18 Places to Visit to Discover San Francisco
Written/Edited by: Northern Latitudes Editorial Team
Updated: 8/8/2026
Introduction
San Francisco is a major destination in both the United States and the World. It is a place where art, history, science and technology all mix to create a world renowned destination. There's so much we can say about the “Golden City”.If you are interested in visiting San Francisco, you can check our guides on the city. This one will focus on the best things to do and see in San Francisco.
1 - Golden Gate Bridge
An American icon, the Golden Gate Bridge is without doubt the most recognizable landmark of San Francisco. Many come to take pictures and walk the bright red bridge (actually, the color of the Golden Gate is “International Orange”).
The pedestrian access to the bridge area is FREE, starting at the plaza with a visitor center, an open air museum and the Round House Cafe. From the plaza, people can either walk up to get onto the bridge, or down to a viewpoint.
Admission
FREE
Picture from the Golden Gate Bridge Plaza we took during our 2025 trip.
How to get to the Golden Gate Bridge?
To get to the bridge, visitors can either park their car at the parking or take the bus. We do not recommend using your vehicle to get there as the parking can be extremely crowded (small number of spots to car ratio) and is charged (current rate is $5/hour) . For information on public transit in San Francisco, check this article.
Address: Golden Gate Bridge Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94129
2 - Palace of Fine Arts
Although the bridge is often in the mind of people as the symbol of San Francisco, the Palace of Fine Arts is much older with a completion in 1915 — it was demolished and rebuilt between 1964 and 1974.
The site was originally built for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition and featured a much larger area than the current one. The Roman/Greek palace is the only remnant of that much larger installation. Why should you visit it? 1) The architecture, and 2) it’s in Star Wars.
The Palace of Fine Arts. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Admission
FREE
How to get to Palace of Fine Arts
Access to the site is free. Bus stops (Richardson Ave & Francisco St) near the site, and parkings spots are available in the area. Free parking is available -- but limited -- at the back of the palace along the Palace Dr. You can find metered parking as well a bit further on the road.
Address: 3301 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123
3 - Alcatraz
Alcatraz is a name that inspires both fear and curiosity. The island once featured one of the most secure prisons of its times, with “famous” criminals and a couple of evasion stories, “The Rock” . Today, the island is a major tourist attraction of the bay with tours to visit the installations of the island, and learn more about this curious place.
Admission:
-
Varies - Generally begins around $48 for adults.
Alcatraz is operated by the National Park Service and the only authorized ferry provider is Alcatraz City Cruises. More information on the official website of the NPS.
Although the site is operated by the NPS, the pass America the Beautiful cannot be used to pay.
Affiliated link for Get Your Guide.
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Alcatraz Island. Source: Wikimedia Commons
How to get to Palace of Fine Arts
Alcatraz is accessible only via NPS approved ferries. They all depart from Pier 33.
Address: Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94133
4 - Ride a Cable Car
Cable cars are not an efficient means of transportation anymore, but with the experience and view they offer, they are without doubts one of the best attractions in San Francisco.
The 100+ year old system once featured over 20 lines that took the inhabitants of San Francisco through its sloppy hills. Today, only three of these lines remain. Check out our designated article for more information.
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A Cable Car in San Francisco. Source: Wikimedia Commons
5 - Presidio
When people get to the Golden Gate Bridge, many ignore that they pass next to — or through — one of San Francisco's hidden gems.
The Presidio of San Francisco is a former military post that covers a large area in the northwestern part of the town. The presidio includes the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point and a collection of vegetated areas. Aside of the bridge and the fort, highlights of the Presidio include a statue of Master Yoda (Star Wars’ character), the Walt Disney Family Museum, or the Tunnel Tops.
Admission
FREE
Source: Aaron Houston
How to get to San Francisco Presidio?
The Presidio of San Francisco covers a very large area with several parkings and attractions. You may want to look at directions for the specific area you seek to visit. Note also that Presidio operates shuttles that can take you to specific points across the park.
