San Francisco is home to a little bit of everything! located in Northern California San Francisco is best known for its yearly fog, hilly streets, colorful homes, cable cars and its iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
One of my favorite things about San Fran is that its a BIG city in terms of having lots of fun things to see and do, geographically the city itself is quite small which gives visitors the prefect opportunity to explore in a short period of time.
Looking for things to do in San Fran? Don’t miss my Top 10 Highlights when visiting San Francisco!
Drive the Golden Gate Bridge
Said to be one of the most photographed bridges in the world, this majestic bridge is certainly San Frans most iconic attraction.
I recommend hiring a convertible, popin’ the roof and go for a drive. The views from the bridge and nearby parks are just amazing!
Take a stroll down Lombard Street
Lombard street is easily recognized as one of San Frans most famous landmarks. This one block stretch has 8 tight turns making it the most crookedest street there is.
Snap a photo at the Painted Ladies
Known as the best looking ladies in San Francisco! These 1960’s houses are a row of colorful Victorian and Edwardian homes located right across from Alamo Square.
You might recognized these beauties from the opening credits from the hit TV show “Full House”
Interesting Facts about the Painted Ladies
They were made famous by the colorist movement in the 1970’s Alice Walker (author of the book “The Color Purple”) who once lived in one of the houses.
The term “Painted Ladies” is not only special to the beautiful houses in San Fran but refers to any set of Victorian or Edwardian homes that are painted in bright colors.
Read your fortune in Chinatown
Make your way through the maze of ally ways and streets of San Frans bustling Chinatown. Known as North Americas oldest Chinatown here you will find all sorts of traditional Asian eateries, gift shops and more.
Make sure stop in at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory this tiny little factory has been making thousands of fortune cookies for years. The ladies who work there even fold and fill them by hand.
Admire the murals in the Mission District
This neighborhood is all about the diverse art and bold color! Take a walking tour of the Mission District and admire some of the best painted pieces San Fran has to offer.
Here you will find of 1000 different types of art murals that light up the alley ways.
Take a night tour of Alcatraz Prison
Hop aboard a ferry and make your way to the eerie prison of Alcatraz.
A night tour of the island is defiantly the way to go, learn all about America’s most difficult and dangerous felons during its time of operation.
The notorious gangster Al “Scarface” Capone among others served time at the federal prison on Alcatraz Island.
Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf
With Fisherman’s Wharf also being the home to Pier 39 here you will find everything from live music, beached sea lions, street performers, all the seafood you can eat and more.
This popular main area is great for visitors, you can even catch tours out to Alcatraz Island right from the pier.
The barking Sea Lions ‘hanging out’ are certainly one of the piers many fun attractions to see.
Hop aboard a Cable Car
If there’s one thing you need to do in San Fran its defiantly ride on a cable car. No experience is more unique than riding a moving historic monument.
There are 3 different lines you can catch, the Powell-Manson, Powell-Hyde and California Street line. The Powell-Hyde line is without doubt the most scenic line, traveling past Russian Hill, Greenwich and Lombard Street.
The Powell-Manson Line stops along Mason street just two blocks west of Chinatown. This is the oldest cable car line out of the 3 following the same route since it opened in 1888.
Eat Everything!
When I heard that San Fran was famous for its large variety in food trends I couldn’t help but get a little excited.
I was eager to try everything, a few of my recommendations include Mr Holmes Bakehouse, Iza Ramen, Swan Oyster Depot, Swensen’s Ice Cream Store and Pier Market.
Be sure to check out Blue Bottle Cafe they do great coffee and baked goods for those on-the-go mornings!
Admire the city views
I couldn’t get over how beautiful the homes were in San Francisco, every place was different and unique. The architecture is just amazing.
My favorite part of our whole trip was definitely riding on electric scooters up and down the streets, and admiring the pretty homes – Highly Recommend!
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