11 Ways to Spend a Day in San Francisco, California: Best Things to Do in San Fran
San Francisco, America’s famed Golden City, is the perfect introduction into the sunny state of California. With radiance and culture-specific to its city limits, visiting San Fran is an experience you won’t want to miss. Below are the Top 11 ways to spend a day in San Francisco, California:
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1. Alcatraz Island
No trip to San Fran would be complete without visiting the notorious Alcatraz Island. A little island of rock in the middle of San Francisco Bay, this impenetrable place houses one of the most infamous prisons in history – Alcatraz. Alcatraz Tours operates ferries that take you to the island itself. There are other tour agencies that just do drive-bys on a ferry.
Location: Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94111 - Get directions on Google Maps
2. California Academy of the Sciences
Whether you’re a science nerd or not, you’ll thoroughly enjoy exploring the expansive center that houses hundreds of thousands of exhibits. From prehistoric dinosaurs to a breathtaking aquarium there is never a shortage of things to do and see in the California Academy of the Sciences.
Location: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118 - Get directions on Google Maps
3. Fisherman’s Wharf/Pier 39
A vibrant, water-front community famed for its outstanding cuisine; Fisherman's Wharf is a staple stop for any itinerary. You can book a tour to learn about the colorful history of Fisherman’s Wharf as you wander from stall to stall and sample some of the freshest dishes available in San Francisco.
Location: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133 - Get directions on Google Maps
4. Ride a Cable Car
An iconic feature of San Fran, California is the cable cars that make their way up and down the steep hilly roads. Fetch a ride on an eccentric form of public transportation and see the city from a whole new perspective.
5. Ferry Building Market Place
The city's largest Farmers Market and meeting grounds for both locals and tourists alike, the Ferry Building Market Place is a bustling artisan center filled with stalls offering food, drinks, and crafts at a great price. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays the market spills outdoors and becomes a hot spot for vibrant activity in San Fran.
Location: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105 - Get directions on Google Maps
6. Golden Gate Park
Spend a lovely afternoon perusing the picturesque park grounds of Golden Gate Park. With lakes, monuments, and gardens there is plenty of spaces to admire along the 1000-acre lot and is perfect for a day spent away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
7. Chinatown
Famous, beautiful, and vibrant, San Francisco's Chinatown is a neighborhood just asking to be explored. The oldest and largest Chinatown outside of Asia, Grant Avenue Chinatown is an expansive neighborhood where you can delight in delicious cuisine and cultural appreciation unlike anywhere else in San Francisco.
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
8. Golden Gate Bridge
Perhaps an obvious one, but to experience San Francisco without visiting the iconic Golden Gate Bridge would be a crime. The stunningly bright red bridge stretching over the waters and into the horizon is truly a beautiful sight and is the perfect way to kick off any San Fran visit.
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
9. Drink at The Buena Vista
The Beuna Vista is credited as being the birthplace of Irish Coffee and is one of the top food spots to visit in the area. Sample some of the famous concoctions while enjoying fresh seafood during an afternoon well-spent.
Location: 2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109 - Get directions on Google Maps
10. Lombard Street
Lombard Street is a striking street in San Francisco with 8 steep switchbacks and is known as the most crooked street in the United States. Whether you choose to drive this iconic street or visit as a bystander, this is a unique and memorable location to add to your San Fran itinerary.
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
11. Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Interested in exploring the California outdoors just outside the bustle of San Francisco? You don’t have to go far. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is appealing to visitors for hiking, picnics, vista views, redwoods, and more.
Location: RFW9+3X Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, California - Get directions on Google Maps
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