10 Unforgettable Things to Do on Your First Trip to San Francisco
Post Summary: Things To Do on Your First Trip to San Francisco
I first visited San Francisco in 2017, it was in fact by first “big-kid” trip. The first trip that I planned 100% on my own (with a friend) and paid for on my own. Looking back, that first trip to San Francisco was pivotal to the development of this blog and my love for travel.
That first trip to San Francisco was actually the topic of my very first blog post, which I’ve since gone in and completely changed! Let’s just say, I’ve learned quite a bit about writing an informative blog post since I started almost 4 years ago. You’re now reading the completely “redone” version of my very first blog post.
There’s so much to see and do in San Francisco, it can almost be overwhelming to know where to start. In this post, you will find the essential need-to-know details for your very first visit trip to San Francisco and 11 things you must do while you’re there. And while several of these stops may be seen as the typical “touristy” spots, they’re popular for a reason and 100% worth your time.
Is your trip to San Francisco apart of a larger trip to California? You may also be interested in these articles:
Best Stops on Highway 1: California Road Trip Itinerary
8 Incredible Things to do in Redwoods National and State Parks
12 Hikes in Yosemite that You Can’t Miss
Channel Islands National Park: Santa Cruz Island
When To Go & Weather in San Francisco
Essentially, San Francisco is great to visit any time of year. You’ll find the most sunny days in the fall months, September-November, believe it or not. October is also known in San Francisco as a “second-summer” as you’ll experience some of the warmest temperatures in the fall. And there will be fewer crowds at the time, too!
But San Francisco also has some absolutely beautiful days in April and May. So spring is also a great time to visit the city.
In the summer months, you may experience a lot of fog throughout the city which may make it hard to see some of the iconic sights, like the Golden Gate Bridge. The summer fog is due in part to the rising inland temperatures that create a low-pressure system. As the hot inland air rises, the cold ocean air rushes in to replace it, blanketing the San Francisco Bay in ocean fog.
Where to Stay on your First Trip to San Francisco
San Francisco has a lot of great neighborhoods to stay in and check out. For the best accessibility to the things to do on this list, I recommend staying in the Financial District, Nob Hill, or Russian Hill.
I’ve stayed in both Fisherman’s Wharf and the Financial District and I must say that I prefer staying in the Financial District. It’s not too far of a walk to many of the best things to see in San Francisco and has a lot of nice options for accommodations.
We’ve stayed in both the Hilton San Francisco Financial District and the Le Meidien San Francisco. Both were wonderful, had great locations, comfortable rooms, and I’d recommend either one if you’re looking for a comfortable hotel stay (they also both have paid parking options, which is hard to find in SF).
How to Get Around the City
San Francisco is not a friendly city for personal vehicles. I do NOT recommend bringing your own vehicle to the city. For three reasons: (1) parking is EXPENSIVE, (2) the steep streets can be hard to navigate, and (3) car break-ins in SF are at all time high.
Randy and I drove our car to San Francisco twice during our time in California. We traveled via car everywhere last year, so our weekends in San Francisco were no different. Both times we parked our car in the very expensive parking garage at our hotel and did not touch it the entire time we were in the city.
Instead, I recommend walking, public transit, Uber, and riding a historic trolley to get around.
Many of the things to do on this list are fairly close to each other and walkable. I also recommend that you consider renting a bike and taking a bike tour of some of these places.
For more information on riding the historic trolleys, visit the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s website.
Map of Things to Do & See in San Francisco
11 Things You Must Do on Your First Visit to San Francisco
#1 – See the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is probably already on your list of things to see in San Francisco and it won’t disappoint. This large, red iron bridge is probably the most iconic bridge in the world.
My favorite way to experience the Golden Gate Bridge was by far biking across the bridge. On my very first trip to San Francisco, my friend and I rented bicycles and rode across the Golden Gate to the other side and ended in Sausalito. From Sausalito, we hopped on the ferry back to San Francisco. This was my favorite part of the trip because we got to see the quaint town of Sausalito and enjoy the views of the city and bridge from the ferry. And it was a relief to not have to bike all the way back to the city.
Of course a walk or bike ride across the bridge is essential on your trip, but for the best views of the bridge, you’ll need to head to one of the spots listed below.
A few of the best places to see the Golden Gate Bridge, are:
Fort Point – Fort Point is located right at the base of the bridge on the San Francisco side. It’s actually a National Historic Site and is open to visitors. This historic masonry seacoast fortification defended the San Francisco Bay following California’s Gold Rush through World War II.
