of visitors compared to 2019.

Outdoor diners took to tables to enjoy sourdough bread chowder bowls and cocktails. 

Blazing Saddles bike rental owner Jeff Sears says his business depends on tourists, and lately he’s seen an uptick of those from European countries as well as South America and Asia. 

"Since   2019 domestic visitors were about 80% of our business, but now, that has flipped," Sears said. "International tourism seems to be about 80% and domestic is more like 20%." 

He laments the negative stories in the national media about San Francisco’s headlining crime and homelessness, but shares, "We're glad we have international visitors, but it would be really nice to have more domestic travelers."

As for next year, the SF Travel Association says half a million hotel nights are already booked, with 21 confirmed events at the Moscone Convention Center .

As the economy picks up and travelers pursue passport stamps, it’s expected to help San Francisco continue its reign as one of the most visited cities in the United States. 

"It’s nice to be loved, isn’t it?" Sam, the cable car operator added.

Martin Holeton contributed to this report. 

Alice Wertz is a freelance reporter for @KTVU. She can be reached at [email protected] or Instagram: @WayIseesIt Twitter@AlicesTake

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San Francisco’s Struggling Downtown Is Hurting Tourism Rebound

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

July 14th, 2023 at 9:30 AM EDT

What makes San Francisco such a great destination seems to reside more outside of its downtown area.

Dawit Habtemariam

San Francisco’s downtown issues are holding back the city’s tourism recovery. 

Visitor numbers won’t be back to its pre-pandemic level until at least 2025. Convention room night demand won’t start growing steadily until 2025 . 

Tour operators say they’re making adjustments. “All of our loops now start in Vegas instead of San Francisco because San Francisco was just becoming problematic for us,” said Yves Marceau, vice president of product for G Adventures .

Marceau said G Adventures has reduced the time its tour customers spend there, and noted feedback from customers that they don’t feel safe. “Where we might have had a trip that was two nights, we’re now going to do one night,” he said.

David Huang, president and owner of Canyon Coach Lines and National Park Express , said he tries to avoid group trips into San Francisco due to risks like car break-ins. ”It’s too much unnecessary risk you try to avoid,” he said.

The city’s capacity for tourism is higher than ever. In the past, rooms were expensive and tough to get because tours had to compete with meetings and conventions for limited space, said Matt Berna, president of Americas for Intrepid Travel and a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area.  

Now, there will be room for tour operators, but the city has to get the vibrancy it had before the pandemic. “Up to the next two to three years, there will be plenty of capacity for tour operators, but it needs work on getting back on getting that buzz, activities, events and shows,” said Berna.

“For a lot of our customers, we have to prepare them for the general condition of homelessness and people on the street,” said Berna.

Major retailers have left San Francisco’s downtown due to homelessness and crime. Small businesses are also now considering leaving .

The city has been reinvigorating downtown with events such as Union Square in Bloom Music Series and this summer’s night market series, said San Francisco Travel Executive Vice President and Chief Tourism Officer Hubertus Funke.

In May, San Francisco Travel launched a global $6 million advertising campaign called “Always San Francisco” to remind the public that the Golden City hasn’t lost its magic and the negative perception about the city is wrong.

“We’re just trying to remind people that 92% of people who came to San Francisco last year said they wanted to come back again,” said Lynn Bruni-Perkins, chief marketing officer for San Francisco Travel Association, in May.  “Our goal is just to showcase that that the beauty of San Francisco is still here … the arts, culture, food and wine, all of that can still be experienced.”

While the downtown isn’t so strong, there are neighborhoods outside of it that have shown great potential for tourism. North Beach, a popular tourist destination, is busier than it was before the pandemic with new businesses and locals spending more time there than in their downtown offices. The neighborhood will host the first-ever Pizza, Beer and Bagel Festival next month.

@meinlee Follow this route the next time you visit North Beach for dranks🤭🍹 #northbeachsf #northbeach #barsinsf #barhopping #girlsnightout #sfvlog #sfnightlife #sfthingstodo #bayarea #bayareafoodies #monroes #tikibars #tikibarssf #sfbarhopping ♬ Big Boy Speed Up – Dj Kampung

Marceau said he’s come across neighborhoods unknown to tourists that were very vibrant and active. He’s spoken with staff about operating more group tours in the vibrant neighborhoods he’s come across instead of the downtown. Problem is the hotels that can accommodate groups operate largely in the downtown.

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Tags: california , g adventures , intrepid travel , san francisco

Photo credit: Mos Sukjaroenkraisri on Unsplash Mos Sukjaroenkraisri / Unsplash

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They say don’t leave valuables in parked cars in San Francisco. Rep. Adam Schiff didn’t listen

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., speaks during the House Judiciary Committee hearing on the Report of Special Counsel John Durham, Wednesday, June 21, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Democratic congressman who also is running for U.S. Senate had his luggage swiped from his car while it was parked in a downtown San Francisco garage, Thursday, April 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — San Francisco has earned an unwelcome national reputation for car burglaries that U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff was reminded of the hard way: The Democratic congressman had his luggage swiped from his car while it was parked in a downtown garage.

With his formal clothing gone, Schiff ended up at a fundraising dinner Thursday for his U.S. Senate campaign dressed like he was headed to a Los Angeles Dodgers game — in shirt sleeves and an insulated vest. Others who attended the event were mostly decked out in suit jackets and ties.

