San Francisco has always been a dream city for me to visit – it’s such an iconic destination featured in so many films and TV shows.
So when I finally visited, I wanted to experience all the must-do San Francisco essentials (plus a few hidden gems and locally recommended spots).
Here’s the list of everything we did on our first-timer itinerary to San Francisco (including some restaurants I recommend and souvenirs to take home)!
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Explore the Golden Gate Bridge from All Angles
We have to start with the most famous and quintessentially San Francisco landmark: the Golden Gate Bridge.
If you’ve never seen it with your own eyes – it is SO much more incredible than seeing it on TV.
It took my breath away – so cool to finally see it in person.
Especially from all the different viewpoints like:
- Battery Spencer
- Hawk Hill
- Baker Beach
- Battery East
- Tunnel Tops
- Top of Marshall’s Beach Parking lot
- Fort Point National Historic Site
Rent Bikes and Cruise Crissy Fields and the Presidio
My favorite way to spend a morning in San Francisco is to rent bikes to not only bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, but also along incredible parks and pathways like Crissy Fields and the Presidio.
Renting bikes is the move because then you can visit Battery Spencer for this iconic lookout and those postcard worthy views.
Pro tip: it’s a steep road to get up to Battery Spencer, so e-bikes are the way to go (there’s also minimal parking if you drive).
On our bikes we also explored the Presidio and the Tunnel Tops – this a massive park with trails, and viewpoints all over.
Here we found the life size Yoda statue at the LucasFilm offices.
On your bike, make sure to ride along Crissy Fields to the Fort Point National Historic Site viewpoint (there’s public washrooms here, too).
Tip: make a point to cruise by the Wave Organ!
It’s a water-activated sculpture built out of PVC pipes, granite, and stone from a demolished cemetery!
The sculpture creates music from the natural environment, and sounds best at high tide. This is a super unique piece of San Francisco art.
Palace of Fine Arts
Nearby is the Palace of Fine Arts, which was built 1915 for a world fair exhibition.
It’s absolutely stunning to see the towering columns and ancient Roman-style architecture.
This is such a lovely, calm area to explore. There are some trails you can walk, or if you love photography, this is one of the best spots for Instagram!
Take a City Tour in a Vintage VW Bus
On our first morning in San Francisco we took a 3-hour city tour in a vintage VW Bus!
Chad, our local guide took us to so many iconic viewpoints and hidden gem spots around the city.
He really shows you all the highlights – perfect for a first time visitor.
I highly recommend taking this tour on your first day if you’re going to be in the city for a few days or if you only have one day to visit!
Book the exact tour we took here.
Stunning Beaches
There are some great beaches in San Francisco, with Baker Beach and Marshall’s Beach being two of the most popular ones, especially at sunset. As you can see – stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Be aware: the north end of Baker Beach is clothing optional!
We also visited the parking lot at the top of Marshall’s beach to try and get another cool view of the bridge but alas – in classic San Francisco style, we were blessed by Karl (that’s the name of the Fog here). Honestly, can’t even be mad – I feel like if the fog doesn’t block your view of the bridge you didn’t really visit SF.
A little further south, there are incredible trails and hiking all over.
Land’s End is a great spot for rugged coastline views with the Sutro Baths being an interesting landmark to check out. The Sutro Baths are ruins of an old bath house from the 19th century.
Get Lost in All the Diverse and Eclectic Neighborhoods
One of the things I loved most about visiting San Francisco was all the different neighborhoods throughout the city.
Each has their own diverse pockets of architecture, parks, viewpoints and food!
Alamo Park for the Painted Ladies
Starting with the picture perfect Painted Ladies houses at Alamo Square.
Besides the orange bridge, this is probably one of the most famous landmarks in SF.
Still standing since they were built in the late 1800s – they’re pretty iconic, and also known as the Full House houses.
As an elementary-school aged kid in the 90s, I definitely had a bit of a fangirl moment here seeing them in person.
They really are beautiful and intricately designed.
Did you know? You can take a tour of the inside of one of the Painted Lady Houses in San Francisco!
Haight-Ashbury
The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood was the epicenter of the Summer of Love in the 1960s counterculture movement!
Stroll down Haight Street and through this fun area and browse vintage stores, thrift stores and record shops and let your inner hippie shine!
Recommended stops:
- Jimi Hendrix house
- Former residence of Janis Joplin
- The Grateful Dead house
- Cha Cha Cha for Tapas
- Magnolia Brewing
- Love on Haight for a tie dye souvenir
- Free Gold Watch (pinball games & arcade)
- Zam Zam – cool dive bar for drinks!
