David Go
San Francisco, a city renowned for its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery, offers an unparalleled travel experience. From its rolling hills to its fog-kissed bridges, every corner tells a story. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the City by the Bay never ceases to amaze. Prepare to be captivated as we unveil the top 7 must-visit places that promise to make your trip to San Francisco truly unforgettable.
Golden Gate Bridge
An iconic symbol of San Francisco and a marvel of modern engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait, connecting San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. Opened in 1937, this magnificent Art Deco suspension bridge is a breathtaking sight, whether shrouded in its famous fog or gleaming under the California sun. Visitors can walk, bike, or drive across its 1.7-mile length, enjoying unparalleled panoramic views of the city skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the vast Pacific. It serves not only as a vital transportation artery but also as a world-renowned landmark attracting millions of tourists annually who come to admire its distinctive international orange hue and grand scale.
⭐ 4.8 (85062 reviews)
General
- ✅ Operational
- ✅ Famed 4,200 ft art deco suspension bridge
- ✅ Open to car, bike & foot traffic
- ✅ Majestic suspension bridge
Facilities
- ✅ Has Restroom
Parking
- ✅ Free parking lot
Accessibility
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible restroom
Alcatraz Island
A stark and intriguing historical landmark, Alcatraz Island, often referred to as “The Rock,” once housed a notorious federal prison that held some of America’s most infamous criminals, including Al Capone. Located 1.25 miles offshore in San Francisco Bay, the island now operates as a captivating museum, accessible by ferry. Visitors can explore the cell blocks, hear compelling audio tours narrated by former inmates and guards, and gain insights into the prison’s grim history. Beyond its penal past, Alcatraz offers stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the surrounding bay, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and sightseers alike.
⭐ 4.7 (43857 reviews)
Type
- ✅ Historical Place
General
- ✅ Operational
- ✅ Notorious prison
- ✅ Museum with an audio tour
- ✅ Famed former federal prison
- ✅ Good for Children
Accessibility
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment
- ✅ NFC
PIER 39
Nestled within the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf, PIER 39 is a bustling bayside attraction offering a lively mix of entertainment, dining, and shopping. Famous for its resident population of California sea lions basking and barking on K-Dock, the pier provides fantastic photo opportunities and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at numerous restaurants, browse unique specialty shops, and experience various family-friendly attractions like the Aquarium of the Bay and street performers. With its festive atmosphere, scenic views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline, PIER 39 promises an engaging and memorable San Francisco experience for all ages.
⭐ 4.6 (134801 reviews)
Type
- ✅ Tourist Attraction
General
- ✅ Operational
- ✅ Bustling bayside pier
- ✅ Scenic views
- ✅ Sea lion sightings
- ✅ Eateries, shops & entertainment
- ✅ Good for Children
- ✅ Has Restroom
- ✅ Serves Coffee
Parking
- ✅ Paid parking lot
- ✅ Paid garage parking
Accessibility
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payment
- ✅ Credit Card
- ✅ Debit Card
- ✅ NFC
Lombard Street
Known as “the most crooked street in the world,” Lombard Street in San Francisco is an iconic and uniquely picturesque attraction. Its single block between Hyde and Leavenworth streets features eight sharp hairpin turns, designed to reduce the hill’s steep 27% grade. Lined with beautiful Victorian mansions and meticulously manicured flowerbeds, particularly vibrant with hydrangeas in bloom, it’s a popular spot for tourists to drive down (at a very slow pace!) or simply observe and photograph. From the top or bottom, visitors are treated to stunning views of the city, including Coit Tower, the San Francisco Bay, and a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge, embodying a quintessential San Francisco charm.
⭐ 4.6 (3131 reviews)
General
- ✅ Street with scenic steep section
- ✅ 8 hairpin turns
- ✅ Views of the bridge, Coit Tower & bay
Golden Gate Park
Larger than New York City’s Central Park, Golden Gate Park is a sprawling 1,017-acre urban oasis in San Francisco, offering an incredible diversity of attractions and activities. This verdant haven features lush gardens, tranquil lakes, open meadows, and winding trails perfect for hiking, biking, and leisurely strolls. Home to world-class institutions like the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum, as well as the Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers, the park caters to art lovers, science enthusiasts, and nature seekers alike. Its vibrant cultural scene, coupled with abundant recreational opportunities, makes it a beloved escape for both residents and tourists.
⭐ 4.8 (43849 reviews)
Type
- ✅ Park
General
- ✅ Operational
- ✅ Open 24 hours
- ✅ Free
- ✅ City’s 1,017-acre oasis
- ✅ Draws hikers, bikers, art lovers & music fans
- ✅ Gardens & museums
- ✅ Good for Children
- ✅ Allows Dogs
- ✅ Serves Coffee
Parking
- ✅ Free street parking
Accessibility
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payment
- ✅ Credit Card
- ✅ Debit Card
- ✅ NFC
Palace of Fine Arts
A breathtaking architectural masterpiece, the Palace of Fine Arts stands as a testament to classical beauty and serene grandeur in San Francisco. Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, this Greco-Roman style monument features a majestic rotunda, towering columns, and a tranquil lagoon, making it a favorite spot for photographers, artists, and those seeking a peaceful escape. The site is often used for weddings and special events, its picturesque setting providing a stunning backdrop. Visitors can stroll through the elegant grounds, enjoy a picnic by the water, or simply marvel at the intricate details of its design, reflecting on its enduring legacy of art and culture.
⭐ 4.8 (25569 reviews)
Type
- ✅ Event Venue
General
- ✅ Operational
- ✅ Greco-Roman palace & architectural attraction
- ✅ Hosts performing arts
- ✅ Photogenic spot
- ✅ Dome, Columns, Lagoon and gardens
- ✅ Breathtaking architectural masterpiece
- ✅ Good for Children
- ✅ Has Restroom
Parking
- ✅ Free parking lot
- ✅ Paid parking lot
- ✅ Free street parking
Accessibility
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible restroom
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible seating
Payment
- ✅ Credit Card
- ✅ Debit Card
Coit Tower
Perched atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower is an iconic San Francisco landmark offering spectacular 360-degree views of the city, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the entire San Francisco Bay. This 210-foot art deco tower, completed in 1933, was a gift from Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy eccentric and patron of the city’s firefighters. Beyond its observation deck, the tower is renowned for its Depression-era murals, funded by the Public Works of Art Project, which depict various aspects of Californian life and labor. Accessible via a scenic walk up Telegraph Hill or by bus, Coit Tower combines historical significance with unparalleled vistas, making it a must-visit destination.
⭐ 4.6 (15391 reviews)
Type
- ✅ Historical Landmark
General
- ✅ Operational
- ✅ Storied 1930s-era building
- ✅ WPA murals
- ✅ 360-degree views
- ✅ Resident flock of parrots
- ✅ Good for Children
- ✅ Serves Coffee
Opening Hours (local time)
- ✅ Monday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Parking
- ✅ Free parking lot
Accessibility
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✅ Wheelchair accessible entrance
San Francisco is a city of endless charm and wonder, where every visit uncovers new delights. From architectural marvels to natural escapes, and historical landmarks to bustling waterfronts, these seven destinations offer a comprehensive taste of what makes the City by the Bay so unique. Pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to create lasting memories in one of the world’s most beloved cities.
