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The 13 Best San Francisco Walking Tours

Explore the beauty of San Francisco on two feet with these informative jaunts.

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Strolls by San Francisco's classic Victorian homes is a must-do activity in the city.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may have limited or ceased operations due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

Despite its famous hills, San Francisco is full of leisurely (and occasionally flat) strolls. To get in a workout while on vacation and see some of San Francisco's top attractions , consider signing up for a walking tour. Local guides lead participants to some of the most interesting areas of the city, sharing history, hauntings and delicious food along the way. Here are 13 of the best San Francisco walking tours, analyzed by U.S. News using traveler opinion and expert input.

Victorian Home Walk

Stroll by more than 200 of San Francisco's colorful Victorian homes on this two-hour tour. The guided walk explores the Pacific Heights neighborhood, taking visitors past filming locations for "Mrs. Doubtfire," "The Princess Diaries," and other beloved movies and shows. Participants will also be shown the interior of a period Queen Anne Victorian. Reviewers say the guide provides interesting information. They also appreciate the leisurely pace of the walk, which doesn't include large hills. Tours are available Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m., and tickets cost $25 paid in cash only. Reservations are required.

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San Francisco City Guides – Golden Gate Park: East End

On this two-hour tour, participants will meander through San Francisco's famous Golden Gate Park . Sticking to the east side of the park, guides take tourgoers to landmarks like the National AIDS Memorial Grove and the Music Concourse, while sharing information about the park's past and present. The walking tour does involve climbing stairs and small hills. Reviewers describe the tour as wonderful and praise the friendly, insightful guides. The tour, which is offered two Sundays per month at 1 p.m., is free but donations are welcome. San Francisco City Guides also offers tours focused on Alfred Hitchcock's famous San Francisco filming locations, the 1906 earthquake and architecture in Chinatown , among other themes.

Wild SF Walking Tours – Haunted San Francisco Ghost Tour

Delve into San Francisco's seedy past with tales of true crime, hauntings, unexplained deaths and even the Black Plague on this 90-minute ghost tour. Guides regale participants with stories about historic sites throughout the city that are believed to be haunted, including the Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square , a former brothel, underground speakeasies and a church associated with cult leader Jim Jones. Reviewers say the tour is informative and the stories, while tragic, are not too scary. Tickets cost approximately $25 per person, though the tour is not advised for children younger than 10. Tours depart most evenings at 7 and 9 p.m. Wild SF also offers tours of San Francisco's street art, a food crawl through Chinatown and Little Italy, and a free tour of the city.

Free Tours by Foot – All-in-One Tour

See the best of the city in five hours on this free tour. During the excursion, you'll take an iconic cable car ride , visit Chinatown, learn about the buried sunken ships from the Gold Rush era, pass historic Nob Hill mansions and visit the biggest cathedral in the city. You'll also stop for a lunch break. Reviewers recommend the tour, explaining they learn a lot about San Francisco. Tickets start at $7, which cover the cost of the cable car ride, though the company asks that you name your own price at the end of the tour. Tours are scheduled on varying days, departing at 10 a.m. Free Tours by Foot offers tours of Lombard Street and downtown, among other areas of the city.

San Francisco Native Tours – Original Tour

Nosh on more than a dozen food samples, including dim sum, pizza and Ghirardelli chocolate, as you explore neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach and downtown on this four-hour tour. Reviewers, who highly recommend the tour, say the food is amazing and the guide informative. Tickets start at $65 per person, including the cost of the food. Tours, which are limited to 10 participants, are available Monday through Friday at noon. San Francisco Native Tours also offers private tours, as well as a version of the original tour that includes alcoholic drinks.

Urban Trek USA – Urban Trek 4

History buffs interested in 19th-century San Francisco will want to book this small group tour. Limited to seven participants, the tour explores Chinatown, North Beach, Coit Tower , the Ferry Building Marketplace , Union Square and more, emphasizing the historical events that shaped these popular neighborhoods. Reviewers highly recommend the tour and praise guides for their great customer service. Tours depart at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and conclude around 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $39 to $69, depending on the number of people on the tour, and must be paid in cash on the day of the tour; you'll need extra cash for the tour's single bus ride to the top of Telegraph Hill. Reservations are required. Urban Trek USA also offers tours of Russian Hill, Pacific Heights and the Marina District, among other neighborhoods.

Free SF Tour

For a budget-friendly look at all San Francisco has to offer, join the daily 2 1/2-hour Free SF Tour, which takes visitors through the city's downtown. The tour visits a variety of neighborhoods, including Chinatown, the Embarcadero, the Financial District and more, providing an overview of the city's history, current affairs, as well as tips for making the most of your visit. Reviewers report learning lots of interesting facts and highly recommend the tour. Tours depart daily from Union Square at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; tickets are free. Reservations are not required – just join the tour at its designated meeting place. The company also offers this tour in Spanish, as well as a fee-based evening tour of Chinatown in both languages.

Courtesy of All About Chinatown

All About Chinatown takes travelers through the company's namesake neighborhood for a fun history lesson.

All About Chinatown Tours – Daily Tour

Discover the gems of San Francisco's Chinatown on this daily two-hour walking tour. Participants see many historic and architecturally significant buildings, stop at a fortune cookie factory, visit the Stockton Street food markets and see an authentic Buddhist temple, among other sights. Tourists also have the option to stay for a dim sum luncheon at the conclusion of the tour. Reviewers describe the tour as interesting and worth the cost. Many also advise staying for lunch Tickets for the tour start at $35 for adults and $25 for children ages 6 to 17; children 5 and younger tour for free. You'll want to budget an additional $30 per person if you opt for lunch. Tours leave at 10 a.m. from Old St. Mary's Cathedral, and reservations are required. The company also offers private culinary tours and scavenger hunts.

San Francisco Architecture Walking Tour

Architecture buffs can get an in-depth look at significant structures in the city's Financial District on this roughly 2 1/2-hour tour, which is led by a local historian. The guided tour takes participants to various buildings in downtown San Francisco, as well as to rooftop gardens, open spaces and historic landmarks. Because of the lecture-style delivery of the tour, it's not recommended for young children. Reviewers applaud the guide for his expertise and say it's a must-do activity for those interested in architecture. Tickets cost approximately $40 per person. Tours run on select days at 2 p.m.

Cruisin' the Castro – Historical LGBTQ Tour

Hear the history of San Francisco's first gay community, the creation of the rainbow flag and the "Summer of Love" on this two-hour tour through the Castro district. As you listen to the guides' stories, you'll visit sites like Harvey Milk Plaza, the GLBT Historical Society Museum, Pink Triangle Park and more. Reviewers applaud the well-informed guides, who they describe as passionate and entertaining. Tickets start at $28 per person and are free for children younger than 5. However, the company does not recommend the tour for young children as some of the stories may be deemed inappropriate. Tours depart most days, except Sunday and Monday, at 10 a.m. The company also offers private tours.

Haight Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour

The Haight Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour explores the history, fashion and architecture of this iconic neighborhood as well as modern-day happenings. You'll hear stories about music icons like the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin as you weave your way through 12 blocks in about 2 1/2 hours. Reviewers say they enjoy their guide and learn a lot about the neighborhood. Tours run Tuesday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. or Friday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost approximately $20 and are free for children 9 and younger.

Local Taste of the City Tours – Chinatown and North Beach Night Walking Tour

Stop for tasty food samples in two of San Francisco's most famous neighborhoods on this three-hour tour. As guides share information about Chinatown and North Beach, you'll enjoy samples from the oldest Chinese bakery in the city, chocolate from Z. Cioccolato, cannoli from a North Beach pastry shop and more. Reviewers highly recommend the tour and say the food is great. Tickets start at $59 for adults, $39 for youth ages 12 to 16 and $15 for children ages 2 to 11; infants younger than 2 tour for free. The price includes drinks and food, and tours are available daily at 6 p.m. The company also offers daytime food walking tours of Chinatown only and a combo tour of North Beach and Little Italy.

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , San Francisco , California Vacations , US Vacations , U.S. West Vacations

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Walking Tours in San Francisco

There’s no better way to get to know the city than to take of the many San Francisco walking tours. These specialized and localized tours let visitors get up front and close to the city’s most amazing sights and landmarks, putting them in contact with locals who are the lifeblood of the city and who can tell visitors exactly the type of excitement that awaits for them. Whether it’s the historical sights downtown or the miles of beach along the coast, walking tours are the only way to make a personalized acquaintance with the city.

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Welcome to Free Tours by Foot, the premier name-your-own-price San Francisco walking tours - READ ABOUT ALL OUR WALKING TOURS

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San Francisco Walking Tour: 10 Top Sights

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 25, 2023

The beauty of San Francisco is best appreciated from its highest points. The city's 43 rolling hills are sandwiched in between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. Many streets are so vertiginous that the sidewalks are actually pedestrian steps (used by locals instead of StairMaster).

The dramatic topography also explains some of San Francisco's most iconic images. Lombard Street owes its famous curves to the road's sheer incline; its red-brick switchbacks make it safer to drive up and down. Cable cars were also designed to tackle the extreme gradients.

This self-guided walking itinerary traverses the city's steepest streets in quaint historic areas. More of an urban hike, the tour is physically strenuous, but every step of the way is rewarded with marvelous sights: pastel-painted Victorian houses clinging to dizzying hillsides; flowering staircase gardens tucked away on side streets; views of the majestic bridges, and sailboats gliding around the bay in the sunshine.

Tourists can soak up the thrilling panoramas while visiting several of San Francisco's most colorful neighborhoods on this invigorating four- to five-hour San Francisco walking tour.

1. Chinatown Gates

2. chinatown shops & authentic chinese cuisine, 3. jackson square historic district, 4. telegraph hill, 5. views from coit tower, 6. beatnik heritage on columbus avenue, 7. north beach: little italy, 8. russian hill staircases, 9. lombard street: the crookedest road, 10. fisherman's wharf, map of san francisco walking tour: top sights, where to stay in san francisco for sightseeing.

