30 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In San Francisco (CA)

San Francisco is one of the most incredible cities in America.

In this California city, you’ll find all sorts of cultures and all kinds of attractions, both natural and human-made.

With so much to do and see, we want to give you the best possible guidance for where to start.

These are 30 things you should do and places you should visit in San Francisco, California.

1. The Walt Disney Family Museum

Disneyland isn’t the only place to go in California for a great Disney experience.

One of the best things to do in San Francisco is to go to the Walt Disney Family Museum.

There are so many amazing things to check out related to the Disney story here.

The Walt Disney Family Museum was started by Disney’s daughter, Diane Disney Miller.

At this California museum, visitors can learn all about the man behind the legend of Disney.

Some of the things you can see here include galleries focusing on different points in Disney’s career, such as his early days and his theme park work, and temporary exhibitions on Disney icons like Mickey Mouse and rare art from some of Disney’s most-loved films.

Going to the Walt Disney Family Museum is one of the most fun things to do in San Francisco, especially if you love Disney.

It’s open from Wednesdays to Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

General admission is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $15 for children.

Address: 104 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States

2. Tenderloin Museum

This isn’t a hall of fame for beef, but it is one of the best museums in San Franciso.

At the Tenderloin Museum, you can learn all about the city’s Tenderloin District.

This district is fascinating, helping to add so much to San Franciso’s character.

There are 31 amazing blocks that make up the Tenderloin District.

It’s especially great if you want to get a better idea of how important San Francisco was to the LGBT rights movement.

If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in San Francisco, you should explore as much of the Tenderloin District as you can.

Coming to the Tenderloin Museum is great for both fun and education in San Francisco, California.

It’s open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults, and $6 for students, seniors, and youths, ages 13 to 21.

Address: 398 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

3. Go to a Giants Game

The San Francisco Giants are a baseball team that’s great to see in action, especially at a home game.

One of the most fun things to do in San Francisco is to go to Oracle Park to cheer them on.

Being around all the excited fans adds to the fun even more.

The temperate weather in SF makes going to a Giants game an even more fun experience.

You can enjoy a game on a nice spring or summer day without feeling overwhelmed by the heat.

The park is also one of the best in all of California, holding close to 42,000 fans.

When you’re at a San Francisco Giants home game, you can take part in one of the most fun activities the city has to offer.

This is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in San Francisco, especially if you love baseball.

Try to get some tickets for an upcoming home game as soon as you can.

Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States

4. Dandelion Chocolate

You don’t need a golden ticket to go to Dandelion Chocolate.

This is a chocolate factory that should be on the bucket list of any sweets lover.

Located in the famous Mission District, it offers amazing chocolates from all over the world.

Dandelion Chocolate is a perfect example of why San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations in the country.

There are so many complex and delicious flavors in their products, as their beans come from different regions, such as places in Africa and South America.

As you tour this factory and learn all about the product, you should emerge with a newfound appreciation for chocolate.

If you’re looking for vacation ideas for your San Francisco, California trip, you definitely should consider coming to Dandelion Chocolate.

The factory, as well as the café and shop, is open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tours last between one and two hours.

A one-hour tour for 12 people or fewer costs $180, and a one-hour tour for 24 people or fewer costs $360.

Address: 740 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

5. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art in New York has some competition, as the one in San Francisco is also incredible.

Here, you can see some of the best and most thought-provoking art around.

Thousands of great pieces in different forms can be found at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

This is one of the biggest places of interest in this area of the United States, as it was the very first museum with a strict modern-art focus.

Exhibits here showcase ingenuity in sculpting, painting, construction, and photos.

There’s an incredible amount of great things to see at this museum.

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the top 10 art institutions in California.

It’s open from Fridays to Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $19 for those 19 to 24, with ID.

Guests 18 and under receive free admission.

Address: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Visiting other parts of California? Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Sacramento & things to do in Santa Barbara!

6. California Academy of Sciences

If you’re not a science lover before you come to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, California, you should be one after leaving it.

This is a stunning museum that covers all sorts of disciplines.

It’s one of the best places to visit in the city when you want to nurture your mind.

Those who are fascinated by the wonders beyond our reach can come to the planetarium, while those interested in what’s at the depths of the oceans can check out the aquarium.

