San Francisco Bucket List (16 Amazing Places to Visit in SF)

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San Francisco is packed with incredible places to see, from world-famous landmarks to unique neighborhoods full of character. Whether you’re here for the views, the history, or the food, there’s something for everyone. You can walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, explore the lively streets of Chinatown, or take a ferry to Alcatraz. The city’s mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery makes it one of the most exciting places to visit in the U.S.

This San Francisco bucket list covers the best places to visit so you can make the most of your time in the city. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for more, these are the spots you won’t want to miss.

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of those places you’ve probably seen in photos or movies, but nothing beats seeing it in person!

Stretching 1.7 miles, this bright orange bridge connects San Francisco with Marin County. It was built in 1937 and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time. It stands 746 feet above the water, and its sleek, Art Deco design makes it a true San Francisco symbol.

Whether it’s sunny, foggy, or windy, the Golden Gate always has that wow factor, and it’s something you can’t miss during your visit.

Golden Gate Bridge / San Francisco Bucket List 

• Best Viewing Spots: For incredible views, check out Crissy Field or Battery Spencer. These spots are perfect for photos, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is best.

• Walking the Bridge: If you want to walk across, the bridge offers a pedestrian walkway. The full walk from one side to the other is about 1.7 miles, and depending on the weather, it can be windy or foggy. If it’s not ideal for walking, consider driving across the bridge (note there’s a toll fee on the return trip).

• Parking: Parking near the Golden Gate Bridge is limited and can get crowded, especially on weekends. There are parking lots at Crissy Field and Fort Point, both a short walk from the bridge.

• Hop-on-Hop-off Bus: If you’re looking for an easy way to get around, the hop-on-hop-off bus stops at the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a great option if you’re not up for walking or driving, and it lets you explore other parts of the city without the hassle of parking.

Golden Gate Bridge / San Francisco Bucket List

San Francisco is packed with beautiful Victorian houses, but the Painted Ladies are in a league of their own.

This iconic row of pastel-colored homes along Steiner Street has been standing since the late 1800s, surviving earthquakes, fires, and decades of change.

What makes them extra special is their backdrop! Alamo Square Park sits right in front, offering a picture-perfect view of these historic homes with the city skyline rising behind them.

Painted Ladies / San Francisco Bucket List

• You Can’t Go Inside—But One Is Open for Tours: The Painted Ladies are private homes, so you can’t just walk in. However, one at 710 Steiner Street is open for guided tours if you want to see what they’re like inside.

• Getting There: Parking is tricky in this area, so taking a bus or rideshare is a good option.

Painted Ladies / San Francisco Bucket List

San Francisco is famous for its steep hills, but Lombard Street takes it to the next level—literally!

This world-famous stretch between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets is known as the “crookedest street in the world,” with eight tight hairpin turns designed to help cars safely navigate the steep 27% grade. Built in the 1920s, the design wasn’t just for fun; it was meant to make the hill easier to drive down.

Today, it’s one of the most popular spots in the city, drawing visitors who come to see (and drive) its unique switchbacks, beautifully lined with hydrangeas and historic homes.

Lombard Street

Lombard Street

• Driving vs. Walking: You can drive down Lombard Street, but be prepared for traffic and a long wait, especially in peak hours. Walking lets you take your time and enjoy the views.

• Best Viewpoint: The bottom of the street at Leavenworth offers the best photo angle, but don’t forget to look back up for a great perspective of the winding road.

• Getting There: The Powell-Hyde cable car stops right at the top of Lombard Street, making it an easy (and scenic) way to get there without worrying about parking.

Riding a cable car isn’t just transportation—it’s a must-do San Francisco experience. These historic streetcars have been rolling up and down the city’s steep hills since 1873, making them the world’s last manually operated cable car system.

Originally, there were 23 lines, but today, only three remain: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street.

The most popular routes take you past iconic sights like Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Nob Hill, all while clinging to the side for that classic SF thrill.

Cable Car / San Francisco Bucket List 

Cable Car / San Francisco Bucket List 

• Best Route for Views: The Powell-Hyde line offers the most scenic ride, with a stop near Lombard Street and a stunning downhill stretch toward the bay.

