- Discover San Francisco’s most iconic sightseeing spots, from the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz to iconic neighborhoods like Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury.
- Get practical guidance on transportation, timing, and what to know before visiting the city’s most popular attractions.
- Make sure your visit includes sampling San Francisco’s iconic foods—right on its stunning waterfront.
With so much to do and see (and eat!), it’s no surprise that San Francisco draws in millions of visitors each year. But it can be challenging to navigate through the wealth of choices.
In this guide, we dive into the essential sightseeing spots in San Francisco to help you get the most out of visiting this amazing city, from iconic landmarks to award-winning dining. Let’s go!
First Things First
Here are some San Francisco tourist tips from locals to make your visit more enjoyable, no matter what you’re taking in:
- Dress in layers! Even when it’s sunny, San Francisco’s weather feels chilly for at least a few chilly hours per day.
- Sightseeing in San Francisco is a popular undertaking, and hotspots get crowded. Opt to visit early in the day or during off-peak times.
- Public parking lots can fill up quickly. Consider taking public transportation!
- Don’t leave dining off your to-do list. The city’s menu delights are as famous as its sights!
1. The Golden Gate Bridge
You’ll spot this iconic landmark as soon as you hit the city, but visiting it is still a San Francisco sightseeing must. So what are the top tourist tips for exploring this epic 1.7-mile span?
- Driving: Traversing the bridge by car is a classic experience, but the ride isn’t free! Tolls are electronic, and if you’re not driving your own car with a FasTrak tag, you’ll need to arrange for toll payment with your rental car agency. Otherwise, register your license plate in advance, or you’ll get a toll invoice sent to where your car is registered.
- On Foot: This is a truly lovely way to take in the bridge and the views, but some people are surprised to learn it’s not open to pedestrians 24/7. Check online for seasonal hours, or consider joining a FREE walking tour to do a deep dive into this remarkable structure’s construction and history.
- By Bike: There’s a designated bike lane on the bridge with 24-hour access. Just note there are NO bike rental options, so BYOB!
Of course, you’ll also want to admire the bridge from afar. Some of the most popular San Francisco sightseeing spots are also ideal for bridge views, like Fort Point National Historic Site, Baker’s Beach, and Land’s End. And take this tourist tip from San Francisco locals: several favorite Pier 39 restaurants also have great views, so you can dine on traditional favorites while you take in the views!
2. Fisherman’s Wharf: A Waterfront Wonderland
Fisherman’s Wharf is a bustling neighborhood teeming with restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions—plenty of fodder for sightseeing in San Francisco! Explore fun-filled Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park while you wander the Wharf.
Here are the best tourist tips for making the most of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf:
- San Francisco is known for clam chowder, and the best is at Pier Market Seafood Restaurant. Make sure to try it in a sourdough bread bowl!
- Try our local Dungeness crab! Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to eat sustainable seafood, and Pier Market is where you can savor the best seafood.
- A lively sea lion colony and free street performances are all part of the fun at Pier 39! Check out Pier 39’s website for more details.
- Bring a reusable bag with you if you plan on shopping on the wharf. The city mandates stores charge 25 cents per bag.
- Sail with the Blue & Gold Fleet to really experience the Bay. The hour-long San Francisco Bay Cruise has special pricing for kids, seniors, and military members.
3. A Must for San Francisco Sightseeing: The Cable Cars
In operation since the late 1800s, SF’s cable cars (aka streetcars) offer memorable transportation along with stunning city views. Check the SFMTA website for current fares and operating hours. Made up of three different lines: Powell/Hyde, Powell/Mason, and California.
These three cable car lines will take you to the following neighborhoods:
- North Beach
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Union Square
- Nob Hill
- Chinatown
- Embarcadero
Bonus San Francisco tourist tip: Learn more about cable car history at the FREE cable car museum.
4. Unique Sightseeing in San Francisco: Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that famously held Al “Scarface” Capone! The prison opened in 1934 and closed in 1963, and specialized in holding violent prisoners who were considered escape risks. Learn all about the prison’s fascinating history—including its 14 escape attempts—during your visit.
Keep these San Francisco tourist tips in mind before heading to Alcatraz:
- Self-guided audio tours are available in several languages. They feature excerpts of stories by former correctional officers and inmates.
- Book your tickets in advance; they can sell out weeks in advance, depending on the season.
- Dress in layers (especially for the ferry ride!) and wear good walking shoes.
- After checking out the prison, explore the rest of the grounds to see more military outposts, the lighthouse, and the gardens. Plan to spend 2-3 hours here.
5. Coit Tower: Panoramic Vistas
Coit Tower, standing 210 feet tall within Pioneer Park on Telegraph Hill, offers panoramic views of the city and the Bay; it’s the perfect perch for sky-high sightseeing in San Francisco. The interior is adorned with fresco murals by 30 local artists depicting life in the 1930s.
Here are our best tourist tips for visiting San Francisco’s Coit Tower:
- Skip the line by reserving time-specific mural tours and elevator tickets online.
- Watch out for the park’s resident parrots, which flock around the tower.
- If you can, visit at sunrise or sunset for optimal views.