Schiff’s campaign confirmed the burglary and declined further comment, citing an ongoing investigation.

“Yes, they took my bags,” the congressman lamented to the San Francisco Chronicle , adding that he didn’t want to dwell on his firsthand experience as a crime victim.

Statistically, reported auto break-ins are down in San Francisco, but vehicles with busted windows and sprinkles of broken glass remain a common sight in the city. Visitors and residents are constantly reminded to remove valuables from parked cars.

It was advice Schiff neglected to follow.

In August, the city’s police chief announced a crackdown on fighting auto smash-and-grabs. The San Francisco Police Department reported nearly 900 break-ins in February, down from 1,850 in July. There were more than 3,000 reported thefts in September 2022.

Schiff, a former federal prosecutor, rose to national prominence as the lead prosecutor in then-President Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial. Schiff says on his campaign website that he is “committed to reforming our broken criminal justice system and keeping California families and communities safe.”

Schiff was the target of plenty of social media snark following the crime: “Democrats have nobody to blame but themselves,” one user wrote on the social platform X.

The burglary involving a prominent member of Congress recalled the July 2021 robbery and assault of former U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer in nearby Oakland, another San Francisco Bay Area city that has struggled with crime rates. She was pushed by an assailant and had her cell phone stolen, but was not seriously injured.

Blood reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writer Janie Har in San Francisco contributed.

S.F.’s parking crackdown is coming. Here’s which tickets have plummeted in recent years

T he San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency has warned residents that, with its staff back to 2019 levels, it is ramping up its parking enforcement this year. But to get back to pre-pandemic ticketing numbers , the agency has a lot of ground to make up. 

Total parking citations declined from 1.21 million in 2019 to 1.05 million in 2023, a 13% drop, according to an analysis by the Chronicle. And certain types of violations plummeted to less than half the level seen in 2019.

The total number of citations issued by SFMTA was already declining before the pandemic, dropping by almost 10% between 2014 and 2019. But the pandemic brought a sharp drop in tickets issued, as enforcement for certain violations was suspended in 2020. Ticketing has not returned to close to where it was five years ago, and declined again from 2022 to 2023.

Erica Kato, the SFMTA spokesperson, attributed some of the post-pandemic changes in citations to changing dynamics on city streets, as well as parking control officers having to shift their focus to a number of post-pandemic events in the city, like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and toward city programs aimed at improving street conditions. She said the agency’s goal is not to raise citations to pre-pandemic levels, but simply to get people to comply with city and state parking regulations. 

“The public wants the chaos on the streets to stop,” she wrote in an email to the Chronicle. “So we’re enforcing all of the laws.”

Not all types of citations fell at equal rates.

Tickets for out-of-date registration tabs saw the sharpest decline, falling by 77% — and 2023 showed a notable decrease compared to just the year before, when they had recovered to 2019 levels. Kato explained that the law now requires parking control officers to confirm that a vehicle’s registration is expired before issuing a citation, not just that the license plate stickers are out of date or missing, leading to the drop-off in citations.

Citations for parking in some areas marked for other purposes — like in bike lanes, bus zones and crosswalks — all fell more than 50% between 2019 and 2023. Parking in bike lanes is one of the violations SFMTA has specifically told parking control officers to ramp up, under the direction of Mayor London Breed. Kato explained that many people parked in bike lanes leave as they see a parking control officer approach, making the violation difficult to enforce, but added that the agency will utilize a new state law that allows officials to take photos of bike lane violations.

Kato added that a reduction in bus service post-pandemic led to the reduction of bus zone violations.

Breed also directed the agency to prioritize citing cars blocking sidewalks, which decreased by 18% from 2019 to 2023. They will also prioritize ticketing parking in daylit zones, which are spaces near crosswalks that are marked by a red curb to increase pedestrian visibility. Citations for parking in red zones, including daylit curbs, stayed relatively unchanged between 2019 and 2023. 

Citations for exceeding parking time limits in some instances have also decreased. Tickets for failing to pay or having an expired parking meter, for example, fell the most in absolute terms, from 173,000 in 2019 to 140,000 in 2023 — about a 20% decline.

But not all types of citations fell.

Tickets for failing to move a vehicle for street cleaning, for example, which long have made up the largest share of citations issued by SFMTA, stayed relatively steady between 2019 and 2023. Citations for failing to display license plates and exceeding posted time limits in residential areas also changed little.

And tickets for parking in restricted zones, like those for commercial and passenger loading, actually increased over the same time period. Kato said that businesses and residents were complaining about these types of violations, which lead to double parking, prompting the increased enforcement.

Overall, tickets the first few months of 2024 were already up slightly compared to the same time period in 2023 — even before SFMTA announced it would be ramping up enforcement. 

The new, targeted enforcement sweeps will begin in May. Each supervisorial district can expect a weeklong sweep every three months on top of regular citywide enforcement. 

Parking control officers oppose the plan , saying that they are already facing increased aggression and threats of violence from upset drivers. SFMTA said that its employees’ safety is its priority, and that it has seen a decrease in crime within its system since 2018.

San Francisco this year also has ramped up citations for moving violations , which  plummeted over the past decade, amid increasing political pressure after a crash in West Portal killed a family of four. San Francisco failed to reach its 10-year goal of eliminating traffic deaths by the end of last year.

