The 20 Best Attractions in San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco's defining symbol, a 1.7-mile Art Deco suspension bridge painted international orange that spans the strait between the city and Marin. You can walk or bike across free of charge and stop at viewpoints like the Welcome Center, Battery Spencer or Crissy Field for the classic shot. It is famously foggy and windy even in summer, so bring a warm layer and check conditions before planning a clear photo.

A historic 1898 San Francisco landmark with a 245-foot clock tower, now a vibrant marketplace filled with artisan food vendors, local shops, and waterfront views of the Bay Bridge. Come for the Saturday farmers market, fresh oysters, artisan bread, and small-batch ice cream, or take a ferry to nearby destinations like Sausalito or Treasure Island. Note that ferry terminals can be disorganized, so allow extra time if you're catching a boat.

Twin Peaks are two nearly 925-foot hills near the geographic center of San Francisco, offering the city's best free 360-degree panorama across downtown, the bay and both bridges. A short walk from the parking area or a steeper trail reaches the summits, and it is a classic sunset and night-view spot. It is exposed, windy and often socked in by fog, so check the forecast and bring a jacket even on warm days.

The Palace of Fine Arts is a monumental Beaux-Arts rotunda and colonnade built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition and reconstructed to last, set beside a tranquil swan-filled lagoon in the Marina. It is free to wander and one of the city's most photographed and wedding-popular spots, especially in soft morning light. There is little to do beyond stroll and photograph, since the adjacent theater and former Exploratorium space are not always open to the public.

Alcatraz Island housed the notorious federal penitentiary that held Al Capone and the Birdman, and today its cellhouse audio tour, narrated by former guards and inmates, is one of the best in the country. Ferries depart from Pier 33 and the visit combines eerie prison history with unexpectedly beautiful gardens and skyline views. Tickets routinely sell out weeks ahead and only the official Alcatraz City Cruises is legitimate, so book early and beware resellers.

Muir Woods is a stunning old-growth redwood forest with well-maintained trails ranging from easy 2-mile loops to challenging 600-foot elevation hikes. The peaceful, scenic setting is ideal for a few hours of nature exploration, with a cafe and gift shop on-site. Book parking and tickets in advance—the lot fills up quickly, especially midday, and you'll need a reservation to visit.

The Painted Ladies are a row of iconic Victorian houses in San Francisco, famous for their colorful facades and stunning views against the city skyline. Head to Alamo Square Park in front of them to sit on the grass, take photos, and admire the architectural details of each uniquely styled home, especially at sunset. Note that this is primarily a photo spot and outdoor viewing area rather than an indoor attraction with amenities.

The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park is a thoughtfully curated art museum with strong collections of American, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and European art—including works by O'Keeffe, Kahlo, and Rivera. Don't miss the free observation deck on the top floor for city views, and plan several hours to explore the galleries, textiles, ceramics, and rotating exhibitions. Note that the collection may not be exhaustive at any given time due to ongoing curatorial rotation.

The Exploratorium is a world-class interactive science museum on the San Francisco waterfront (Pier 15) with hundreds of hands-on exhibits covering biology, physics, and innovative scientific concepts. Plan to spend at least 5+ hours exploring, and arrive early since there's genuinely too much to see in one visit. The main caveat: it's extremely popular and can get crowded, especially on weekends and school days.

A free, gorgeous 163-step mosaic staircase in the quiet Golden Gate Heights neighborhood. Locals funded and built it, so treat it with respect: come in daylight, keep the volume down, and climb to the top of nearby Grand View Park for the payoff panorama.

Coit Tower is a 210-foot Art Deco column atop Telegraph Hill, funded by an eccentric heiress and famous for its 1930s WPA murals depicting California life at the ground floor, which are free to view. A paid elevator carries you to the top for a 360-degree panorama over the bay, both bridges and the city. Parking on the hill is very limited and often gridlocked, so many walk up the scenic Filbert or Greenwich Steps instead.

Lombard Street's one-block stretch on Russian Hill is billed as the crookedest street in the world, with eight tight switchbacks descending a steep slope lined with flower beds. It is free to walk down the pedestrian stairs or drive the curves, and the view toward Coit Tower and the bay is lovely. It is extremely touristy and the driving queue can back up for a long time, so walking is usually the better experience, and remember it is a real residential street.

A remarkably preserved Civil War-era brick fort sitting directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, offering one of the most dramatic architectural juxtapositions in America. Rangers lead free tours through the casemates and cannon rooms, and the view looking straight up at the bridge's underside is unforgettable. The site has limited hours (Friday–Sunday typically) so check the NPS website before visiting.

A world-class fine art museum in a stunning neoclassical building modeled after Paris's Palais de la Legion d'Honneur, featuring an enormous collection of European paintings, ancient art, and rotating exhibitions across spacious, well-lit galleries. The exterior grounds and architecture—with marble columns, bay views, and Rodin's The Thinker—are as much a draw as the art inside, making it exceptional for photography. Plan your visit for early morning or just before closing to avoid midday crowds and get the best light.

A small, free museum housed in San Francisco's working cable car maintenance facility, where you can see the massive engines and machinery that power the city's famous cable car system. Walk through to observe the cables in motion for all four active lines and learn the engineering history behind this iconic landmark. The museum is run by a dedicated non-profit, so donations are appreciated to support their work.

Lands End Lookout is a free coastal attraction at the northwestern edge of San Francisco offering dramatic Pacific Ocean views, rugged cliffs, and access to the scenic Lands End Trail that stretches toward the Golden Gate Bridge. Visit for sunset, a peaceful walk, or a few hours of hiking through well-maintained trails; grab coffee or snacks at the on-site shop. Parking can be tight, though there is a free lot—arrive early or be patient for a spot.

Crissy Field is a scenic waterfront park in San Francisco offering walking trails, beaches, and expansive views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's ideal for dog walking (with off-leash beach areas), biking, running, picnicking, and kite flying, with recent renovations making it more accessible and family-friendly. Note that restrooms can have 10-15 minute waits on nice days, and parking requires payment between 8am-6pm.

Sutro Baths is a scenic oceanside ruin of a historic public swimming pool where you can explore the remains of the bathhouse, walk through caves, and watch waves crash against rocks. It's excellent for hiking, photography, and sunset viewing with free parking and public restrooms available. Be prepared for wind, slippery rocks, and darkness at night—bring a flashlight and avoid visiting alone after dark.

A world-class natural history and science museum in Golden Gate Park housing an aquarium, four-story rainforest dome with free-flying birds and butterflies, planetarium, penguin exhibits, and extensive natural history collections. Spend 3-4 hours exploring interactive displays, live animal shows, and gem exhibits—the planetarium is included with admission. It's pricey at around $49/person and gets very crowded, so arrive early if you're sensitive to noise and crowds.

A steep hilltop park in Russian Hill with panoramic views of the Bay Bridge, Transamerica Pyramid, Coit Tower, and downtown San Francisco. The small green space features trumpet trees, hummingbirds, colorful flowers, and benches for taking in the scenery. Be prepared: it's a serious climb with 130+ steps and significant elevation gain, making it inaccessible for people with mobility challenges.