The California Academy of Sciences is one of the biggest points of interest for anyone who wants to put their mind to use when in San Francisco.

The California Academy of Sciences is an excellent place for learning and a place where you can have lots of fun.

This San Francisco museum is one of the biggest points of interest in the city.

See if you can make plans to come to the California Academy of Sciences this weekend.

Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States

7. Alcatraz Island

While it has appeared in exciting films like “Escape From Alcatraz” and “The Rock,” Alcatraz is very much real.

It’s no longer functioning as a prison, but it’s open for tours.

Alcatraz is what to visit when you want a glimpse inside one of the most fascinating parts of San Franciso’s history.

During a tour of this former prison, which once housed the likes of notorious gangster L Capone, you can really feel the eerie history within its corridors.

On the ferry ride over, the view of the prison and the island is truly remarkable.

Any good San Francisco travel guide will make mention of Alcatraz.

Alcatraz Island has all kinds of things it can offer in terms of tourist appeal.

You can have a very fun time here.

You’ll need to make sure you reserve a ferry trip to the island through Alcatraz Cruises.

Address: San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

8. Chinatown

There are multiple Chinatowns in the United States, but the one in San Fransico is at the very top.

It was founded first and has been home to immigrants and their Descendents for more than 150 years.

So many cool things can be done in Chinatown, SF.

Throughout Chinatown, you can find incredible shops and restaurants.

These don’t just feel authentic, they truly are.

Going here should be on the bucket list of anyone who wants to experience different cultures in the United States.

Your experience in Chinatown is likely to be one of the most fun you have in San Francisco, California.

Be sure to take the time to really appreciate each moment, even with all the activity that’s going on near you.

There’s no question that Chinatown is something you must see when you’re in San Francisco.

Address: Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

9. The Ferry Building

When you’re feeling a little peckish, you should head to The Ferry Building.

Inside are all kinds of vendors offering some of the best food in the city.

This is one of the best destinations for anyone in San Francisco who has a diverse palate.

Merchants at the Ferry Building Marketplace include people selling bread, wine, cheese, coffee, fish, and more.

You might find yourself bouncing through the different sites, trying to get a taste of everything you can.

This is something you must do if you really want to have the true San Francisco experience.

The Ferry Building is one of the top places to visit in this city.

It’s open from Mondays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., from Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

However, you should make sure you check specific hours for any vendors you especially want to patronize.

Address: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

10. Palace of Fine Arts

Art lovers visiting San Francisco, California have to check out the Palace of Fine Arts.

This is one of the top attractions, not only for the art but also for the event possibilities.

It’s also an absolutely stunning sight to behold.

Built in 1915, the Palace of Fine arts was first meant for displaying art for the Panama-Pacific Exposition.

Its design has Greek and Roman elements and its surrounded by wonderful natural aspects.

There’s no wonder it’s become such a popular spot for weddings.

The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the best places to go to in San Francisco.

Even if you’re not able to reserve an event there, you still have a great time checking it out.

At the very least, try to visit and take some photos there.

Address: 3601 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

Going for a road trip around California? You will love our list of things to do in San Jose & things to do in Palm Springs!

11. Twin Peaks

The terrain of San Francisco is one of its best qualities, with an abundance of hills and various points to look out from.

Among the best views are the ones you can get from the Twin Peaks.

On this pair of peaks, you can really take in the breadth of unique beauty that comes from SF.

Besides the view from the 922-foot high peaks, you can also enjoy the nature that is there.

There are many unique things in terms of plants and animals.

Being around the wonders of the Twin Peaks is one of the best things to do in San Francisco.

The Twin Peaks of San Francisco gives you two outstanding things to see when you’re in California.

Coming here is what to do when you really want to see this area in a whole new way.

When you come here, you’ll see why San Francisco is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in America.

Address: 501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

12. The Golden Gate Bridge

When you think of San Franciso, California, what comes to mind first?

If it’s the Golden Gate Bridge, you’re not alone.

This is a bridge that’s more than just a bridge.

It’s an icon of industrious engineering and one of the most enduring symbols of American work.

While The Golden Gate Bridge is now an indisputable icon, there was a time when people had grumbles about this orange steel suspension bridge being built.

Now, it’s one of the biggest hot spots in California.

With its pair of 746-high towers, The Golden Gate Bridge is among the most important places to visit in San Francisco.