Reach Danielle Echeverria: [email protected]

Pirates’ Joey Bart enjoying new team as Giants’ former top prospect returns to San Francisco

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When the San Francisco Giants cut Joey Bart in late March and began shopping for trades for their once-heralded top prospect, the catcher had an inkling about the Pittsburgh Pirates as a destination.

He looked around at other teams’ rosters and wondered who might need catching depth. Better yet, he had family ties — his father, Tommy, grew up near Pittsburgh in Lower Burrell, and instilled a love of Pittsburgh sports in Bart.

“I had a weird feeling about Pittsburgh,” said Bart, who returned to San Francisco on Friday for the first time since being dealt this month, as the Pirates opened a three-game set against the Giants.

The 27-year-old likes being closer to his family, and is having fun so far with his new club. Bart, speaking before the game Friday near the visitors’ dugout, is impressed by what he described as a mix of young and experienced players on the Pirates.

“I really am enjoying it and have a lot of respect for the way this club goes about things,” Bart said. “I’m just glad to be here.”

Bart was drafted second overall by the Giants in 2018, and for years was seen as an heir to Buster Posey at catcher with lofty expectations. But Bart never found his footing in San Francisco, hitting .219 in 162 games over four seasons.

When it became clear last season that Patrick Bailey was the Giants’ choice at Bart’s position, they designated Bart for assignment and then dealt him to the Pirates for Austin Strickland, a pitcher drafted in the eighth round in 2023.

He’s been making a good first impression.

Bart is off to a quick start in Pittsburgh, batting .304 with three home runs and hitting safely in six of seven games. He was not in the lineup on Friday but had started four of the last six games. Bart hit cleanup on Thursday, when he drilled a 3-run homer against the Brewers.

“A change of scenery sometimes serves you well,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “You go somewhere else and you take a deep breath and maybe not have some of the baggage. I think everybody here is happy about the fact that he’s gotten a little playing time, and he’s done well.”

Ironically, Bart will be battling for playing time with another top catching prospect in Henry Davis, who started and hit ninth on Friday. Davis was drafted first overall by the Pirates in 2021 but has yet to break out after making his debut last season. Davis, 24, is batting .180 in 19 games this year after hitting .213 last season.

Bart figures to get more playing time with the Pirates, as both Yasmani Grandal and Jason Delay — the team’s two other catchers — are injured.

“Whenever I’m called upon, whenever I’m playing, just bring what I got,” Bart said. “That’s how I’ve been approaching it.”

Bart has been focusing on catching up with a new organization. He said he didn’t know a single player on the Pirates, but has been asking a lot of questions to Andrew McCutchen — the longtime Pirates outfielder who spent part of 2018 with the Giants — who has been an “open book.”

One of the biggest adjustments for Bart has been meeting a lot of new faces after being with one organization for so long. He was looking forward to catching up with his former teammates.

“It’s crazy,” Bart said. “Once you leave, you don’t realize how big and how close those relationships were, and really what you valued. That’s important to me: relationships. Those are the things you’re really going to remember.”

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21 top pride parades and celebrations in the u.s..

Explore the biggest gatherings and unique events celebrating LGBTQ communities from coast to coast.

Top Pride Parades and Celebrations

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Many U.S. cities celebrate Pride with exciting parades, marches, festivals and more.

On June 28, 1969, in the New York City neighborhood of Greenwich Village, police raided a popular gay bar: the Stonewall Inn. Fed up with the frequent raids and harassment from law enforcement, both patrons and local residents began to fight back, leading to six days of protests and clashes between LGBTQ people and police.

The world-famous Stonewall built on years of LGBTQ activism. Similar homophobic and transphobic persecution by police had previously sparked other uprisings in the U.S., such as nearly three years earlier in San Francisco at Gene Compton's Cafeteria, or a decade before in Los Angeles' Cooper Do-nuts.

On the anniversary of Stonewall in 1970, activists held a march known as Christopher Street Liberation Day in New York to commemorate the uprising on that very street a year before. This parade drew thousands of marchers and prompted other cities to hold Pride events, which evolved into annual celebrations in June.

Recent years have seen an increase in violent assaults and state legislation threatening the rights and legal protections of LGBTQ communities across the U.S. With gay and trans rights under immediate threat, this year's Pride events are more than just celebrations – they're intended as acts of unity by LGBTQ community members and allies.

Here are the top destinations to champion and celebrate Pride nationwide in 2023.

New York City: June 25

Every year New York City throws one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the world. In 2019, the city was chosen to host WorldPride, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and bringing an estimated 5 million people to New York to partake in its Pride events.

This year's NYC Pride theme is "Strength in Solidarity." The theme "highlights the cultural significance of the LGBTQIA community within the fabric of modern society, while acknowledging every individual's uniqueness and ability to wield tremendous power when united with others," according to NYC Pride.

Join revelers on the streets of Manhattan at the city's signature Pride March on June 25, then celebrate with the community at many other Pride events and experiences throughout the weekend. Attend Bliss Days, a celebration of queer women with live music and dancing; walk the streets of New York for the annual PrideFest street fair; take your youngster to Youth Pride; or dance at the yearly Pride Island music festival, which is headlined by singer Christina Aguilera this year.

Check out NYC Pride's website for more information.

