Planning to visit somewhere for vacation in California, San Francisco is one of the liveliest and vibrant city. The city has a high population density in the country, second only to New York.
From taking a tour of the breath taking Golden Gate Bridge to shopping at the Union Square or getting to party with the locals it is a city that will lure you keep visiting and exploring.
10 Best Things To Do in San Francisco
With so many great and fun things to do, here are the top 10 best things to do in San Francisco ad attractions you shouldn’t miss. Grab your favourite ice cream from the city’s oldest brand It’s It and get ready to explore.
1. Go across The Golden Gate Bridge
A beautiful sight to behold between San Francisco Bay and Marin Country is the world famous Golden Gate Bridge.
It was opened in 1937 and was inaugurated as the longest suspension bridge of that time. Declared as one of the modern wonders of the world, this bridge was the biggest bridge ever built.
Thousands of people not just use it to cross across the bay rather to photograph it and admire the beaut.
It is even more thrilling to take a bike ride about the bridge. It is easy to rent a bike near the area, or you can bring your own bike. Make sure you abide by the rules, the laws of the bridges for bikes.
Additionally you can also sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, with over a dozen companies offering service. It is no less an experience than walking over the bridge.
2. Chinese Cuisines in Chinatown
San Francisco hosts the largest Chinese community outside of Asia and Chinatown is the San Francisco’s oldest.
One of the major attractions of this area is the food, you won’t regret spending half of the day exploring food varieties.
You get a good lot of restaurant options to choose from, but in the top of the list stand the best places such as ‘Good Mong Kok Bakery’, Dim Sum Bistro, Hing Lung Company, Z & Y Restaurant and Sam Wo Restaurant.
You should visit one of these restaurants to get the taste of authentic Chinese food, which are sumptuous and wonderful.
Chinatown holds an influential position both historically and culturally, since its establishment in 1848 in San Francisco, California, home to Chinese immigrants from west side of the Pearl River delta.
If you happen to visit the city during Autumn Moon festival you can visit this Chinese festival for free
3. The Golden Gate Park
The Golden Gate Park sees around 13million visitors each year. If you are in San Francisco and are wondering where to go, this is it.
The park is spread over a vast area of 1,017 acres and has numerous options to explore have fun and relax.
It has lakes, picnic spots, playgrounds, monuments and garden that not only tourists enjoy but locals as well.
The Golden Gate Park is never empty owing to the plethora of events and activities that take place here all round the year.
It is also at times open to private functions like weddings or special events, if you were in search of a beautiful gardens to host an event, you can make your bookings.
The stunning scenery and greenery is worth your time, its picturesque and the perfect place to do a photo-shoot.
4. Ogle the Architecture at the Palace of Fine arts
Inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, the grand Palace of fine arts was built in 1919 was originally constructed for the Panama-Pacific Exposition to display fine arts.
The palace when reflected in the lagoon near it, is a sight to behold. It’s about the tiny details, statues and intricate carvings as much as it is about the huge dome like structure.
The view at night is also spectacular and is all lit up and you should stay back to also get a view of the Palace at night.
The water surrounding the Palace has many types of wildlife including ducks, swans, geese and racoons.
The palace has been seen in a few movies like ‘Vertigo’ (1985), ‘Time after Time’ (1979) and Indian movies like ‘My name is Khan’ (2010).
5. Explore the Union Square
The Union Square is the most visited area in San Francisco moreover in all of United States.
The neighbourhood owes its liveliness to all the high-end retail outlets that attracts shopping enthusiasts, art galleries that attract art lovers, fancy hotels and cafes and very active nightlife.
Time and often, many live events are held at Union Square and hence making it lively all around the year and one of the best things to do in San Francisco.
It is not just a major tourist attraction but also a vital cosmopolitan gathering place in downtown San Francisco.
You shouldn’t miss this neighbourhood if you wish to get a taste of partying with the locals and of the nightlife.
6. Spot the Wild Parrots
Starting from Coit Tower to 400 miles up to Telegraph Hill steps scoping out the trees is home to flock of Wild Parrots, but it’s not the sole place you can find them.
You can find a flock of wild cherry-headed conure parrots roaming around most of San Francisco.
The Coit Tower stands on the top of Telegraph Hill. To get a bird’s eye view of the city take an elevator to the top of tower.
7. Enjoy a Day at the Presidio of San Francisco
The Presidio Park is situated on the northern tip of the San Francisco and falls under the Golden Gate Recreation Area. Formerly a U.S. military base, the Presidio of San Francisco is now a Park.
You can get a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean and overlook the Golden Gate as well. This site is also a recognized California Historical Landmark.
This 1,500 acre park is considered a major recreational hub, it has forested areas, scenic overlook and a golf course.
The ownership of this area was initially held by the Spanish, which moved to the Mexicans in 1821 and finally United States over took the ownership in 1948.
8. Take in the View from Twin Peaks
The Twin peaks in San Francisco were initially called “Los Pechos de la Choca” translating to ‘Breasts of the Maiden’.
The Twin Peaks are a world famous tourist attraction and offer a breath taking view of the bay area.
The two peaks are adjacent to each other and stand at 922 feet tall. At points you can overlook the picturesque city from the hill top.
It is home to animals and a great variety of plants as you make your way up to the top you will spot plenty.
If you are lucky you might even spot the endangered mission butterfly while you going up.
There is also a 64 acre park that will surely give you a rough idea of how the city looked before the development took place that you see in the urban area.
9. Explore Modern Art in the City
The first ever museum in this part of the country that showcased only modern art was the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
There are art works of paintings, sculptures, photographs and architecture on display. Around 29,000 pieces of works are on display that will definitely capture you heart.
The Museum is around 80 years old and the art works were initially housed along with the war Memorial Veterans in the War Memorial Veterans Building, before shifting to its current location.
10. Go to Angel Island
Angel Island is the second largest island in the bay. A very small population of about 60 people live permanently on the island.
You have to take a ferry from San Francisco to reach the island from San Francisco bay and once you reach, you can either take an open air tram to enjoy the scenic beauty or take a Segway tour of the island.
The island offers a serene experience and picturesque view of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin county Headlands and Mount Tamaplais.
To fill that appetite you will find some fantastic and cosy cafes and bars serving delicious food.
You might even come across a live concert or events, is a common sight. Although it would be better if you check out online, the events if any, for your visiting day and make sure you go when a lots happening.
Conclusion
San Francisco has a lot to offer hence is one of the busiest and frequented places in the U.S. A rooftop bar or café is always pleasing, it subsequently offers a great view of the city.
Check out a few of the always active rooftop bars that the city has to offer for instance Everdence, El Techno de Lolinda to enjoy the atmosphere and yummy drinks.
The city is famous for its restaurants and is home to a few of the best chefs in the country, make sure you get your menu.