The Golden Gate Bridge deserves to be named among some of the most impressive monuments in the entire world.

This is what to see no matter where your primary interests lie.

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of those sites that must be seen in order to even begin to understand what makes it so important.

Address: US-101, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States

13. The Asian Art Museum

So much amazing art has been created in Asia.

At the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, you can see all kinds of outstanding pieces from the continent.

Remarkably, some of these date back to multiple millenniums.

Pieces at the Asian Art Museum come from all kinds of places on the continent, such as China, Japan, Korea, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

The different galleries and exhibitions show just many diverse styles there are among these countries and eras.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most important places for art and history fans to visit while in San Francisco, California.

Coming to the Asian Art Museum is what to do when you really want to understand just how much importance art has when it comes to understanding different cultures.

This museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

General admission costs $15 for adults, and $10 for seniors, students, and children, ages 13 to 17.

Address: 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

14. Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

Lots of great agriculture can be found in San Francisco, California, especially at Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

Some of the best produce and other goodies in the state can be found here.

On a clear Saturday, you’re likely to find this farmers market to be absolutely bustling.

While you’re here, you can strike up conversations with the farmers as you try their various wares.

There’s also a lot to be fun had watching demos to see great chefs at work.

Coming here really lets you appreciate how important locally sourced food is.

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is one of the best places to visit in San Francisco, California.

It’s a place where people can come together and have a great time in all sorts of ways.

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Address: Ferry Building, One, #50, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

15. Yerba Buena Gardens

Yerba Buena Gardens is one of the highlights of San Francisco.

This is a part of Downtown that is full of attractions.

It’s one of the must visit places in San Franciso for entertainment and recreation.

Fun is everywhere you look at Yerba Buena Gardens.

There are theaters, museums, places to eat, and places for fun like bowling.

There are plenty of places for you to just enjoy the splendor of the area and the moment, especially with all of the marvelous plant life.

When you’re at Yerba Buena Gardens, entertainment is everywhere you think to look.

This is absolutely one of the greatest places to visit in the city.

Yerba Buena Gardens is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Address: 750 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Venturing into other areas of California? Check out our list of things to do in Santa Cruz & things to do in orange county!

16. Pier 39

If you’re coming to San Franciso, you have to come to the waterfront.

If you’re coming to the waterfront, you have to come to Pier 39.

This is where to come when you want to have a splendid time, especially when you’re with your children.

Your kids will be sure to love coming to Pier 39 and doing things like seeing the sea lions that laid claim to the area as well as taking a ride on the San Francisco Carousel.

The fun isn’t limited to the kids.

Adults can love trying the awesome seafood and going on a cruise.

At Pier 39, you’ll be at one of the best tourist spots in San Francisco.

When you’re looking for places to visit that appeal to all ages, you should come here.

The sightseeing and fun at Pier 39 are hard to beat.

Address: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

17. Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is one of the best places to learn in San Francisco, California.

It can be a very impactful place to bring your kids to.

Not only is there fun stuff to do here, but there are also many things that can help to shape their thinking.

This is one of the most fun things to do in San Francisco for bringing out your inner child.

It has all sorts of fun and interactive attractions.

Some of the best parts of the Exploratorium include activities focusing on chemistry, math, and physics.

These concepts are made approachable while also being given the depth they deserve.

The Exploratorium is one of the finest places for learning in California today.

It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

General admission is $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors, students, and youths, and $19.95 for children, ages 4 to 12.

Address: Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

18. Japanese Tea Garden

San Francisco gives you places that are full of calmness as well as ones that are full of excitement.

The Japanese Tea Garden, located in Golden Gate Park, is the pinnacle of relaxation attractions in San Francisco, California.

People who come here can see why it’s one of the premier tourist attractions in San Francisco.

When this tea garden first opened in 1894, the intention was for it to be a temporary exhibit.

However, it proved to be too good to be shut down.

Now, it’s one of the top places to see in San Francisco.

Address: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States

19. Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf has rightfully become one of the most famous points of interest in San
Francisco.

Located by the water, this is one of the top places to see in all of California.

There are lots of great sites throughout Fisherman’s Wharf.

Fun things you can do at Fisherman’s Wharf include checking out the famous Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, going to Pier 39, and eating some of the best seafood you’ve ever had.