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Providence, Rhode Island: June 17

Providence is a city with a small-town vibe and a vibrant arts community. Its first Pride event was held in 1976 after a court ruling allowed the gay community to march through the city. About 75 people marched in that parade. Today that number has grown to 125,000-plus attendees to its annual PrideFest.

The 47th Annual Rhode Island PrideFest & Illuminated Night Parade will take place on June 17. During the day, you can enjoy more than 250 nonprofit vendors, live entertainment and plenty of food. This Providence festival is one of Rhode Island's biggest festivals with more than 100,000 attendees yearly.

The Rhode Island Pride Illuminated Night Parade is New England's only nighttime LGBTQ parade. Paradegoers can expect to see buildings and floats light up as participants make their way through downtown Providence after dusk.

For more details, consult the Rhode Island Pride website .

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Provincetown, Massachusetts: June 3

Located at the northern tip of Cape Cod , Provincetown is rich in history. This seaside town is the site where the Mayflower first landed in 1620 and serves as one of the oldest continuous art colonies in the U.S.

For more than half a century, the city has been hailed as an LGBTQ-friendly destination. Provincetown boasts plenty of gay bars, beaches and year-round Pride events to welcome LGBTQ travelers. One of the city's famed events is the annual Pride Rally – accompanied by the "Sashay" to Tea dance event – that takes place in the heart of town.

Looking for other ways to celebrate Pride around the area? Check out the Provincetown Business Guild's first annual Pride Festival. The free invite includes music, food and local vendors. Get a good laugh at the Queer Comedy Showcase at Town Hall or visit the Provincetown Pride Center for the "Flag in the Map" exhibition, which focuses on stories and photographs from queer people all around the world. Dance the night away at the Pride Underwear Party or the Official Pride Dance Party at A-House, or take a run or walk at the Feet Over Front Street 5K event.

Coinciding with Pride is the Womxn of Color Weekend, which celebrates queer women of color. Attend workshops, parties and shows throughout the weekend.

Check out the Provincetown Business Guild's website to learn more.

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Boston: June 10

Boston – or "Beantown," as it's affectionately nicknamed – is rich with U.S. history as well as LGBTQ history. In 1978, attorney John Ward established the GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, formerly known as the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), in Boston. The city is also home to Wicked Queer, originally called the Boston LGBT Film Festival, which was founded in 1984; it's among the longest-running LGBTQ film festivals in North America.

This year's Pride celebration will take place on June 10 with a parade and festival. It's the first in-person celebration in four years and comes with a few changes. The city's Pride event will now be managed by Boston Pride For The People after the original Boston Pride organization was dissolved in 2021. The festivities are set to be nonstop with live entertainment, vendors and food.

There are plenty of activities going on in Boston throughout Pride Month as well. The Trans Resistance March & Festival will take place on June 3 and the Boston Dyke March will be held on June 9. The neighborhood of North Shore will host its Pride Parade & Festival on June 24.

Boston Urban Pride Weekend begins on June 29 with its Youth Pride Event, and festivities will continue on June 30 with the Mr. and Miss Gay Urban Pride Pageant along with Pitch Black, "the annual All Black Affair." A health summit and pool party will take place on July 1. The weekend concludes on July 2 with a music and arts festival and Detox "The Finale."

For more information, visit the Boston Pride For The People website .

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Baltimore: June 24

Located about 40 miles from Washington, D.C., Baltimore is considered one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the U.S. Its historic Mount Vernon neighborhood was considered one the area's biggest gay havens before that sentiment expanded to other neighborhoods too. Queer filmmaker John Waters, known for movies such as "Hairspray" and "Pink Flamingos," is a Baltimore native. The city is also home to one of the oldest Pride events in the U.S.

Baltimore Pride has been running since 1975. This year's Pride theme is "One Heart, One Love, One Pride," in honor of "the contributions made to society by sexual and gender minorities." Hosted by the Pride Center of Maryland, several events will be held during the week of June 17 to 25.

Attend the 15th annual Twilight on the Terrace on June 16 to socialize at a gala and dance under the stars. On June 17, the neighborhood of Mount Vernon will mark Pride with music, food and vendors. History buffs may want to attend Ridin' The Rail: Baltimore Pride at the B&O Railroad Museum on June 23.

The main event of the week – the Baltimore Pride Parade – takes place on June 24. Continue your Pride revelry at the city's Block Party after the parade. The weeklong recognition ends with Pride in the Park on June 25. Enjoy live music featuring festival headliners rapper Remy Ma and R&B singer K. Michelle alongside food and drag performances.

Looking for other things to do outside of the official weeklong celebration? Baltimore Trans Pride weekend, hosted by Baltimore Safe Haven, begins on June 2 with the 2023 Trans Pride Kickoff Ball. The Baltimore Trans Pride Grand March and Block Party are set for June 3. Enjoy live entertainment, food and drinks. The festivities conclude with two after-parties for those 21 and older.

Find more details on the Baltimore Pride and Baltimore Safe Haven websites.

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Washington, D.C.: June 10

Courtesy of Capital Pride Alliance

Washington, D.C., in many ways constitutes a living historical destination. The U.S. capital is the place where laws are made, presidents reside and museums sit at almost every turn. D.C. is also a destination filled with LGBTQ history. 

