Published 18th Feb. 2026
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Wondering what to see in San Francisco? Wonder no more. This is your invitation to discover the city beyond postcards and social media posts (though we’ll admit, it’s a very photogenic place). We’ll delve into its history, highlight some of the most walkable neighbourhoods and lead you to green spaces for a breath of fresh air. Explore the fantastic food scene and find the best spots to enjoy unforgettable views. Get ready to plan your trip with our USA expert David’s San Francisco guide.
Alcatraz Island was one of three islands discovered by Juan Manuel de Ayala in San Francisco Bay in 1775. He named one of them Alcatraces, which became Alcatraz (nicknamed ‘The Rock’) over time. Little would he have known that this stretch of land would become famous for its prison. The prison housed inmates who either refused to cooperate at other institutions, were too dangerous or were too much of an escape risk – not that that stopped some prisoners from trying to break free (and ending up in the shark-infested waters…). You’ll learn about these 14 escape attempts when you visit.
Catch an Alcatraz City Cruises ferry from Pier 39 and enjoy the views of the city from across the water. Options include the day tour, the atmospheric night tour or a behind-the-scenes tour. We recommend taking the self-guided audio tour, which has plenty of insights and lets you explore at your own pace. Just be sure to book your tickets well in advance, as they sell out quickly.
Image by Kyle Pettine / Getty Images
This acoustic sculpture, located on a jetty in the Marina District, is activated by waves which crash in and out of its organ pipes. Crafted from carved granite, marble, PVC and concrete in 1986, the piece is a collaboration between Peter Richards and George Gonzalez. You have to listen closely to hear it, but it sounds best at high tide, so time your visit then if you can.
This beautiful fine arts museum is one of the oldest in the city. It has a collection of over 30,000 works spanning paintings, textiles, sculptures and photography from America, Africa and Pacific Civilisations. There are both temporary and permanent collections, ordered by artistic movement. Even the building itself is worthy of a moment of admiration – it’s a huge contemporary block surrounded by sweeping control towers.
Often, the best way to get a feel for a city is simply to wander. But where? Here are some pockets of San Francisco to roam around.
This waterfront neighbourhood buzzes with energy, with the sound of clanging cable car bells, the scent of the bay and the chatter of visitors adding to its lively atmosphere. Stroll along the piers and watch the street performers, or visit the Maritime Museum to learn more about San Francisco’s seafaring past. If you want to cover more ground, opt for a guided bike or Segway tour instead.
Image by Alexander Spatari / Getty Images
Come for the colourful artwork, stay for the feeling of fun and the plethora of eateries – a feast for the senses awaits you in the Mission District.
Local artists have flocked to this area for decades to paint their wild and wonderful murals, which you’ll find along several streets. Anyone and everyone can enjoy art here for free. Visit Balmy Alley to see themes of gentrification and corruption, and Clarion Alley to admire a range of artistic styles and work about community concerns. The Women’s Building Maestrapeace Mural, on 18th Street, is also worth a visit. Stretching across two walls and five stories, it features contributions from seven female artists: Juana Alicia, Miranda Bergman, Edythe Boone, Susan Kelk Cervantes, Meera Desai, Yvonne Littleton and Irene Perez.
For breakfast, brunch or lunch, we recommend stopping at Tartine Manufactory, which serves fresh sandwiches, soups and salads. In the evening, tuck into some classic, crowd-pleasing dishes inspired by Californian and Mediterranean cuisine at the Foreign Cinema. The beautifully-lit outdoor space is designed for screenings, so you can watch a film while enjoying your meal.
Its eight hairpin bends have led Lombard Street to be known as ‘the crookedest street in the world’ (although that title technically belongs to neighbouring Vermont Street). The peculiar design was born out of necessity rather than whim, with the road deemed too steep for cars to navigate safely, but it created a city landmark that captures the curiosity of visitors to this day.