See if you can find a travel guide that details all that Fisherman’s Wharf has to offer.

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s greatest tourist spots, a place where you can have an awesome time even if you haven’t so much as caught a small-mouthed bass.

If you’re coming down to San Francisco tomorrow, you should definitely make time to visit Fisherman’s Wharf.

When you’re sightseeing in this city, Fisherman’s Wharf offers so much.

Address: Jefferson Street Between Hyde and Powell Streets, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

20. Children’s Creativity Museum

Another great part of Yerba Buena Gardens is the Children’s Creativity Museum.

Children, from toddlers to preteens, can have their expression nurtured here.

Coming here is one of the best things to do in San Francisco as a family.

Here, children can enjoy activities that let them greatly expand the power of their minds.

Whether they’re scientifically or artistically minded, they can make things that really show how much pizzazz they have.

Thee fun activities can be the start of a lifelong interest for your child.

The Children’s Creativity Museum is where to visit when you want your children to be near things that work their imagination and thinking skills.

It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

General admission is $15 for everyone, except for members and visitors, who get in for free.

Address: 221 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Traveling to other parts of California? Check out our lists of things to do in San Diego & best things to do in LA!

21. Aquarium of the Bay

There are phenomenal aquatic activities all around San Francisco, and one of the best ways to experience it is at Aquarium of the Bay.

Even if you’ve been to other aquariums, you owe it to yourself to come to this one.

It’s one of the most fun things to do in SF.

The Aquarium of the Bay is one of the most fun tourist attractions in San Francisco, California for all of the things it has to see.

There are over 20,000 aquatic creatures homed here.

Among these amazing specimens are stingrays, sharks, and otters.

It’s open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

General admission is $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors, and $19.25 for children, ages 4 to 12.

Address: PIER 39 The Embarcadero &, Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

22. The Mechanics’ Institute Library and Chess Room

If you want to learn about how important education is in San Francisco, you should come to the Mechanics’ Institute Library and Chess Room.

This is an establishment that’s been there for more than a century and has continued to brighten the minds of its visitors.

You should plan a trip here if you want to have a truly great experience in San Francisco, California.

This institute was first started as a means of providing education for miners following the end of the California Gold Rush.

Since then, it has been a source of helping minds of all kinds.

Now, there’s an expansive library and events such as movie screenings and chess competitions.

The Mechanics’ Institute Library and Chess Room is a place you can learn and have lots of fun at the same time.

Address: 57 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94104, United States

23. Angel Island

A day trip to Angel Island can be one of the best parts of coming to San Francisco.

Not only is it a wonderfully large island, the second-biggest of all the ones on the bay, it also has lots of cool things to check out.

This is one of those destinations that you can’t afford to miss.

One of the most beautiful places in California, Angel Island is also the residence of under 100 people.

You can have fun doing things like seeing music performed and taking Segway tours through the island.

You also need to make sure you save an appetite to try some of the incredible food offered on Angel Island.

A day spent on Angel Island is one you should keep inside your memory bank for as long as possible.

This is one of the most phenomenal things you’ll see near San Francisco.

We don’t put it lightly when we say Angel Island is something that you must see.

Address: Pier 41, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

24. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Another show of San Francisco’s pride in its waterfront location is the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Stories from all the about the Pacific Coast are shared here.

There are also many phenomenal pieces of memorabilia that help you to understand just how important of a role different items played in this sort of history.

Coming to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is what to do in San Francisco when you want to get a comprehensive history lesson about one of the most important aspects of a particular city.

Among the top attractions here include historic ships dating back to the 19th century and the Maritime Museum.

You can also have lots of fun imagining you’re aboard one of these vessels as it cruises the seas.

Going to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is something you must do to really understand the importance of the maritime community to this city.

It’s open 24 hours a day. Its public information office is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: 499 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

25. Muir Woods National Monument

The redwoods are one of the most important parts of understanding why California is worth visiting.

Muir Woods National Monument located near San Francisco in Mill Valley, California features many of these astonishing trees.

This is definitely one of the best places to visit in California.

If you’re coming to San Francisco this weekend, you should try to make time to visit Muir Woods National Monument.

You can have an experience that’s both fun and mindful.

