Best places to visit in San Francisco: top attractions you don't want to miss

Baffled about where to start with the best places to visit in San Francisco? Yes, there’s a pretty big bridge that might draw your attention, but there’s more to the Golden City than its Golden Gate Bridge. There are museums and art galleries aplenty, from the de Young to San Francisco MoMa, and you’ll want to charge your camera for San Francisco’s landmarks, such as the Coit Tower and the Palace of Fine Arts.

If you’re looking for things to do in San Francisco with kids, look no further. Disney addicts will love the Walt Disney Family Museum, while there is plenty to absorb them at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Bay Area. Here are 20 of the best places to visit in San Francisco.

Best places to visit in San Francisco for history

1. Coit Tower

One of San Francisco’s most beloved landmarks, and an iconic part of the skyline, the Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill was built in the 1930s and designed in Art Deco style. After heading up by elevator to the observation deck, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views across San Francisco Bay.

Highlights:

Inside, you'll find dozens of colorful murals dating back to 1934, depicting life in California during the Depression era. Artists like Victor Arnautoff, Maxine Albro, and Edith Hamlin contributed to this well-preserved project.

Address and opening hours:

1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

2. Alcatraz Island

Explore Alcatraz Island, first used to house prisoners during the American Civil War before becoming the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary - the world’s most secure prison - in 1934. It has held some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including Chicago gangster Al Capone, Harlem crime boss Bumpy Johnson, and ‘The Birdman of Alcatraz’, murderer - and ornithologist - Robert Franklin Stroud.

Highlights:

With an insider Alcatraz tour and cruise, you'll be able to combine a visit to the prison with a sightseeing tour of the bay.

Address and opening hours:

545 Post St, San Francisco. Departure times vary.

3. The California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences has exhibits encompassing everything from astronomy to natural history. Perfect for families and anyone with an inquiring mind, this sprawling museum can be found in the center of Golden Gate Park. It's one of the biggest natural history museums on the planet, with over 45 million specimens.

Highlights:

A ticket to the California Academy of Sciences lets you skip the line and enjoy full access to every exhibit. Don't forget to take the stairs to the famous living rooftop.

Address and opening hours:

55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM-5:00 PM, and Sunday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM.

4. Fort Point

Historically known as Castillo de San Joaquín, Fort Point is an impressive sea fortification just south of the Golden Gate Bridge. Constructed in the 1850s, it stood vigil over San Francisco Bay and protected the city from enemy warships during the American Civil War. Today, it's a protected Natural Historic Site.

Highlights:

Thinking of visiting during the winter months? As the earlier nights draw in, Fort Point regularly hosts candlelight tours of the facility.

Address and opening hours:

201 Marine Dr, San Francisco. Open Friday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

5. The Barbary Coast

San Francisco was once a hive of debauchery; the Barbary Coast was its former red-light district, replete with dance halls, jazz clubs, gambling dens and brothels, with most of the area being leveled in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Today you can still visit what remains of it in the waterfront area.

Highlights:

With a Gold, Greed, and Gunslingers Walking Tour, you'll learn about the gunslingers who once stalked the streets of San Francisco. Discover what lies beneath your feet as the tour cuts through the Jackson Square District.

Address and opening hours:

716 Kearny St, San Francisco. Departure times vary.

Best places to visit in San Francisco for art

6. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has over 33,000 pieces, including works from artists like Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keefe. You'll also find plenty of exhibitions from local artists. Meanwhile, the MoMa's film and photography archives are among the most extensive in the United States.

Highlights:

San Francisco MoMa has 7 floors of impressive exhibition space. This museum regularly hosts live performances, making it a must-visit if you're interested in visual art.

Address and opening hours:

151 3rd St, San Francisco. Open Friday-Tuesday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, and Thursday, 1:00 PM-8:00 PM.

7. The Asian Art Museum

Established in 1966, the Asian Art Museum houses over 18,000 unique artworks, some of which are thousands of years old. Separate galleries are allocated to curated collections from Tibet, China, Japan, and beyond.

