San Francisco stands out a bit from other USA cities. Despite being a central city, its atmosphere differs from skyscraper-filled places. While the Golden Gate Bridge is obviously a prominent attraction, there are several other sights to see as well!
The city is known for its steep hills, the eclectic mix of Victorian and modern architecture, and the fog that can persist for up to a month.
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San Francisco attractions
Golden Gate Bridge
Of course, the iconic bridge is first on the list of San Francisco attractions!
It’s the USA’s second-longest suspension bridge at 2.7 km in length, spanning the strait between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay.
Construction began on January 5, 1933, and it opened to pedestrian traffic on May 27, 1937. For 27 years, until the completion of New York’s Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, it was the world’s longest suspension bridge.
It’s definitely worth walking back and forth across the bridge, stopping to admire the city views and the many sailboats. I recommend waiting for sunset here – the illuminated bridge is even more beautiful than during the day.
For an even better view, head up to the hillside at the northern end (Battery Spencer). Many choose this spot for its spectacular panorama.
At the foot of the bridge, there’s a visitor center showing the bridge’s history through pictures and featuring a gift shop.
Cable Car
You can’t leave San Francisco without riding one of the Cable Cars!
The car is moved by a cable running in the tracks, and an operator can control the speed with a lever. There are three lines: Powell/Hyde Cable Car, Powell/Mason Cable Car, and California Cable Car.
Here you can enjoy that classic American movie feeling of riding while holding onto the handle in the doorway. It’s allowed here, and I really enjoyed it. But be careful as the car can pick up speed – it’s quite an experience!
All information can be found here!
Lombard Street
A famous section of Lombard Street ends at one of the Cable Car stops. Cars can drive down the winding section at low speeds.
It was redesigned in 1922 to make it safer for traffic due to its steepness. Eight sharp hairpin turns were built in, bordered by carefully maintained flower beds and plants.
If you’re driving in the city, don’t miss this! There’s often a line at the top of people waiting to try the sometimes right-angled turns. But if you’re on foot, walking down is also a great experience.
Coit Tower
The tower is located on a hilltop at the eastern end of Lombard Street. The 64-meter tall white concrete tower is a classic example of art deco style.
One of its attractions is the murals inside, created in the 1930s as part of the New Deal program. These were done in social realism style, depicting working-class daily life and the hardships experienced during the Great Depression.
The tower has a glass-windowed observation deck at the top, offering beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, among others.
Chinatown
You might not expect it, but San Francisco has the largest Chinese community outside of Asia.
North of Union Square is the Dragon Gate, the symbolic entrance to the neighborhood.
Walking along Grant Avenue in this hilly district, you truly feel transported to a mini China. A series of shops and restaurants await tourists.
Transamerica Pyramid
San Francisco’s most distinctive skyscraper is located in the city’s financial district.
The building was completed in 1972 and stood out for its unique pyramid shape. The 260-meter tall tower was long the city’s tallest building. Originally the Transamerica Corporation headquarters, although the company has since moved to other buildings, the building’s name remains.
It’s not open to the public inside, but a visitor center near the Embarcadero Center showcases the skyscraper’s history and significance.
Alcatraz
The famous prison island has been the setting for numerous films. The notorious gangster Al Capone served his sentence here.
It’s one of the USA’s most visited sites, where the most dangerous criminals were held until 1963. Allegedly, no one ever escaped from here.
On the island, you can enter the cells, dining hall, and isolation units, and walk around the island. It’s worth spending several hours here.
You can reach the island by ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf. The ticket includes both ferry and entrance fees. Definitely buy tickets online and in advance – often weeks or months ahead!
Ticket purchase and all information can be found here!
Fisherman’s Wharf
One of San Francisco’s most popular and well-known tourist districts is the harbor area.
It was originally a center for fishermen and sailors, particularly Italian immigrants who lived off fishing for Dungeness crab and other seafood in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The waterfront has numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s paradise for seafood lovers. The crab soup in sourdough bread is particularly famous.
Pier 39
There’s a small shopping area set up at the harbor, but that’s not the main attraction here.
Many sea lions rest at the pier, which you can photograph undisturbed from the designated terrace. It’s interesting to see the mass of animals sunbathing just meters away.
Alamo Square
The square and its surroundings are a delightful spot in the city.
Its unique atmosphere comes from the surrounding historical Victorian buildings that represent the architectural style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The most famous of these are the Painted Ladies. These vibrantly colored, ornate buildings have become symbols of the city.
Located on a hill, it offers wonderful views of the city center. It’s a popular resting place for both locals and tourists.
Twin Peaks
You can reach San Francisco’s best viewpoint via a winding road. Definitely go up here – the panorama of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge is fantastic.
Unfortunately, you can’t get up by public transport, but you’ll need to walk a few hundred meters up the hillside.
Golden Gate Park
While it doesn’t come close in size, I would compare it to New York’s Central Park in atmosphere and layout.
The east-west park not only has lakes, walking paths, and playgrounds but also houses the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum.
Another well-known section is the botanical garden. The garden is divided into different regions, making you feel like you’re not even in a big city.
Palace of Fine Arts
We jump back to ancient times a bit in this park.
The palace, originally built in 1915, was created as part of the Panama-Pacific International Exhibition celebrating San Francisco’s rebuilding after the 1906 earthquake and fire. It was built in classical ancient Roman and Greek architectural style, with massive Doric columns and an impressive dome.
A small park has been developed, where a small lake and promenade give the area a great atmosphere.