As you gaze up at these gargantuan trees, the only word that may come to mind is “speechless.”

Muir Woods National Monument is one of the most spectacular tourist spots you’ll encounter in California.

It is open every day. Admission is $15 for adults and free for children 15 and under.

Address: 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States

Have more time? Why not read up on some of the best things to do in Long Beach & research on what to do in Fresno?

26. Cable Car Museum

Riding a cable car in San Francisco is lots of fun, as is going to the Cable Car Musem.

You can find out all about the amazing history of this public transportation, including how the cars work.

This has some of the top sights for history buffs visiting San Francisco.

At the Cable Car Museum, you can see cable cars of days past, including one that survived from the historic Sutter Street Railway.

There are also photos that let you see just how much importance this transportation has brought to San Francisco.

The Cable Car Museum is definitely a place to see when you’re in San Francisco.

It’s open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November to March and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April to November.

There is no cost for admission.

Address: 1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

27. The Presidio of San Francisco

What was once a military base has now become a park.

The Presidio of San Francisco is a lovely place to unwind.

This is where to go for when you want to have great views of the area, including the Golden Gate Bridge.

Going to the Presidio of San Francisco is a ticket to fun in the city.

This place is known as the city’s “Great Escape.”

One of the best activities in all of California is spending the better part of a day at the Presidio.

It’s hard to not be impressed by the Presidio of San Francisco.

It’s a place where you can see a community at its best.

This park is open 24/7/365.

Address: 210 Lincoln Boulevard on the Presidio’s Main Post, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States

28. The Interval

San Francisco is full of great bars, but one of the absolute best is The Interval.

Just calling it a bar is misleading.

It appeals to all kinds of taste, from taste buds to various interests.

Besides drinks, you can also enjoy coffee, art, and enlightening talks hosted by figures such as scientists and authors.

You can also have fun going through the multitude of boos here.

Two-stories tall, The Interval is one of the most impressive parts of San Francisco, Califonia.

You should definitely make plans to check out The Interval.

It has a charm that is all its own and which only grows the more time you spend there.

The Interval is open every day from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Address: Landmark Building A, 2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

29. Bay Bridge

While it doesn’t have the fame of the Golden Gate one, the Bay Bridge is still an amazing part of this city.

This is another one of the best places to visit for a structural wonder in this city.

Hundreds of thousands of people pass through the Bay Bridge every day, through various means of transportation.

As with the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge has people coming through via cars, bicycles, and their own two feet.

If you want to have fun in another Bay Area city, the Bay Bridge links San Francisco to Oakland.

Its full name is the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

The Bay Bridge lets you really experience this city and how amazing it is.

Even if you’re just using it as a means of getting to Oakland and back, you can still take a moment to appreciate how cool it is.

On a starry night, it’s enough to bring some tears to your eyes.

Address: Highway 80 West, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States

30. San Francisco Botanical Garden

Thousands of spectacular plants can be seen at the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

Part of Golden Gate Park, this is one of the top places to go to for natural sights in the city.

It’s definitely one of the most enticing tourist attractions in all of California.

This is a place you must see, even if you’ve never had much of an interest in plants.

You hardly need to be a botanist to have fun at the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

Plants from throughout the globe can thrive here, as San Francisco’s climate is one that’s optimal for the thousands of plants at this botanical garden.

The San Francisco Botanical Garden is a place that shows how the beauty of life comes in so many forms.

It’s open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission for those who live outside of the city and county is $9 for adults, $6 for youths and seniors, and $2 for children, ages to 11.

Additionally, adults pay $12 for admission on weekends.

Address: 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To San Francisco

We hope that this guide has excited you and that you’re making plans to come to San Francisco as early as tomorrow.

While that might be getting ahead of ourselves, we can tell you that this is a truly amazing city, and the people are at the heart of what makes it so great.

Don’t feel like you have to stick chiefly to this playbook either.

There are great things you’ll discover just by walking about.

Be sure to talk to locals about what they’re most fond of in the city.

You might even end your trip deciding that you have a city you want to move to.

Whether you’re into science, sports, the arts, or nature, this city gives you things you can appreciate and adore.

Coming to San Francisco is a thing that should be a priority for anyone who wants to explore the United States at its fullest.

With this guide, we want to give you a total understanding of what a great place this is.

Happy travels.