Begin the walking tour at the Dragon's Gate , the official entrance of Chinatown at the intersection of Bush and Grant streets. A traditional green-tiled pagoda crowns the gate, which features two small dragon statues at each side and presents Chinese script that translates to "Everything under heaven is for the good of all people."

Alternatively, visitors can arrive at San Francisco's Chinatown from any of the bordering neighborhoods: Union Square shopping area at Bush Street, the ritzy residential streets of Nob Hill at Powell Street, Little Italy (North Beach) at Columbus Street, or the bustling financial district at Kearny Street.

While rambling past the touristy souvenir shops on Grant Avenue , consider the turbulent history of this compact area, the most densely populated section of the city. Dating back to the Gold Rush era, this neighborhood is the oldest Chinatown in the United States and the largest Chinese community outside of Asia.

During the 1800s, Chinese immigrants faced problems of discrimination and overcrowded housing. In 1882, the United States passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, which restricted immigration from China. This xenophobic law stayed in effect until 1942. Yet, the Chinese labor force built much of the city in the 19th century.

Continue on Grant Avenue until Washington Street, make a left, and then right onto the narrow pedestrian street, Ross Alley . The small nondescript building #56 is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory , where tourists may stop in to watch fortune cookies being made, as well as purchase cookies. This tiny factory has been producing handmade fortune cookies since 1962.

Although fortune cookies were invented in San Francisco not China, some historians believe that the inspiration came from 14th-century "moon cakes" used by Chinese soldiers to relay concealed messages.

From Ross Alley, continue one block west and two blocks north to Stockton Street at Broadway, where the sights, sounds, and smells of Chinatown are unveiled. In between Broadway and Columbus Avenue, Stockton Street is lined with grocery shops and markets frequented by locals, many of whom only speak Chinese. The shops sell fresh produce and ingredients to prepare authentic Asian cuisine.

An easier way to experience authentic Chinese cuisine is by dining at one of Chinatown's best restaurants. Just off Stockton Street, the Michelin-recommended Z & Y Restaurant (655 Jackson Street) has a world-renowned chef and serves outstanding Szechuan-style Chinese food. Counted among the restaurant's distinguished guests are the presidents and foreign ministers of the People's Republic of China, as well as former U.S. President, Barack Obama.

From Stockton Street at Broadway, turn around and head south towards Jackson Street (turn left). Keep walking east on Jackson Street until reaching Montgomery Street to explore the historic Jackson Square area.

This district also overlaps with the Barbary Coast Trail that marks Gold-Rush-era sites with bronze sidewalk medallions. Jackson Street boasts distinguished brick buildings from the 1850s and 1860s that survived the 1906 earthquake.

Full of old-world charm, Jackson Street is lined with shady trees and quaint cast-iron street lamps. Many of the buildings house prestigious art galleries, fine antique shops, and interior design boutiques. The area also has several top-rated fine-dining restaurants.

Continue uphill on Montgomery Street to reach Telegraph Hill. At Montgomery and Broadway, turn around to admire the view of the Transamerica Building. The next several blocks feature a sheer incline with staircases along the sidewalk to help pedestrians brave the uphill climb. At Filbert Street, turn left onto Filbert Steps, a beautiful staircase with lush, quiet gardens on either side and splendid homes built into the hillside.

Climb up the staircase of 80 steps and then take another flight of 30 steps that leads to the landing of Coit Tower . One of the city's most emblematic sights, the tower stands on the former site of the telegraph station for which the neighborhood is named.

Surrounding Coit Tower is the Pioneer Park recreation area, nearly five acres of wooded park space with awe-inspiring vistas of the city and the San Francisco Bay. As you wander along the park's trails, take in the breathtaking scenery and listen for the sounds of exotic birds.

The legendary flock of parrots, featured in The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill documentary film, make their home on these forested slopes.

Perched on top of Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower is a beacon in the San Francisco skyline, visible to visitors when taking the ferry from the East Bay or driving across the Bay Bridge, as well as from other points in the city.

Built in 1929, the tower was funded by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy patron of San Francisco firefighters. Although it's said that the tower's fluted shape resembles the nozzle of a firefighter's hose, the architect did not intend this effect. The openings at the top that appear to be the nozzle's spout are actually windows.

Take the elevator up to Coit Tower's Observation Deck (for an admission price) to admire sweeping views of the bay and downtown San Francisco. The Observation Deck provides 360-degree panoramas, and the vantage points from each window offer a different outlook, such as the Bay Bridge, the Transamerica Building, and the hills of North Beach.

Before or after visiting the Observation Deck, spend some time viewing the murals inside the tower's base. The series of Depression-era murals were painted in 1934 in a thematic style that recalls the work of celebrated artist Diego Rivera. At the time that the murals were painted, the content was considered to be radical because it depicts laborers and farm workers as the central subject.

The block of Columbus Avenue between Pacific Avenue and Broadway was the stomping grounds of Beat poets during the 1950s. The area still reveals the influence of beatnik counter-culture.

Jack Kerouac author of On the Road , one of the most celebrated works of the Beat generation, and Allen Ginsberg, who wrote the non-conformist rant Howl , once read their poetry at City Lights Booksellers & Publishers . Beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti founded the bookshop in 1953, and this legendary literary venue continues to exude a distinctly bohemian attitude.

After visiting City Lights, tourists can saunter down the adjacent Jack Kerouac Alley , a 60-foot-long, cobbled pedestrian thoroughfare with vibrant murals and old-fashioned street lamps. Fitting of its location, the alley features sidewalk medallions inscribed with literary quotes by famous writers, such as Jack Kerouac, John Steinbeck, and Maya Angelou.

Chinatown begins at the Grant Avenue end of the alley, while the Columbus Avenue end is in the heart of North Beach's historic beatnik neighborhood.

The Beat Museum (540 Broadway) shares the spirit of Beat Generation poets, writers, and thinkers who thrived in this neighborhood of San Francisco. The Beat artistic movement of the 1950s celebrated free-spirited individuality, creativity, and tolerance. The museum displays photos, original manuscripts, letters, and other Beat memorabilia.

San Francisco's colorful Little Italy dates to the late 1800s. Charming residential homes line this historic neighborhood's steep streets, intersected by the more modern and busy thoroughfares of Columbus Avenue and Broadway. A beach used to border the neighborhood, but the area was developed with landfill, although the name stuck.

North Beach is full of old-school Italian restaurants, with red-checkered tablecloths, that serve enormous servings of pasta, and atmospheric cafés, where patrons go to see and be seen and sip on authentic Italian espresso. Other things to do include browsing the boutiques and sampling treats at an Italian bakery or gelato shop.

Continue this walking tour at Columbus and Broadway, just north of Jack Kerouac Alley. Stop for a snack, coffee, or lunch at one of the bustling cafés. Favorites are Caffe Greco (423 Columbus Avenue) and the Caffe Trieste (601 Vallejo Street, a block from Columbus), a popular locals' hangout.

Columbus Avenue has the highest concentration of restaurants and cafés, and tends to be very touristy, whereas Grant Avenue is a quieter street with restaurants and shops frequented by locals.

Stella Pastry & Café (446 Columbus Avenue) is the place to go for traditional Italian baked goods, including specialties such as biscotti, cannoli, pasticciotti, and the award-winning Sacripantina Cake.

After the café break, wander along Columbus (heading north) until reaching Washington Square Park . This pleasant, tree-shaded green space is at the heart of North Beach. Locals come here to sunbathe, relax, and enjoy picnics.

Overlooking the park is the impressive Saints Peter & Paul Church with its Gothic spires serving as a focal point in North Beach. The graceful edifice of this Roman Catholic Church was completed in 1924. Beside its architectural beauty, the church is renowned for being the location where Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio took their wedding photos.

Continue back on Columbus Avenue until Vallejo, turn right and head up into Russian Hill. In the 19th century, the graves of Russian soldiers were located on the hill that is now Vallejo Street, giving the neighborhood its name.

As you climb Vallejo Street , you will come across two staircases surrounded by gardens with amazing views of the city and the bay. The outlook stretches all the way to the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, and the Port of Oakland in the distance.

After crossing Mason Street, the next block of Vallejo surprises visitors with a tiny but delightful Ina Coolbrith Park . Stop to smell the roses, then keep going up one more block on Vallejo and turn right on Jones Street. The park affords great views of the Transamerica Pyramid downtown and Alcatraz Island in the bay.

From the intersection of Jones and Green streets, take in the incredible panorama of the Bay, with Alcatraz in the foreground. Turn left on Green Street, then right on Hyde Street. Stroll three blocks north on Hyde through an elegant residential neighborhood, until reaching Lombard Street.

Arrive at one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco , the city's curviest road. From the top of this winding road at Hyde and Lombard is a sensational viewpoint looking back at Coit Tower.

The only part of Lombard that appeals to tourists is found between Hyde and Jones Streets. Known as the " Crookedest Street in the World ," this portion of Lombard boasts a steep 27-degree angle. The road was paved with switchbacks in the 1920s to make it safer for cars to drive up and down.

The street also has pedestrian staircases on both sides, ideal for a leisurely jaunt with the other groups of tourists you'll likely see here. Flanking the brick-paved winding curves are beautiful homes in Edwardian, faux Tudor, and contemporary architectural styles. Bright geranium-filled flower beds blossom in between the switchbacks, giving the street the look of a garden.

From Lombard Street, hop onto a cable car at Hyde Street and enjoy a scenic ride down to Fisherman's Wharf.

A downhill walk or cable car ride from Hyde at Lombard leads to Fisherman's Wharf. This atmospheric waterfront neighborhood delights visitors with refreshing ocean breezes and stunning seaside scenery, while tempting foodies with fresh sourdough bread, fish and chips, and other seafood specialties.

In the 1800s, the area was a hub for recently immigrated Italian fishermen. Although Fisherman's Wharf still has many commercial fisheries, it's now a major tourist destination (along with the nearby Pier 39 ) packed with souvenir shops. So it would be easy to overlook the small picturesque wharf at Jefferson Street between Leavenworth and Jones, which was part of the old fishing village that predates the Gold Rush of 1849.

