Walking through its steep hills, you feel a distinct blend of grit and grace, where Victorian charm meets tech innovation in a way that feels uniquely resilient. This is not just a tourist destination but a living, breathing city that rewards curiosity with hidden neighborhoods, world-class cuisine, and fog-kissed sunsets that invite you to slow down and savor the moment.
Do San Francisco the way locals do: start slow at Mussel Rock Park, eat where the regulars do at The Buena Vista, let the evening run long at Smuggler's Cove.
Top things to do in San Francisco
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
PIER 39
Bustling bayside pier featuring scenic views, sea lion sightings, eateries, shops & entertainment.
Check tours & tickets2
Golden Gate Park
The city's 1,017-acre oasis draws hikers, bikers, art lovers & music fans, plus gardens & museums.
Check tours & tickets3
Alcatraz Island
Notorious prison & once home to Al Capone, now a museum with an audio tour, accessible by ferry.
Check tours & tickets4
Palace of Fine Arts
This Greco-Roman palace & architectural attraction hosts an ever-changing roster of performing arts.
Check tours & tickets5
Ferry Building
Vendors sell produce, cheese, coffee, candy & prepared food in this soaring, restored 1898 space.
Check tours & tickets6
Union Square
Well-known vibrant neighborhood featuring a range of upscale shops, restaurants, hotels & nightlife.
Check tours & tickets7
The Painted Ladies
Historical row of Victorian houses well-known for appearances on movies, TV shows & postcards.
Check tours & tickets8
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Contemporary & modern paintings, installations, photographs, media & more in a sleek space.
Check tours & tickets9
Coit Tower
Storied 1930s-era building known for its WPA murals, 360-degree views & resident flock of parrots.
Check tours & tickets10
Fisherman's Wharf
Bustling waterfront area with seafood restaurants, shopping, an aquarium, sea lions & ferry tours.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
The Buena Vista
Opened in 1916, this corner spot serves its signature Irish coffee alongside American staples.
Website12
Scoma's Restaurant
Spacious waterfront restaurant serving seafood pulled straight off the boat.
Website13
La Taqueria
This no-frills taqueria serves Mexican eats, including famed traditional-style, rice-free burritos.
Website14
Golden Boy Pizza
Funky joint specializing in focaccia pizzas with a variety of meat & veggie toppings.
Website15
Brenda's French Soul Food
Cozy eatery serving French, Creole, and Southern cuisine, including beignets and po' boys.
Website16
Sotto Mare
Neighborhood spot with nautical decor and a menu of pasta, cioppino, and other Italian-style seafood.
Website17
Tartine Bakery
Organic ingredients provide the makings for breakfast pastries, hot pressed sandwiches & coffee.
Website18
Taquería El Farolito
Busy, no-frills Mexican eatery and late night joint serving comfort food like tacos and burritos.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in San Francisco
Advertisement
Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Ferry Building
Vendors sell produce, cheese, coffee, candy & prepared food in this soaring, restored 1898 space.
Check tours & tickets20
Big Bus Tours San Francisco
Check tours & tickets21
Extranomical Tours San Francisco
Check tours & tickets22
San Francisco City Guides - Free Walking Tours
Check tours & tickets23
Dylan's Tours
Check tours & tickets24
Alcatraz Landing Pier 33
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Mussel Rock Park
Known for its rocky coastline, this park boasts sandy beaches, scenic ocean vistas & hiking trails.
Website26
Glen Canyon Park
A deep canyon runs through this park, which features sports fields, tennis courts & playgrounds.
Website27
Bayfront Park
Small bayside park next to the airport, with a walking trail & benches for watching the planes land.
Website28
Lower Great Highway Trail
This 3.5-mile beachfront recreational trail winds by the remains of a 19th-century swimming complex.
Website29
McNee Ranch State Park
Steep mountainside trails for hiking, biking & dogwalking, with sweeping views of the Pacific below.
WebsiteAfter dark
30
Smuggler's Cove
Popular bar boasting nautical-themed decor, exotic cocktails & over 700 types of rum.
Website31
The View Lounge
Massive arched windows showcase city views at this posh lounge serving cocktails & small plates.
Website32
Cityscape
Upscale cocktail lounge serving New American small plates in modern quarters with panoramic vistas.
Website33
Madrone Art Bar
Rotating art installations share space with a bar, couches & a tiny dance floor where DJs entertain.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
The whole guide on one map
Every numbered pick above, pinned. Tap to pan, zoom, and plot your day.
SightsFoodToursOutdoorsAfter dark
Tips from travelers
No tips yet. Been to San Francisco? Yours goes first.
Roam planner Turn this into your personalized San Francisco itinerary Build my San Francisco dayMore guides
Some links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.