Founded in 1971 as the Gay Activists Alliance of Washington, D.C. – and later changing its name to the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance – GLAA is one of the oldest continuously active LGBTQ civil rights organizations in the U.S. Another historic milestone for LGBTQ activism, the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, was held on D.C.'s National Mall in 1979.

What started as a one-day block party in 1975 has grown into a massive celebration at the annual Capital Pride Parade and Pride Festival, with a turnout of more than 450,000 participants in 2022. "Peace, Love, Revolution" is the theme for this year's Capital Pride. The 1.5-mile parade will take attendees through the historic streets of Washington on June 10, honoring LGBTQ history and the evolution of queer communities. While the parade is ongoing, the Capital Pride Block Party will be having its daylong celebration.

The subsequent Capital Pride Festival and Concert, set for June 11, will provide partygoers with three stages for entertainment as well as food, beverages and 300-plus advocacy exhibitors. Headliners for this year's festival include singers Idina Menzel, Debbie Gibson and Shanice. While the festival and concert are free, there is an option to purchase VIP and PIT passes.

Looking for more to do? See fireworks at the fourth annual Pride on the Pier, which takes place at the Wharf in the southwest portion of the city on June 10. You can also chill out by the pool at the Pride Rooftop Pool Party on June 8 or at the Capital Trans Pride Pool Party on June 10 – or dance the night away and enjoy drag performances at RIOT!, the city's official opening Pride party on June 9.

Washington, D.C., has been chosen as the host city for WorldPride in 2025.

Check out the Capital Pride Alliance's website for more information on this year's Pride events.

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Norfolk, Virginia: June 24

Located about 50 miles from Williamsburg , Norfolk is the epicenter of the Hampton Roads region and a destination full of LGBTQ history.

In 1976, there was a raid at a nightspot known as the Pantry. Its manager and 11 clubgoers were arrested on numerous charges including lewd conduct. Those defendants became known as the "Pantry 12" after fighting and successfully having their charges dismissed. The following year in 1977, a massive protest broke out at Norfolk's Scope Arena, where singer Anita Bryant was performing. Bryant was under fire after launching a "Save Our Children" campaign in response to a gay rights ordinance in Dade County, Florida, which granted LGBTQ people housing and employment protections.

The first community Pride event in the Hampton Roads area was a potluck picnic in June 1986 held by the Mandamus Society. The group, which would later be known as the Hampton Roads Pride, has been hosting annual summertime Pride events since 1997.

This year's Pride theme is "Break Free 23." The celebration will expand its focus beyond the Norfolk area to also collaborate with the six other Hampton Roads cities such as Virginia Beach and Newport News, as well as beyond the Tidewater area to ensure LGBTQ voices are breaking free to be heard.

In the historic Norfolk neighborhood of Ghent, the district will be hosting a Ghent Pride Party at the Palace Shops on June 20. Partygoers can enjoy food and cocktails from local restaurants, a silent auction, and live music.

Running since 2011, the city's Pride Boat Parade takes place on June 24 along with the city's PrideFest. See boats decked out in Pride decor sail along the Elizabeth River at Town Point Park. PrideFest, taking place at the same park, is Norfolk's biggest one-day festival and will be full of food, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.

Check out Hampton Roads Pride website for more information.

Athens, Georgia: June 3

Courtesy of Athens Pride & Queer Collective

Located about 70 miles away from Atlanta , Athens is known for several LGBTQ milestones.

It was here that the B-52s got their start. Another rock band also came from Athens – R.E.M. Both bands feature queer members. Additionally, in 1971, University of Georgia students created the Committee on Gay Education, which later evolved into the Lambda Alliance – an officially recognized student organization.

In 1989, the Boybutante AIDS Foundation was created to provide support to those living with HIV and AIDS and to the community. The foundation runs a yearly Boybutante Ball. Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Employees Supporters (GLOBES) was created as a support group for staff at the University of Georgia in 1994. The organization would later set the framework for other LGBTQ events with the creation of its yearly potluck picnic. Fast forward to 2022, when the city held its first Pride parade.

Put on by the Athens Pride & Queer Collective, the 2023 Athens Pride Parade will take place on June 3. See floats and LGBTQ groups make their way through downtown Athens as they celebrate queer communities. Then, attend the post-parade festival to enjoy live entertainment, nonprofit vendors and food.

To learn more, visit the Athens Pride & Queer Collective website .

Paducah, Kentucky: June 3

Courtesy of Laura Schneider

Paducah, Kentucky, is situated between the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers and is the halfway point between St. Louis, Missouri , and Nashville, Tennessee . In recent years, the designated UNESCO Creative City has made headway in establishing a more supportive environment for LGBTQ communities.

In 2018, Paducah became the first western Kentucky city to pass an anti-discrimination ordinance. The city is also home to the Cinema Systers Film Festival, which is the only all-lesbian film festival in the U.S. In 2022, Paducah held its first Pridefest. Almost 2,000 people were in attendance for the inaugural event.

The second annual Paducah Pridefest will be held on June 3. According to the organizers, expect bigger and better this year. Former "American Idol" contestant Noah Davis will be the music headliner. Festivalgoers can also enjoy performances by drag artists Roxxxy Andrews and Heidi N Closet, both of "RuPaul's Drag Race" fame, as well as Landon Cider from "The Boulet Brothers' Dragula." The fest will also have live music from local entertainers, food and vendors. Paducah Pridefest does request a suggested donation for entry to the festival.

