The Complete San Francisco Bucket List: 101 Must-Do Experiences

Please note that this article includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission from purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our views remain our own. For details, see our full disclosure. Thanks for supporting Local Adventurer.

San Francisco holds a special place in my heart—I return again and again. Its lively, colorful character draws me in. We've considered spending a year living there, but the steep rent has always held us back. Perhaps after a year in New York City, that price tag will seem more manageable.

We collaborated with our friends Hsiao (who recently relocated from SF to NYC) and Young (a decade-long SF resident) to create this comprehensive San Francisco bucket list. It's designed for newcomers and locals alike seeking fresh inspiration to explore.

101 Activities Across San Francisco

CONTENTS [JUMP TO SECTION]

• Sightseeing Highlights (1-14)
• Murals & Photo Locations (15-18)
• Museums, Monuments & Memorials (19-41)
• Outdoor Spaces & Urban Parks (42-74)
• Performances & Entertainment Venues (75-88)
• Unique & Offbeat Experiences (89-92)
• Shopping & Dining (93-95)
• Culinary Adventures (96-101)
• Seasonal Events
• Map Overview
• When to Go
• Getting Around & Parking

Published: February 5, 2018

San Francisco packs an incredible amount of attractions into just 49 square miles. My own to-do list contains over 300 items, but that felt too daunting to share. We'll keep updating this list as we revisit the city. We've organized entries by category and also by proximity, and a map at the bottom will help you visualize nearby spots.

Sightseeing Highlights

1. Alcatraz Island – Opt for the standard audio tour or the more atmospheric night tour, which has limited tickets (just a few hundred each evening). You can also enter a lottery for an overnight stay—only 18 such sleepovers happen annually. Photo tip: Look through a cell block window for a unique perspective of the city skyline. (map)
2. Golden Gate Bridge & Marin Headlands – Cross on foot or by bike to Sausalito. This ride is challenging for beginners and longer than it appears—the bridge spans 1.7 miles. Bike-and-ferry combos are available. From April to September, select Saturdays are car-free, allowing pedestrians, cyclists, and runners to enjoy the bridge without traffic.
3. Sausalito – Explore charming houseboat communities and take in stunning skyline views.
4. Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach/Telegraph Hill – Visit Pier 39 to see the sea lions and enjoy clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin on the Wharf.
5. Ghirardelli Square, Russian Hill – According to locals, the food isn't great and this is SF's most overhyped attraction (think M&M store in Times Square), but most tourists still stop by.
6. Lombard Street, Russian Hill – San Francisco's famously crooked street with eight hairpin turns. The best photo opportunities are from the bottom, as only the first two curves are visible from the top.
7. Japantown – Snap photos at Peace Plaza and the Pagoda, savor ramen and shabu shabu, try Japanese arcade games, get Japanese nail art, and finish the evening in a karaoke room.
8. Painted Ladies, Alamo Square, Western Addition – The park is perfect for a picnic. These houses are often mistaken for the Full House home; the actual house is down the street at 1709 Broderick (bought by the show's creator). Photo tip: Visit mid-morning after the sun clears the buildings across the street, or on a cloudy day.
9. San Francisco Cable Cars – Ride the full 2.1-mile route or just a portion. Bring exact change. The best views are along Hyde Street between Chestnut and Bay; the California and Drumm line is less touristy. For great photos, sit on the front-left side or on the outside runner. Alternatively, hop on the Historic Street Cars (F-Line) for $2 and see Civic Center, Downtown, and Fisherman’s Wharf—a cheaper option than the Grayline Bus.
10. Chinatown – The largest Chinatown in the country. The tourist area starts at Dragon’s Gate, while the local side near North Beach on Stockton Street (SF's “Little Italy”) features small groceries, herb shops, and old-school dive bars with strong drinks (proceed at your own risk). Golden Gate Bakery is famous for egg tarts, and China Live serves some of the best Sheng Jiang Bao in SF.
11. Cupid’s Span at Rincon Park, Embarcadero/SoMa – A quick stop, just a 5–10 minute walk from the Ferry Building.
12. San Francisco Ferry Building, Embarcadero/SoMa (map) – Grab a Blue Bottle coffee, sample or buy McEvoy Ranch lotions (formerly 80 Acres), and stop by Humphry Slocombe for the famous Secret Breakfast ice cream. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays, you can also visit the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.
13. Bay Bridge (San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge) – Use the walking/cycling path. You'll need a car, or it's a long trek to reach the start on the East Bay side.
14. 49-Mile Scenic Drive – Begins and ends at City Hall. Driving this route through the city can be a hassle, so be prepared.

