San Francisco is one of the true cultural capitals of the United States. Filled with world-class museums, a rich countercultural history, fabulous art galleries and more wonders to explore in a lifetime, this city truly can be everything to everyone.
Even if you've never explored the City by the Bay, you can probably name the city's countless historic sites and iconic landmarks. Now, it's time to dig deeper. Eat with the locals, travel off the beaten path and see a new side of the city.
Whether it's your first time or your hundredth visit, there's always more to see in San Francisco.
Wondering what to do in San Francisco? Take your photos of the Golden Gate Bridge and go deeper. Here's your guide to the best of the best in SF.
ferry building
Since 1898, the Ferry Building has welcomed travelers arriving at City By the Bay. Today, it remains a central transport hub that will take you to major neighborhoods and surrounding cities.
It's a great place to eat! Dotted among trendy souvenir shops, you'll find local chefs and artisans serving up premium cheese, amazing coffee, gourmet snacks and more. It's the perfect place to get a souvenir, or just grab some lunch.
And, when you're looking for things to do in San Francisco that are off the beaten tourist path, look to the local farmers market. California produces some of the best food and drink in the world. And of course, local SF growers and producers are at the top of their game.
One of my favorites is the Ferry Building Farmer's Market. Swing on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 10am to 2pm, or Saturdays from 8am to 2pm.
Just keep in mind that the Ferry building is primarily a lunch spot and many of the places close early. At dinner time, head to one of San Francisco's best restaurants.
Conservatory of Flowers and Japanese Tea Garden
This botanical garden houses an impressive collection of exotic and rare flora. Located inside Golden Gate Park (which, of course, is one of the best things to do in San Francisco), you'll find this space beautiful.
Explore the Victorian greenhouse as you wander among literally thousands of plants. It's an oasis of peace in the middle of a sometimes crazy city.
Built for the 1894 World's Fair, the Japanese Tea Garden is a marvel! The oldest public Japanese garden in the USA is definitely a must-visit in Golden Gate Park.
Eating at the Foreign Cinema
When locals want a special night out, they go to Cinema Estrangeiro. With private dining options and an ultra-romantic vibe, this is a perfect date night spot. There's also a cool patio where you can watch movies on the outdoor screen.
They are famous for their duck, and I highly recommend trying their fancy fruit pies!
Mechanic Museum
At Fisherman's Wharf, you'll find the largest collection of vintage arcade machines and antiques. There are 300 amazing games here to check out, and it's a fascinating glimpse into the good old days of gaming.
Best of all, you can actually play the games! Bring some cash, grab some change, and try your luck with some vintage and unique items.
Science Night at Cal Academy
If you're lucky enough to be in San Francisco on a Thursday night, you need to check out NightLight. You will see the lives of 40,000 nocturnal animals that come to life at night.
From 6 pm to 10 pm every Thursday, this cool event for all ages is the place to be. But it's popular with locals and tourists alike to buy their tickets in advance.
Smuggler's Cove
Looking for unique things to do in San Francisco? Live like a pirate while sampling the more than 700 varieties of rum that this nautical nightclub has on hand.
Smuggler's Cove is a kitschy bar famous for its rum cocktails. They're serving more than a few craft cocktails you've never heard of, so savor a few options.
And be sure to try the famous scorpion bowl aka the tiki punch for an amazing (and very Instagram-able) drink.
Traveling with the little ones and looking for some more PG activities? Jump to my post on things to do in San Francisco with kids.
Off the Grill Friday Food Night
At the Fort Mason Center, you'll find California's biggest street food festival: Off the Grid. And that's saying a lot in a place that loves sidewalk treats as much as we do!
The show takes place every Friday night from 5pm to 10pm (from April 1st to November 11th each year) with a wine garden, live music and dozens of food trucks serving some of the best food in town.
Mosaic steps hunt
All around San Francisco, you'll find small explosions of colorful art.
From the Lincoln Steps at Lincoln Park Golf Course to the Hidden Garden Steps at 16th Avenue and Kirkham to the 16th Ave Tiled Stairs at 16th Ave and Moraga Street, these beautiful pieces of urban art are well worth going out of your way to see.
Jackson Square Historic District
Wondering what to do in San Francisco that's a little off the beaten path?
Head downtown to the impressive historic district of Jackson Square. Surrounded by Italian and classical revivalist architecture, this beautiful neighborhood will take you back in time.
In the historic Jackson Square district are a handful of buildings that survived the 1906 earthquake. You'll also find the block-long Hotaling Place, said to be the oldest alley in San Francisco.
Fun fact: Hotaling Place got its name during the 1906 earthquake.
During the chaos of the disaster, a businessman with a warehouse full of whiskey saved the building to protect his precious product. His bravery (and business savvy) was immortalized in a poem:
If, as they say, God beat the city
For being overly playful,
Why did He burn His churches
What about Hotaling Whiskey?
This neighborhood is also the site of the infamous old Barbary Coast, San Fran's former 18th and early 20th century red light district.
After exploring the hidden treasures of this historic neighborhood, head into San Francisco's favorite dining club, the BIX, for live jazz, craft cocktails and upscale dining.
Ready to start running? Grab my complete guide to San Francisco for everything you need to know before you go.
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