For more information, check out the Paducah PrideFest's Facebook page .

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Columbus, Ohio: June 17

Ohio's capital and biggest city is one of the fastest-growing and most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the country. As such, Columbus holds the second-largest Pride march in the Midwest. Second only to Chicago Pride in the region, Columbus welcomes over 750,000 spectators to its Pride festival and march.

With the "Purpose. Passion. Power." theme, this year's Pride intends to remember how the Stonewall uprisings set the framework for Pride and represents the purpose of Pride protests. The theme also encompasses the passion in LGBTQ communities to make strides forward and the power people have to effect change no matter the circumstance.

The Stonewall Columbus Pride March takes place on June 17. Last year's march drew more than 17,000 participants to the streets of city. If you're looking for a good view of the march, revelers can watch the event from one of the three eateries that make up Pride on High. Proceeds from Pride march viewing areas go to local LGBTQ charities. The Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival, set to be held on June 16 and 17, will feature more than 200 vendors, two performance stages, a wellness area and a dance area.

Check out the Stonewall Columbus website for more information.

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Detroit: June 11

Pride events were established to celebrate – but also to fight for LGBTQ rights. The state of Michigan made headlines in March 2023, when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law an amendment to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. With this legislation, LGBTQ Michigan residents will now be explicitly protected from discrimination on the basis of sex and gender identity.

Like many cities after Stonewall, Detroit had an uprising of its own. The Motor City's first Pride march was held in 1972. The march has gone through its own evolution since then and expanded to include a PrideFest celebration. In 2003, the festival was given its current name: Motor City Pride. The celebration has more than 50,000 participants yearly.

The Motor City Pride Festival takes place on June 10 and 11 and will include live music, drag performances and food trucks. There is a $5 entrance fee to attend the celebration; children younger than 12 get in free. The Motor City Pride Parade is slated for June 11 and is free for all to attend.

Looking for more to do in Detroit for Pride? Take the Detroit Historic Pride walking tour with Detroit History Tours. Guests will learn more about LGBTQ history in the city. The tour company offers this excursion for a few days throughout June.

The Ruth Ellis Center – a social services agency for LGBTQ youth named after the activist who lived to be one of the oldest openly gay Black women in the world – is holding a Catfight for the Crown event on June 2.

For more details, visit the Motor City Pride website .

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Chicago: June 25

Steve Long | Courtesy of Northalsted

With stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife and plenty of places to grab a bite, Chicago is a traveler favorite year-round – and yet another destination full of LGBTQ history and culture.

The Windy City is where the first gay rights organization in the U.S. was established: The Society of Human Rights was founded by Henry Gerber in 1924. His former home, the Henry Gerber House, has become the second National Historic Landmark designated for its association with LGBTQ history – Stonewall was the first. Chicago is fittingly home to the biggest Pride parade in the Midwest, which will occur on June 25 this year.

The parade on average sees more than 1 million spectators in attendance; it runs through the Boystown neighborhood, which in 1997 Chicago declared the "official gay village." Expect to see colorful floats, decorated vehicles and marching bands celebrating Pride.

You'll also find several other events taking place around the city during Pride Month. The weekend before the parade (June 17 to 18), for example, brings the lively Chicago Pride Fest. About 60,000 festivalgoers attend the event each year for music, food, drag shows and arts and craft vendors. There is a suggested donation at the gate to enjoy the festivities. You can also take in the energetic atmosphere at Pride in the Park, the annual outdoor music festival that will be held at Grant Park on June 23 and 24. Enjoy performances from music artists such as Zedd, Years & Years and Zara Larsson at the 2023 event.

Also happening on June 24 is Navy Pier Pride, which will feature family-friendly activities, food, educational programming and music. Those who love staying active can sign up for the 40th Annual Pride Race 5K and 10K on June 25.

Check out the Chicago Pride website for more information.

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Minneapolis and St. Paul: June 25

Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

The Minneapolis – St. Paul metropolitan region has its own share of LGBTQ history. In 1975, Minneapolis became the first U.S. city to pass a nondiscrimination ordinance; since then, the area has cultivated a reputation as one of the friendliest cities for LGBTQ people in the country – and even earned the distinction of being one of the "gayest" U.S. cities. The Twin Cities' massive Pride parade is one of the biggest in the Midwest and nationwide. 

Twin Cities Pride held its first parade in 1972. The march this year starts on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis and ends in Loring Park on June 25. Afterward, the festivities continue at the Twin Cities Pride Festival, which starts on June 23 and features music performances, a variety of food and drink, and LGBTQ vendors.

Several family-friendly events are happening during Pride Month in the Twin Cities area, including the Minnesota School Outreach Coalition's Youth Pride on June 3, the St. Paul Pride Festival on June 10 and Pride Family Fun Day on June 18. These events will include live entertainment, activities and food.

To learn more, consult the Twin Cities Pride website .

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New Orleans: June 10

New Orleans is a year-round LGBTQ-friendly destination where art, culture, food, music and history collide. The city is home to Café Lafitte in Exile, one of the oldest gay bars in the U.S., and Fat Monday Luncheon, one of Louisiana's oldest organized LGBTQ events. Visitors will find plenty of things to do in the "Crescent City" for Pride Month – or at any other time of year.