Murals & Photo Locations

1. 16th Ave Tiled Steps, Inner Sunset (map)
2. Murals in the Mission – Balmy Alley Murals, Cypress Street, and Lilac Street are clustered together; Clarion Alley is one mile north. The Mission offers a choose-your-own-adventure vibe: stick to Valencia Street for gentrified, trendy spots, or wander up and down 24th Street to see many old-school Mexican-owned businesses. Artists lead guided cultural mural walks on weekends, starting at Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center.
3. San Francisco City Hall, Civic Center – A favorite among photographers. On weekdays during lunch, you'll find Off the Grid food trucks.
4. Transamerica Pyramid Building, Financial District – Not exciting to visit, but it's a landmark photographers love to capture (the best shot arguably comes from the Mandarin Oriental).

Museums, Monuments & Memorials

1. Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park (map) – Home to over 2,000 species of plants and flowers.
2. California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park (map) – Dubbed the world's greenest museum, featuring a planetarium, natural history museum, aquarium, scientific research program, and a four-story living rainforest with 1.7 million native plant species. Check out: 21+ adventures on Thursdays and yoga classes in the aquarium.
3. De Young Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, Golden Gate Park (map) – The Hamon Observation Tower and gift shop offer free 360-degree city views. Friday nights in June feature after-hours art programs, cocktails, lectures, performances, and workshops.
4. Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park (map) – Free before 10 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It's compact.
5. San Francisco Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park (map)
6. Legion of Honor, Land’s End, Sea Cliff (map) – Part of the Fine Arts Museums of SF.
7. The Walt Disney Family Museum, Presidio (map) – A treat for Disney enthusiasts, especially those interested in behind-the-scenes details. Allow 3–4 hours to avoid rushing.
8. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, North Beach/Telegraph Hill – A National Park unit.
9. Cartoon Art Museum, North Beach/Telegraph Hill
10. USS Pampanito, Pier 45, North Beach/Telegraph Hill
11. Musee Mécanique, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach/Telegraph Hill
12. Aquarium of the Bay, North Beach/Telegraph Hill
13. The Exploratorium, North Beach/Telegraph Hill – A learning lab with 600 hands-on exhibits; explore the Tactile Dome. After Dark on Thursday nights (18+) offers cocktails and music. Fun for all ages—regular visits take a couple of hours. It can get crowded, so popular areas may have lines.
14. Cable Car Museum, Nob Hill
15. Contemporary Jewish Museum, Union Square/SoMa
16. SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art), SoMa
17. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, Civic Center
18. The Institute of Illegal Images, Mission – SF's LSD museum. Schedule a visit with Mark McCloud, who has collected over 30,000 sheets of acid tabs (also read the fascinating article on how LSD came to SF through the CIA).
19. Oakland Zoo – Better than the San Francisco Zoo, which is foggy 90% of the time.
20. UC Berkeley Campus – Sather Tower offers great views of the campus and city (they now charge a fee).
21. Pacific Pinball Museum, Alameda – $15 for unlimited play.
22. Hanna “Honeycomb” House by Frank Lloyd Wright, Stanford – One of his early Bay Area works. Reserve well in advance; tours fill up quickly.
23. Stanford University Campus – Hoover Tower provides excellent views of the campus and city.