Highlights:

Head to the 2nd floor to see a Japanese tea house from Kyoto which was painstakingly dismantled and shipped to the city before being reconstructed by expert carpenters.

Address and opening hours:

200 Larkin St, San Francisco. Open Thursday, 1:00 PM-8:00 PM, and Friday-Monday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

8. The Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor is one of several attractions that make up the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. The building was commissioned to commemorate local soldiers who died during the First World War.

Highlights:

If you're visiting San Francisco in November, you can see the Book of Gold. This historical record contains the names of fallen Californian soldiers who died in World War I and is brought out of the archives each year.

Address and opening hours:

100 34th Ave, San Francisco. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 AM-5:15 PM.

9. The de Young Museum

The de Young Museum opened in 1895 in Golden Gate Park. Here, you'll find works spanning centuries, from textiles to contemporary art. The museum's American art collection is particularly famous.

Highlights:

Once you've had your fill of artwork, head to the Hamon Observation Tower. Take the elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city.

Address and opening hours:

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 AM-5:15 PM.

10. The Cartoon Art Museum

For children and big kids alike, there are few better tourist attractions in San Francisco than the Cartoon Art Museum. It's the only museum of its kind on the West Coast and hosts several new exhibitions every year, celebrating legendary comic book artists and rising stars.

Highlights:

The Cartoon Art Museum has its own bookstore, and it's also the venue for lectures from industry professionals.

Address and opening hours:

781 Beach St, San Francisco. Open Thursday-Tuesday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Best places to visit in San Francisco for families

11. San Francisco Bay

Admire the San Francisco skyline from the water with a Golden Gate Bridge Catamaran Cruise. Sail past historic landmarks like Alcatraz Island and pass under the bridge.

Highlights:

This is the perfect excursion for adventure-seeking families who can get even closer to the water by viewing it from the catamaran’s canvas trampoline nets, where you’ll practically feel the waves beneath your feet. You might even see some California sea lions.

Address and opening hours:

Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. Departure times vary.

12. Muir Woods National Monument

The ancient redwood forests of Muir Woods National Monument are a dream destination if you're looking to escape the busy city. Families will love the wide open space for kids to run around in, and animal-lovers should keep an eye out for native wildlife species, including gray foxes, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.

Highlights:

With a Muir Woods National Monument Guided Tour, you can enjoy a stop at Sausalito. Once a center for shipbuilding, it now attracts visitors, thanks to its historic marina and some of the unmissable views of the Bay Area.

Address and opening hours:

2650 Mason St, San Francisco. Departure times vary.

13. Golden Gate Park, The Presidio, and Pacific Heights

Popular attractions like Golden Gate Park, The Presidio, and Pacific Heights have all been the backdrop for standout scenes from famous family movies like “Dr Doolittle”, “The Princess Diaries”, and “Mrs Doubtfire”. If you're a cinema lover, whether you’re a kid or an adult, a guided tour is a great way to spice up your sightseeing adventures.

Highlights:

With a San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour, actors-turned-guides are on hand to tell you more about this city's rich cinematic heritage.

Address and opening hours:

Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. Departure times vary.

14. Walt Disney Family Museum

At the Walt Disney Family Museum, you'll find exhibitions dedicated to the life and career of Walt Disney, the world’s most famous animator. See some of Disney's earliest drawings, or explore cutting-edge exhibits narrated by Walt himself.

Highlights:

Immersive, interactive experiences at the Walt Disney Family Museum will thrill little ones, and there’s even a scale model of Disneyland.

Address and opening hours:

104 Montgomery St, San Francisco. Open Thursday-Monday, 10:00-5:30 PM.

15. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Bay Area

If you're heading into town with youngsters, a trip to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Bay Area is a must. Situated inside the Great Mall, kids can build, play, and enjoy creative workshops. There are even themed rides and a 4D cinema.

Highlights:

Here, you'll also find MINILAND™. This permanent exhibition recreates San Francisco in miniature, with LEGO bricks.