Before the Pride parade commences, spend the day at New Orleans PrideFest, a block party where guests can partake in food and entertainment. Travelers may like that the NOLA Pride Parade is not a daytime celebration but rather one at night, taking you through the Marigny and French Quarter neighborhoods. See extravagant floats, dance troupes and musical ensembles parading the streets – not to mention all the rainbow flags.

Looking for other Pride events in NOLA? The French Market District will be having "A Picnic for All Y'all!" on June 3. The theme for this year's event is "Drag Brunch." Enjoy live drag performances, music and food. The 2023 LGBTLOL Queer Comedy Fest takes place June 1 to 4. Catch a laugh at one of the New Orleans comedy venues. Patrons can purchase full-fest passes or single-show tickets. You can also attend one of the many events during New Orleans Black Pride Weekend from June 8 to 11.

Visit the New Orleans Pride website for further details.

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Houston: June 24

Courtesy of Houston First Corporation

Houston's nicknames reflect many aspects of the city's history. Whether you know it as the "Bayou City" for its multiple rivers, "Space City" for its role in space exploration, or just simply "H-Town" for its culture and entertainment, Houston has it all for travelers. Bigger is better in the Lone Star State, and Pride events are no exception. Houston Pride is one of the biggest Pride celebrations in both Texas and the U.S.

Last year, around 850,000 spectators attended the Houston Pride Parade. The 2023 parade takes place at night on June 24 around the downtown area by the city hall. Enjoy tricked-out vehicles and floats, with flags in rainbow and various other color combinations to represent different LGBTQ communities.

Pride Houston 365 has made some changes to this year's Pride activities. The annual festival, which usually takes place before the parade, will not be held this year. "We have elected to have a Celebration Parade only this season. There are a lot of factors at play. Pride Houston is dedicated to renewing the trust of the Houston LGBTQIA+ community," the organization said in a statement posted to Instagram in January.

Instead of the festival, a Pride Market will take its place on June 4. There will be live music, food and drinks, a beer garden, and vendors. Looking for more to do outside of the parade and market? See the latest fashion styles at the official Pride fashion show, Rock the Runway, on June 22. Then, dance the night away at the Eden 2023: Official Pride Girl+ Party on June 23 or the Rich's at Rise after-party on June 24.

Check out the Houston Pride 365 website for more information.

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San Antonio: June 24

Courtesy of visitsanantonio.com

San Antonio's LGBTQ history has evolved over the years, from the drag performances of the 1930s to the city's Pride march becoming a jampacked monthlong celebration of the LGBTQ community.

This year's Pride theme is "Just Say Gay." The festivities are set to take place on June 24. By day, enjoy live entertainment, a PRIDE wedding, a health fair and food at the Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival. Admission is $12 for ages 12 and older; after June 15, the cost increases to $15. Pets are allowed at the festival but must be leashed for the duration of attendance. At night, cool down while watching participants in Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade. The parade is free to attend.

There are plenty of other ways to celebrate Pride in San Antonio . June 10 is the Bud Light Pride River Parade & Celebration. The event was created by Visit San Antonio as a way to promote the city that embraces LGBTQ communities. Enjoy a day of live performances at the Bud Light Pride Celebration & Stage Entertainment before attending the parade. The march runs twice: once in the Downtown portion of the River Walk, then again on the side of the River Walk Museum.

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts will be honoring Pride with two performances. On June 15, see the show "Pride Anthems," which details the fight for LGBTQ equality through music from artists such as Donna Summer, George Michael, Madonna and Lady Gaga – to name a few. On June 28, the center will host "An Evening with George Takei." The actor and activist will be discussing his acting career, his childhood in Japanese American internment camps and his activism for LGBTQ rights.

The San Antonio Zoo will be holding its third annual Night Out at the Zoo on June 16. The zoo has family-friendly activities for all ages as it celebrates Pride.

For more information, visit the Pride San Antonio website .

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Santa Fe, New Mexico: June 24

"This is where seasoned gays come to center themselves, but not in a boring way," said the LGBTQ magazine The Advocate in 2011 when Santa Fe was deemed the second gayest city in the U.S. The UNESCO Creative City is the oldest capital in the U.S. and has one of the largest art markets in the country as well. With a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, Santa Fe remains a popular LGBTQ destination.

This year, the city celebrates the 30th anniversary of Pride as well as its parent organization, the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance. Pride festivities begin on June 3 with the Disco Inferno party, where revelers can dance the night away in their best disco or retro outfits. History buffs will enjoy the Pride30 Santa Fe LGBTQ History Walking Tour on June 10, where you can learn about the queer history of Santa Fe. Afterward, hop on The Pride Train for a night of celebration. If you're looking for fun for all ages, Meow Wolf and the Human Rights Alliance will be hosting Planet Taz: A Queer Prom on June 14.

Fast forward to June 24, as Santa Fe celebrates Pride30 with its annual Pride Drive Parade and Pride on the Plaza. See cars, trucks, motorcycles and floats as they make their way around its parade route. Afterward, enjoy live music as paradegoers dance the afternoon away at Pride on the Plaza. If you want to keep the celebration going, attend the Diversity Rocks the Block party or see a drag revue at Pride After Dark. Festivities wrap up on June 25 at the After Burn T-dance party.

For more details, consult the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance website .