6 - The Painted Ladies
The “Painted Ladies” refers to a row of Victorian houses located at the 710 - 720 Steiner Street in downtown. Most people come to see the houses and admire the view from Alamo Square Park.
Admission
FREE
Source: Northern Latitudes
How to get to the painted ladies?
There are several bus stops around Alamo Square Park. You may park in the streets around the park, but make sure to look at the signs for limitations. Normally, those spots are free.
Address: Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94117
7 - Explore Golden Gate Park
Sadly, the Golden Gate Park is a relatively unknown attraction among tourists. The gigantic urban park is located on the western portion of San Francisco and features some great landmarks and attractions, in addition to miles of walking paths.
Some of the attractions found in the park include the California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Garden or Botanical Garden. Other free things to see include the bison herds or windmills. See our article for more details about the Golden Gate Park.
Source: Northern Latitudes
Source: Aaron Houston
Address: 900 North Point Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
9 - Salesforce Park
Salesforce park is not necessarily special in its content, but it is in its concept. It’s basically a park, but the twist is in the location of the park, several stories above the street. Is the view good? Not necessarily, but the park is somewhat peaceful, a haven in the midst of the steel towers.
Admission
FREE
How to get to Salesforce Park?
Source: Northern Latitudes
The park is located in the heart of downtown. To access it, find the Salesforce Tower, enter the building next to it and go up the stairs to find the park. Free gondolas can also take you up to the park. There are many bus stops around the park.
Address: 425 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105
10 - The Ferry Building
If you like farmer’s markets and vintage architecture, this one is for you. The Ferry Building is one of the oldest buildings still standing in town (opened 1898) and operated as a “Ferry Building” (it’s a bit obvious yes) until the late 1900s/early 2000s when the building was renovated and transformed into a marketplace. Several restaurants and small shops are located in the building, making it a great step on your walk in the Embarcadero.
Admission
FREE
How to get to the Ferry Building?
There is a parking lot north of the Ferry building. The parking is operated by the ProPark and charges from between $5 and $11 for 0 to 1H, and between $25 and $35 for a stay of 2 to 3H. It’s $8 for additional hours after that. Your best option to get there is probably public transit. The following stations are within a walkable distance of the ferry building.
Source: Northern Latitudes
Address: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105
11 - The Coit Tower
Built in 1933 as a monument to the city of San Francisco, the Coit Tower offers some of the city’s best views. The tower is located at the top of the Telegraph Hill neighborhood and includes an observation deck and small museum. Admission to the site and museum is free, but access to the observation deck is not. You may get up there with either an elevator or stairway. If you don’t want to get up there, there is still a great view at the bottom of the tower. Just enter the building by the front door, get through the main hall and access the small grass area on the outside.
Admission
The access to the coit tower is completely free. However, the access to the observation deck is paying. Below are the fares.
-
Adults - $11 for Non-Residents
-
Senior (62+) - $8 for Non-Residents
-
Youth (12 - 17) - $8 for Non-Residents
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Child (5 - 11) - $3 for Non-Residents
-
Child (4 & Under) - FREE
Buy your tickets at the tower.
Source: Northern Latitudes
How to get to the Coit Tower?
A very small parking lot is located at the foot of the tower. We recommend taking the Muni Bus 39 going from the Fisherman’s Wharf to the tower. You may also walk up there via the stairways.
Address: 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133
12 - Chinatown
There are many cities that feature a Chinatown area, perhaps even yours. But few of those are as big as the one found in San Francisco. The Chinese neighborhood features landmarks, plenty of restaurants, and as many shops. If you’re looking for Asian items or food, it’s definitely worth a visit.
How to get to the Chinatown
Both the Muni buses and cable cars stops in Chinatown.
