The Ultimate San Francisco Bucket List

Explore the best of San Francisco—from Alcatraz to artisan bakeries. Here’s your ultimate guide to iconic sights, local eats, and hidden gems.

Published On Jul 31, 2025 | Updated On Jul 31, 2025

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Many people think San Francisco is the greatest city on Earth!  Everyone should make it a point to visit this city in the US; in our opinion, it's the most picturesque, and there are so many things to do in San Francisco! It's a lively metropolis with many different viewpoints, interesting neighbourhoods, and lovely parks and plazas. Visiting the City by the Bay is never boring. Although San Francisco is most known for its major attractions—the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and Alcatraz—the city also has several lesser-known but no less spectacular attractions. These San Francisco attractions range from exploring hidden parks to dining at amazing cafés and eateries.

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Visiting one of San Francisco's many excellent museums is a popular pastime among the city's inhabitants. Among our favourite museums are the California Academy of Sciences, MOMA, and the de Young. Located in the middle of downtown, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOMA) is the place to go if you're a fan of contemporary art. Our go-to for more classic works and jaw-dropping exhibits is the de Young Museum; they recently hosted Calder and Picasso, among others. Those with an appreciation for the natural world will enjoy a visit to the California Academy of Sciences. Truly, this is one of the top things to do in San Francisco!

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Any traveller planning a trip to California must make time to see the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Battery Spencer in Marin Headlands offers a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Expect a bustling crowd of tourists, especially on weekends and around sunset. We suggest going to Battery Spencer first thing in the morning if you're looking for a serene way to take in the scenery. If fog rolls in, go to Hawk Hill instead of the bridge. Its location on a hilltop increases the likelihood of sunshine. Even trusted by locals, this is one of the best things to do in San Francisco!

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Okay, this is a must-include in your list of best things to do in San Francisco! To get to Fisherman's Wharf, use a cable car. Both visitors and residents enjoy it, making it a popular spot in the city. It's understandable. Besides sea lions, the piers are teeming with restaurants, shops, and attractions. When planning a family vacation to San Francisco, don't forget to include Fisherman's Wharf. At Pier 39, sea lions swim in and out of the water and bask in the sun. It's a pleasant and free activity to observe. Additionally, boats departing from Fisherman's Wharf may take visitors to Alcatraz Island. Al Capone and other notorious American criminals spent 30 years behind bars in The Rock. To go even further into this peculiar period of American history, you may choose between guided excursions, self-directed audio tours. Admission to Alcatraz Island must be purchased in advance. Furthermore, act fast since they will sell out. The island, including the brief boat voyage, will need at least two or three hours of your time. The ticket price already includes the ferry ride.

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Several vantage points overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge are available along the Lands End hike, making it one of the top things to do in San Francisco! There is a large, free parking lot near Sutro Baths where you may leave your vehicle, and the trail continues to the Golden Gate leisure area. Stunning ocean views await you at Point Lobos, which you can reach after exploring Sutro Baths by hiking through a little woodland. Then, keep going along the coastal route; it's flat and forested. Starting from Mile Rock Beach on the route to Eagles Point, hikers may continue along the same path to Baker Beach, Marshall Beach, or even the Golden Gate Bridge. 

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Incorporate a stop in the Mission District in your personalised San Francisco food tour! If you're here in the morning, check out a local café for a tasty meal. If you're visiting first thing in the morning, be on the lookout for one of the local cafes. Try Tartine Bakery's sit-down service for a heartier meal. However, the bakery's selections are sure to satisfy your hunger as you make your way to the next location. Bread, pastries, cakes, and tarts make up the delicious menu. Freshly crafted with various flavours, including vegan and gluten-free alternatives, it's not inexpensive, but it's worth it.

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Among San Francisco's beaches, Baker Beach is by far the most photographed and visited. Famous for its breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, it is a popular destination for both residents and visitors. The sandy shoreline, rocky coastline, and picturesque scenery make this beach famous. On warm days, it may become rather busy since residents enjoy spending their leisure time there. Picnics and picture ops don't hurt either. Go to Baker Beach in the afternoon, bring a blanket and refreshments, and watch the sun go down for the most spectacular experience.


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