First Time in San Francisco? 10 Must See Tourist Attractions to Visit

Welcome soon! If it is your first time in San Francisco, here’s a rundown of the must-see attractions that’ll make your trip unforgettable. I also tried to provide some touristy and non-touristy options.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Despite what you may or may not have heard about SF, serious crime in SF is actually fairly low and walking around is generally safe — avoid the Tenderloin, mid-Market in SoMA, 16th & Mission — and just be smart. Petty theft like rental car break-ins, however, is an unfortunate but serious problem.

Do NOT leave anything visible in your car (literally anything), especially in known tourist spots and if you have non-California plates. If you have important or valuable items, bring them with you, put it at a luggage locker/hotel, or stash your car outside of San Francisco at a BART station or otherwise. I would hate to see your visit ruined because of this. Read more here.

— ALSO: WAYMO IS OPEN TO ALL IN SF IF YOU WANT TO TRY IT OUT! Read more on my take–

Weather in San Francisco

San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate, which means that it is generally spring or fall weather (50-70 degrees) year round. Our summers tend to be foggy and cold and our winters are clear and mild and sometimes rainy. San Francisco weather is famously unpredictable, thanks to its unique microclimates, so it’s not uncommon to start the day with fog (called Karl the Fog by some), have sunshine and warmth by midday, and then cool off again in the evening. As a result, it is very much advisable to dress in layers and bring a jacket. San Francisco and Los Angeles may be in the same state, but the weather is very different! Good thing there’s a Uniqlo down jacket vending machine at SFO 😉 Read more about San Francisco weather on my post here.

Worth it San Francisco Classics

• Golden Gate Bridge: A trip to SF wouldn’t be complete without seeing this iconic landmark.
  • Touristy options: You can certainly walk, bike, or drive across for stunning views of the city and the bay. You can also rent yellow Go Cars — there are different configurations but they are essentially go karts. I haven’t tried them personally but they certainly look fun.
  • Alternate options: Check out views of the bridge from Tunnel Tops Park, Golden Gate Overlook, Land’s End, or Baker Beach. You can also walk Point Bonita Lighthouse in Sausalito. If you are a decent hiker or cyclist, Hawk Hill is a great way to soak in the scenery.
    • Land’s End: A stroll along the Land’s End trail offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the rugged coastline. Don’t miss the lookout by Mile Rock Beach or the ruins of the Sutro Baths and the hidden cove nearby. They’re a photographer’s dream and where plenty of people get wedding or engagement shots!
• Go to the Ferry Building + take a ferry: If you’ve been to Chelsea Market in NYC, this place has similar vibes. Great food and drink — e.g. Reem’s, Senior Sisig, Red Bay Coffee, and Hog Island Oyster, El Porteno, Reitucchi or Dandelion Chocolate (get the European drinking chocolate), Humphrey Slocoombe… OK, so everything. Heath Ceramics also has an outpost here. They also have a fun section with local vendors. I also quite enjoy the Saturday Farmers Market with stands like Roli Roti and Three Babes Bakeshop. Since you’re at the Ferry Building…
  • Take the ferry to Alcatraz / Angel Island:
    • Touristy option: Fulfill your Nicolas Cage dreams from The Rock and take a ferry to this infamous former prison and explore its history with an audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards. The trick here is to take the night tour, but make sure to book far in advance.
    • Alternative Option: I actually enjoy taking the ferry to Angel Island and/or Tiburon, where you can see views of Alcatraz. If you’re not into boats, just hang out at the Ferry Building or walk along the Embarcadero.
• Fisherman’s Wharf / Ghirardelli Square: Explore this bustling waterfront area, home to shops, seafood restaurants, and attractions like Pier 39.
  • Touristy option: Go see the sea lions. Tourist or not, they are ridiculous and fun to watch. Apparently there are a lot of them this year? Get a Boudin sourdough bowl with clam chowder, go to Ghiradelli Square and get an ice cream sundae. Keep going to get an amazing irish coffee at The Buena Vista.
  • Alternate Options: Sit in Francisco park, walk along the water and check out the wave organ and the aquatic cove. Check out Musee Mechanique (free old school arcade), Ghiradelli Square and get an ice cream sundae. Keep going to get an amazing irish coffee at The Buena Vista.
• Palace of Fine Arts and Presidio: Visit this gorgeous remnant of the World’s Fair. With beautiful pillars and an arched dome, the Palace of Fine Arts is beautiful in the day time and at night. Combine your visit to the nearby Presidio or walk towards Chrissy Field and Tunnel Tops park for a great view of the bridge. If you drive here, please be mindful of your car and don’t leave anything in it!
• Ride the cable car to Lombard Street: Another iconic sight, the crooked part of Lombard Street is a lovely but short spot, especially in the spring time when the flowers are blooming. Combine a ride on the Powell-Hyde cable car route to / from Lombard.
• Walk around Chinatown / North Beach: Get lost in the sights, sounds, and smells of the oldest Chinatown in North America and get some fortune cookies at Golden Gate Bakery. Some of them have naughty sayings 😉 You’ll see the Coit Tower as you walk around. Check out the Sentinel Building and look back to see a fabulous view of the Transamerica building.
• Golden Gate Park (GGP): Escape the city bustle in this expansive park, home to gardens, museums, and outdoor activities. The Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden are my favorites, but the bison paddock is always fun, and the Botanical Gardens is often very lovely. I also quite like the windmills by Ocean Beach. The DeYoung Museum and Cal Academy of Sciences are in GGP. Pro tip, get beautiful views from the deYoung tower or the roof of the Cal Academy of Sciences.
• If it’s raining, check out some of SF’s standout museums: deYoung, Legion of Honor, Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), Asian Art Museum, Cal Academy of Sciences.

I have not tried but have heard great things about taking tours with SF City Guides, which is volunteer and donation based but otherwise completely free!

So, whether you’re exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods or soaking up its rich history and culture, San Francisco has something for everyone. Enjoy your visit!