Outdoor Spaces & Urban Parks

1. Angel Island State Park, Tiburon – Take a ferry ride. There are 13 miles of hiking trails. Climb to the highest point, Mount Livermore, for a 360-degree view of the SF skyline. Camp here for incredible views. Popular with kayakers launching from SF or Sausalito—beware of currents. Beginners can join a guided tour.
2. Billy Goat Hill Park, Glen Park – Offers a panoramic view of the entire city.
3. Golden Gate Park – One of the largest man-made parks in the world. It's California's answer to Central Park but 20% larger. Points of interest: paddle boating on Stow Lake, the Buffalo Field, Rose Garden, Shakespeare Garden, lawn bowling and archery (Sundays at noon), Lindy in the Park (free swing dance lessons between Richmond and Sunset districts), casting pools (practice fly fishing), and don't forget to find the Faery Door (there are more throughout SF; you can read messages left for the fairies and their replies here).
4. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marina/Cow Hollow, Hawk Hill, Marin Headlands – See the entire 8,980-foot span of the Golden Gate Bridge and the SF skyline. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center in the Presidio to get your stamp. Vista Point is the classic photo spot, but be sure to head up into the Marin Headlands as well.
5. Lands End, Golden Gate NRA – The Lands End Trail is a popular, easy hike leading to Sutro Baths, the Labyrinth, and Eagle Point. You may spot sea lions, dolphins, and migrating gray whales. Wear sneakers. Afterwards, grab drinks or food at Cliff House.
6. The Presidio of San Francisco, Golden Gate NRA – A former U.S. Army military fort turned park. There are 11 miles of hiking trails with views of the Bay, Alcatraz, the city, and the Golden Gate. The park includes Baker Beach, Marshall’s Beach, Crissy Field, Fort Point, and more. Walk Lovers Lane, hike to Inspiration Point (views of SF Bay, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Presidio forest), stroll the Golden Gate Promenade, explore the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, and see three Andy Goldsworthy installations: the Spire, Wood Line, and Tree Fall. Presidio Picnic happens on Sundays with food trucks and games.
7. Ocean Beach, Golden Gate NRA – SF's longest beach and most reliable surf spot. Skimboard, bike, skate the esplanade, or fly kites. Adjacent to Land's End. Swimming is not recommended due to strong riptides. Bonfires are first-come, first-served and fun with a group. BYOB.
8. Baker Beach, Presidio, Golden Gate NRA – Offers an up-close view of the Golden Gate, especially beautiful at sunset. Popular with portrait and wedding photographers.
9. Crissy Field, Presidio, Golden Gate NRA – Views of the skyline and Golden Gate. Great for barbecues and kite flying.
10. Stinson Beach, Golden Gate NRA – Camp or visit the nude beach. It's a full-day outing and can be hard to reach on nice days due to heavy traffic.
11. Coit Tower Hike, Telegraph Hill – A 210-foot tower offering views of the entire city, the bay, and the Transamerica Pyramid framed by the tower's arches. Many stairs lead through cool neighborhoods—climb the Filbert Steps or Greenwich Street stairs to get there. The elevator to the top costs $7. Check out the free views first; the view is great but the price may not be worth it since a fence surrounds the top. Allow extra time if you want to find the famous parrots of Telegraph Hill (they also appear at Cole Valley and Fort Mason).
12. Twin Peaks, Nob Hill – Two hills at 925 feet in the center of SF. You can drive to the top for the best city views at sunset. It's extremely windy, so dress in layers. Tourists have been mugged here, so stay alert.
13. Sutro Tower, Twin Peaks – Unbeatable downtown views, though you're not allowed to go to the top.
14. Corona Heights Park, Castro & Corona Heights – Panoramic city views.
15. Crown Beach, Alameda – See the SF skyline from the East Bay.
16. Fort Point National Historic Site, Presidio – Located on the southern side just below the Golden Gate, very photogenic. Free ranger-led candlelit tours are available but require advance reservations. Also, high-five Hopper's hands on the fence and surf here when conditions are right.
17. Mount Davidson, Sherwood Forest – The highest point in the city at 928 feet, offering views of Twin Peaks and downtown.
18. Kirby Cove, Marin Headlands, Sausalito, Golden Gate NRA – The “secret” swing is no longer there. Great camping spot and recreation area with a view of the Golden Gate.
19. Lyon Street Steps, Pacific Heights – Run or walk up these steps for a workout and enjoy the view from the top.
20. Dolores Park / Mission Dolores Park, Castro – Grab a burrito, a cone from Bi-Rite, Pizzeria Delfina, or Tartine Bakery and have a picnic. The view northeast over Dolores Park offers a lovely mix of greenery and urban skyline.
21. Mt. Tam or Mount Tamalpais State Park, Mill Valley, Marin County, North Bay (14.1 mi / 30 min without traffic) – Hike or mountain bike on over 100 miles of trails. It's the highest point in Marin County and often called the birthplace of mountain biking. Also great for beginner rock climbing with Bay Area views.
22. Muir Woods National Monument, Golden Gate NRA, Mill Valley – Check out the Dipsea Trail. This area preserves some of the last remaining coastal redwoods.
23. San Francisco Bay – Swim in Aquatic Park, take a bay cruise, go sailing, or ride a high-speed powerboat. Try sea kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding out to a Giants game to catch a home run. Start from McCovey Cove—one of the most popular trips.
24. Bernal Heights Park, Bernal Heights – Lovely city views and secret slides (the Esmerelda Street Slides).
25. Grizzly Peak, Berkeley (19.3 mi / 49 min by car) – Hike or drive up to the lookout for a panoramic view of the entire Bay Area. Another great sunset spot.
26. Bolinas Ridge Trail, Point Reyes, Olema (32.2 mi / 1 hour away) – Drive up to watch the sunset.
27. Fort Funston, Golden Gate NRA, Lakeshore – Popular for hiking, horseback riding, and one of the top hang-gliding launch points in the U.S.
28. Glen Canyon Park, Diamond Heights – In-town bouldering.
29. Mt. Diablo Summit Hike, Clayton, East Bay – The highest point in the Bay Area at 3,849 feet. On a clear day, bring binoculars to see Half Dome. Also offers trad, top-rope, and sport climbing routes.
30. Pacifica State Beach, Pacifica – Visit the fanciest Taco Bell and surf. Mori Point Trail is a cool, uncrowded hike. It's far from the city, so it's more worthwhile if you're into surfing or really into Taco Bell, since the beach isn't much different from Ocean Beach.
31. Point Reyes National Seashore, Inverness – Snap a photo at the tree tunnel, kayak, hike to Alamere Falls, bike, camp. Other points of interest: Point Reyes Lighthouse, Tomales Bay Oyster Farm, Point Reyes Shipwreck.
32. Treasure Island – An artificial island with great skyline views.
33. Whale Watching Cruise – Near the Farallon Islands, often called California's Galapagos. Not great for swimming, but you can see the islands on clear days. Also known as a popular great white shark feeding ground.