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Denver: June 25

When you think of Denver , what probably springs to mind is the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park or the urban atmosphere of the city with its numerous breweries and museums. But Denver also has an energetic LGBTQ scene with multiple gay-friendly bars, hotels and Pride events.

The annual Denver PrideFest weekend is the largest Pride event in the Rocky Mountain region, typically drawing more than 525,000 participants to its festivities. The 2023 PrideFest will feature drag performances from Marcia Marcia Marcia and Salina EsTitties, both featured on "RuPaul's Drag Race," in addition to New Orleans rapper Big Freedia. The Coors Light Denver Pride Parade takes place later in the day on June 25 and allows visitors to enjoy marchers, dancers and floats down Colfax Avenue, the longest commercial street in the U.S.

The city has numerous other events to help you celebrate Pride amid its two-day festival. Meow Wolf will be hosting several events including "We Are Here. The Drag Guide to Pride" on June 15 and 16 and "The Storybook KiKi Ball" celebrating the vogue dance movement on June 17. Want to take your celebration outdoors? Hit Coors Field for the Colorado Rockies' Coors Light Pride Night on June 9 or run the Denver Pride 5K to raise money for LGBTQ programming at The Center on Colfax on June 24.

Check out the Denver Pride website for more information.

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Los Angeles: June 11

Los Angeles is home to one of the largest populations of LGBTQ people in the U.S., and the city has played a huge role in gay rights history. One of the first lesbian publications, Vice Versa, was published in the late 1940s in Los Angeles . The first Supreme Court case that dealt with homosexuality and First Amendment rights – One Inc. v. Olesen in 1958 – centered on the Los Angeles government's attempt to censor a gay magazine. LA was also at the epicenter of one of the earliest organized LGBTQ protests after the police raid at The Black Cat Tavern in the Silver Lake neighborhood. It's only fitting that the city holds one of the largest Pride parades in the country.

Start the festivities at LA Pride in the Park, held in the 32-acre Los Angeles State Park from June 9 to 10. You can see performances by rapper Megan Thee Stallion and singer Mariah Carey. The festival will also have food, cocktails, vendors and LGBTQ exhibitors. On June 11, become a paradegoer at the annual LA Pride Parade. Marvel at floats, twirlers and performers as they make their way down the parade route.

Adrenaline-seekers can relish Pride with other attendees at Universal Studios Hollywood during the "Pride Is Universal" after-hours event on June 8. Enjoy rides and attractions around the park in addition to live entertainment and food.

Visit the LA Pride website for further details.

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San Francisco: June 25

In the 1960s Life magazine deemed San Francisco the "gay capital" of the U.S. because of its emerging LGBTQ communities. The city's Castro neighborhood was one of the earlier "gayborhoods" in the U.S. and was home to Harvey Milk, who in 1977 was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors as the first openly gay elected official in California history. Decades later, the city remains one of the most LGBTQ-friendly destinations.

The San Francisco Pride festivities include one of the biggest Pride parades in the country, with about 500,000 people in attendance. Expect to see LGBTQ community members and allies make their way down the parade route on June 25. The parade is set to have numerous groups and exhibitors participating, and the accompanying two-day Pride celebration (June 24 to 25) will feature multiple stages and venues to enjoy live music and entertainment.

Also happening this same weekend will be the 31st San Francisco Dyke March on June 24 and Soul of Pride San Francisco Black Pride taking place on both weekend days.

Among other Pride Month events in San Francisco, celebrate with LGBTQ locals and visitors alike at the Queer Prom 2023 on June 3 or enjoy an evening of live music with the debut performance of the International Pride Orchestra on June 22.

Check out San Francisco Pride's website for more information.

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Seattle: June 25

No list of Pride celebrations would be complete without Seattle , another one of the most gay-friendly cities in the country. Located east of downtown Seattle is Capitol Hill, considered the epicenter of the city's LGBTQ scene. The neighborhood boasts a lively nightlife with numerous gay bars and nightclubs – as well as rainbow-painted crosswalks to help you celebrate Pride year-round alongside the many events in the "Emerald City."

The celebration starts on June 3 with Seattle Pride in the Park. Enjoy family-friendly activities, food trucks and dance stages. The city's main Pride event – the Seattle Pride Parade – is set for June 25 and considered the largest march in the state of Washington. The parade typically brings up to 300,000 participants and spectators. With its 2023 theme of "Galactic Love," the parade will march down Fourth Avenue in the downtown area.

The celebrations continue at PrideFest, a weekend festival held in Capitol Hill on June 24 and at the Seattle Center the next day. Both locations provide beer gardens, food and activities for the family to enjoy.

To learn more, consult the Seattle Pride website .

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Frequently Asked Questions

Pride Month commemorates the triumphs and tribulations of LGBTQ people, whether through parades, marches, workshops, memorials, art and music, or the many other forms these Pride celebrations take. It also brings awareness to ongoing issues within all the different communities that make up the LGBTQ acronym.

In June 1999, former President Bill Clinton declared June to be Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. In 2009, when former President Barack Obama was in office, it became known as LGBT Pride Month. Today the nationally recognized observance throughout the month of June is referred to as LGBTQ+ Pride Month by President Joe Biden.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Suzanne Mason is a travel editor with a love of adventure. Give her a destination with a robust history or a beach, she'll be right there. Mason previously volunteered with the Human Rights Campaign. She used her stance on equality and research to curate this article.

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