The Ultimate SF Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in San Francisco

You can do the audio tour or the night tour to make it spookier (only a few hundred available per night) or try to win the lottery for an Alcatraz sleepover – only 18 overnights per year. Photo Tip: Inside you can get a view of SF from a window in a cell block. (map)

Walk across or bike across to Sausalito. It’s not for inexperienced bikers and a lot farther than you think. The Bridge itself is 1.7 miles. They have bike + ferry packages. There is vehicle traffic-free Sat April through Sept where you can run, ride, walk on the bridge.

It’s a nice spot to take photos with cute houseboats and a great view of the skyline.

(North Beach/Telegraph Hill) It’s the tourist thing to do to visit Pier 39, see sea lions, and have clam chowder in a bread bowl at Boudin at the Wharf. You gotta do it at least once.

(Russian Hill) According to our local friends, the food isn’t good and this is the dumbest attraction in SF (think M&M store in Times Square), but most tourists still do it.

(Russian Hill) Crookedest Street of San Francisco with 8 hairpin turns. The best photo opps are from the bottom since you can only see the first two turns from the top.

Go to Peace Plaza and Pagoda for your photo opp, eat ramen and Shabu Shabu, play Japanese arcade games, get your Japanese nail art done, and end the night in a karaoke room.

(Alamo Square, Western Addition) This park is a nice place to picnic and imagine you’re part of the intro in Full House. The houses are often mistaken as the Full House house, but the actual house is down the street (1709 Broderick – purchased by the show creator). Photo Tip: go mid-morning after the sun peeks over the buildings across the street or on a cloudy day.

You can ride the entire 2.1-mile route or portions of it. Bring exact change. The best views are along Hyde between Chestnut and Bay St and California and Drumm is less touristy. Best photos are from the front-left side and on the outside runner. Another option is the Historic Street Cars for $2 you can get on the F-Line and see Civic Center, Downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf instead of paying for Grayline Bus.

The country’s largest Chinatown. The tourist side is Dragon’s Gate and the local side is towards North Beach on Stockton St (SF’s “Little Italy”). The local side is mainly made up of small groceries, herb shops, and old school divey Chinese bars that have strong pours (go at your own risk). Golden Gate bakery has famous egg tarts and China Live has one of the best Sheng Jiang Bao in SF.

(Embarcadero / SoMa) It’s a quick stop 5-10 min walk from the Ferry Building.

(Embarcadero / SoMa, map) Pick up some blue bottle, sample or buy some McEvoy Ranch lotions (formerly 80 acres), stop by Humphry Slocombe for the famous Secret Breakfast Ice Cream. Also, if you go on a Tues, Thurs, or Saturday, you can also check out the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market.

(San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge) The walking/cycling path. You need a car or it’s a long trek to get to the start on the East Bay.

49-Mile Scenic Drive – Starts and ends at City Hall. It’s a PITA to drive around the city though. Be warned.

(Inner Sunset, map) You can actually find three tiled stairs in San Francisco. On our first visit, we mistakenly went to the wrong one.

Balmy Alley Murals, Cypress St, and Lilac St are close together then Clarion Alley is 1 mi north. The Mission can be a choose your adventure. Stay in Valencia to see the gentrified “nice” stuff or you can go up and down 24th st and see a lot of the old school Mexican owned businesses. Artists offer cultural guided mural walks on weekends starting from Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center.

(Civic Center) Popular with photographers. During lunch on weekdays, you can see Off the Grid food trucks.

(Financial District) Not impressive to go to, but it’s a landmark that photographers like to shoot (the best shot is arguably from the Mandarin Oriental).

(Golden Gate Park, map) Has more than 2000 species of plants and flowers.

(Golden Gate Park, map) World’s greenest museum with a planetarium, natural history museum, aquarium, scientific research program and a four-story living rainforest with 1.7 million native plant species. Check out: 21+ adventure on Thursdays and Yoga class in the aquarium.

(Golden Gate Park, map) Hamon Observation Tower and Gift Shop give you 360 views of the city for free. Friday Nights in June there are after-hour art programs, cocktails, lectures, performances, and workshops.

(Golden Gate Park, map) Free before 10 am on MWF. It’s smaller than I thought it would be.

(Golden Gate Park, map) Admission is free on the second Tuesday of every month.

(Land’s End, Sea Cliff, map) Part of Fine Arts Museums of SF

(Presidio, map) – great for Disney lovers especially if you’re interested in behind the scenes. You need 3-4 hours if you don’t want to rush through it. 

(North Beach/Telegraph Hill) National Park Unit

(North Beach/Telegraph Hill) The only museum in the Western US dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of all forms of cartoon art.

(Pier 45, North Beach/Telegraph Hill) A National Historic Landmark from WWII.

(Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach/Telegraph Hill) More than 300 items, ranging from orchestrions, coin operated pianos, antique slot machines, and more.

(North Beach/Telegraph Hill) Feed The Sharks Tour on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 2:30pm.

