Explore the most popular things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco is the main entertainment, dining, commercial, and financial center in the northern area of California. You can explore various kinds of interesting cultural, historical, culinary, shopping, and entertainment attractions. Many tourist attractions in San Francisco are child-friendly, so they are suitable for families. Explore San Francisco from the exciting attractions below!

1. Golden Gate Bridge

You may have seen this giant red bridge on San Francsico postcards or even from scenes in famous films. Well, when you visit San Francisco, of course, you must see its splendor firsthand! For both locals and tourists, this place is one of the favorite Instagramable spots. Apart from being located above clear blue sea water, sometimes there can also be fog that makes this bridge appear floating above the clouds.

2. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is an island in San Francisco Bay that was once a prison. Not just an ordinary prison, but one of the most famous prisons because it had hosted many famous criminals in the United States. For example, Al Capone. The prison only operated until 1963 before reopening in 1973, but this time as a tourist attraction in San Francisco. You can reach this island by ferry and the travel time is not too long.

3. Muir Woods National Monument

Want to take a trip to a more leafy area and take a break from the city center? You can go to the Muir Woods National Monument, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. As the name suggests, this place is filled with redwood trees, the air is cool, and sometimes there is also fog. Apart from the beautiful scenery, you can refresh yourself while taking a leisurely walk here.

4. California Street Cable Car

The Street Cable Car in San Francisco is the last manually operated cable car system in the world. So, of course, you should give this activity a try while in San Francisco because you won't find it anywhere else. In addition to unforgettable, unique moments, you can also go around and see the sights of the city center without getting tired.

5. San Francisco Cable Car Museum

If you are looking for a tourist spot that is cheap but still interesting, you can go to the San Francisco Cable Car Museum, where admission is free. As the name implies, this place will invite you to explore the history and workings of the cable car in this city. You can see a collection of cable cars that operate first and visit the cable car powerhouse that drives the cable car.

6. California Academy of Sciences

This place is one of the coolest and must-visit children's attractions in the city. As the name implies, this place is a fun and complete educational tourist location. There is an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and also a natural history museum. Kids can see a collection of cool marine life, animals, galaxy replicas, and science exhibits, such as dinosaur fossils and an earthquake simulator.

7. Aquarium of the Bay

Located at the end of Pier 39, this place focuses on showing off the various marine life that lives in the San Francisco area and its surroundings. You and your family can learn more interactively about the marine and freshwater animals that make San Francisco their home.

8. Union Square

You can go straight to Union Square for those of you looking for entertainment, shopping, and culinary centers! This public plaza has a full range of shops, from fashion shops, art galleries, gift shops, cool local restaurants and cafes, hotels, and even a performance theater! This place is truly an all in one tourist location!

9. Children's Creativity Museum

As the name implies, the Children's Creativity Museum is an educational and attractive tourist location to hone children's creativity. Those aged 2 to 12 can take a look at the exhibitions or participate in exciting workshops that are taking place here. Starting from art projects, programming robots, music video production, to stop motion animation!

10. Golden Gate Park

This leafy and beautiful park is often referred to as the heart of San Francisco. And this is certainly not without reason. In the middle of a busy and bustling city, a large garden houses a wide variety of plants and plants and houses an aquarium and museum. Apart from taking a leisurely walk while enjoying the fresh air, you can also take pictures here.

11. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Despite being closed for renovations for years, the museum finally reopened in 2016 with a look that was worth it all that time! The museum now has ten floors and adds thousands of new collections. The exhibition options also change to add to the coolness of this place. For visitors aged 18 years and under, admission is free!

12. Napa Valley

Napa Valley is not located in downtown San Francisco, and it takes you about 1.5 hours to reach this place. However, this winery is one of the favorite tourist attractions that are so beautiful that it is often combined with a tourist itinerary in San Francisco. Apart from sightseeing and sightseeing in the vineyards, you can also stay at a luxury resort, indulge in a quality spa massage, or eat delicious food at a classy restaurant.

13. The Walt Disney Family Museum

As the name implies, this one museum is dedicated to Walt Disney. You can see exhibits that depict the life story and career journey of Walt Disney interactively and interestingly. There is also a gift shop and coffee shop that you can visit after exploring the museum.

14. Pier 39

No, you're not here to take a boat or ferry but to shop and try fun activities at tourist attractions. The name Pier 39 is taken from its location, which is in a pier in San Francisco. There are shops for shopping, video arcades to play with, 3D rides, Aquarium of the Bay, and even street performances.

15. The Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies is not a painting but a residential complex that still uses Victorian and Edwardian architecture. The houses have been repainted using pretty, light colors, so this line looks pretty and instagramable. After taking pictures and learning about its historical value, you can continue your trip to a nearby park.

