Things to do in San Francisco
July mornings are famously foggy ('Karl the Fog') — plan Golden Gate Bridge and viewpoints for late morning to afternoon when it typically burns off. Bring layers; July averages 55–67°F.
Best months: September, October, May, June
Finished plans for San Francisco
Complete day-by-day itineraries, free to read with no account.
What is worth your time in San Francisco
Golden Gate BridgeDo not miss
The world's most photographed bridge — walk the east sidewalk for bay views or shoot it from Battery Spencer and Crissy Field.
Landmark · 1.5 hr4.8
Golden Gate ParkDo not miss
1,017 acres of gardens, lakes, and museums — bigger than Central Park; rent a bike or focus on the eastern museum quarter.
Park · 3 hr4.8
Palace Of Fine ArtsDo not miss
A 1915 Greco-Roman rotunda reflected in a swan lagoon — the most romantic photo spot in the city, and free.
Architecture · 45 min4.8
Alcatraz IslandDo not miss
The legendary island prison — the award-winning audio tour narrated by former guards and inmates is among the best in the world.
Historic Site · 3 hr4.7
Twin PeaksDo not miss
The highest accessible point in the city — a sweeping 180° panorama down Market Street to the bay; magical at sunset.
Viewpoint · 45 min4.7
Coit TowerDo not miss
Art Deco tower atop Telegraph Hill with 360° city views and Depression-era WPA murals — climb up via the hidden Filbert Steps.
Viewpoint · 1 hr4.6
Ferry Building MarketplaceDo not miss
The 1898 ferry terminal turned artisan food hall — oysters, Acme bread, Blue Bottle coffee, and a farmers market Tue/Thu/Sat.
Market · 1.3 hr4.6
Lombard StreetDo not miss
The 'crookedest street in the world' — eight hairpin turns down a flower-lined brick hill; best viewed from the bottom on Leavenworth.
Landmark · 30 min4.6
Pier 39Do not miss
Sea lions barking on the K-Dock, street performers, and front-row views of Alcatraz — touristy but genuinely fun.
Activity · 1.1 hr4.6
Powell-Hyde Cable CarDo not miss
The last manually operated cable car system on earth — the Powell-Hyde line crests Russian Hill with Alcatraz dead ahead.
Cultural Experience · 38 min
Presidio Tunnel Tops
14 new acres of parkland built over the highway tunnels -- lawns and overlooks aimed straight at the Golden Gate Bridge.
Park · 1.3 hr4.9
Fort Point National Historic Site
Civil War-era brick fortress directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge — the most dramatic underside view of the span; free.
Historic Site · 1 hr4.8
Legion of Honor
Neoclassical museum above Lands End with Rodin's Thinker in the courtyard and European masters inside.
Museum · 2 hr4.8
Muir Woods National Monument
Cathedral-quiet old-growth redwoods 40 minutes north -- reserve parking ahead, go early.
Day Trip · 3.3 hr4.8
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Muni day pass $5 via MuniMobile app — buses, light rail, and historic streetcars.
- Cable cars are $8/ride — ride once for the experience, use Muni otherwise.
- Book Alcatraz tickets 2–4 weeks ahead — they sell out, especially summer.
- Hills are serious: check elevation before deciding to walk a route.
- Never leave anything visible in a parked car.