San Francisco is a city full of iconic American landmarks, fascinating history, unmissable culinary delights from Cioppino chocolate to Ghirardelli chocolate, diverse cultures and quintessential California nature. Even the people who live there can't get bored when it comes to seeing and doing all there is to see and do in the beautiful and vibrant West Coast metropolis.
Next time here: If you're planning a trip to the Golden City (hopefully soon), get inspired by this list of things to do in San Francisco.
1. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge on foot or by bike.
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous monuments in the UNITED STATES. The 1.7-mile-long red brick structure spans the narrow road that gave it its name, allowing cars and pedestrians to travel between San Francisco and Marin County. Crossing the bridge on foot or by bicycle is almost mandatory during your first visit to the city. There are two pedestrian crossings on the bridge, east and west, and there are rules that determine which of them should be used for walking and cycling depending on the day of the week and time of day you cross the bridge.
2. Find fresh air at the Presidio.
A former military post now transformed into a 1,500-acre public park, the Presidio is a great place for outdoor strolls. It's the perfect place to hike or bike the 24 miles of trails and enjoy breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge from one of the observation decks. San Francisco is surrounded by beautiful nature and is one of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle and find a moment of peace.
3. Enjoy the view from the top of the Presidio Tunnel.
The top of the Presidio Tunnel offers green space on a six-lane highway. Opening in 2022, the 14-acre parks connect the former military base's main post to the Crissy Field Promenade and offer some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge (you can also reserve one of the picnic tables that offer the best views for an unforgettable time ). experience ). There are also many recreational and learning opportunities, such as weekend campfire discussions led by National Park Service rangers.
Read More: Celebrities Making a Difference in San Francisco's Communities
4. See art that pushes boundaries.
Of course, you'll find plenty of places to see art in this wildly creative city, but the San Francisco Institute of Contemporary Art is different: there's an organization -profit, non-collecting organization. and a collection “dedicated to experimentation”. It is the antidote to artistic needs. The works here range from photography, textiles, video and mixed media, and with free entry you don't have to pay anything to see them.
5. Be proud of Castro.
El Castro is one of the most emblematic neighborhoods. As one of the first predominantly gay neighborhoods in the country, it has become a symbol of hope for the LGBTQ+ community. The neighborhood remains a lively place for visitors and is still home to the famous Castro Theater and the GLBT Historical Society Museum, as well as the Pink Triangle Memorial Park, a place dedicated to remembering the gay men who died during World War II. afterwards.
6. Do anything but drive on JFK Parkway.
Before 2022, JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park was closed to cars only on weekends. San Francisco voters then decided to make the street permanently pedestrian-only. Now you can walk, bike, skate or hike as you please without worrying about traffic. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy art installations, chairs set up for relaxation and public pianos.
7. Travel by cable car.
San Francisco is a city famous for its hills. Unless you want to do a lot of leg exercise, it may be useful to travel using public transport. The city's famous cable car system, an attraction in itself, has been transporting people around the city since 1873. Cable cars continue to be a great form of transportation and a super Instagrammable experience that you should definitely try. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks throughout the city and cost US$8 one way.
Read Also: Foodie-Approved San Francisco Food Tours for 2024
8. Ferry to Alcatraz.
Visiting a prison might not seem like a typical vacation activity, but Alcatraz isn't just any prison. The long-closed prison on the island of the same name in the middle of San Francisco Bay housed some of the country's most notorious criminals (some of whom attempted to escape by swimming in treacherous waters). The prison is so famous that it has appeared on the big screen in films such as Birdman of Alcatraz and The Rock. Anyone can take the ferry to the island, now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, to visit the prison and learn about its fascinating history.
9. Visit the oldest Chinatown in North America.
San Francisco's Chinatown, marked by the Dragon Gate between Grant Avenue and Bush Street, is the oldest in North America. The neighborhood covers 30 square meters and is a small and lively metropolis. Stop to browse the shops, indulge in sophisticated dim sum or traditional porridge, savor boba, or purchase a green tea-flavored fortune cookie at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.
10. Watch the Giants play at Oracle Park.
Cheering for your home team in San Francisco means rooting for the Giants at Oracle Park. Baseball fans may want to sit by the hundreds near the field, but the upper deck of this waterfront stadium offers stunning views of the bay. Seriously, this is where sitting with a nosebleed can really pay off. Just bring a glove and be prepared to catch a foul ball (or a home run) if necessary.
