Things to do in San Francisco

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All about San Francisco

When to visit

San Francisco has virtually constant pleasant weather. Spring and summer are the best times to visit parks like Yerba Buena Gardens, or see a baseball game at Oracle Park. The Cherry Blossom Festival is a family-friendly event held over two weekends in April. And in the summer, Golden Gate Park hosts major music festivals. No matter the season, the fog rolls in at night. The city’s top attractions, such as Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, and Pier 39, are open year-round.

Getting around

The MUNI bus and light rail system can get you all around the city from Chinatown to Ocean Beach. For straight-line trips near the city center and East and South Bay journeys, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) trains will do. Bike rentals, ferries, and ride-sharing services are solid options. And the city’s famous cable cars are ideal for reaching North Beach, Pier 39, and Union Square. To visit Wine Country, driving or guided tours make the most sense.

Traveler tips

Travelers interested in exploring off-the-beaten-path should visit San Francisco’s tiled staircases. The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are the most popular of the bunch. Follow their 163 steps to Grand View Park in the Sunset District—a residential neighborhood on the west side below Golden Gate Park. Overall, San Francisco has enough staircases for days of urban hiking. Others to see include the Cascade Walk, Quintara Steps, Mandalay Steps, Moraga Stairs, and the Hidden Garden Steps.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is San Francisco city known for?

California’s 4th-largest city, San Francisco is known for its steep hills. It’s also famed for attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and Alcatraz Island. Many believe it’s one of the prettiest cities in North America. The city also has a thriving gourmet food scene and is an urban hub for innovative tech companies.

What is the best thing about San Francisco?

Depending on who you ask, the best things to do in San Francisco may be its diverse cultural attractions, miles of scenic shoreline, farm-to-table food scene, or vibrant neighborhoods like Haight Ashbury. Others love the urban parks and proximity to nature havens like Muir Woods, beaches, and the Marin Headlands.

Is San Francisco worth visiting?

Yes. San Francisco boasts a scenic setting, foodie destinations like the Ferry Building marketplace, and cultural highlights like the Palace of Fine Arts. The city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate. Visitors can experience museums, beaches, urban hikes, and world-class dining all in one day.

What is the most visited place in San Francisco?

Pier 39 is the most-visited place in San Francisco. This family-friendly pier on Fisherman’s Wharf features souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and the Aquarium of the Bay. It’s also a departure point for boat tours to Alcatraz Island. Don’t miss its noisy colony of California sea lions.

Is it safe in San Francisco?

Vehicle break-ins and property theft are the most commonly reported crimes in San Francisco. Drug use, traffic accidents, and violent crime are also concerns. Visitors can stay safe by remaining aware of their surroundings and never leaving valuables inside their car.

What can you do in San Francisco?

The most popular things to do in San Francisco include Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco Bay cruises. Visitors come to explore Fisherman’s Wharf or tour museums like the California Academy of Sciences. Walking around neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach, Nob Hill, and the Mission District is also a great way to explore San Francisco.

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