Not only will you get an interesting and unique view of the bridge from below, you’ll also find lots of interesting history here.
Golden Gate Overlook on Coastal Trail – One of my favorite viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge and also one of the most photographed angles of the bridge. The Golden Gate Overlook is part of the Presidio and can be found on the Coastal Trail near Langdon Ct and Lincoln Blvd.
Marshall’s Beach – Another great spot to view or photograph the iconic bridge is Marshall’s Beach. This secluded beach stretches from the bridge to Baker Beach and is sandwiched between the ocean waves and steep rock cliffs. Warning: this beach is also a clothing-optional beach so be aware (and for that reason I’d recommend visiting in cold weather only haha).
Torpedo Wharf – This wharf is located near the West Bluff Picnic Area and is walkable from Chrissy Field (a great place to park if you happen to be bringing a car).
#2 – Take a Historical Tour of Alcatraz Island
If you’re not familiar, Alcatraz Island is located only 1.25 miles off the shores of SF and is most commonly known as the home to Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, a federal prison. But that’s not the only purpose that this island has served over the years, it was also at one time a military fort and then a military prison. It was also occupied by a Native American Civil Rights organization for 19 months. Learn about Alcatraz’s interesting a complex history by enjoying a tour of the grounds and prison buildings. A trip to Alcatraz Island is a must on your visit to San Francisco if you’re interested in history or museums.
Alcatraz Island is apart of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is operated by the National Park Service. There is one approved concessionaire to purchase tour tickets though, you can find more information about booking Alcatraz tours, here.
A Plan at least a half day for this neat excursion. Alcatraz Citycruises has tours departing SF almost every hour which you’ll have to book specifically but you can return from Alcatraz to SF on any boat. So you’ll be able to spend as little or as much time here as you choose.
Once you get to the island, you’ll be able to pick up an individual headset that will guide you through a self-tour around the island. The self-tour provides a wealth of information about the island and the history of its inhabitants.
#3 – Explore Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is probably the most visited neighborhood in San Francisco. This small neighborhood is located in the northern waterfront area of SF and brings together the maritime industry and the history and fun of the city.
Spend your time in Fisherman’s Wharf strolling the streets and taking in all of the sights varying from colonies of sea lions to family owned restaurants and markets. Nearby Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll find Pier 39 which is home to lots of shopping and restaurants full of fresh seafood. Make sure to check out the Pier Market Seafood Restaurant.
If you’re wanting to channel your inner child with a dose of nostalgia, stop by Musee Mecanique for penny arcade games and vintage pinball machines. Just make sure you bring your spare change.
Also worth a stop, is the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, to explore fleets of historic vessels. This stop is perfect for history buffs or sailing enthusiasts. And if you happen to be a national park junkie like us, your America the Beautiful Pass, will cover your cost of admission. Wanting to see more historic boats? Make your way to the historic ferry pier, Hyde Street Pier. Fun fact: this pier is actually older than the Golden Gate Bridge!
#4 – Order Sourdough Bread (& Clam Chowder) from the Famous Boudin Bakery
Located right on Fisherman’s Wharf, is the Boudin Bakery, one of my favorite spots in San Francisco. This iconic bakery is famous for its delicious sourdough bread. And since you’re on the coast, you have to order the clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. Mmm!
But what makes Boudin Bakery’s sourdough bread so famous? Well, like wine and cheese and a few other things that get better with age, sourdough bread also gets better with age. Sourdough bread is made with a starter that uses Lactobacillus yeast instead of traditional baker’s yeast. The micro-organisms that make up the Lactobacillus yeast must be fed and maintained. They say that the older the longer you feed and maintain a starter the better the taste of the bread. And Boudin Bakery has been feeding and using the same sourdough starter since 1849! That’s the oldest (and I’d argue tastiest) sourdough bread in the world!
#5 – Watch the Sea Lions Bicker at Pier 39
The docks at Pier 39 are a favorite napping spot for the local Sea Lions. It’s quite comical to watch these creatures as they tend to pick fights with their neighbors and have very little respect for the other sea lions’ personal space.
We witnessed several fights between sea lions that were started when one sea lion climbed over a neighboring sea lion who was suddenly awoken from a nap. You could spend hours watching these goofy creatures and see their personalities come to life.
Pier 39 is located right next to Fisherman’s Wharf and is one of the most touristy places in San Francisco. Feel free to stop and enjoy the souvenir shops and restaurants in the area but know that you will find more authentic places elsewhere in the city.
