Top 10 Best Things To Do In San Francisco

Pier 39 is one of the most popular piers in San Francisco. And there is a good reason for that. They have an incredible choice of shops, restaurants, and events. It’s also a popular place for the seals to hang out at.

Pier 39 is also close to many other iconic places to see in San Francisco. This makes it nice for you to park and do some walking.

If you are up for a little walk from Pier 39 you can head to Fisherman’s Wharf. This waterfront marketplace has an incredible amount of seafood restaurants. You can find clam chowder in a freshly baked sourdough bread bowl almost anywhere. Yum!

At the wharf, you will also find seals, fishing boats, ships, and charter cruises to Alcatraz. Large crowds of people can be found surrounding the numerous street performers. It's a fun place to hang out for the day and great for the kids.

While at the Wharf check out Alcatraz Island. This federal prison is located 1.25 miles offshore. Because Alcatraz is no longer in operation you can take a tour. This jailhouse has held some of America’s most dangerous felons. Most well known as Al “Scarface” Capone. 

Alcatraz Island also has an awesome view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

In the 1860’s San Franciscans felt the need to have a large park like central park in New York. That is how this beautiful 1,017-acre park came to be.

Golden Gate Park has some beautiful places and gardens to discover. Some of these places that will capture your heart are:

-San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum

-The Japanese Tea Garden

-Conservatory of Flowers

-The Windmills

-Carousel

One word to describe the Palace of Fine Arts is; enchanting. This roman and greek inspired monument was built in 1915 and reconstructed in 1960’s and sits on 17 acres. It is considered the most photographed site in San Francisco. Live events and concerts still take place there.

For a little hands-on fun, you must check out the Exploratorium at Pier 15. You can experience what it’s like to step into a tornado or even build your own electrical circuits. This museum boasts more than 600 hands-on exhibits.

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If you are looking to do a little shopping while in San Francisco then Union Square is the place for you. It is the largest shopping district in the city. It’s so large that it has 8 Starbuck's and that is not including the other coffee shops!

North Beach is also known as the Italian district, but it more than that. It’s an ethnic melting pot as the heart of china town and little Italy intertwine there. You will find quality cafes and restaurants on all the streets. I highly recommend an espresso with an authentic Sicilian cannoli. Yummy! And because the neighborhood is compact and tight it’s great for walking.

If you do decide to check out North Beach then you must head to Chinatown. San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and largest Chinese community. When you go there it’s like you walked into a whole different world.

Being a city with a bay, many bridges are everywhere to be found. But nothing like the Golden Gate Bridge. This San Francisco icon is a must-see. There is view points located just for viewing and taking pictures of the bridge. Here are some popular spots to snap a pic:

-Battery Spencer 

-Golden Gate Overlook and Visitors Center

-Crissy Field

-Presidio at Marshall Beach