The little boats docked at the wharf are traditional Italian fishing boats called feluccas . Notice that the hulls are painted with the names of Catholic patron saints. Try to imagine the fishermen venturing out into the mist-shrouded bay on these tiny boats. The fishermen were known to sing Italian opera songs while sailing around in the fog.

While visiting Fisherman's Wharf, be sure to watch the fishermen unload their live catches from the dock, which is just steps away from where it's sold around Jefferson Street.

After taking a stroll along the wharf, stop to sample the sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery , get a bite to eat at a fish shack (a locals' favorite is The Codmother Fish & Chips at 495 Beach Street).

Fisherman's Wharf encompasses the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park , a lovely waterfront area with an excellent Maritime Museum .

The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park also includes Aquatic Park , a sheltered cove with gentle waters that are safe for swimming. The 1400-foot pier of Aquatic Park is open to the public for taking strolls and for fishing. The pier is one of the best places to visit in San Francisco for views of the bay and the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood.

Just one block away from Aquatic Park is the touristy Ghirardelli Square (900 North Point), home to the chocolate factory that has been a San Francisco landmark since 1862. Today this location no longer makes the chocolate but serves as a boutique and ice-cream parlor. In addition to Ghirardelli Chocolate , other enticing restaurants and shops are found at Ghirardelli Square.

• Fisherman's Wharf
• Ghirardelli Square
• The Cannery
• Maritime Museum
• Maritime State Historic Park
• USS Pampanito
• Art Institute
• Telegraph Hill
• Saints Peter & Paul Church

Of the charming neighborhoods covered on this walking tour, North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf are the best places to stay overnight. North Beach offers upscale boutique hotels and top-rated restaurants, whereas Fisherman's Wharf is more touristy, so it has a wider selection of accommodations, including larger hotels more suitable for families.

Visitors staying in Fisherman's Wharf should beware of restaurants catering only to tourists, as these establishments don't offer the high quality of cuisine found elsewhere in San Francisco.

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Other Great Walking Cities in the Bay Area : For those who love walkable cities, there are a couple of other fabulous destinations in the San Francisco Bay Area. The lively multicultural city of Oakland has an attractive waterfront and a lovely lakeside park. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy a ramble through the Botanical Gardens or Tilden Park in Berkeley , while the luxuriant Berkeley Rose Garden has hiking trails with spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay.

Nearby Hiking Destinations : Gorgeous outdoorsy destinations near San Francisco inspire more walking and hiking. About 30 miles south (a 45-minute drive) of San Francisco is Half Moon Bay , a small oceanfront town in a rural landscape with trails along the coast and in nearby redwood forests. Farther south (about a 90-minute drive) from San Francisco is the fun-loving beach town of Santa Cruz surrounded by magnificent redwood forests and protected coastline.

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Barbary Coast Trail, a self-guided walking tour of San Francisco

By: Author Ginny Vail

Posted on Published: 27 Mar 2021  - Last updated: 3 Jan 2024

Walking the San Francisco Barbary Coast Trail is a great way to experience the city’s sights, food, and fascinating history. It’s easy, fun, and interesting.

No matter where your interests lie, whether it’s food, drink, shopping, interesting sights, architecture, history, or simply exercise — the Barbary Coast Trail has it all. The trail goes through the heart of San Francisco, and along the way, wanders through interesting neighborhoods with connections to historically significant events.

The Barbary Coast Trail passes by or through the Old US Mint, Union Square, Chinatown, the original waterfront (Barbary Coast), North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Aquatic Park.  The 1849 gold rush, 1906 earthquake and fire, and wave upon wave of immigrants influenced and shaped these neighborhoods.

For more ideas about things to do and see in San Francisco, visit our San Francisco Itinerary article.

In This Article We Cover the Following:

• Barbary Coast Trail at a glance
• How bronze medallions mark the trail
• Link to map with the trail plotted and sights pinned
• Sights to see along the trail (it’s a long list)
• Upper trail for a round trip (Nob Hill via cable car)
• Ways to take the trail (round trip, one-way, or a bit at a time)
• Best time to walk the Barbary Coast Trail
• How the trail was created

San Francisco Barbary Coast Trail at a Glance

Follow the Barbary Coast Trail Bronze Medallions

The Barbary Coast Trail is marked with 180 bronze medallions embedded in the sidewalks along the 3.8-mile trail. They are strategically placed at every corner and turn along the way and have arrows showing which direction to go. The images captured in the bronze medallions represent San Francisco during California’s gold rush.

Barbary Coast Trail Map

Click the map image below to go to our expandable, interactive Google Map with the trail plotted and many of the sites along the way pinned (red pins). Click on the pins for brief descriptions.

Sights to see along the Barbary Coast Trail

There’s a lot to see along the trail, so this is a really long list. Use the page jumps below to navigate the list:

• Downtown: The Old U.S. Mint, Union Square, and Maiden Lane

Financial District

• Barbary Coast : The Original San Francisco Waterfront

North Beach

North beach to the embarcadero.

• The Waterfront : Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf and Aquatic Park

Upper Trail for Round Trip — Cable Car and Nob Hill

Downtown: old u.s. mint, union square, and maiden lane, old san francisco mint.

The southern end of the trail begins in front of the Old Mint at Fifth and Mission Streets. The Greek Revival building, nicknamed the Granite Lady, was completed in 1874. For 63 years, it stored and minted gold and silver from the Sierra mines.

The building was damaged by the fire in 1906, but it withstood the earthquake. This was doubly fortunate because it held a third of the nation’s gold supply, and the basement cistern was an important emergency water supply for the city.

Market Street

The trail continues to Market Street and briefly follows Market between 5th and Powell Streets. Take a moment to notice the street lights on Market. They were the first electric lamps in San Francisco and are over 100-years old.

Union Square

Union Square beautifully landscaped park is in the heart of San Francisco’s upscale shopping district. Walk through it or to buy a drink and sit awhile. Union Square also has an entrance to the new Central Subway.

Maiden Lane

En route between Union Square and Grant Avenue, the trail goes through Maiden Lane. Once an infamous red-light district, this short alley is now home to upscale clothing stores. The building at 140 Maiden Lane was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1949. 

San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the biggest (covering 24-blocks) and oldest in the country. It’s teeming with people, interesting architecture, restaurants, and shops. There are herb shops, teashops, art and jewelry shops, and lots of shops selling inexpensive souvenirs.

Grant Avenue is Chinatown’s main street and is quite distinctive with its ornate street lights and rows of red lanterns above the street. It’s also the best location for souvenir and gift shops. Stockton Street (1-block west) is the main shopping street for locals and is where you’ll find roast ducks hanging in shop windows.

Dragon Gate

This ornate gate, with dragons on top, is the main entrance to Chinatown. It’s at the intersection of Grant and Bush.

Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral

Built in 1854, Saint Mary’s was badly damaged, but is the only building in Chinatown that survived the 1906 quake and fire. Step inside and checkout the photo display in the foyer.

Waverly Place

This two-block-long alley is the heart and soul of Chinatown and is known for its colorful wrought-iron balconies. It also has a colorful past involving gambling, Tong wars, and sing-song slave girls.

This one-block alley is home to the world-famous Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company. Step inside and watch the workers pull the hot cookies from little grills on a revolving belt and quickly add a fortune and fold them. You can buy them while they’re still warm, and, for a small fee, you’re welcome to take photos.

Old Telephone Exchange in Chinatown

On Washington Street, the trail passes by another historically important location. Now occupied by the East West Bank, this unusual building — with its three-tiered pagoda roof — was the original Chinatown telephone exchange, built in 1909.

Portsmouth Square

This square was the center of Yerba Buena Village before it became San Francisco. It’s where John Montgomery, Captain of the USS Portsmouth, planted the first American flag in the city.

Wells Fargo History Museum (short detour from trail)

This small museum is free and well worth visiting. It has several exhibits from the California Gold Rush including a Wells Fargo Overland Coach used in the 1860s, gold dust and ore, photos, paintings, and interactive exhibits. The Wells Fargo History Museum is inside the Wells Fargo Bank at 420 Montgomery Street.

Transamerica Redwood Park (short detour from trail)

This amazing little park has about 45 redwood trees, a whimsical fountain with lily pads and jumping frogs, and a wonderful sculpture of children running and jumping. This privately owned public space is provided by Transamerica. The park is on the east side of the Transamerica Pyramid; and the entrance is on Clay Street.

Barbary Coast: The Original San Francisco Waterfront

During the gold rush, hundreds of ships sailed into Yerba Buena Cove and many were abandoned when their crews headed off to the gold fields. The ships became part of the landfill that covered the cove, pushing the shoreline north.

The original shoreline was here, around Jackson and Montgomery, and it was home to saloons, bawdy houses, and illicit activities. This is where men were drugged, clubbed, or drunk, and woke to find themselves on a ship at sea. This is where the word “shanghaied” entered the American lexicon.

Jackson Street

The Victorians in the 400 block of Jackson Street were built in the 1860s and are among the few gold rush era buildings still standing.

Hotaling’s Whiskey Warehouses

Three of the most ornate buildings along Jackson Street were built in the 1860s by Anson Parsons Hotaling (Hote-uh-ling), and they held the largest liquor repository on the West Coast. Miraculously, the whiskey-filled buildings survived the 1906 quake and fire. A bronze plaque on the west side of 451 Jackson captures the sentiment of the time:

Hotaling Place (tiny detour from trail)

On Jackson, take a slight detour into Hoteling Place. The wavy design in the pavement marks the original San Francisco shoreline. North Beach was actually on the beach. Everything between the current waterfront and this wavy line is built on top of sunken ships, trash piles, and whatever else was dumped here. Also, checkout the hitching posts.

