Updated for 2022!
Northern California’s cultural and commercial center, San Francisco, is a city with a lot to shout about. Most people know San Francisco for the Golden Gate Bridge, the gravity-defying streets, and the year-round fog, but ‘Frisco (don’t say that to a local) has so much more to offer across its 46 square miles and 36 officially designated neighborhoods. Knowing where to begin can be a challenge, and if you’re planning a trip or vacation to the Golden City you won’t want to waste any time on activities or attractions that don’t interest you. For that reason, we’ve compiled a list of our top ten things to do in San Francisco in our favorite neighborhoods and districts, so you can browse the various experiences and plan your trip around your budget and personality. From cocktail making in the Tenderloin district to Segway tours in Golden Gate Park, there’s something for everyone in San Fran! (But don’t call it that either).
| Embarcadero
The Embarcadero district in San Francisco comprises most of the city’s eastern waterfront, stretching from Oracle Park in South Beach to Fisherman’s Wharf in the north. Walking the shoreline is a popular activity, as you’re guaranteed to see quality street performers, iconic views of the Oakland Bay Bridge, and the 245ft clock tower above the famous San Francisco Ferry Building.
Described as a “mecca for food lovers”, the Ferry Building features a range of permanent vendors plus a fantastic farmers market three days a week. Learn all about the Ferry Building and taste some of the incredible food on offer with a guided tasting tour, the ultimate gift for California foodies!
| Mission District
While the Embarcadero region is popular with tourists, the Mission District neighborhood is known for its hipster hang-outs and eclectic eateries.
Among the vibrant street art and Victorian era houses is the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, a unique theater experience that shows a mix of classic movies and feature films, housed in the restored New Mission Theater originally built in 1916. Forget sweaty popcorn and flat soda, the Alamo Drafthouse offers speciality cocktails and locally-brewed beer, plus pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs, fried chicken, mac ‘n cheese – you name it, all delivered directly to your cinema seat.
We can’t think of a better way to escape the San Francisco fog than a gourmet theater experience!
| Chinatown
The California gold rush of 1848 – 1855 is a famous historical event that brought thousands of Chinese immigrants into San Francisco, settling the very first Chinatown in the United States.
The Dragon’s Gate entrance is one of the most photographed landmarks in San Francisco, and visitors flock from all around to taste award-winning dumplings and dim sum at the many restaurants. One of our favorite things to do in Chinatown is visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory where you can watch how they’re made, and even write your own fortune for a personalized gift!
For something less touristy, head to Mee Mee Bakery for a scaled-down version of the same experience.
| North Beach
At the top end of Embarcadero is the North Beach neighborhood, a buzzing cultural hub filled with museums, San Fran landmarks, and great restaurant options.
Highlights of North Beach include Madame Tussauds where you can hang out with wax depictions of Janis Joplin, Alfred Hitchcock and Stephen Curry; Coit Tower which offers amazing panoramic views of the city from the top; and North Beach is where sightseeing trips to Alcatraz depart.
Our top North Beach recommendation, however, is the Exploratorium, a ‘public learning laboratory’ that features a variety of entertaining interactive exhibits that are designed to transform the way we think. Head there on a Thursday evening for their adults-only After Dark experience, and explore the exhibits with a beer in hand!
| Tenderloin
A neighborhood with a name like Tenderloin deserves a good backstory, but unfortunately like a lot of historic districts, it’s simply named after a neighborhood that was already established in New York.
Unlike the New York district (which no longer exists), San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood is part of the thriving theater district, and is home to Little Saigon where you can catch Tết celebrations in February every year.
Tenderloin is also known for its cocktail scene, which you can explore on a laidback mixology class led by a professional bartender! This workshop is a fun way to learn something new, and is perfect for kicking off a night out in San Francisco in true style.
| Russian Hill
Did you know San Francisco has some fifty officially recognised hills? Well it does, and Russian Hill is one of original seven. You’ll want to visit Russian Hill in particular because unlike any of the other San Francisco hills, Russian Hill contains Filbert Street, the steepest street in the city, and Lombard Street, the famous crooked hairpin street.
