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Things to do in San Francisco
If you’re going to San Francisco…
San Francisco is the 4th most populous city in California and 12th most populous in the US. With a very interesting history, and an equally fascinating modern society, San Fran can easily top many travellers’ destination list.
Although there is evidence of inhabitants of the area as far back as 3000 BC, the city’s roots essentially start in 1776, when an exploration party led by Don Gaspar de Portola came to know of the existence of what is now San Francisco Bay during an effort to colonize Alta California.
A lot more happened after that, but let’s skip forward to what’s going on in San Francisco today and in more recent years: A popular tourist spot for travellers from far and wide, well-known for its famous landmarks, and its increasingly liberalizing attitude following World War II, including the Summer of Love and the gay rights movement, San Fran has a little bit of something for everyone.
Below is a short list of the most popular things to do while in San Francisco. You can create a fairly packed schedule, but it’s still easy to take things slow and enjoy the heat as you check out what this town has to offer.
San Francisco has plenty to offer in the ways of arts and culture, with art galleries and museums, Japan Center/Japantown, live production theatres, cathedrals and churches, beautiful parkland, other historical areas, and the list goes on. If you’ve never been to the west coast, make San Francisco your first stop, but don’t spend too long there, you might not ever want to leave!
Attractions and Sights
San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the largest Chinese cities outside of Asia, and is home to herbal shops, Chinese theatres, and more than 300 restaurants.
San Francisco's cable cars are a symbol of the city and offer a ride for only $2 per adult.
Pier 39 is a popular shopping district lined with shops, restaurants, street performers, the Aquarium of the Bay, the Marine Mammal Center, and way more.
Located at Pier 39, Aquarium of the Bay is an aquatic wildlife center featuring sharks, skates, rays, eels and plenty of other water critters.
Parks and Outdoor Activities
Buena Vista Park is the oldest official park in San Francisco, and covers 37 acres of mostly hillside.
Featuring a large portion of undeveloped terrain, as well as tennis courts, playgrounds and a recreation center, Glen Canyon Park is a popular spot.
Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's largest and most visited. Found there are Kezar Stadium, Golden Gate Park Stadium, the Japanese Tea Garden and much more.
Landmarks
The Golden Gate Bridge is probably the best-known icon of San Francisco, with its huge suspension cables and red visage.
Alcatraz is a former prison island located in San Francisco Bay. Today it is a popular tourist attraction.
Shopping
With a large number of boutiques and department stores, Union Square is a very popular area for shoppers in San Francisco.
Full of specialty foods, clothing, electronics, English and Chinese books, and a whole lot more, San Francisco's Chinatown is a more than just a one-stop shopping destination.
Rooted in the psychedelic '60s, Haight Street is so packed with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and more, you'll barely know what to do next.
From high-end fashion or furniture stores to tredy cafés, jazz clubs and world flavors, Fillmore Street is another great place to be when in San Francisco.
Festivals and Events
San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Celebration is one of the world's largest festivals of its kind.
San Francisco Jazz Festival is the biggest of many jazz festivals in town, seeing big names like Wayne Shorter, Diana Krall, Sonny Rollins and many more.
Folsom Street Fair is San Francisco's BDSM and leather festival, as well as the largest festival of its kind.
Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival is put on each year by the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, and features every kind of chocolate treat you could desire.
Celebrating peace, the How Weird Street Faire is put on by the World Peace Through Technology Organization every year for one day.
San Francisco LovEvolution seeks to promote love between all people, and features dance music and a large parade.
Arts and Entertainment
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is home to a large collection of works by artists like Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock.
The Xanadu Gallery focuses mainly on sculptures, primarily by Asian artists.
Situated right by San Francisco Bay, The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre is an historic place that hosts film festivals, plays, and live music.
Golden Gate Theatre first opened in 1922, and today serves as a venue for live performances.
Nightlife
Hemlock Tavern is a great place for live music every night, a game of pool, and a few drinks with friends.
Red Devil Lounge features live music, two floors, and a great ambiance with red lighting everywhere.
Rockit Room is a dual-personality venue, with a stage and live bands upstairs and a jukebox and pool tables downstairs.
Suite One8One is for those who are looking to dance all night. The electronic music plays all night, and the doors don't close until 4:00 AM.
Convention Centers
Moscone Center is San Francisco's largest convention complex, hosting hundreds of events every year.
South San Francisco Conference Center is just north of the San Francisco International Airport, and hosts many events throughout each year.
Arenas and Stadiums
The San Francisco 49ers call Candlestick Park home.
AT&T Park is home to the San Francisco Giants of MLB, and is a popular tourist attraction.
Food and Drink
Gary Danko Restaurant is a high-quality fine diner with a classy atmosphere, fantastic menu and service to match.
First Crush Restaurant & Bar is one of San Francisco's finest restaurants, close to Union Square.
South Park Café offers exceptional food and a great experience without being too hard on the wallet.
Osha Thai offers authentic Thai food in a gorgeous restaurant at fantastic prices.