I love San Francisco. Some of my earliest memories with my Granddad and Grandma Eileen involve driving into the city from their house, discovering new places, and learning how to use chopsticks. Let’s face it – San Francisco is a great place to visit, sight-see, eat, learn, and relax. Every time I’ve been to San Francisco, it seems like 100,000 of my best friends decided to visit that same exact day. It’s always busy and full of tourists (myself included). It was like people Googled “things to do in San Francisco this weekend” and took off!
In my opinion, if a destination or attraction is busy, there’s probably a great reason behind it.
I mean, people don’t wait in line at In-n-Out for a shoddy burger, nor would we wait in a 2 hour line to ride Indiana Jones at Disneyland if it was anything less than spectacular, right?
When I hear people complain about not wanting to visit a particular city or place because it’s “too touristy,” I have to giggle. I’ve had those thoughts at times, but then I remember that I’m not the only person in the world that’s heard of it (shocker, I know).
Not long ago, I wrote about my latest trip to San Francisco and how I played tourist for the day…visiting places I loved, discovering new San Francisco attractions, and learning to travel with no set itinerary. So without further ado, here is my list of touristy, yet fun things to do in San Francisco!
Ride a bike across the Golden Gate Bridge
Does this even need an introduction? The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the the most iconic symbols of the United States and is a beloved landmark by both residents and visitors alike.
Renting a bike and cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic things to do in San Francisco.
Biking down into Sausalito sounds like a good idea, but unless you’re an experienced cyclist with glutes of steel, I wouldn’t recommend it. The road is long and steep coming back out of Sausalito.
On the opposite side of the Golden Gate Bridge is a little parking lot where you can rest, use the restroom, and take some great pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.
Do yourself a favor: stay away from the bike rental places along Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square. Not only are those places overpriced, but your bikes will look tacky and aren’t the best quality.
Head over to the Presidio past Chrissy Field and rent your bikes from Sports Basement. They’re not sponsoring this post or anything…they’re just better quality, price, and location!
Pro tip: cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge on the WEST side of the bridge. Most of the traffic will be on the east side…closer to the city. There will be tons of people stopping to get that perfect picture, so ride with caution. Follow the flow-of-traffic signs, which are usually arrows on the ground. And don’t be afraid to use your bike horn/bell to alert pedestrians: there are designated bike lanes. If you choose to stop for a picture, make sure you’re out of the way and aren’t blocking the foot traffic!
Take the audio tour on Alcatraz Island
To be honest, I was skeptical about this one. I don’t remember taking the audio tour pre-2013, so I wasn’t sure I was going to need it.
Trust me on this one: YOU NEED IT!
Walking around the empty cell blocks on The Rock while listening to the history of cellmates, escape attempts, and the actual structure of Alcatraz will leave you speechless. As you walk around, try to imagine yourself locked away in one of the cells, in the dark, with nothing but the whimpers of your fellow cell mates to keep you company. Chilling.
Pro tip: book your tickets at least 2 weeks in advance! Tours sell out quickly and I’ve never known anyone to be able to purchase tickets at-the-door/dock. Wear your walking shoes and get ready to get schooled!
Note: children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Explore Chinatown
Don’t lie – one of the first things that come to mind whenever someone mentions things to do in San Francisco is visiting Chinatown, am I right?
It’s one of my favorite places to wander around, smell all the smells, listen to the different dialects being spoken around me, and eat some of the best food (one of my favorite restaurants in the world is located in Chinatown…and you should check it out if you’re in the area)!
Pro tip: driving around Chinatown is ridiculously difficult, so park elsewhere and walk or take a Lyft/Uber into Chinatown. If you want to ride the Cable Car (which I’ll highlight below), there are several stops that you could hop off at on the outskirts.
Remember that people actually live and work in Chinatown, so be respectful, as always!
Navigate Fisherman’s Wharf/Pier 39
As the Thunder Mountain safety spiel ends, “Hang on to them hats ‘n’ glasses. Cuz this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!”
Most of the tacky souvenir shops, street performers, and city tours originate from the streets of Fisherman’s Wharf.
Hang onto your purse and set your jaw. Go at least once to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of this tract.
Eating sourdough at the Boudin Bakery should be on everyone’s things to do in San Francisco list.
Have a hot fudge sundae at Ghirardelli Square
Stand aside, Hershey. Ghirardelli has the best chocolate.
Ever.
Them’s fightin’ words, but I’ll stand by it ’til the day I die.
Check out their menu online before you visit, tour the gift shop and get a free sample, and marvel at the in-house cacao press in the soda shop.
Whether you get a banana split with nuts or jimmies, a milkshake without whipped cream, or (like me) a hot fudge sundae without nuts…you’ll be drooling from the moment that cold dessert hits the table in front of you!
Drive down Lombard Street
Known as the “crookedest” street in the world, the stretch of Lombard Street between Hyde St. and Leavenworth St. in Russian Hill is a nervous driver’s worst nightmare. If you’d like a cool shot, park at the bottom of the hill, a block or two away, and walk to the bottom of the stairs. The victorian-styled mansions, red brick road, and lovely flowers will provide an Instagram-worthy backdrop.
Do take care to not disturb the mansions, as people actually do live there!
Throw your vehicle in 2nd or 1st gear and get ready to cruise at a whopping <5mph down hairpin turns, avoiding all of the tourists jumping in front of you (illegally) to grab a coveted shot of Coit Tower in the distance.
Ride the famous San Francisco Cable Cars
One of the simple joys in life is hanging off the side of a Cable Car as it careens down one of San Francisco’s intimidating hills. And one of the most recommended things to do in San Francisco.
Personally, I prefer taking one of the Powell lines, as it takes me closer to other attractions, but the California line tends to be less crowded (if that’s even a thing). You can purchase your ticket(s) before or on-board for $7/ride for people over 4 years old.
Steer clear of the operators, as they usually have to throw their body around as they operate the brakes. While there are plenty of seats and space inside, you’ll have to fight your way for a spot on the outer perimeter of the car. Hold onto your bags, because cars, construction cones, and people get really close to the Cable Cars.
Pro tip: avoid the major boarding stations by Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Ferry Building. Walk a few blocks away and hop on at one by one of the signs, waving at the operator as the correct line approaches. Or, if you’re like me and like to get up early, head downtown into the financial district and jump on when they start running in the morning!
Follow these awesomely touristy tips, and you’ll find yourself having the best time possible in San Francisco. Yes, they will be crowded. Yes, you will have to wait in line. But trust me – it’ll all be worth it!
Need more San Francisco inspiration?
- Discovering the Beach in San Francisco
- Farmer’s Market in the San Francisco Embarcadero Ferry Building
- Experiencing Muir Woods
- Angel Island – Ellis of the West
- Discovering Half Moon Bay
Do you have any other must-do touristy things on your list for San Francisco? What has your experience been?
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