(North Beach/Telegraph Hill) The learning lab with 600 hands-on exhibits, feel around the Tactile Dome. Exploratorium After Dark on Thurs Nights 18+, cocktails and music. – fun for all ages. so much to do. regular visits allow a couple of hours. it can get crowded so popular areas will have a line.

(Nob Hill) Learn about the the history and ongoing efforts to save the cable cars of SF.

(Union Square / SoMa) Fascinating and sometimes controversial exhibits on Jewish history and culture.

(SoMa) San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has 7 floors of museum to explore, closed Wednesdays.

(Civic Center) Artworks from all the major cultures of Asia. Free admission first Sunday of the month.

(The Mission) SF’s LSD Museum – schedule a visit with Mark McCloud, who has collected over 30k sheets of acid tabs (also read this interesting article on how LSD came to SF through the CIA)

Better than San Francisco Zoo, which is covered in fog 90% of the time.

Sather Tower gives you good views of the campus and city. They started charging.

(Alameda) $15 for unlimited play

By Frank Lloyd Wright’s, Stanford. One of his first works in the Bay area. Reserve ahead of time. Tours fill up fast.

Hoover Tower gives you a good view of the campus and city.

(Tiburon) Take a ferry ride to find 13 miles of hiking trails. Hike to the highest spot Mt Livermore for 360 view of SF skyline. Camp here with unbelievable views. Popular with kayakers that launch from SF or Sausalito. Beware of currents. Take a guided tour for beginners.

(Glen Park) View of the whole city

One of the largest man-made parks in the world. It’s California’s Central Park but 20% larger. Points of Interest: Paddle boating in Stow Lake, the Buffalo Field, Rose Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Lawn Bowling + Archery (Sunday at Noon), Lindy in the Park (free swing lessons between Richmond and Sunset districts), Casting Pools (practice fly fishing here), and don’t forget to Find the Faery Door (there are more throughout SF. You can read messages left for the fairies and their answers here).

They have the best setting! Also check out the other notable indoor rock climbing gyms in the bay area.

(Golden Gate NRA) Lands End Trail is a popular and easy hike that takes you to Sutro Baths, the Labyrinth, and Eagle Point. Sometimes you spot sea lions, dolphins, and migrating grey whales. Wear sneakers. Get drinks or food afterward at Cliff House.

(Golden Gate NRA) Former US Army military fort turned into a park. There are 11 miles of hiking trails and you get views of the Bay, Alcatraz, the city, and Golden Gate. The park encompasses Baker Beach, Marshall’s Beach, Crissy Field, Fort Point and more. Walk Lovers Lane, Hike to Inspiration Point (views of SF Bay, Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Presidio forest), walk the Golden Gate Promenade, Batteries to Bluffs Trail, and see 3 installations by Andy Goldsworthy – the Spire, Wood Line, and Tree Fall. Presidio Picnic os on Sundays with food trucks and games.

(Golden Gate NRA) SF’s longest beach and most reliable surfing spot. Skimboard, bike, skate the esplanade, fly kites. Adjacent to Land’s End. swimming is not recommended due to strong riptides. Bonfires are first come, first served and fun with a group of friends. BYOB.

(Presidio, Golden Gate NRA) Up-close view of Golden Gate, great at sunset. Popular spot with portrait and wedding photographers.

Crissy Field, Presidio, Golden Gate NRA – view of the skyline and Golden Gate. Great place to barbeque and fly kites.

(Golden Gate NRA) Camp or go to the nude beach. It’s a whole day thing and can be difficult to get to if it’s a nice day with so many cars.

(Telegraph Hill) 210 ft tower with views of the entire city, bay, and Transamerica Pyramid is framed by tower’s arches. Lots of stairs that take you through cool parts of the area – Climb the Filbert Steps or Greenwich street stairs to get there. Check out the free views first. It’s a great view but not sure if the price is worth it because there is a fence all around the top. Allot more time if you want to find the famous Parrots of Telegraph Hill. They’re also at Cole Valley and Fort Mason.

(Nob Hill) Two hills at 925 ft in the center of SF. You can drive to the top and get the best view of the city at sunset. It’s super windy so pack layers. Tourists have also gotten mugged here, so be aware of your surroundings.

(Twin Peaks) Can’t beat the downtown views. You’re not allowed to the top of it though.

(Castro & Corona Heights) Panoramic views of the city.

(Alameda) See SF skyline from the East Bay

(Presidio) Southern side just under Golden Gate and is very photogenic. There are ranger-led candlelit tours for free but reserve in advance. Also, high five hopper’s hands on the fence and surf here when the conditions are just right.

(Sherwood Forest) The highest point in the city at 928 ft. It gives you views of Twin Peaks and downtown.

(Marin Headlands, Sausalito, Golden Gate NRA) The “secret” swing is no longer there. Great camping spot and recreational area with a view of Golden Gate.

(Pacific Heights) Run, walk, enjoy the view from the top for a workout.

(Castro) Pick up a burrito, a cone at Bi-rite, Pizzeria Delfina, or Tartine Bakery and bring it for a picnic. The view NE over Dolores park offers a great view of the greenery and urban skyline.