#6 – Climb up to Coit Tower for the Views
You’ll find some of the best views of the Bay Area from the top of Coit Tower.
And for $9/person, you can take an elevator to the top of the open-air tower for amazing 360 degree views of San Francisco and surrounding areas.
During our most recent visit, Coit Tower was closed due to COVID, but we were still able to enjoy the views from the base of the tower. Make sure to check their website for most up-to-date operating hours BEFORE making the trek up to the tower.
However, I did get to experience Coit Tower on my first visit to San Francisco and it is definitely worth it! Just make sure you visit on a clear day with good visibility so that you don’t miss out on the epic views of San Francisco from above.
#7 – Visit China Town
You’ll feel transported to another country when you step foot into China Town. Almost immediately, the language on every sign changes from English to Chinese and the building architecture takes on a different vibe too. My husband, who has been to Asia a few times, kept saying “this reminds me of being in Hong Kong”.
When you’re in China Town, check out Dragon’s Gate (on the south side of China Town) and the famous Fortune Cookie Factory. Did you know that fortune cookies were not actually invented in China but in San Francisco? That’s right, they were!
I didn’t visit China Town on my first visit to San Francisco but I’m so glad that I did on my second visit! We visited on a hot May afternoon and partook in a delicious bubble tea. Cliché, I know. But delicious and refreshing, nonetheless.
#8 – Watch the Cars Navigate Lombard Street
San Francisco is known for it’s iconic steep city streets. Some of which seem impossible to navigate and make this Dallas girl panic inside. I mean, some of the street are so steep you can’t see the road in front of you. You really have to experience it for yourself to understand.
Anyway, one of the most famous streets in San Francisco is actually this small section of Lombard Street that is so steep and windy that it’s famous for being steep and windy. There’s literally no other significance to it than that.
However, it’s a popular spot for tourists nonetheless. Perhaps, it’s the amusement from watching the cars struggle to navigate the windy hills or some sort of novelty about it that brings crowds of people to witness it.
If it’s your first time in San Francisco, Lombard Street should be added to your list of things to see, if you random and obscure things.
#9 – Have a Picnic at Alamo Square Park
The Painted Ladies are probably some of the most recognized homes in America. They’re most known from the beloved TV show, Full House. Although, it’s not as commonly known that none of these houses were the actual house featured in Full House. The actual house in Full House can be found at 1709 Broderick St. in San Francisco.
However, Alamo Square Park does make the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic with incredible views of the city! Take an hour or two here to sit and relax. Recover from all of the walking you’ve been doing around the city.
#10 – Eat a Sundae at the Ghirardelli Factory
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, like me, a trip to the the Ghirardelli Factory is a must! While you’re there, order a sundae or dessert at the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. Or simply peruse their gift shop for tasty treats to take to your loved ones at home. But no judgement if the chocolates don’t make it off the plane.
Keep in mind that the Ghirardelli Factory becomes very busy in the evening. Plan ahead to avoid long waitlists for a table, either visit earlier in the day.
Day Trips from San Francisco
There are enough things to do in San Francisco to keep you busy for weeks – but check out these unforgettable places just outside of the city limits. While I do frequently enjoy experiencing a new city, I genuinely prefer time exploring the Great Outdoors over concrete jungles. Both Muir Woods National Monument and Point Reyes National Seashore provide excellent nature escapes and lots of fresh air!
Muir Woods National Monument
California’s Redwoods are famously known for being the tallest trees in the world. The Redwoods can be found in clusters in a few different spots up and down the coast of Northern California. Muir Woods National Monument is one of the places that you can experience these magnificent trees.
I was shocked to find out that some of California’s famous Redwoods are located only 12 miles from the heart of San Francisco. Located just over the Golden Gate Bridge in Mill Valley, this super close park makes from an epic day in the woods.
There are a few different ways to get to the monument: drive, take a shuttle, or book a tour. Reservations are required to park a personal vehicle at the monument so planning ahead is encouraged. Visit the Muir Woods National Monument website for more information.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore is another phenomenal day trip option from San Francisco. This national seashore is a part of the national park system. Point Reyes has fabulous network of hiking trails and beaches to explore.
When visiting Point Reyes, don’t miss out on the Point Reyes shipwreck near Inverness, the iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse, and the incredible hiking trail to Chimney Rocks, one of the best views in the park.
When visiting Point Reyes, you really should check the weather forecast beforehand. If foggy conditions are present, it can be very difficult to see and enjoy many of the views that are visible on a clear day.
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