Comstock Saloon

The Comstock Saloon is one of the few remaining traces of San Francisco’s rough and rowdy Barbary Coast. Amazingly, this popular watering hole still has much of its original interior. The beautiful mahogany bar is still there along with the embossed tin ceiling, the pukka walla fans, and the tiled trough that runs along the base of the bar (don’t’ ask).

Since it first opened in 1907, this establishment has always been a saloon, but it was not always called the Comstock. It’s been the Andromeda, the Albatross, and the San Francisco Brewing Company. The Comstock has an interesting menu and great drinks. It’s located on the corner of Pacific and Columbus

Once a village literally on a beach, North Beach has gone through several phases: a manic gold rush landing, the Barbary Coast, and for a while, home of the Beatniks. Now, it’s Little Italy and one of my most favorite neighborhoods on the planet.

Jack Kerouac, Alan Ginsberg, Neal Cassady, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti were all here in the 1950s. This was the epicenter of the Beat generation. They’re gone now, but their old haunts — City Lights Bookstore, Vesuvio, and Tosca Cafe — live on.

City Lights Bookstore

An historic independent bookstore opened in 1953 by poet Laurence Ferlinghetti, City Lights was headquarters for the 1950s Beat Generation literary movement. City Lights was and still is a defender of free speech and carries social and political publications not available elsewhere.

Vesuvio Café

Vesuvio was a favorite hangout for the “beats.” It does not serve food, but it serves drinks in a pleasant, memorabilia filled pub. Don’t miss the mural on the outside wall.

Jack Kerouac Alley

Between Vesuvio and City Lights Bookstore there is a short alley dedicated to Jack Kerouac. Take time to walk through it and read the bits of poetry engraved in the pavement. The alley is magic; on one end, you’re in Chinatown; on the other end, you’re in North Beach.

Saints Peter and Paul Church

Facing Washington Square, this beautiful church has appeared in several movies and is a popular spot for photos. The 1906 quake destroyed the original church, which was built in 1884. The current structure was completed in 1924 ( Source ).

Washington Square

The Barbary Coast Trail nearly circles this popular park. Take time to walk through it too, or even have a picnic. Or take a break at one of the many restaurants surrounding the park.

Original Joe’s is my favorite restaurant around Washington Square. I love their Caesar Salad and Hamburger Sandwich on sourdough.

After meandering through North Beach, the trail heads north on Grant. It goes about half way up Telegraph Hill, so there’s some serious uphill/downhill parts. It passes by Coit Tower and Jack Early Park, jogs right on Francisco and takes a major flight of stairs down to Kearny, which then turns left onto the Embarcadero.

If you’d rather avoid the hill and stairs , then exit Washington Square, onto Stockton, head north on Stockton, turn right on Bay, and then left on Kearny.

Coit Tower (detour from trail)

If you’re up for a significant detour (including stairs), hike up Greenwich to the top of Telegraph Hill. Pioneer Park and Coit Tower are at the top.

Coit Tower is a monument honoring the city’s firefighters. Depression era artists covered the walls in the rotunda with murals. Purchase a ticket in the gift shop to ride the small elevator to the top for great 360° views of the city and bay.

Jack Early Park

On Grant between Chestnut and Francisco, take the short flight of stairs (about 60 steps) to tiny Jack Early park. It has a great bridge-to-bridge view of the bay and beyond.

The Waterfront: Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Aquatic Park

The trail goes by Pier 39, through Fisherman’s Wharf, loops around the Maritime National Historic Park, and ends at the Powell-Hyde cable car turntable.

Located on the east side of Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 has food, crowds, souvenirs, more food, entertainment,  public restrooms , and still more food and souvenirs. The biggest attractions at Pier 39 are:

• Aquarium of the Bay
• Double decker carousel with interesting creatures to ride

Fisherman’s Wharf

There are lots of restaurants, shops, bike and Segway rentals, and a variety of tour operators at Fisherman’s Wharf . It’s also home to these sights, which are popular with Kids:

• Musée Mécanique
• Ripley’s Believe it or Not
• Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

This park includes:

• Aquatic Park with a beach and cove that is protected by a long, curved municipal pier. The beach and cove are popular with swimmers and boaters (non-motorized boats only). Walk out on the pier for a great view of the bay.
• Hyde Street Pier Museum with a collection of vintage ships and boats, including the beautiful square-rigger Balclutha.
• Maritime Museum with huge collections of everything nautical including figureheads from gold-rush era ships and dozens of large-scale ship models. It’s in the striking art deco building that looks like an ocean liner. The building was originally a bathhouse and is graced with a whimsical depression era mural by Hilaire Hiler and other art works.

After looping around the Maritime National Historic Park , the main Barbary Coast Trail ends at the Powell-Hyde cable car turntable on Hyde at Beach.

But wait, there’s more! Take the upper route and turn your sightseeing walk into a round trip.

The Barbary Coast Trail is designed as a round trip: in one direction, walk the main trail; in the opposite direction, combine a cable car ride, with a sightseeing stop on Nob Hill. If you go to Nob Hill, here’s what you can see and why it’s historically interesting:

It’s called Nob Hill because it was home to the “nobs,” the wealthy citizens of San Francisco. Among the wealthiest were the Big Four: Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, Collis Huntington, and Charles Crocker who together built the western half of the Transcontinental Railroad.

In the late 1870s, each of these men built an opulent mansion on Nob Hill. The 1906 earthquake and fire reduced all four mansions to rubble. None of the Big Four mansions were rebuilt, but their names still dominate Nob Hill.

The Stanford and Hopkins mansions were replaced by the Stanford Court and Mark Hopkins Hotels. Huntington Park replaced Huntington’s mansion. Grace Cathedral rose from the ashes of the Crocker mansion.

Grace Cathedral

The cathedral is modeled after Notre Dame in Paris and was completed in 1964. The incredible bronze doors alone are worth the trip to Nob Hill. The original doors were created for the Baptistery in the Piazza del Duomo in Florence. Lorenzo Ghiberti and his son worked on them for 27 years and completed them in 1452.

Ghiberti was among the first to use linear perspective and graded relief — techniques that mark the beginning of the Italian renaissance. The doors are called the Bible in Bronze because they represent biblical events. Michelangelo called them The Gates of Paradise.

The doors here, of course, are replicas and not the priceless originals. During WWII, the originals were removed from the Duomo Baptistery and hidden from the Nazis. In the process, their caretaker made a new set of molds from the original doors. The doors at Grace Cathedral were created from these molds.

There’s more to see at Grace Cathedral, including dozens of beautiful stained-glass windows, a Benny Bufano sculpture of St. Francis, murals, mosaics, and two labyrinths — one inside and one outside.

Huntington Park

This popular little park is nicely landscaped with lots of seating, and, like the Cathedral, it also has a replica of an Italian renaissance treasure. It’s Rome’s Fontana della Tartarughe — fountain of the tortoises.

Flood Mansion

James C. Flood was one of the Silver Kings who made his fortune from the Comstock Lode. It must have been an incredible fortune because Flood had Connecticut brownstone shipped around the horn to build his massive mansion. It was completed in 1888.

Although the interior was gutted by the fire, it was the only Nob Hill mansion to survive the 1906 earthquake. The Flood family sold the mansion to the Pacific Union Club. As you wander by, you can admire the stonework and the beautiful bronze fence, but unless you have connections, you won’t see the inside because Pacific Union is a private club.

Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar at the Fairmont Hotel

The Tonga Room is the Grand Kahuna of Tiki Bars. The décor is elaborate and real — real wood, rigging, thatch, and fixtures. The intermittent rain showers and thunder are a nice touch too, and then, of course, there are the exotic, fruity drinks with little umbrellas (open evenings only).

Follow California Street downhill to Powell and board the next cable car to continue on to Union Square and Market Street.

Ways to Get to Nob Hill

Grace Cathedral is on Taylor Street between California and Sacramento Streets. Here are ways to get there:

• Cable Car: The Powell-Hyde line stops on Washington at Taylor en route to downtown and on Jackson at Taylor en route to the Wharf. The California line stops on California at Taylor.
• Muni Bus : Catch a 1 California bus at any stop along Sacramento Street and exit at the Sproule Lane stop.

Tip: If you want hop-on-hop-off privileges on cable cars, a Muni Visitor Passport is the best option. A one-day passport is $13. Install the MuniMobile app on your smartphone, purchase the passport, activate it on the day you wish to use it, and show it when you board or are asked to do so. You get unlimited rides on cable cars, historic streetcars, Muni Metro (light-rail), and Muni buses.

For more information about using San Francisco’s public transit system, like fares, ways to pay, apps, and maps, visit our article  Getting Around San Francisco on Public Transit .

Ways to walk the Barbary Coast Trail

• One-way: Walk the main trail in either direction.
• Round trip: Take the main trail in one direction and the upper trail in the opposite direction. The upper trail is a cable car ride between the Wharf and Market Street with a sightseeing stop on Nob Hill.
• A bit at a time: Walk the main trail in sections so you have time for stops along the way.

Tip: The ends of both trails are conveniently located near the Powell-Hyde cable car turntables and are also near historic streetcar stops.

Best Time to Walk the Barbary Coast Trail

Take this trail any day any time of year as long as the weather suits your comfort level. The most predictably good weather is in the fall (mid-September through mid-November). But even during the rainy season (December into March), there are often nice sunny 60-70° days.

How the Trail was Created

The Barbary Coast Trail was a collaborative project with historian Daniel Bacon and the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society; it was inaugurated in 1998. Daniel Bacon and Illustrator Jim Blair designed the medallion and created an excellent official guide and an audio tour. The guide, audio tour, and guided tours are available on the Barbary Coast Trail website .

Daniel Bacon also published a book: Walking San Francisco on the Barbary Coast Trail . I just bought the 3 rd edition (2019) and highly recommend it to anyone interested in a much deeper dive into the history of sights and events along the Barbary Coast Trail.

Walking is the best way to see San Francisco, and there’s no more engaging way to walk this city than along the Barbary Coast Trail. Walk the entire trail at once, if you like, or take it a section at a time and take time to explore the museums, churches, parks, cafes, and pubs along the way.