Walking up and down in the California sunshine is sure to work up an appetite, so stop at Swensen’s Ice Cream and treat yourself to a traditional cone at one of San Francisco’s oldest ice cream parlours. From classic vanilla tubs to wildly decadent sundaes, this is a SF institution you won’t want to miss!
| Presidio of San Francisco
The Presidio of San Francisco is actually part of a national park rather than a neighborhood, but no SF destination guide would be complete without mentioning it. A former military post, the Presidio now features several scenic hiking trails, the famous Lyon Street Steps (great Instagram opportunity), the San Francisco National Cemetery, Crissy Field and the Wave Organ (sounds like a 70s band), and the Fort Point National Historic Site beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.
One of the main highlights is the Walt Disney Family Museum, packed with galleries, exhibitions and artefacts from your favorite childhood movies. Be sure to check out the Yoda fountain at the entrance!
| Civic Center
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, San Francisco’s Civic Center neighborhood is a small business hub that features many of the city’s most important government institutions.
In the shadow of the majestic Civic Center Plaza is the Heart of the City Farmers Market, operating every Wednesday and Sunday throughout the year.
The Heart of the City prides itself on being the only not-for-profit independently run farmers market in all of San Francisco, and is dedicated to providing low income families with fresh produce, baked goods and sundries for reasonable prices. Check it out for incredible fruit, veg, coffee, pastries, gourmet pizza and lots more!
| Potrero Hill
While ‘industrial-chic’ may sound like a phrase made up by pioneers of the gentrification era, you’ll totally understand what it means if you visit Potrero Hill. The Waterfront is lined with trendy cocktail bars and independent coffee shops, but if you want a real taste of California, Potrero Hill’s craft brewery scene is where it’s at.
The neighborhood’s three main breweries; Anchor Brewing, Triple Voodoo and Harmonic are all worth a visit, but the historic Anchor Brewing Company is our personal favorite. Book a tour of San Francisco’s oldest brewery and learn about its long history, secret brewing process, trademarked steam beer, and taste a flight of their signature selection. A fantastic experience for beer aficionados!
| Golden Gate Park
Like with the Presidio, Golden Gate Park is not actually a neighborhood, but a trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without exploring the 1,017 acre public park.
From Ocean Beach on the west coast to the main entrance on Fell Street, within the park you’ll find the Stow Lake Boathouse, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, the California Academy of Sciences and loads more. There’s a lot to see so our recommendation?
A guided Segway tour! Visit key sites, learn about San Francisco history, and enjoy the thrill of these futuristic vehicles on an utterly unique sightseeing adventure. A great experience gift for tourists and locals alike!
Best Things to Do in San Francisco - New for 2022!
To really take in all the fabulous sights of the city, why not try the San Francisco Night Time Double Decker Bus Tour? Running by night, you will have the pleasure of seeing the beautiful city lit up and will get a great opportunity to take pictures of the iconic San Francisco skyline!
For unique view of all that San Francisco has to offer, go for the 60 Minute San Francisco Seaplane Tour. You will get an exhilarating ride in a seaplane as well as entertaining commentary on all the fantastic views of SF's Bay Area!
For those who are fans of wine, give the Muir Woods and Wine Country Bus Tour in Napa and Sonoma Valley Experience a go! California is known for its thriving wine country, and this tour provides guests with a fantastic day out to the local vineyards and the chance to sip on some delicious local wines.
If hiking adventures are more your thing, the Best of Yosemite Valley Full Day Tour from El Portal Experience might be the one for you! Explore Yosemite National Park through guided trails and enjoy a full day of being at one with nature.
| Thanks for Reading!
The big tourist attractions of San Francisco are truly magnificent experiences, so while you’re there you must check out the Golden Gate Bridge, walk Lombard Street, and watch the sea lions sunbathing on Pier 39. That being said, SF is also packed with lesser known hidden gems that will appeal to a range of personalities, and hopefully we’ve given you some great ideas for your next vacation. Let us know what you think in the comments!