Performances & Entertainment Venues

1. AT&T Park, South Beach – Take a tour, watch a Giants game, and eat the famous $13 crab sandwich. Dress in layers.
2. Audium, Lower Pacific Heights – A 49-seat theater of sound-sculptured space.
3. The Castro Theater, Castro – A large independent cinema showing lesser-known films. Participate in sing-alongs (with lyrics on screen) and enter the costume contest. An organist performs on stage before each show.
4. Palace of Fine Arts Theater, Marina District – Visit the swans and take photos.
5. The Fillmore, Western Addition
6. The Independent, NoPa, Alamo Square – A world-renowned concert venue. It's medium-sized, but all the best bands perform here.
7. Chase Center, Mission Bay – Watch a Golden State Warriors game.
8. Marrakech Magic Theater, Tenderloin
9. Mr. Tipple’s, Civic Center – A low-key jazz spot.
10. SFJAZZ Center, Hayes Valley – You can bring your own cocktails.
11. War Memorial or Beaux Arts Opera House, Civic Center/Hayes Valley – A memorial to WWI soldiers and home to the San Francisco Opera and Ballet.
12. Davies Symphony Hall, Civic Center, Hayes Valley
13. The Speakeasy, the Palace Theater – Buy tickets and receive instructions. Dress code: 1920s attire (or rent it there). Follow 35 characters on a choose-your-own-adventure during the Prohibition Era—similar concept to Sleep No More.
14. Cobb’s Comedy Club, Russian Hill, North Beach – Hosts bigger acts. Punch Line San Francisco, Financial District (same owner as Cobb's) features up-and-coming comedians.