Our Hiking in San Francisco post has brief details about our favorite hikes. We also have separate posts for each hike with a map, photos, and more detailed information:

• Lands End Trail: Ocean Views
• Golden Gate Promenade : Waterfront Trail, Best Views
• Mt. Davidson : Scenic Trails, Sweeping Views
• Mountain Lake Trail: Presidio Hike
• Golden Gate Park: Trek from End-to-End
• Gorgeous Mosaic Tiled Stairs and Grandview Park Views

About the Author

Ginny Vail is a travel writer who loves travel planning, sightseeing, photography, and videography. She’s visited all 50 states and traveled around the world. Her articles focus on discovering places to go, sights to see, and details about when and how to visit them.

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The 5 best walks in San Francisco: how to explore the city on foot

Jan 30, 2022 • 9 min read

From crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to wandering through some of the city's best parks, here are five great walking routes in San Francisco © Maridav / Getty Images

The best way to see San Francisco is on foot. It’s how you’ll fully appreciate the city’s nuances and quirks, all part of its endless appeal. These five walks take you into the historic heart of the city and explore some of its most diverse neighborhoods .

You’ll venture deep into natural areas and enjoy the fabulous views that are part of the city’s lore. You’ll even get up close and personal with some of the city’s top icons. Whether you have two hours or most of a day, one of these walks will suit. Along the way, you’ll discover opportunities for good food and drink, as well shops like none you’ll find elsewhere.

Take a stroll through Chinatown and North Beach

Best walk for pure san francisco.

1.5 miles one-way, 3 hours, moderate

Start in Chinatown at Portsmouth Square , the neighborhood’s unofficial living room. It’s named after John B Montgomery’s sloop, which staked the US claim on San Francisco in 1846. Today the square is graced by the Goddess of Democracy , a bronze replica of the statue that Tiananmen Sq protesters made in 1989.

Stop into the Chinese Historical Society of America , which shows what it was like to be Chinese in America during the gold rush, transcontinental railroad construction and the decades that followed, all while contending with virulent racism.

Meander north on the busy, shop-lined streets, watching for the 41 historic alleyways packed into Chinatown’s 22 blocks. Don’t miss Waverly Place and its historic clinker-brick buildings and flag-festooned temple balconies.

Cut over to Columbus Ave and the heart of San Francisco’s Beat culture at Jack Kerouac Alley . Note the words of Chinese poet Li Po embedded in the alley: "In the company of friends, there is never enough wine." Kerouac, Arthur Miller, and other Beat icons drank in the 1950s at neighboring bar Vesuvio . Nearby is the legendary City Lights Books , one of America’s best bookshops.

Head up Columbus through the heart of North Beach, which still has discernable Italian roots. At lushly planted Washington Square , you’ll spot parrots in the treetops and octogenarians in tai chi tiger stances on the lawn.

Head up steep and residential Greenwich St to Coit Tower for the city’s best views. The exclamation point on San Francisco’s skyline, the stark white deco building is surrounded by a park where you’ll be thrilled by vistas from the Golden Gate to the Bay Bridge and beyond. Take time to duck into the lobby where murals depict city life during the Depression: people lining up at soup kitchens, organizing dockworkers’ unions, partying despite Prohibition, and more. The depictions have riled up conservatives ever since.

Now head east and down the Filbert Street Steps . The steep climb leads past hidden cottages along Napier Lane, more sweeping views and more colorful wild-parrot flocks. Continue across The Embarcadero to the waterfront at Pier 23, where you turn left for Fisherman’s Wharf or right for the Ferry Building .

Free your spirit on a walk through the Haight and Golden Gate Park

Best walk for hippie culture and a fun-filled park.

4.5 miles one-way, 4 hours or more, easy

Start in Buena Vista Park , with panoramic city views. Head west up Haight St into the neighborhood that defined the Summer of Love in 1967. Hippie flashbacks are a given in the here, where the fog is fragrant downwind of Haight St’s legal marijuana dispensaries.

Turn right onto Waller St and left uphill past 432 Delmar St, site of the Sid Vicious overdose that broke up the Sex Pistols in 1978. A block over, pay your respects to Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and Pigpen at the Grateful Dead House . Down the block, 635 Ashbury St is one of many known SF addresses for Janis Joplin, who had a hard time hanging onto leases in the 1960s. 

At the corner of Haight and Ashbury , the clock overhead always reads 4:20, better known in "Hashbury" as International Bong-Hit Time. Follow your bliss to the drum circle at Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park, where free spirits have gathered since the ’60s to flail to the beat.

Golden Gate Park sprawls across 1017 wonderful acres with a variety of sites that will have something for every interest. Heading west towards the ocean, you could see carnivorous plants gobbling insects at the Conservatory of Flowers , or spot blue butterflies in the rainforest dome at the California Academy of Sciences . Perhaps you'll choose to get lost in the art exhibits of the de Young Museum , or maybe you’ll allot a couple of hours to sipping green tea in the Japanese Tea Garden . Note that cars were banned from John F Kennedy Dr in 2021, which adds greatly to your walking pleasure.

Continuing west, there’s the walk to the summit at Strawberry Hill and the namesake large, furry critters grazing at the Buffalo Paddock . When you hear the surf, you’re close to the Pacific and magnificent four-mile-long Ocean Beach .

Marvel at murals as you mosey through the Mission

Best walk for savoring san francisco’s contradictions.

2.75 miles one-way, 3 hours, easy

The Mission is a crossroads of contradictions and at its heart is Mission St, SF’s faded "miracle mile" now occupied by dollar stores and rollicking street life, surrounded by colorful murals and buzzy restaurants. West of Mission St, Valencia St has quirky boutiques and seven-figure condos. Calle 24 (24th St) is SF’s designated Latino Cultural District. Walking in the Mission puts you in the heart of all the contradictions that are San Francisco today.

Begin at the city’s first building and neighborhood namesake: adobe Mission Dolores , built by some 5000 conscripted Ohlone and Miwok laborers. You can glimpse the Miwok memorial hut through the mission fence on Chula Lane. Hitchcock fans still come to the garden here to smell the flowers in a prime location from the 1958 movie  Vertigo .

Climb to the upper southwestern corner of Dolores Park for panoramic views. Then walk down 19th St past Daniel Doherty’s impressionist-inspired 2009 mural A Sunday Afternoon at Dolores Park , showing Dolores Park’s regular cast of characters, including frolicking pugs and handlebar-mustachioed men in matching swim shorts.

On Valencia St, pause to pay your respects to bygone celebrities at Dog Eared Books – the front window features hand-drawn obituary cartoons of luminaries. Window-shop down Valencia and hang a left onto Calle 24. Pass community centers, churches, bodegas, panaderias (bakeries), and taquerias all swathed in murals. Stop at 24th & York Mini Park , where Aztec serpent-god Quetzalcoatl rears his mighty mosaic head. 

Double back along 24th St, cross over and swing down to Balmy Alley , where you may recognize beatified activist Archbishop Romero and surrealist painter Frida Kahlo among the colorful characters illuminating garage doors. For food, join the line at La Taqueria for one of SF’s best burritos. Get yours "dorado style," so they’ll crisp the outside.

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito

Best walk for dramatic views and nature.

5 miles one-way, 4–6 hours, moderate

One of San Francisco’s best walks takes you right out of the city, but what a walk it is given you’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge on foot and then curve around the bay to the delightful town of Sausalito where you’ll catch a ferry back to SF. (Confirm the ferry schedule before you set out.) All along this walk you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city and a surprising amount of natural beauty.

The city’s most spectacular icon towers 80 stories above the roiling waters of the Golden Gate, the narrow entrance to San Francisco Bay. Begin your walk at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center at the south end, where you’ll learn how the huge undertaking was completed in 1937, a mere four years after construction began. 

Pedestrians take the eastern sidewalk. Dress warmly! It’s 1.7 miles across the walkway and you’ll want to take your time for the views, both horizontal and vertical. If you’re lucky you’ll get to look right down the funnel of a passing ship.

At the north end, follow the curving walkway and road all the way down to Fort Baker and Horseshoe Bay. This former military post with one of the world’s best views was a defensive position for much of the 20th century.

Continue on East Road along the tree-lined coast north into Sausalito, where you can stroll the cute little center and enjoy some of the region's best seafood in a waterfront cafe like Fish . On a Golden Gate Ferry for the 30-minute ride to the Ferry Building in SF, you’ll go right past Alcatraz .

Amble through Presidio and Crissy Field for amazing Golden Gate views

Best walk for ocean and bay views.

3.5 miles one-way, 4 hours or more, easy

Explore the Presidio , the vast splotch of green on the map between Baker Beach and Crissy Field and you’ll find parade grounds, historic buildings by the dozen, beautiful natural areas, and some fascinating art projects. What started as a Spanish fort built by Ohlone conscripts in 1776 is now a treasure hunt of surprises. It was decommissioned as a military base in 1994 and turned over to the National Park Service (NPS), which has been transforming it into one of the nation’s best urban parks. Download the NPS Presidio app for details on trails and sights.

At mile-long Baker Beach take in the spectacular views of the Golden Gate. Crowds descend on weekends, especially on fog-free days, so arrive early. For nude sunbathing, head to the northern end. Mind the currents and the c-c-cold water. 

Hike up along the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, which follows the coast and offers spectacular views from bluffs where huge guns once defended San Francisco. Head inland to Fort Winfield Scott, with its flat parade ground and vintage buildings. Curve east on paths along Lincoln Blvd and enjoy the bay and bridge views.

At the manicured Main Parade Lawn, you’ll find cafes and museums. The Presidio Officer’s Club is the site’s oldest building. Its gorgeous Spanish-Moorish adobe architecture dates to the 1700s. The free Heritage Gallery shows the history of the Presidio, from Native American days to the present, along with temporary exhibitions.