Photogenic Viewpoints
Coit Tower
Some other favorite spots to visit were Coit Tower up on telegraph hill for amazing views of the city.
Inside Tip: visit the Filbert Stairs and Greenwich Stairs on your way to or from Coit Tower for fun views (and keep an eye out for wild parrots)!
Transamerica Viewpoint of the City
Throughout the city there are so many steps and stairways that connect streets.
One of our favorites was on Montgomery Street for a cool shot of the Transamerica Pyramid Building.
Tank Hill
A true hidden gem though was Tank Hill – a short but steep staircase led to this amazing little viewpoint with 360 degree views of the city and the bay.
Twin Peaks is another park nearby for views like this, but Tank Hill was quiet and not busy at all.
Lombard Street
Lombard Street is another famous spot for photos in San Francisco.
It’s known as one of the crookedest streets in the world!
It’s definitely pretty wacky but I would say it’s worth seeing, especially if you can get there early in the morning or at a time when there’s not too many people around.
More Recommended Viewpoints & Photo Spots:
- Fillmore Street
- Lyon Street Steps
- Lincoln Park Steps
- Moringa Stairs
- Bernal Heights Park: has a swing overlooking the city
- Vallejo Steps (awesome views)
- Corona Heights Park – great alternative to Tank Hill for views
- The Mosaic Stairway (also called 16th avenue tiled steps)
Alcatraz: The Famous Prison
A tour of Alcatraz is an absolute must do – this is the famous maximum security prison that once housed some of the most notorious criminals.
We opted for the night tour which I heard was the better way to go – and I can absolutely attest to that.
Buy your tickets at least two weeks in advance, it’s worth every penny – it was $56 per person.
The ferry ride is only about 12 minutes but I think our total experience was over 3 hours.
The views of the bay area skyline from both the boat and the island are breathtaking.
Especially when you do the night tour because the sunset is included!
On the island itself you’ll start with a self-guided audio tour.
I usually find these a little…dry, but this one was very well-done with real stories from former prisoners, and as you walk the cell blocks, the immersion factor was pretty chilling.
Then you have time to explore around the prison and the island on your own time.
There was even a cell door demonstration there they slammed shut the famous cell doors – and I think that was worth the price of admission right there!
Take a Sunset Bay Cruise
If you’re not into visiting prisons, try a sunset cruise of the bay instead!
Enjoy a drink and the best views of the city when you sail on a catamaran and watch the glowing San Francisco skyline come to life!
This is one of the highest rated activities in SF, book it here!
Chinatown
Quick recommended stops:
- Eastern Bakery
- Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
- Have Dim Sum!
- Dragon’s Gate
- Li-Po cocktail bar
Back to more neighborhoods, the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America is here in San Francisco, established in the 1850s. It’s basically a city within a city.
The best way to experience it is by entering through the Dragon’s Gate
Inside you’ll find 24 blocks of hustle and bustle, most of it taking place along Grant Avenue, the oldest street in San Francisco.
You could easily get lost in here for a full day or at least a few hours.
Chris and I wandered up and down the streets and alleys, visited shops, food markets, temples, murals and lanterns.
This is one of the most amazing places for film photography – check out some of our Chinatown images on film in this post.
A few of my favorite places to stop at in Chinatown:
Eastern Bakery, which is the oldest bakery that’s been here for 100 years – we had to try the steamed pork buns and custard tarts.
Then there’s the Golden Gate Fortune cookie factory down Ross Alley.
Allegedly the first place to ever make fortune cookies here in North America and you can still watch them make them by hand and try a fresh sample! And of course buy some to take home.
You can also customize your own fortune for someone as a gift!
You’ve also got to try Dim sum, which is typically enjoyed around brunch time but many places here in Chinatown offer it in the afternoon and early evening. It’s small dishes of chinese food!
For dim sum we tried Hang Ah Tea Room, which was the first place to ever offer dim sum in the United States in 1920.
I would say it’s definitely the full 3 and a half star experience, but that’s not a bad thing, a little more authentic this way.
We ended one night at Li-Po, an 85-year-old dive bar full of history, known for their Chinese Mai Tais. tested and recommended by Anthony Bourdain.
Planning tip: Portsmouth Square has public bathrooms open during the day!
