Top 10 things to do in San Francisco
It’s hard to believe that Dave and I have lived in San Francisco for nearly two years (edited to add, it’s been more than five years now). In case you’re new to A Lady Goes West, we moved here from Orlando, Florida in the fall of 2012, just a few months after getting married.
Our lives have changed significantly. And although I miss my family and friends in the Sunshine State, I love so many things about living in this amazing city. I had always wanted to have a true city experience, and San Francisco has certainly fulfilled that for me.
Whenever visitors come, I make very detailed itineraries ahead of time for each day that we’ll have together. And over the past few months, I’ve received several questions from people wondering what to do during their trip.
Clearly, it’s time to draft up some official recommendations.
“Everybody’s Favorite City” offers endless fun and memorable recreation, but there are a few activities that are must do in my book, and these are mostly in the city proper.
Top 10 things to do in San Francisco
I hope you enjoy …
(And yes, I’ve done them all!)
Check out these 10 activities you should do when you visit #SanFrancisco ... Click To TweetQuestions of the day
Do you have a number one recommendation for something to do in your own city?
Have you ever been to San Francisco? What did you do here?
I have never been to the west side of the country. I hope someday I will make it to Cali!
Hi Megan! The West Coast is so different from the East. And even within California there are many diverse areas, people think of Northern and Southern California as separate worlds! You’ve got to make the trip!
I love this! I have been to San Fran a few times, but I would love to go back with Scott and check some more things off of my list. I loved Top of the Mark and their (expensive, but delicious) cocktails!
Unfortunately everything is expensive here, but we deal with it because it’s so fun! Hope you get to come back some time!
We went to SF last March and I seriously fell in love with it. I think I loved Sausalito the most and of course the GG Bridge! You’re so lucky to be able to live there!
Everyone loves SF! And Sausalito is beautiful there. Hope you get to visit again.
I would definitely add Pier 39 to yhe list as well! Also eat some soup at Boudin. It’s the tourist thing to do! 😉
I always bring our visitors to the Golden Gate Bridge. I think it’s a must do even on a really foggy day! 🙂
Love the GG Bridge. It can be a little too busy for running, but biking and walking is always fun. Thanks for stopping by!
I LOVE San Fran, but there’s still several things I want to do. Both times I’ve been, they’ve only been one day trips, so there wasn’t nearly enough time to truly experience all of what the city has to offer. I’d love to take a several day vacation there with Cody sometime. Thanks for the list! Do you live in the heart of the city or on the outskirts?
I’m in the heart of the city in Nob Hill. I love city living! You’ve got to come back for longer.
Love this list! I completely agree with your picks; I usually do these things with visiting friends too 🙂 I also love taking people on the ferry to Tiburon for a day at Sam’s — highly recommend if you haven’t been!
Yes, I love Sam’s. In fact, we biked there once before. Tiburon is pretty. Thanks for reading!
This post has come at a perfect time! I’m thinking of moving to SF in the fall (no job, no friends- just need a big life change) and will definitely have to tackle this list!
Hi Allie! That’s so great you are considering SF. Where are you living now? SF is a wonderful place to be!
I was in San Fran for about 30 hours. We stayed near Union Square and went shopping. We also went to Alcatraz and Angel Island.
In my hometown, we have a fully restored lovely Victorian home that is one of my favorite things to see. The house was left completely intact and everything was left in it. It’s so beautiful.
Glad you’ve seen some of SF. There are tons of Victorian homes here too!
Hi Ashley-I love your blog as it keeps me in touch with my fav city! I live in Sarasota but dream of moving to San Fran soon. I agree with your list my all time favorite is the Ferry plaza farmers market so much wonderful produce!
Hi Nicole! I’ve been all through Sarasota so many times. In fact, I love shopping at the Dillards at Southgate Mall. My parents live just an hour away from Sarasota. Thanks for reading and commenting, and I’ll be sure to keep posting pictures of your favorite city. Hope you make it back out soon!
It’s nice post. Thanks for sharing. I suggest some things to do in San Francisco like Union Square : If you have come to San Francisco specifically for shopping, then this is the place to do your shopping.
Far East Flea Market: Perfect for shoppers on a budget,
Also I suggest to enjoy their festivals & events like Gay Pride Parade, North Beach Festival, Chocolate Festival in September, Jazz Festival, Mill Valley Film Festival, Castro Street Fair, Fleet Week San Francisco, San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade and Festival, Potrero Hill Festival, Treasure Island Music Festival, American Indian Film Festival, Film Festival South Asian Film Festival : Bollywood and Beyond, San Francisco Green Festival, San Francisco World Music Festival, San Francisco Hip-Hop Dance Festival, The Great Dickens Christmas Fair.
Hi Ashley, welcome to SF! People watching at Dolores Park. There are also amazing views of the city atop Bernal Heights Park. For a more local farmers’ market, check out the Alemany Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Already posted these to your FB post. 🙂
Thanks for the tips! I’ve done some good people watching at Dolores Park, but it was a little too crowded for my liking. Which neighborhood do you call home?
Twin Peaks and Ocean Beach were my absolute favorites places to go when I first had the freedom of driving as a teenager. I haven’t been to either since moving back, but I definitely will. I’ve been hearing great things about Top of the Mark, so need to get over there soon!
Catherine
There’s just so much to do here!