Cross over the new grasslands covering Hwy 101 and head down to Crissy Field, a military airstrip turned waterfront nature preserve with knockout Golden Gate views. Bird-watchers, walkers, windsurfers, kitesurfers, and cyclists flock here. Rent a bike and join the fun or sit on the beach and watch for gray whales who sometimes venture into the bay.

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Jay is a world traveler who grew up in the US mid-west. He has lived/worked in London, Paris, Hong Kong, New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Chicago, Kauai, and now lives in San Francisco. Besides traveling, Jay enjoys reading, writing and basketball.

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San Francisco Chinatown Self-Guided Walking Tour

Melissa Zink / TripSavvy

San Francisco's Chinatown has more guided tour options than the local herbalist has ginseng roots. Many of them are informative and entertaining, but they control the schedule, and you have to plan around that. If you'd rather:

• Tour Chinatown when you want to
• Stay as long as you want at places of interest
• Skip the bits that bore you
• And do it all for free

This self-guided tour covers all the same sights to which tour guides will take you.

Print this page to take along and you're all set—and you can't beat the cost savings.

This walking tour takes you off the main streets into alleys and areas where you'll find some unique Chinatown sights. At a leisurely pace, it takes about 2 hours, including a stop for lunch. If you're a shopper, it may take a bit longer than that.

The total walking distance is 1.5 miles, and it's nearly flat.

Get Ready to Tour Chinatown

Chinatown is woefully short on public restrooms. Your best bet is to find one before you go in. There's a Starbucks at the corner of Sutter and Grant, just a block from the Chinatown gate.

Chinatown Gate to Portsmouth Square

Today's Chinatown was rebuilt after San Francisco's 1906 earthquake, and its architecture is an odd mix of Edwardian fundamentals and Chinese details. Starting from the Chinatown Gate on Bush Street, on Grant Avenue:

• Start at the Chinatown Gate: This 1970 addition to the Chinatown entrance marks the transition into Chinatown from Union Square. A pair of Chinese guardian lions is traditionally believed to provide protection. Called Shi in Chinese or "Foo Dogs" in the West, they're a common sight in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government office, and temples.
• Walking on Grant Avenue: Grant is especially touristy near the Chinatown gate. It's a good place for souvenir shopping, with several large shops offering t-shirts and other trinkets. Further up the street, you'll also find modern Asian items that are both stylish and easy on the pocketbook. This part of Grant is a good place to stop and look up. This isn't a ploy to make you look silly: a couple of interesting things are above eye level. Look around and you'll see that the street signs are written in both English and Chinese and the ornate streetlights (put up in 1925) are supported by golden dragons.
• Stop at St. Mary's Church: Grant at California. The granite stones used in this historic church's foundations came from China and its bricks came "around the Horn" of South America with the gold seekers. It was the first church built as a cathedral in California and for many years was one of San Francisco's most prominent buildings. Inside is a small display of photographs from the 1906 earthquake and fire, showing both how badly it was damaged and how closely the new structure resembles its predecessor.
• Walking: When you cross the cable car tracks at California Avenue, listen. Not only will it help you avoid an approaching car, you'll also hear the cables that move the cars humming beneath the street.
• Stop at the Wok Shop : 718 Grant Avenue. This long-time Chinatown shop sells an extensive selection of cleavers, woks, and chopsticks, all of which make great (and useful) souvenirs.
• Stop at Eastern Bakery : 720 Grant Avenue. Opened in 1924, Eastern is the United States' oldest Chinese bakery. Mooncakes are their specialty, filled with a light melon or rich-tasting lotus-seed paste.
• Walking: At Clay Street, turn right, then go left to enter one of San Francisco's original city parks.
• Stop at Portsmouth Square : One of three city parks set aside by San Francisco's first mayor, Portsmouth is Chinatown's social center, with residents using it as an extension of their homes, taking the kids there to play or meeting friends. You'll sometimes find men playing Chinese chess (also called elephant chess) and groups of women playing cards. Also in the park is the Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial and a marker commemorating the first public school in California. The only public restroom on the tour route is in the park, but be warned—cleanliness can be an issue.
• Walking: Cross the park to Washington Street and turn left.

Portsmouth Square to Broadway

• Stop at the Old Telephone Exchange: (743 Washington) This lovely building is now the East West Bank, but it started out as the Chinese Telephone Exchange. Callers often asked for people by name only, thinking it rude to refer to a person by using a number, so the operators working here had to know each subscriber by name. With many subscribers having the same name, they also had to know everyone's address and occupation. And - they had to speak not only English but also five Chinese dialects. Today's building was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake and fire.
• Walking: At Grant Avenue, turn right—or take a shortcut through Wentworth Place to Washington Street.
• Chinatown Restaurant Row: Between Grant and Kearny Street on Washington are some of the best-rated restaurants in Chinatown.
• Walking: After looking around or having a bite to eat, return to Grant Avenue. This route bypasses one of Chinatown's best-rated tea shops, Red Blossom. If you want to stop in, turn left on Grant to get there. Otherwise, turn right at Grant and continue.
• To Buy a Unique Souvenir:  Talk to the folks outside the door at 924 Grant or enter through the nondescript lobby and you'll find a place to get one of Chinatown's most unusual souvenirs, a custom-made, carved stone stamp from Rainbow Sign and Art.
• Be Prepared for Game Birds: In the block between Pacific and Broadway on the right side of the street is a small shop called Ming Kee Game Birds. They sell birds used in Chinese cuisine, including a blue-skinned chicken. FYI: Several years ago, a lot of controversy arose over Chinatown shops selling live poultry and shop owners are still sensitive to gawkers and photographers.
• Stop at the Chinatown Mural: At the corner of Columbus Avenue and Broadway where Chinatown meets North Beach, you'll find a mural on the corner building. One side commemorates North Beach's Italian roots. The side facing Broadway is dedicated to San Francisco's Chinese heritage
• Walking: At Broadway, turn left. At Stockton, cross the street and turn left again, walking along Stockton.

Stockton Markets and Alleyways

• Explore the Chinese Markets: The next two blocks of Stockton are packed with markets. Some sell the same kinds of vegetables and groceries you'd find at a neighborhood store anywhere, but others sell fresh fish, Asian specialty vegetables, and foods. For fun people-watching, look for older Chinese women shopping, arguing over asparagus, wrangling over radishes or shaking an eggplant to see if it's firm.
• Walking: At Jackson Street, turn left, then turn right into Ross Alley (which is halfway to Grant)
• Stop at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory : (56 Ross Alley) It's not what you might expect of a factory, but more like a Wallace and Gromit invention gone awry. Some people think the staff rude, and they'll give about 30 seconds to look around before insisting you buy something, but it's worth a look and something you're not likely to see anywhere else. Bring cash if you want to buy some fresh fortune cookies and expect to pay to take a photo, too. 
• Stop at the Sam Bo Trading Company: (50 Ross Alley) This small shop sells Buddhist and Taoist religious items, Buddha statues, incense and paper goods burned in tribute to ancestors and the gods. A pack of handmade paper printed in gold purchased here makes an inexpensive, beautiful souvenir.
• Walking: At the end of Ross Alley, go right on Jackson and then left into Spofford.
• Explore Spofford Alley: There's not a lot to see in this short alley, but listen: it's home to numerous mahjong parlors and you can hear the tiles clicking as you pass, especially on weekends when you might also get a glimpse inside through an open door.
• Walking: At the end of Spofford, turn left and walk to Waverly Place. Turn around at Washington to walk the street's two-block length.
• Explore Waverly Place is often called the Street of the Painted Balconies, but it wasn't built for tourists and these days the paint is growing a bit faded. Walk along its two-block length and you'll find a dry cleaner, travel agency, employment agency two funeral businesses and two temples. Amy Tan fans may recall the name Waverly from "Joy Luck Club," and Dashiell Hammett's "Dead Yellow Women" is also set here.
• Stop at the Tien Hou Temple : (125 Waverly Place) The smell of temple incense is one of Chinatown's sensory treats, and you'll find plenty of it on the top floor at 125 Waverly Place, in a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Heaven. After you climb the long stairway, you'll find a tiny, incense-filled room hung with red and gold lanterns, several shrines and a statue of the goddess in the back. They don't mind respectful visitors (but don't allow photographs). Admission is free, but I recommend making a small donation, just to be polite.
• Family Benevolent Associations: You'll see the offices for several of these associations on Waverly Place, including the Eng and Wong families. They began as social clubs to serve social and personal needs of Chinese workers and provide political and social support systems to newcomers. These days, they are mostly gathering places, particularly for older Chinese who live in Chinatown.
• Bing-Tong Kong Freemasons: During the early twentieth century, Bing-Tong Kong was one of San Francisco's most powerful Tongs, groups often compared to modern gangs. In the 1930s, it started using the name "Chinese Free Masons," but whether they are formally associated with that organization is unclear. This building appears briefly in the 1982 film Chan Is Missing , directed by Wayne Wang.
• Stop at the  Clarion Music Center (816 Sacramento Street) sells Chinese drums, cymbals, flutes, Tibetan singing bowls and many unusual instruments and is well worth a stop if you like that kind of thing. They are closed on Sundays.

The easiest way to get to many other parts of San Francisco from Chinatown is by cable car. Find everything you need to know about riding them in the San Francisco Cable Car Guide .

• If You're Done for the Day: Turn left at Sacramento Street and right onto Grant. Walk 3 blocks and you'll be back where you started.
• To Go to  Union Square : Turn right on Bush, left on Stockton and you'll be there in 3 blocks
• To See the  Ferry Building, Waterfront, Bay Bridge : Turn left on Grant to California and catch the cable car (the one going downhill)
• To Check Out Nob Hill: Turn left on Grant to California and get on the cable car (the one going uphill)
• To Go to  Fisherman's Wharf : Turn right on Sacramento and walk 2 blocks to catch the Powell-Mason or Powell-Hyde cable car
• To Explore North Beach: Turn right at Sacramento Street and then right onto Stockton. It's about 6 blocks to the edge of North Beach from there

Apps for Your Chinatown Tour

Sutro Media's San Francisco Chinatown app provides a map and an A to Z listing of points of interest. The map is filled with detailed icons, but unfortunately, they overlap and are hard to read on a mobile phone screen. If you're the type who likes to wander but occasionally wants to know more about something, you may find it useful.