North Beach (Little Italy)
Recommended stops:
- Mama’s On Washington Square for brunch
- Cafe Trieste for espresso
- City Light Bookstore for browsing
- Vesuvio Cafe for cocktails
- Washington Square for sunshine
- Molinari Delicatessen for an old-school italian sandwich
- Tosca Cafe: for a night cap, try their house cappuccino (it’s boozy and delicious)
North Beach is San Francisco’s version of “Little Italy.”
Think pizza, pasta, coffee, gelato – we could have spent 4 full days just eating in North beach!
Bakeries and delicatessens serve up traditional Italian delicacies everywhere you look.
We had the most delightful coffee one morning at Cafe Trieste, a historic Italian establishment for espresso since the 1950s.
Not only was the coffee strong, it felt like a perfectly authentic Italian cafe atmosphere.
You can soak up the sun at Washington Square and admire the Saints Peter and Paul Church
North Beach really comes alive in the early evenings with great cocktail bars.
We loved Vesuvio Cafe (former beatnik hangout with tons of history), but walking through the neighborhood there was tons of live music accompanied by many outdoor bistro patrons
Take a Walking Food Tour Through the City
We actually took a walking food tour of Chinatown and North Beach.
It was the perfect mix of learning about the history and culture while we got to sample food, drinks and snacks from many different spots.
We did this early on in our San Francisco trip so that we could get acquainted with the neighborhoods and had the chance to go back to spots we passed by on the tour.
This tour had generous amounts of food – from dim sum, pastries, tea, pizza, pasta, wine, cannoli and more, we most definitely got our money’s worth.
Book the walking food tour we took here!
Fisherman’s Wharf
Then we have Fisherman’s Wharf – definitely an area for tourists, but honestly there were some great spots for seafood, sourdough and Irish coffee!
Below are some of my recommended places you should visit in Fisherman’s Wharf.
Pier 39
Pier 39 is the by far most touristy part of Fisherman’s Wharf – it’s full of chain restaurants and some rides and street performers.
Unless you have small kids, it’s worth it to come here and say you saw it and cruised around for 15 minutes – but other than that, it’s beyond cheesy touristy (sorry)!
I did like the sea lions though – they’re usually sunbathing and making noise at the end of the Pier – so it’s worth the walk through to go find them for a few minutes.
But, as you walk a little further west, there’s some much better spots.
The Musée Mécanique
The musée mécanique is a place full of vintage and antique coin operated arcade-style games.
It was actually insane how old some of these pieces are and just how much stuff they had!
It’s free admission and most games cost 25 to 50 cents to play.
No matter what age you are, this is a fun stop!
Boudin Bakery for Sourdough
Across the street from here is Boudin Bakery – you have to try their famous sourdough!
It’s made from the original sourdough starter yeast that the bakers have nurtured since 1849!
Stop in for clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl – perfect fuel for climbing those steep streets.
You can order your meal on the main level for a more cafeteria-style experience (indoor and outdoor seating) or head upstairs for a seated restaurant experience (where you can order the same things as downstairs).
The Buena Vista Cafe
The Buena Vista cafe is an institution.
It was the first place to introduce Irish coffee to America in 1952 and they famously serve them up everyday all day long here!
At $14, they’re not cheap, but highly worth stopping in for at least one!
Make sure you watch the bartenders make them, it’s so fun.
Cable Cars
If you’re not already strolling through Fisherman’s Wharf, you can take a cable car to get here, as the Powell & Hyde cable car line will bring you right to the entrance of the Buena Vista Cafe.
Riding a cable car is a pretty iconic experience and like taking a ride back in time.
The cable cars are the world’s last manually operated cable car system and still work the same way today as they did in 1873!
But you’ve got to get in line early and be prepared to wait if you want to be able to hang off the front!
It’s $8 for a single ride, or you can buy a day pass for $13.
Cable Car Museum
The Cable Car Museum is actually super interesting for a quick visit to learn about how the cars operate and how the cables run under the street.
It’s also free admission.
It’s located on Mason Street and there are washrooms here too.
(also walkable from Chinatown if you’re in the area).
Ride in a Waymo
Since we’re on the topic of transportation, you’ve got to take a ride in a Waymo!
These are the self-driving taxis that you’ll see all over the city.
You just have to create an account and download the Waymo app just like you would for Uber and you’re all set.
Ghirardelli Square
Back to Fisherman’s Wharf, one more spot is Ghirardelli Square, because yes, this famous chocolate company started here in SF!
Ghirardelli Square is a massive brick plaza with shops, restaurants, cafes, a brewery and more. Plus there’s great views of Alcatraz up here too.