(Mill Valley, Marin County, North Bay, 14.1 mi / 30 min no traffic) Hike or mountain bike over 100 miles of trails. It’s the highest point in Marin County. Mt Tam is sometimes referred to as the mountain biking birthplace. It’s also great for beginner rock climbing with views of the Bay Area.

(Golden Gate NRA, Mill Valley) Check out the Dipsea Trail. It has some of the last remaining coastal redwoods.

Go boating in the Bay and see the Golden Gate Bridge from under it.

(Bernal Heights) Lovely view of the city, and there are secret slides (Esmerelda Street Slides).

(Berkeley, 19.3 mi / 49 min by car) Hike or drive up to the lookout to see the entire Bay Area. Another great sunset spot. Get AllTrails+ for offline maps.

(Point Reyes, Olema, 32.2 mi / 1 h away) Drive up to watch the sunset

(Golden Gate NRA, Lakeshore) Popular for hiking, horseback riding, and one of the top hand gliding launch points in the US.

(Diamond Heights) In town bouldering.

(Clayton, East Bay) The highest point in the Bay Area at 3849 ft. On a clear day if you bring binoculars you can see Half Dome. You can also find trad, top rope, and sport climbing routes.

(Pacifica) Go to the fanciest Taco Bell and surf. Mori Point Trail is a cool hike and not crowded. It’s far from the city, so it’s more worth it if you’re into surfing or really into Taco Bell, since the beach isn’t much diff from Ocean Beach.

(Inverness) Take your gram at the tree tunnel, kayak, hike to Alamere Falls, bike, camp. Other points of interest: Point Reyes Lighthouse, Tomales Bay – Oyster Farm, Point Reyes Shipwreck.

An artificial island with great skyline views.

Near the Farallon islands, which are called California’s Galapagos. Not great for swimming, but you can see the islands on clear days. Also, it’s known to be a popular Great White Shark feeding grounds.

(South Beach) Take a tour, watch a Giants Game, and eat the famous crab sandwich. Bring Layers.

(Lower Pacific Heights) 49 seat theatre of sound-sculptured space.

(Castro) Big independent theater that shows lesser-known films. Participate in sing alongs to a movie (with lyrics on screen) and enter the costume contest. Also has an organist who plays on stage before each show

(Marina District) Visit the swans and take photos.

(Western Addition) Historic music venue which hosted performers like Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and Pink Floyd.

(NoPa, Alamo Square) World-renowned concert venue. It’s medium-sized venue but all the best bands come here.

(Mission Bay) Golden State Warriors Game

(Tenderloin) Close-up magic and comedy in an intimate Morrocan speakeasy.

(Civic Center) Low key jazz spot.

(Hayes Valley) You can bring your own cocktails.

(Civic Center/Hayes Valley) A memorial to WWI soldiers and also home to San Francisco Opera and Ballet.

(Civic Center, Hayes Valley) Home to the San Fransisco Symphony and occasionally, non-orchestral contemporary musicians.

Buy tickets and then they’ll give you instructions. Dress code – 1920s or you can rent them there. You Follow 35 characters on a choose your own adventure during the Prohibition Era – similar concept to Sleep No More.

(Russian Hill, North Beach) – Young or Punch Line San Francisco in the Financial District hosts bigger acts, but Cobb’s has same owner, but it’s where you can catch up and coming comedians.

(Marina District) A sculpture that interacts with the waves of the bay and creates sounds.

They’ve had our favorite escape rooms across the country with immersive escape games for everyone, from beginners to seasoned vets.

(Lower Haight, Hayes Valley) 120-year-old former Catholic church turned into a burning man type roller skating rink. Fri and Sat nights are adults only. Wear your costumes.

(Castro) Slide down. bring cardboard, or there’s some there at the bottom.

Popular shopping area.

(Chinatown) Largest collection of banned books

(The Haight / Haight-Ashbury) Not many remaining. They’re known to be great for thrifting. Other great areas for shopping are Pacific Heights and Hayes Valley.

(Chinatown) They’ve been making custom fortune cookies by hand since 1962. They have free tours.

(Union Square) Sunday DJ sets and watch the sun set.

(Financial District) Go for Afternoon Tea

(Bernal Heights) Take a brewery tour. More brewery tours at Lagunitas Brewing Company, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers, and Trumer Pils Brauerei.

(Alameda) See their tours here.

(South Berkeley) Thai Brunch at a small Thai Buddhist Temple. Every Sunday the temple hosts a communal Thai brunch. You make a donation, get tokens, then buy food with your tokens.

(late Jan to early Feb) Film festival celebrating classic from all over the world.

(mid-Feb) Who loves beer?

(Easter Sunday) Bomb down a hill in your own big wheel.

(Apr) Annual film festival.

(3rd Sunday in May) Run in a fun costume or just party!

(mid-June to late Sept) A favorite movie every week.

(end of June) Largest LGBT Parade and festival in the US.

(mid-June to mid-August) Music festival for all.

(late July) The world’s biggest leather event.

(early Sept) Anyone else love chocolate?

(Sept) Cycling fest.

(early Oct) Support our service men and women.

(first weekend in Oct) Perfect for fans of bluegrass.