Address and opening hours:

870 Great Mall Dr, Milpitas. Open Monday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Best places to visit in San Francisco for culture

16. The Palace of Fine Arts

Situated in San Francisco's Marina District, the Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most breathtaking buildings in the city. Constructed in 1915, it had a complete overhaul in the 1960s. Evocative of the ruins of Ancient Rome, this monument is framed by lagoons and eucalyptus trees.

Highlights:

The Palace of Fine Arts regularly hosts live performance events, from comedy gigs to full-scale musicals.

Address and opening hours:

3601 Lyon St, San Francisco. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

17. PIER 39

Originally conceived as a retail destination, PIER 39 has evolved into one of San Francisco's most dynamic attractions. Go for a spin on the carousel, spot marine wildlife at the Aquarium of the Bay - one of the docks is also a regular resting place for sea lions - or watch live street performers. The pier also offers breathtaking views of nearby Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Highlights:

If you're looking to dine in style, PIER 39 won't disappoint. From spectacular seafood to quintessentially Californian cuisine, there's something for every taste.

Address and opening hours:

The Embarcadero, San Francisco. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM.

18. The Napa Valley

San Francisco is close to several wine-growing regions, including the renowned Napa Valley. Why not head out and sample the goods at some of California's most celebrated vineyards?

Highlights:

With a small-Group Sonoma wine tour, sample wines and stop for lunch in Calistoga. You can even explore the medieval-inspired castle at Castello di Amorosa.

Address and opening hours:

Downtown, San Francisco. Departure times vary.

19. Grace Cathedral

If you're exploring San Francisco's Nob Hill district, Grace Cathedral is hard to miss. Completed in the 1960s, the intricate facade looks like it's been standing proud for centuries. Its magnificent bronze entrance, known as the “Doors of Paradise”, were modeled on the ones designed for the Baptistery of Florence by sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti. Inside, you'll find breathtaking murals from noted artists and a unique floor that's inspired by the medieval labyrinths of The Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres in France.

Highlights:

The stained glass windows are worth a look. Designed by Charles Connick, these windows depict famous figures like Albert Einstein, Jane Addams, and John Glenn.

Address and opening hours:

1100 California St, San Francisco. Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, and Sunday, 1:00 PM-5:00 PM.

20. Golden Gate Park

Head to Golden Gate Park to see a Japanese Tea Garden, lakes, museums, and even a herd of bison in their own paddock. If you want to explore it all, rent a bicycle or Segway to cover more ground.

Highlights:

Golden Gate Park's open-air plaza, the Music Concourse, has various statues. You'll find representations of Ulysses S. Grant, Beethoven, Francis Scott Key, and others.

Address and opening hours:

Stanyan Street, San Francisco. Open 24 hours.

FAQs

How many days should I spend in San Francisco?

Three or four days should give you enough time to explore many of San Francisco's trendiest neighborhoods and visit iconic local landmarks. However, if you're thinking about day trips to Yosemite National Park or nearby wine country, you'll need to stay for around five or six days.

What is the best time of year to visit San Francisco?

If you're looking to enjoy milder temperatures, think about scheduling your stay for September. While other cities shiver in the fall, San Francisco enjoys a relatively pleasant climate. What's more, you won't have to contend with the usual summer crowds.

How do I get around San Francisco?

Most San Franciscans walk or use the public transport network to get around the city. Visitors can enjoy a reliable schedule of buses and streetcars. As well as being relatively inexpensive, these public transport options provide stunning views.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in San Francisco?

For Italian food, head to North Beach. This bustling district is home to many authentic trattorias, along with many Italian-owned coffee shops. Looking for live music venues? Head to the Mission District. This up-and-coming neighborhood is famed for its creative character.

What are the best places to go shopping in San Francisco?

Union Square is the place to be if you're looking for familiar outlets and high-end brands. For more unique buys, head to Hayes Valley for its independent boutiques. Haight-Ashbury is also worth checking out if you're in the market for vintage shops and pre-loved bargains.