We had a lovely sunny afternoon and enjoyed a flight of beer at San Francisco Brewing Company and of course, had to buy chocolate to bring home!
Feast at the Ferry Building & the Embarcadero
The Ferry Building is a food market paradise – it’s extra fun to visit on Saturday mornings for the Farmer’s Market, especially if the sun is out!
I tried the unique Charcoal latte at Red Bay coffee! But there are SO many food vendors and shops to buy and eat anything you can imagine.
After eating, get your steps in and stroll the Embarcadero waterfront promenade and check out the different Piers for great views.
Union Square
Union Square is where to go for high-end shopping!
This downtown neighborhood also has the highest concentration of hotels and where many tourists stay.
However, it’s close to the Tenderloin, which is a neighborhood you should avoid.
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a massive park in the middle of the city (it’s bigger than Central Park in New York). It’s full of beautiful trails, sculptures, gardens, museums and more.
Recommended stops:
- Bison Paddock
- Windmill
- Strawberry Hill
- Japanese tea garden
- California Academy of Sciences
- DeYoung Art Museum (you can go to the top of the observation tower here for free)
Take a Day Trip to Wine Country (Napa Valley and Sonoma County)
If you like wine or want some fresh air, a Napa Valley day trip is an essential part of any San Francisco first time itinerary!
Wineries are only about an hour away and the views are beautiful.
The best way to do this is to book a guided tour! You’ll get picked up and dropped off (so no need to worry about driving) and with so many wineries to choose from, they’ll bring you to the ones based on your group’s vibes and interests.
I recommend taking this Sonoma Valley small-group wine tour:
- Highest-rated wine tour day trip from SF
- Hotel pickup & drop off
- Visit & tastings at 3 wineries
- Lunch at Sonoma Plaza (such a beautiful spot)
- A stop at the Sausalito Boardwalk (ultra scenic)
Planning tip: Napa Valley is most famous and therefore a little more expensive, so I loved exploring the wineries in adjacent Sonoma county, which is a little more casual.
Muir Woods National Monument
Walk through the beautiful old growth redwood forest at Muir Woods National Monument!
It’s only about a 45 minute drive from San Francisco, so it’s the perfect half day trip.
Travel tip: Only have time for one day-trip but can’t decide between Muir Woods and Wine Country?
Book this combined tour which takes you to both!
My Favorite Restaurants in San Francisco
Scoma’s (Fisherman’s Wharf)
We wanted to dine on seafood one night, and Scoma’s was recommended to us by some locals.
This restaurant has been here for over 50 years!
They’ve got their own fishing boat and serve up fresh catches of the day in an upscale casual waterfront nook.
Surisan (Fisherman’s Wharf)
Amazing korean-fusion cuisine. We had the most incredible breakfast there one day – you have to try millionaire’s bacon.
Golden Boy Pizza (North Beach)
Golden Boy Pizza is another institution, especially for a late night slice of pizza.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want a true San Franciscan experience, order the clam & garlic pizza!
The Stinking Rose (North Beach)
Everything on the menu has garlic in it! Including the wine and ice cream!
Ryoko’s Sushi (Union Square)
El Techo (Mission)
Best rooftop views, margaritas and great Latin American food!
House of Prime Rib
A staple since the 1940s, and an Anthony Bourdain-approved spot!
You order your cut of prime rib and they serve and make everything table side, including carving your meat!
Thanh Long Restaurant
You’ve got to try the roasted crab and garlic noodles.
Swan Oyster Depot
Probably one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite restaurants in the city.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
Kimpton Alton in Fisherman’s Wharf
We stayed at the Kimpton Alton Hotel and for first time visitors, I thought it was the perfect spot.
It was located in Fisherman’s Wharf steps away from great restaurants, parks and Ghirardelli Square. This gave us great access to visiting the Golden Gate Bridge and places like getting on the Ferry to Alcatraz.
This is also a safe area compared to Union Square.
Hotel amenities I loved:
- Record players in the rooms
- evening social hour for hotel guests with complimentary beer and wine!
- Pet friendly
- Complimentary coffee bar each morning
- 24/7 cucumber water
- Steps away from Surisan, In-n-Out Burger and Buena Vista Cafe!
P.S. this was not a sponsored stay – I did my own research and decided on this hotel!
I booked this hotel on Plannin because it was a great deal – check out prices here.
I also put together a list of more great places to stay in San Francisco here.
My Favorite Souvenirs from San Francisco
- Ghirardelli chocolate
- A tie-dye shirt from the Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood
- Irish coffee glasses from the Buena Vista Cafe