6. Chinatown: A Tapestry of Culture and Cuisine
Any sightseeing trips in San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Chinatown (the oldest Chinatown in the U.S.) and exploring this historic district. The area was established during the Gold Rush, but it began to flourish after the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882.
Here’s what to consider when sightseeing in this vibrant San Francisco locale:
- Chinatown covers 24 city blocks of shops, restaurants, and landmarks. So plan plenty of time to explore it all.
- Explore on foot to discover hidden gems. Around every corner, there is a beautiful mural to admire or a fun hole-in-the-wall shop to drop into.
- Sample local delicacies like dim sum and shop for special spices and condiments.
- Check out the famous Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where thousands of fortune cookies are made each day.
- Snap some Instagram-worthy selfies in front of the Dragon Gate.
- Don’t miss the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, which hosts rotating art exhibitions.
7. Golden Gate Park: Urban Oasis
Encompassing 1,000+ acres, Golden Gate Park is a sprawling urban oasis with diverse attractions. Did you know that it’s almost 200 acres larger than New York City’s Central Park? No wonder this is such a top spot for sightseeing in San Francisco.
Tourist tips for this San Francisco recreational respite include:
DON’T Try to Park a Car
While you may get lucky and score street parking nearby, it’s better to travel by foot, bike, or public transportation. There’s a FREE shuttle that hits a lot of the park’s highlights, such as the de Young Museum and Tea Garden, the Cal Academy, and the Conservatory of Flowers.
DO Visit the Bison
A herd of wild bison has lived in the park for over a century. They graze peacefully, right in the heart of one of the country’s most bustling urban centers.
DO Enjoy the Activities
Take a loved one for a rowboat or paddle boat ride at Stow Lake, ride the Ferris wheel or classic carousel, or rent a bike. There are plenty of fun activities scattered around the park.
DON’T Miss the Cherry Blossoms
If you’re visiting in spring—typically mid-March through early April—the Cherry blossoms will be in bloom. A stop at the Japanese Tea Garden this time of year is a must-do when sightseeing in San Francisco.
DO Fuel Up After All That Exploration
You can catch the Number 28 bus north from Golden Gate Park—the line terminates near Fisherman’s Wharf. Perfect for taking in a delicious seafood meal at Pier Market to replace the calories you burned while sightseeing in San Francisco’s spectacular urban park!
8. The Painted Ladies: Victorian Splendor
The Painted Ladies, a row of Victorian houses, is a must-see stop on any sightseeing San Francisco tour! Here’s how to see these beauties at their best:
- View them from Alamo Square Park. You can snap a photo here that captures their timeless elegance against the stunning SF skyline.
- Try to go on a clear day at sunrise or sunset for some extra special views.
- These homes are private residences, so please respect the owners’ privacy. But here’s an insider San Francisco tourist tip: there are daily tours of the Blue House! Connect with the owner on Instagram to reserve.
9. Haight-Ashbury: Counterculture History
Immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s counterculture history, visit eclectic shops, see street art, and attend local festivals and events for an authentic San Francisco sightseeing experience. These are our best tourist tips to get the most out of your visit to Haight-Ashbury:
- While less famous than the Painted Ladies, the Four Seasons are just as beautiful. These Queen Anne homes are painted to represent winter, spring, summer, and fall.
- Amoeba Records is a classic haunt for locals. Music lovers, don’t miss this one!
- Check out the homes of famous Flower Power rockstars: Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, members of the Grateful Dead, and more, made their homes in the Haight.
- Don’t forget to snap a pic of the Haight/Ashbury intersection street signs that give this area its name!
10. Lombard Street: Scenic Switchbacks
Lombard Street is famously known as the “Crookedest Street in the World.” With its EIGHT hairpin turns, it’s a quintessential stop for sightseeing in San Francisco. For a fun and safe visit:
- Only walk on the sidewalk! Do not walk where cars are driving. Stay safe!
- By the same token, drivers are distracted when cruising down Lombard Street. Watch for careening cars!
- Be respectful of the people who live here. Don’t wander onto private property, and never block someone’s driveway.
- Take a photo from the bottom or the top of Lombard Street. Either way, you’ll get a great shot of your San Francisco sightseeing!
One more San Francisco tourist tip: Did you know that Lombard Street is only the second-most crooked road in the city? Check out Vermont Street on Potrero Hill for an even steeper one!
Wrapping Up Your San Francisco Sightseeing With Stellar Seafood
San Francisco is a city begging to be explored. Whether you’re excited to see iconic landmarks or hidden local gems, this guide serves as your compass for perfect sightseeing in San Francisco. Your time in the city is an experience to savor!
Pier Market Seafood Restaurant
Speaking of savoring your San Francisco sightseeing experience, we have one final tourist tip reminder: don’t forget to dine on the city’s famous foodie favorites! With its scenic waterfront location and delicious dining options, Pier Market is your standout choice for great food in the Bay Area.
Right on Pier 39, Pier Market is the perfect place to dine on your San Francisco sightseeing adventure. Book a table or simply stop by. We can’t wait to share a meal with you during your stay!