Unique & Offbeat Experiences

1. Wave Organ, Marina District
2. Grace Cathedral, Nob Hill – Yoga on the Labyrinth on Tuesday nights.
3. Church of 8 Wheels, Lower Haight, Hayes Valley – A 120-year-old former Catholic church turned into a Burning Man–style roller skating rink. Friday and Saturday nights are adults only. Wear costumes.
4. Seward Street Slides, Castro – Slide down; bring cardboard, or use the pieces available at the bottom.

Shopping & Dining

1. Union Square – Popular shopping area.
2. City Lights Bookstore, Chinatown – The largest collection of banned books.
3. Amoeba Records (few remaining), The Haight/Haight-Ashbury – Known for great thrifting. Other excellent shopping areas include Pacific Heights and Hayes Valley.

Culinary Adventures

1. Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, Chinatown
2. The Starlight Room, Union Square – Sunday Drag Brunch.
3. The Palace Hotel, Financial District – Afternoon Tea.
4. Anchor Brewing Company, Potrero Hill – Tours at SF's original craft brewery. More brewery tours at Barebottle Brewing Company, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers, and Trumer Pils Brauerei.
5. Hangar 1 Distillery Tour, Alameda
6. Wat Mongkolratanaram, South Berkeley – Thai brunch at a small Thai Buddhist temple. Every Sunday, the temple hosts a communal Thai brunch. Make a donation, receive tokens, and buy food with them.

Seasonal Events

• Noir City (late Jan – early Feb)
• SF Beer Week (mid-Feb)
• International Ocean Film Festival / IOFF (Mar 8–11, 2018)
• Bring Your Own Big Wheel’s Race (Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018)
• SF International Film Festival (April)
• Bay to Breakers (3rd Sunday in May) – run, or party and watch it backwards.
• Film Night in the Park (mid-June – late Sept)
• San Francisco Pride (end of June) – the largest LGBT parade and festival in the U.S.
• Stern Grove Festival (mid-June to mid-Aug)
• Folsom Street Fair (late July)
• Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival (early Sept)
• Tour de Fat (Sept) – cycling fest.
• San Francisco Fleet Week (early Oct)
• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass at Golden Gate Park (first weekend in Oct)

Navigating San Francisco: Interactive Map

Advice for First-Time Visitors

• If you're heading out of the city, it takes much more time and effort than the mileage suggests. Traffic is heavy. Getting to the East Bay can take over an hour. Plan at least half a day for any trip outside the city, and schedule a few activities to make it worthwhile.
• In SF, Uber/Lyft/cabs and public transit are far more convenient than driving. On our last visit, we considered leaving our car in the South Bay and taking public transport into the city.
• Dress in layers. Even in summer, San Francisco can be cool. Layers help you adapt to whatever weather comes.
• Wear comfortable shoes. It's very much a driving city, but you'll walk a lot.
• Locals dislike the nicknames 'Frisco' or 'San Fran'—they're considered touristy and uncool.
• Expect fog and be pleasantly surprised on clear days. Esther still hasn't seen the Golden Gate Bridge on a completely clear day.

Additional Resources

• Lonely Planet San Francisco
• StreetWise San Francisco Map
• Best Hikes Near San Francisco

Enjoyed This Guide? Save It for Later

Explore Other City Bucket Lists

⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡

The Definitive Washington DC Bucket List

101 Activities in San Diego

The Complete Los Angeles Bucket List

101 Things to Do in Orlando FL

The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List

101 Things to Do in NYC

The Ultimate Portland Oregon Bucket List

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

ESTHER + JACOB

Esther and Jacob founded Local Adventurer, a travel blog ranked among the top 50 worldwide. Their philosophy: adventure exists both close to home and far away, and they aim to motivate others to discover their own surroundings. Each year they immerse themselves in a new city; they're currently based in New York City.

You May Also Like

• The Essential California Coast Road Trip: Top Stops on Highway 1
• Los Angeles Bucket List: 101 Must-Do Activities
• 15 Stunning Experiences in Yosemite National Park
• 15 Monterey, CA Activities + Giveaway

This article originally appeared on Local Adventurer.