• Expect Long Lines: The cable car lines, especially at Powell & Market, can get long. Try boarding at a mid-route stop to avoid the crowds.

• Ticket & Pass Options: A single ride costs $8, but if you plan to ride multiple times, consider a Muni Passport for unlimited rides.

Alcatraz isn’t just a prison—it’s one of the most fascinating places to visit in San Francisco. Sitting in the middle of the bay, this rocky island was once home to the country’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and “The Birdman” Robert Stroud.

From 1934 to 1963, it was a maximum-security federal prison, famous for its harsh conditions and daring (but unsuccessful) escape attempts. After the prison closed, the island became a symbol of Native American activism and is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Today, it’s one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions, offering an eerie yet captivating look into its history.

Alcatraz / San Francisco Bucket List

• Book Your Tickets Early: Alcatraz tours sell out fast, sometimes weeks in advance.
• Best Tour Option: The night tour adds an extra spooky factor with exclusive areas open only after dark. The standard day tour includes an excellent audio guide with real stories from former inmates and guards.

GOOD TO KNOW: The only official provider is Alcatraz City Cruises, which departs from Pier 33.

Prison Cell at Alcatraz / San Francisco Bucket List

Fisherman’s Wharf might be touristy, but it’s one of those places you have to visit at least once.

This waterfront district is packed with seafood stalls, street performers, souvenir shops, and historic ships. It’s also home to Pier 39, where you’ll find one of San Francisco’s most famous residents—the noisy and playful sea lions that lounge by the docks.

If you’re craving seafood, this is the place to grab a bowl of clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl or fresh Dungeness crab. And with postcard-worthy views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the bay, it’s a great spot to just soak in the San Francisco vibe.

Fisherman’s Wharf / San Francisco Bucket List 

Crab at Fisherman’s Wharf / San Francisco Bucket List

• Best Time to Visit: Mornings are less crowded, and the sea lions at Pier 39 are often more active earlier in the day. Sunset is also a great time for views and fewer crowds.
• Seafood Without the Wait: Skip the long lines at sit-down restaurants and grab fresh crab or shrimp cocktails from the street vendors at Taylor Street & Jefferson Street—same quality, lower prices.
• Where to Park: If you’re driving, Pier 39 Garage (Beach & Stockton) is one of the more convenient spots, but it’s pricey. For cheaper parking, try Lombard Street Garage or Ghirardelli Square Garage, which are about a 10-minute walk away.
• Getting There: The F-line streetcar runs along the Embarcadero and stops right at Fisherman’s Wharf. The Powell-Hyde cable car drops you off near Ghirardelli Square, just a short walk away.

San Francisco’s Chinatown isn’t just the largest in the U.S.—it’s also the oldest, dating back to the 1850s.

Walking through Dragon Gate at the entrance on Grant Avenue, you’ll step into a neighborhood packed with lantern-lined streets, traditional herbal shops, and authentic dim sum spots.

Beyond the touristy souvenir shops, Chinatown is a cultural hub where you can visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, explore Portsmouth Square (considered the city’s birthplace), or find some of the best Chinese food in the city.

Dragon Gate in Chinatown San Francisco Bucket List

Chinatown / San Francisco Bucket List

• Best Streets to Explore: Grant Avenue is the main tourist street, but for a more local feel, wander down Stockton Street, where you’ll find fresh markets, bakeries, and grocery stores catering to the community.

• Where to Eat: For dim sum, try Good Mong Kok Bakery (takeout only). Head to House of Nanking or Sam Wo Restaurant if you want handmade noodles.

• Hidden Gems: Visit Ross Alley to watch fortune cookies being made at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, or check out Tin How Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in the U.S.

• Getting There: Parking is tough, so take public transit. The California Street cable car stops nearby, or you can walk from Union Square.

Giant Fortune Cookies from Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

Golden Gate Park is larger than Central Park and packed with things to see and do.

Spanning 1,017 acres, it stretches from the middle of the city all the way to the Pacific Ocean, with gardens, museums, lakes, and even bison roaming in a paddock.