The free app City Walks provides minimal information and you'll have to pay for an upgrade to access their guided tours. It's a pricing strategy, this app rates only 2.5 stars out of 5, largely because of complaints that the free version has nothing to offer.

Time Shutter - San Francisco  is custom-made for history buffs and anyone who wonders what a place looked like long ago. Using their map- or list-based index, you can bring up historic photos of the place you're standing. Double-tap and they'll transform into modern-day views.

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How our current Walks work! 

• Walker s should register in advance on our website. It’s pretty easy and you will receive a confirmation email with details on where to meet for the tour. 
• Our walks are always free, but we are supported almost entirely by walker donations. You will be given the opportunity when you register to make  a suggested $20 per person donation online
• Each walk is around 90 to 120 minutes. 
• When arriving at your starting point, look for the person wearing a City Guides ID badge (who also may be wearing a red jacket with our logo. 
• If you missed the opportunity to make a donation when registering, our Guides will pass around our recognized “yellow envelope” at the end of the tour. Our Guides do not accept personal tips. We hope that you’ll consider making a donation so we can keep walking!
• Walk ups are always welcome! 
• If you liked your walk and your Guide – share your experience on social media so other walkers can hear about us
• Most important, THANK YOU for supporting San Francisco City Guides.

* Advance registration is required for a few tours on private property where the owners limit the size of our groups. If a walk is identified on the web site as “Registration Required”,  you will need to register online before arriving. These tours often fill up quickly so plan to sign up early. The guide will check your name on the list when you arrive.

Are your tours really free?

Absolutely!! San Francisco City Guides is a non-profit organization with roots in the San Francisco Public Library. We welcome all walkers, free of charge. All our tours are led by volunteers who love to share their knowledge and passion for our city with walkers like you, and who do not accept tips. At the same time, we depend on the generosity of our walkers to keep City Guides running — more than 80% of our budget comes from your donations! So if you like your walk with us, please consider supporting us with a donation of $20 (or whatever amount you choose). Every donation will help keep our tours going for another 40 years!

How good are your volunteers?

We think they’re the best walking tour guides in town. Not only are they all passionate about their city, but they’ve also gone through a comprehensive training program. It takes months of work with our instructors and mentors to become a City Guide, and we are constantly evaluating the quality of our tours as well as offering an extensive continuing education program. Many of our guides have been leading tours for a decade or more, and have researched (and even created) the tours that they that lead; they can answer your in depth questions about the tour, San Francisco history, and even great places to have lunch. A lot of our guides are lifetime residents who have lived and contributed to the tapestry that is San Francisco.  Where else can you:

• Learn about the 1906 earthquake from a professional geologist?
• Hear tales of the 1880’s murder of a newspaper editor from a working newspaper editor?
• Explore San Francisco’s architecture with an architect?
• Visit the sights of early San Francisco with a descendant of a 49er and early mayor?

What happens if it rains?

Come anyway! We walk rain or shine. Just check our website the day of the tour for any last-minute cancellations.

More Questions?

Please visit our FAQ page for answers to our common questions or give the office a call at 415-375-0468 . We look forward to seeing you on a tour soon.

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Things to Do in San Francisco: A Guide to Fun (2024)

W elcome to the enchanting city by the bay, where every street corner whispers tales of diversity, landmarks beckon with storied histories, and breathtaking scenery leaves you awe-inspired. San Francisco, a city like no other, is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, a treasure trove of landmarks, and a masterpiece of nature’s beauty.

Picture yourself strolling along the bustling streets, the aroma of freshly baked sourdough bread wafting from corner bakeries, and the eclectic mix of languages and laughter filling the air. You’re not just visiting a city; you’re embarking on an adventure through a melting pot of cultures that have woven themselves into the very fabric of this metropolis. You will be amazed at all the things to do in San Francisco for people of all ages.

But it’s not just the diverse culture that makes San Francisco a must-visit destination . The city boasts iconic landmarks that have graced postcards and inspired filmmakers for generations. From the majestic Golden Gate Bridge standing guard over the bay to the historic Alcatraz Island, where echoes of infamous inmates still resonate, there’s no shortage of stories etched into the cityscape.

Let’s not forget the scenery that will steal your heart – rolling hills dotted with colorful Victorian houses, the sparkling Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon, and the lush green spaces that invite you to relax and rejuvenate. San Francisco’s natural beauty is as captivating as its urban charm.

I want to take you on a journey through this eclectic wonderland, unveiling the best activities, hidden gems, and insider tips to ensure your stay is nothing short of unforgettable. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, nature enthusiast, or just someone seeking adventure, San Francisco has something special in store for you.

Things to Do in San Francisco: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Attractions and Activities

So, grab your heartiest appetite and your most comfortable walking shoes because the City by the Bay is ready to enchant, inspire, and surprise you at every turn. Join us as we uncover the endless possibilities in our comprehensive exploration of “Things to Do in San Francisco: A Guide to Fun.” Your adventure begins now with these tourist attractions!

Iconic Landmarks

San Francisco is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world. Here are three must-see landmarks that you can’t miss on your trip to San Francisco:

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic symbol of San Francisco and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The bridge spans 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County. One of the best ways to experience the bridge is to walk or bike across it. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about its history and construction.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a former federal military prison that is now a national park . It is a small island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay and can only be reached by ferry. Visitors can take a guided tour of the prison and learn about its infamous inmates, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” The island also offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Since childhood, I have seen these iconic gems in the commercials that touted the favorite rice dish of San Franciscans – and still have that Rice-A-Roni jingle stuck in my head. It goes without saying that San Francisco is famous for its cable cars , which are a fun and unique way to explore the city.

This fun form of public transportation runs on three lines: the Powell-Hyde line, the Powell-Mason line, and the California line. You can hop on and off at various stops throughout the city, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and Chinatown.

Riding a cable car is a great way to experience the city’s hilly terrain and historic neighborhoods. And heck, what fun photos and TikTok reel opportunities as you go up and down those steep hills!

These three iconic landmarks are just a few of the many attractions that San Francisco has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler , you won’t want to miss these must-see sights.

Cultural Experiences

I adore that San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures, and there are many ways to experience the city’s diverse cultural offerings. Here are some must-see cultural experiences to add to your itinerary:

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and largest Chinatown in the United States. It is a vibrant neighborhood that is home to many shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory , where you can watch fortune cookies being made by hand.

You can also explore the alleyways and side streets to discover hidden gems like the  Tin How Temple and the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum . If you want the perfect memorable photo, take a selfie at the Dragon Gate.

Mission District Murals

I love street art and that put this on my list of great things to do in the city of San Francisco! The Mission District is known for its colorful street art murals. They reflect the neighborhood’s Latino heritage and social activism.

Take a walking tour to see some of the most iconic murals, like the Women’s Building Mural and the MaestraPeace Mural. You can also visit the Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center to learn more about the history and significance of the murals.

Japanese Tea Garden

Location: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive San Francisco

The  Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is a serene oasis that offers a glimpse into Japanese culture. It is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States and features traditional Japanese architecture, koi ponds, and a tea house. You can participate in a traditional tea ceremony or simply stroll through the garden and admire the beautiful scenery.

Ferry Building Marketplace

Location: One, Ferry Building, San Francisco

The Ferry Building Marketplace is a food lover’s paradise that showcases the best of San Francisco’s culinary scene. It is home to many artisanal food vendors, including Cowgirl Creamery, Acme Bread , and  Blue Bottle Coffee . You can sample local cheeses, fresh oysters, and gourmet chocolates while enjoying views of the San Francisco Bay. The marketplace is also a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, or food, San Francisco has something to offer every culture lover. Don’t miss these unique cultural experiences on your next visit to the city.

Outdoor Activities

San Francisco is known for its beautiful outdoor spaces and activities. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking to enjoy some fresh air, there’s something for everyone in the city. Here are some of the top outdoor activities to experience in San Francisco:

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors in San Francisco. This expansive park spans over 1,000 acres and offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Some of the top attractions within the park include:

• The Japanese Tea Garden : This tranquil garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States and features beautiful landscaping, koi ponds, and a tea house.
• The  de Young Museum : This art museum features a variety of exhibits and collections, as well as stunning views of the city from its observation tower.
• The California Academy of Sciences : This museum is home to a planetarium, aquarium, and natural history museum all in one, making it a great option for families.

The Presidio is a former military base turned national park that offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. Here are some of the top things to do in the Presidio:

• Hiking: The Presidio offers over 24 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. Some of the top trails include the Batteries to Bluffs Trail and the Ecology Trail.
• Beaches: The Presidio is home to several beautiful beaches, including Baker Beach and Marshall’s Beach, which offer stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
• The Walt Disney Family Museum : This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Walt Disney and features exhibits, screenings, and interactive experiences.

Ocean Beach

If you’re looking to enjoy some time by the ocean, Ocean Beach is the perfect destination. This long stretch of beach offers plenty of space to relax and take in the views. Some of the top activities to enjoy at Ocean Beach include:

• Surfing: Ocean Beach is known for its challenging surf conditions, making it a popular spot for experienced surfers.
• Bonfires: Visitors can enjoy a bonfire on the beach with a permit from the city.
• Sunset watching: The sunsets at Ocean Beach are some of the most beautiful in the city, making it a popular spot for photographers.

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Location: 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco

These botanical gardens are s a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city. This 55-acre garden features over 8,000 different plant species from around the world. Some of the top attractions within the garden include:

• The Redwood Grove: This section of the garden features towering redwood trees that are over 100 years old.
• The Succulent Garden: This garden features a variety of unique and colorful succulent plants.
• The Ancient Plant Garden: This garden features plants that have been around for millions of years, including ferns and cycads.