16. San Francisco Zoo

This 100-hectare zoo houses more than 1,000 animals representing approximately 250 different species. You can see flamingos, penguins, peacocks, parrot, and many more. Apart from that, another attraction of this place is Koko, the gorilla's birth location. It is also home to Elly, the oldest black rhino in North America.

17. The Palace Of Fine Arts

This building is the only thing left from the Panama Pacific Exposition in 1915. It now displays a vast collection of works of art. In addition, The Palace of Fine Arts is also a frequent location for performing arts. Capable of accommodating approximately 1,000 visitors, it's no wonder that this place is often a significant tourist location in San Francisco. You can also take pictures in the beautiful outdoor area, and it even looks like a painting.

18. Legion of Honor

This museum is actually a gift from socialite and patron of arts Alma de Bretteville Spreckels. Because he loves everything related to Paris, this museum was designed as a replica of the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris. However, not only the exterior, but you can also see and admire the collection of artworks inside, including paintings, sculptures, and antiques from around the world.

19. The San Francisco Dungeon

Want to go on a trip to a haunted house with your friends but are tired of the ordinary? You can go to The San Francisco Dungeon! It's the same concept as an ordinary haunted house with creepy decorations and professional actors. However, instead of the usual ghost characters, who will 'terrorize you' are characters from dark and dangerous stories throughout San Francisco history. You can get your adrenaline pumped and learn the city's history differently!

20. Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks are two uninhabited hills in San Francisco that have their own uniqueness. These two hills are not the highest in the city or the country, but they do offer a city view from one of the best spots. You can drive to the top and enjoy the scenery with your loved ones because access is easy and there are no buildings here.

21. Ferry Building Marketplace

Do you want an unforgettable culinary tour in San Francisco? Just head to the Ferry Building Marketplace! There are plenty of places to eat, from street stalls to small and large restaurants and grocery stores. You can taste all kinds of local culinary delights or buy them as souvenirs just by visiting this one place. To avoid crowds and long queues, it's best not to visit on weekends.

22. Lombard Street

This street is arguably the most unique in San Francisco. Lombard Street is famous for its steep blocks and paths that have sharp turns. One of its paths is even called the 'world's crooked road'. You can drive here to cross this unique path. However, even if you don't have a vehicle to drive here, you can still visit. One of the main activities of tourists is taking pictures.

23. Angel Island

This island is the second-largest island in the Bay of San Francisco. Angel Island is suitable for those who want to take a break from the city's hustle and bustle. The island is not too crowded because it is only inhabited by about 60 people permanently. Here, you can take an open-air tram, try a Segway tour, or dine together at restaurants and cafes. Just take a ferry for a few minutes to reach the island.

24. Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is the location of one of San Francisco's most famous waterfront communities. The main and favorite activity of tourists here is culinary tours. There are plenty of outdoor restaurants serving fresh and delicious Dungeness crab and other seafood. Apart from that, you can also book tour packages to explore this place, from walking tours, boats to Segway tours.

25. Chinatown

Most cities in the world have only 1 Chinatown, but San Francisco has up to four! The largest was on Grant Avenue and even contained a hospital and many open parks. You don't only learn about culture, but you can also shop, and of course, eat delicious Chinese food.

26. Baker Beach

For those of you who want to take a leisurely walk while enjoying a sunny day with beautiful sea views, you can go to Baker Beach. This place is one of the favorite destinations for local residents who want to walk in the city. Another attraction is that you can take pictures with the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge as your background.

27. Coit Tower

The Coit Memorial Tower is dedicated to volunteer firefighters who sacrificed their lives during the city's five major fires. Built in 1932-33, this tower still stands firmly to this day and has even become one of the favorite historical tourist spots. If you climb to the top, you will get access to city views from the best spots. Before reaching the top, you can also explore the interior, full of cool mural art.

28. Asian Art Museum

As the name implies, this one museum exhibits various collections of Asian art. With more than 18,000 collections of items on display, this museum, including one of the museums with the largest and most comprehensive art collection from Asia in the world. There is also a collection of items that are more than 6,000 years old, you know!

29. Yerba Buena Gardens

This park is one of the best urban parks in the United States. With a large area and complete facilities, such as restaurants, cafes, open parks, museums, and theaters, it's no wonder that this place is a favorite of local and foreign tourists. Another major attraction is a memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which you should visit.

30. Madame Tussauds San Francisco

Like other Madame Tussauds worldwide, this one in San Francisco also has many wax figures of your favorite idols. Call it Marilyn Monroe, Stephen Currey, Barack Obama, to Jimi Hendrix. Prepare your best pose to take a photo with them, yes! And for those of you who want to get your adrenaline pumping, you can also try Alcatraz: The Breakout Escape Room. As the name implies, this escape room has been designed to resemble an Alcatraz prison with additional brain-racking games and puzzles for you and your friends!