Address of the Dragon Gate: Bush Street &, Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
13 - Walt Disney Family Museum
You are certainly familiar with Disney and its theme parks. The giant of entertainment has produced among the world's most known movies and characters. The Walt Disney Family Museum does not focus on that story, but instead the mind behind it. The museum created by the Disney family features plenty of exhibits and artifacts on the story, creations, and family of Walt.
Admission:
-
Adults - $30
-
Youth (6 - 17) - $15
-
Senior (Ages 65+) - $20
-
Children (Ages 5 & under) - FREE
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All admission types, and more information are found on the website of the Walt Disney Family Museum.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Directions:
The museum is located in the Presidio of San Francisco not far away from the visitor's center. Public transportation is mostly limited to bus. A stop is located a few street away from the museum. Parking is also available, but most is paid/metered parking. More information here.
Address: 104 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94129
14 - San Francisco Cable Car Museum
The cable cars are staples of San Francisco culture. Most people visiting the city like to take a ride on one of them. But what about learning more about their history? The Cable Car Museum is there just for that with exhibits and displays of vintage cable cars. In addition to those, you may also see the engine pulling the cables of the whole system in real time.
Admission:
FREE
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Directions:
The parking for the museum is pretty limited, so the best is probably to use the Muni bus, or take the cable car (California Street)
Address: 1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
15 - Lombard Street
Lombard Street is probably the most famous crooked street in the world. The street is located in the Russian Hill neighborhood and accessible by foot, and cable car. Note however that the site is often crowded with many people trying to drive down the street with their vehicles.
How to get to the Lombard Street
The Hyde & Powell St cable car stops right next to Lombard St. Parking in the surrounding streets is very difficult. You may find more parking options in Fisherman's Wharf or at the Hyde Beach Garage.
Address: Lombard St, San Francisco CA
16 - Lincoln Park
If many don’t know about the Golden Gate Park, even less people know about Lincoln Park. But the park features some pretty cool stuff to see. Aside from the beautiful scenery, the park contains the Legion of Honor, a “neoclassical” museum of art. For the anecdote, it is also the western terminus of the Lincoln Highway, one of the first automobile roads in the United States.
Admission
FREE
How to get to Lincoln Park?
Lincoln Park covers is fairly large area, so there might be different way of reaching it and different parking lot available. According to the Legion of Honor website, the two lots in front of the museum and north of it are free. You may also get to the park by using the Muni bus.
Address of Legion of Honor: Lincoln Park 100 34th Avenue (at Clement Street), San Francisco, CA 94121
17 - San Francisco Cable Car Museum
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) features a collection of over 30,000 works of art like paintings, photos and sculptures. There isn’t much to add, it’s great for art lovers, and it's one of San Francisco's most iconic museums.
Admission:
-
Adults - $30
-
18 & Younger - FREE​
-
Senior (65+) - $25
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You may find special discounts and more detailed information on the official website of the SFMOMA.
This button is an affiliated link that will take you to tickets sold by Get Your Guide
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Directions to SFMOMA
The museum is located at the corner between 3rd St and Minna St. The entrance can be easily located from the street (see picture of the entrance). Public transportations nearby includes several bus stops as well as light rail and the BART located a few blocks away. A parking garage is also available, but charger.
Address: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103
18 - Fort Point National Historic Site
Many visit the Golden Gate Bridge, but only some get to the bridge's foot where Fort Point is located. This fort built during the U.S. Civil War has been there for significantly longer than the orange bridge. It's a popular point of view for the Golden Gate Bridge, a point of interest for history lovers, and unique buildings for architecture enthusiasts.
Admission
FREE
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Source: Wikimedia Commons
Getting to Fort Point
The National Park Service says that the access to Fort Point National Historic Site is located at the end of Marine Dr. This road can be accessed by exiting the Highway 101 and joining Lincoln Blvd. Parking at Fort Point is free, but works on a first-come first-served basis. You may also reach the fort by taking the bus to the toll plaza and then walking down the trail to Fort Point.
Address: 999 Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129
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