Overall, San Francisco offers a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to hike, relax on the beach, or explore a beautiful garden, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Museums and Galleries

San Francisco is home to numerous museums and galleries that cater to a wide range of interests. From modern art to science, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the top museums and galleries to check out during your visit:

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Location: 151 Third St San Francisco,

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum has an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by famous artists such as Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Frida Kahlo. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see. Be sure to check out the museum’s rooftop sculpture garden, which offers stunning views of the city.

De Young Museum

Location: Golden Gate Park 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive San Francisco

Located in Golden Gate Park, the  de Young Museum is a work of art inside and out. The museum’s collection includes American art from the 17th through the 21st centuries, as well as art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The museum also hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit. Don’t miss the observation tower, which offers panoramic views of San Francisco.

The Exploratorium

Location: Pier 15, (Embarcadero at Green, San Francisco

The  Exploratorium  is a hands-on science museum that’s fun for all ages. The museum’s exhibits explore a wide range of topics, from physics to biology to social science. Visitors can experiment with light and sound, learn about the human body, and even create their own art. The museum also hosts events and workshops throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit.

California Academy of Sciences

Location: 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco

The California Academy of Sciences  is a must-see destination in San Francisco. The museum is home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and world-class research and educational programs. Visitors can see penguins, butterflies, and even a living roof. The museum also hosts special events and exhibits throughout the year.

Walt Disney Family Museum

Location: 104 Montgomery Street in the Presidio   San Francisco

Located in the Presidio, the Walt Disney Family Museum is a must-visit for Disney fans. The museum tells the story of Walt Disney’s life and career, featuring artifacts, interactive exhibits, and original artwork. Visitors can learn about the creation of Mickey Mouse, the making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Disney’s impact on the entertainment industry. Don’t miss the museum’s theater, which screens classic Disney films.

Food and Drink

San Francisco is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, with a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences to choose from. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, classic Italian dishes, or craft beer , the city has something to offer every palate. Here are some of the top food and drink experiences to try during your visit:

Seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular destination for seafood lovers, offering a variety of restaurants and vendors serving up fresh catches from the nearby waters. One of the most iconic dishes to try is cioppino, a hearty seafood stew that originated in San Francisco. Sotto Mare is a local favorite for this dish, with a rich tomato-based broth filled with Dungeness crab parts, mussels, and other seafood.

If you’re in the mood for something fried, head to Alioto’s  or the  Crab Station for some crispy fish and chips or fried calamari. For a more casual experience, grab some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery or one of the many street vendors.

Dining in North Beach

North Beach is known as San Francisco’s Little Italy, with a wide range of Italian restaurants and cafes to choose from. One of the most popular spots is Tony’s Pizza Napoletana , which has won numerous awards for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. For pasta dishes, head to The Stinking Rose that offers classic Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, stop by Stella Pastry & Cafe for some cannoli or tiramisu. For a more upscale dining experience, consider booking a table at Cotogna  or Tosca Cafe , both of which offer a modern take on Italian cuisine.

Craft Breweries

San Francisco is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a variety of breweries and taprooms to choose from. One of the most popular spots is  21st Amendment Brewery , which offers a wide range of beers on tap, and Magnolia Brewing Company , which specializes in English-style ales.

For a more casual experience, head to one of the many taprooms in the city, such as Cellarmaker Brewing Company  or Fort Point Beer Company . Many of these spots offer outdoor seating and food trucks, making them a great place to relax and enjoy some local brews.

Shopping Destinations

San Francisco is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide range of shopping destinations to suit any taste and budget. Here are three of the best shopping destinations in the city:

Union Square

This is the heart of San Francisco’s shopping district , with a wide range of high-end and mid-range stores. This is where you’ll find the city’s largest collection of department stores, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s. If you’re looking for luxury brands, head to the boutiques on Maiden Lane, where you’ll find stores like Chanel, Prada, and Gucci.

Haight Street

Haight Street is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the best places for vintage and alternative fashion. This street was the epicenter of the 1960s counterculture movement, and today it’s home to a wide range of vintage clothing stores, record shops, and head shops. Some of the most popular stores on Haight Street include Wasteland, Amoeba Music, and Loved to Death.

The Castro is San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood, and it’s also home to a wide range of unique and eclectic stores. If you’re looking for quirky gifts or one-of-a-kind souvenirs, head to stores like Cliff’s Variety , which has been a neighborhood institution since 1936. Other popular stores in the area include  Books Inc ., which has a great selection of LGBTQ+ literature, and the Castro Theatre gift shop, which sells movie-themed merchandise.

No matter what your shopping preferences are, San Francisco has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands or vintage finds, you’re sure to find it in this vibrant and diverse city.

Nightlife and Entertainment

San Francisco is known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. From live music venues to comedy clubs and theater performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Live Music Venues

This town has a diverse music scene that caters to all tastes. Some of the most popular live music venues include The Fillmore, The Independent , and The Warfield Theatre . These venues feature a variety of music genres including rock, jazz, blues, and hip-hop. If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, check out the Great American Music Hall or the Rickshaw Stop.

Comedy Clubs

San Francisco has a thriving comedy scene with several comedy clubs to choose from. The Punch Line , Cobb’s Comedy Club , and The San Francisco Comedy Cellar are just a few of the popular comedy clubs in the city. These venues feature both local and national comedians, so you’re sure to find something that will make you laugh.

Theater Performances

This great spot is home to several world-class theaters that offer a variety of performances throughout the year.  The American Conservatory Theater , The Curran , and The Orpheum Theatre are just a few of the venues that feature Broadway shows, musicals, and plays. If you’re looking for something more experimental, check out The Magic Theatre or The Cutting Ball Theater .

Overall, San Francisco’s nightlife and entertainment scene is diverse and exciting. Whether you’re looking for live music, comedy, or theater performances, you’re sure to find something that will keep you entertained.

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco and want to see some of the city’s top attractions, consider purchasing a CityPASS. With a CityPASS, you’ll save money and time by gaining admission to some of the city’s most popular attractions.

CityPASS offers two different options for visitors to San Francisco: The CityPASS and the C3 pass. The CityPASS includes admission to four attractions: the California Academy of Sciences, the Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure, the Aquarium of the Bay, and either the Exploratorium or the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. With the CityPASS, you’ll save up to 46% on admission prices.

If you don’t have time to visit all of the attractions included in the CityPASS, consider purchasing the C3 pass instead. With the C3 pass, you’ll get one-time admission to three of the five attractions included in the CityPASS. You can choose from the California Academy of Sciences , the Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure , the Aquarium of the Bay , the Exploratorium , and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art .

One of the best things about the CityPASS is that it allows you to skip the lines at many of the attractions. This can save you a lot of time, especially during peak tourist season. In addition, the CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days, so you can take your time exploring the city and its attractions.

Overall, if you’re planning to visit several of San Francisco’s top attractions, the CityPASS can be a great way to save money and time.

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Final Thoughts:

As we near the end of our journey through the captivating city of San Francisco, one thing becomes abundantly clear: this city is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered. From the rich tapestry of cultures that harmoniously coexist to the iconic landmarks that tell tales of bygone eras, and the natural beauty that will leave you breathless, San Francisco is a destination like no other.

We’ve explored the vibrant neighborhoods, savored delectable culinary delights, and marveled at the city’s architectural wonders. We’ve delved into its history, from the Gold Rush era to the counterculture movement, and we’ve reveled in the stunning scenery, from the fog-kissed Golden Gate Bridge to the tranquil serenity of Muir Woods .

But beyond the sights and sounds, it’s the spirit of San Francisco that truly sets it apart. It’s a city that embraces diversity, celebrates individuality, and welcomes all with open arms. It’s a place where you can be yourself, where the boundaries of tradition are challenged, and where creativity knows no bounds.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another adventure, San Francisco promises to surprise you, inspire you, and leave an indelible mark on your heart. It’s a city that invites you to explore, to dream, and to savor every moment.

As you wrap up your journey through the “City by the Bay,” take with you the memories of laughter in colorful neighborhoods, the taste of world-class cuisine, and the sense of wonder that comes from standing before iconic landmarks. And remember, this guide is just the beginning. San Francisco is a city of endless possibilities, and the best way to discover it is to step out and explore for yourself.

So, whether you’re gazing at the city lights from the summit of Twin Peaks or sipping artisan coffee in a quaint café, let San Francisco work its magic on you. It’s a city that thrives on curiosity, and in return, it offers an abundance of experiences that will stay with you long after your journey ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 20 things to do in san francisco.

San Francisco is a city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions. Some of the top things to do in San Francisco include visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Alcatraz Island, taking a cable car ride, visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, and checking out the Painted Ladies. Other popular activities include visiting the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, exploring Chinatown, and going on a food tour of the city.

What are some famous districts to visit in San Francisco?

San Francisco is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique character and charm. Some of the most famous districts to visit in San Francisco include Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, the Castro, and the Mission District. Each of these neighborhoods has its unique attractions, restaurants, and shops.

What shouldn’t I miss during my trip to San Francisco?

There are several things that you should not miss during your trip to San Francisco. These include visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Alcatraz Island, and taking a cable car ride. You should also check out Fisherman’s Wharf, the Painted Ladies , and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor . Don’t forget to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and try some of its famous cuisine.

Can I see San Francisco in 2 days?

While it’s impossible to see everything San Francisco has to offer in just two days, you can still experience many of the city’s top attractions. You can visit the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Fisherman’s Wharf, and take a cable car ride. You can also check out some of the city’s famous neighborhoods, such as Chinatown and the Mission District.

What is the number one attraction in San Francisco?

The Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the number one attraction in San Francisco. This iconic bridge is recognized worldwide and is a must-see when visiting the city. You can walk or bike across the bridge, take a boat tour underneath it, or simply admire it from a distance.

What are some easy things to do in San Francisco?

If you’re looking for some easy things to do in San Francisco, you can take a leisurely walk through Golden Gate Park, explore the Ferry Building Marketplace, or visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. You can also take a scenic drive down Lombard Street or enjoy a picnic in Dolores Park.

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