You can visit the Japanese Tea Garden, explore the futuristic California Academy of Sciences, admire flowers in the Conservatory of Flowers, or rent a boat on Stow Lake.

Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park

• Best Way to Get Around: The park is huge, so renting a bike is a great way to explore. If you prefer to walk, focus on one area at a time, like the museums near 9th Avenue or the gardens closer to the ocean.

• Where to Park: Free street parking is available but fills up fast. There’s a parking garage under the Music Concourse, near the museums, which is the best bet if you’re driving.

• Don’t Miss: The Japanese Tea Garden is beautiful but has an entrance fee. If you’re on a budget, visit during Monday, Wednesday, or Friday mornings before 10 AM for free admission.

Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park 

Twin Peaks is one of the best places in San Francisco to take in breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Located in the heart of the city, Twin Peaks is a pair of hills that rise 925 feet above sea level, offering incredible views of downtown San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Area.

On a clear day, you can see up to 50 miles away, making it one of the most scenic spots in the city!

The drive to the top takes you through beautiful residential neighborhoods, but once at the peak, you’ll be treated to sweeping views that make the short trip worthwhile.

Twin Peaks is also part of Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve, which is a natural preserve with hiking trails.

Twin Peaks / San Francisco Bucket List 

Twin Peaks / San Francisco Bucket List 

• Getting There: The best way to get to Twin Peaks is by car or rideshare (since public transportation options can be limited). There is limited parking at the top, so you might need to walk a bit if it’s busy. The area is also accessible via Muni bus if you’re coming from nearby neighborhoods.

• Best Time to Visit: For the best view, head there in the morning or late afternoon, as the fog can roll in during the evening and block views. The sunset is particularly stunning, offering a golden hour glow over the city. Early morning is also great if you prefer a quieter experience.

Haight-Ashbury is one of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods, famous for its role in the 1960s counterculture movement.

Known for its vibrant mix of history, art, and eclectic shops, Haight-Ashbury is where the Summer of Love took place in 1967, attracting young people from all over the world to embrace peace, love, and freedom.

Today, the neighborhood still carries that same bohemian spirit, with vintage clothing stores, quirky boutiques, and colorful murals lining its streets.

One of the highlights of Haight-Ashbury is Haight Street, the main thoroughfare, which is home to cafes, bookstores, and unique shops.

The Victorian homes that line the streets are a true architectural gem, with their charming and ornate details standing out against the backdrop of modern businesses. These beautifully preserved homes are part of the neighborhood’s historic charm and provide a glimpse into the city’s past.

Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood / San Francisco Bucket List

Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood / San Francisco Bucket List 

• Getting There: Haight-Ashbury is accessible via Muni buses and BART. It’s a walkable neighborhood, so once you arrive, it’s easy to explore on foot. Parking can be tough, but there are a few public parking lots in the area.

Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood / San Francisco Bucket List

Once a military airfield, Crissy Field is now one of the best places in San Francisco to enjoy waterfront views, fresh air, and a postcard-perfect perspective of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Stretching along the bay between Marina Green and Fort Point, this wide-open space is a favorite for walkers, runners, and cyclists.

On a clear day, you’ll have unbeatable views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Marin Headlands, plus plenty of room to spread out for a picnic.

PRO TIP: If you’re up for a walk, follow the Golden Gate Promenade to the bridge or stop at Torpedo Wharf for a classic San Francisco skyline view.

Crissy Field / San Francisco Bucket List

Crissy Field / San Francisco Bucket List

• Best Way to Get Around: The Golden Gate Promenade is a flat, easy path great for walking or biking. If you rent a bike, you can ride all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge.

• Parking & Access: There are several parking lots along Crissy Field, but they fill up fast on weekends. The East Beach parking lot is a good option if you’re coming early.

• Weather Considerations: It can be windy and foggy, especially in the afternoons. Bring layers, even if it’s sunny when you start your day.

Baker Beach is one of San Francisco’s most scenic beaches, offering breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean.

The beach is often less crowded than nearby Crissy Field and is a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll, a picnic, or just relaxing on the sand.

Baker Beach / San Francisco Bucket List 

• Best Time to Go: For clearer views of the Golden Gate Bridge and fewer crowds, early morning or late afternoon is ideal. Sunset here is spectacular, so try to time your visit to catch it!

• Parking: There is a parking lot at the end of Battery East Road, but it fills up quickly on weekends. Arrive early or consider taking public transit or a ride-share service to avoid the hassle.

• What to Bring: Layers are essential, as the weather can change quickly—fog often rolls in during the afternoon.

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a must-visit for anyone who loves art and culture!

This massive, 170,000-square-foot museum is home to over 33,000 works of modern and contemporary art, making it one of the largest museums of its kind in the country.

It’s housed in a stunning building that blends cutting-edge architecture with the works inside, and you’ll find everything from pioneering 20th-century art to innovative contemporary installations.

Whether you’re into abstract expressionism, photography, or experimental sculptures, there’s something for everyone here. Famous artists like Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and Jackson Pollock have their works on display, and the museum frequently hosts rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to discover.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

• Best Way to Get There: Located in downtown San Francisco, SFMOMA is easily accessible by public transit. The Muni Metro lines F, T, and N stop near the museum, and there are plenty of bus routes that pass by. If you’re driving, parking can be tricky, but there are several paid parking garages in the area.

• Admission Tips: Admission can be pricey, but SFMOMA offers free admission on the first Tuesday of every month, and children under 18 get in free.

• What to See: Don’t miss the Gehry-designed outdoor sculpture garden on the museum’s rooftop, or the museum’s expansive collection of American and European photography. If you’re pressed for time, focus on the major floors like the 5th floor for contemporary art.

The Palace of Fine Arts is one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks. Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the palace was designed to resemble a classical Roman ruin, with Greek-style columns and a massive rotunda set beside a tranquil lagoon.

The building was intended to house the fine arts exhibits at the exposition, which celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal and showcased global artistic, cultural, and technological advancements.

Today, it stands as a popular spot for photography, peaceful walks, and relaxation. The reflections in the lagoon and the beautiful arches make this a picture-perfect spot, especially during sunset.

Palace of Fine Arts / San Francisco Bucket List

Palace of Fine Arts / San Francisco Bucket List

• Getting There: Located in the Marina District, the Palace of Fine Arts is accessible by Muni buses and trolley buses. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Crissy Field and the Golden Gate Bridge. If driving, there is a small parking lot nearby, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photos, and it’s quieter during these times. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, with the golden light reflecting off the lagoon.

Ocean Beach is San Francisco’s iconic stretch of coastline, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Located along the western edge of the city, the beach spans about 3.5 miles, making it perfect for long walks, relaxing by the water, or watching the sunset.

The beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, so you can also enjoy nearby attractions, like the cliffs of Land’s End, which offer breathtaking views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.

• Getting There: Ocean Beach is accessible by Muni buses, with several stops near the beach. If driving, there is limited parking along the beach, but be aware that it can get crowded, especially on weekends. It’s a good idea to arrive early to grab a spot.

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Ocean Beach is in the afternoon when the fog tends to clear, revealing great views of the ocean.

The Ferry Building is one of San Francisco’s most beloved landmarks, located along the Embarcadero waterfront.

Originally built in 1898, it served as the primary terminal for ferries traveling between San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area. Today, it stands as a hub for food lovers, a historic site, and a shopping destination.

Inside the building, you’ll find a marketplace filled with local vendors offering fresh produce, artisan cheeses, local meats, baked goods, and gourmet treats.

It’s a great place to pick up some San Francisco specialties, such as artisan bread, chocolate, and cheese, or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants that serve up local flavors.

The iconic Ferry Building Clock Tower is also a must-see and offers a classic San Francisco backdrop for photos.

Ferry Building / San Francisco Bucket List

• Getting There: The Ferry Building is easily accessible by public transport, including Muni and BART. If you’re coming from downtown, it’s just a short walk along the waterfront.

• Best Time to Visit: For a quieter experience, try visiting early in the morning on weekdays, when the market is just opening and there are fewer crowds. Weekends can be busy, especially in the afternoon, so if you want to avoid the crowds, weekdays are your best bet.