Within walking distance from Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s flanked by beautiful homes and gardens, with hydrangeas and hedges that burst into bloom during spring and summer. Climb your way to the top of the hill to see panoramic views across the city towards Coit Tower and the Bay.
Image by Martin Soeby / Gallery Stock
Tranquility can be found even in the heart of the busiest city. San Francisco has plenty of parks to choose from, offering you a chance to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Golden Gate Park is one of the most-visited parks in the USA, and it’s not hard to see why. There’s lots to explore, from the impressive collection of artworks in the de Young Museum to the aquarium, planetarium and 3D cinema in the California Academy of Sciences. Head to the San Francisco Botanical Garden, which is home to over 8,000 kinds of plants, plus a whimsical Japanese tea house. There are also playgrounds, sports fields and restaurants to check out – it’d be easy to spend an entire day here.
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Sitting four stories above ground, Salesforce Park stretches across the entire length of the Transit Centre bus terminal roof. 13 botanical zones represent different world regions, with over 600 trees and 16,000 plants spread across them, including the Australian Garden, the Prehistoric Garden, the Fog Garden and, of course, the California Garden. There’s also a children’s play area and an amphitheatre that hosts free yoga classes, concerts and movie nights. The park’s highlight is the ‘bus fountain’ by Ned Kahn, which has 219 water jets synchronised with the movement of the buses below.
This park is built above the tunnels of the Presidio Parkway. Located in the Presidio National Park, it connects the centre of San Francisco to the Golden Gate Bridge and brings a vast green space to San Francisco's inhabitants. It’s perfect for resting, playing, picnicking and huddling around the fire pit, all with a breathtaking view of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
As with any good city, you’ll find a wide range of restaurants across San Francisco. But it’s known for three cuisines in particular: Chinese food, Italian food and, thanks to its coastal location, seafood.
This sophisticated restaurant stands out for its successful combination of classic Chinese dishes, top-quality products and produce, and contemporary culinary techniques. Tuck into specialities like sizzling rice soup with asparagus and fresh water chestnuts, pork wantons with Sichuan pepper, and grilled Alaskan halibut served with oyster broth and artichoke. We suggest making a reservation well in advance to avoid missing out on a table. The drinks menu features creative cocktails, artisanal beers and wines from around the world, and a selection of soothing herbal teas.
A popular fine-dining spot, Flour + Water’s chefs cook up indulgent Italian cuisine. Tuck into dishes like swordfish with chicory, cauliflower, currant and mint salmoriglio, and patata bianca pizza, or try the pasta tasting menu if you’ve worked up an appetite (more than likely after all the walking). For dessert, we recommend the chocolate budino or creamy coffee cake. Don’t forget the drinks menu, which features both Californian and Italian wines.
The market-style Anchor Oyster Bar has become a favourite spot for local foodies to delve into the world of fish and seafood-based gastronomy. The seasonal menu means produce is as fresh as can be before it’s cooked to perfection. You might try clams served in a white wine and garlic broth, crowd-pleasing fishcakes, or a warming San Francisco soup prepared with tomatoes, mussels, scallops, hulls, shrimps and halibut. The drinks menu features a good selection of local wines, as well as their classic homemade Bloody Mary.
Enjoy colourful and creative Mexican-style cuisine at La Taqueria, which is known for making the best tacos in San Francisco. They’re filled with delicious ingredients, including succulent meats, fresh guacamole, fried pinto beans and tasty cheese – we particularly recommend the chorizo and chicken. The burritos are also well worth a try. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly; you just order at the bar and eat your food around a picnic table. Don’t forget to try the delicious Mexican soft drinks, aguas frescas, including pineapple, strawberry, tamarind and horchata.
Sweet-toothed travellers will be drawn to this shop in the historic Ghirardelli Square, once the site of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. Indulge in a hot fudge sundae, slurp on a chocolate shake or pick up some chocolate gifts to take home (if you can wait that long!)
San Francisco’s dramatic landscape guarantees that a panorama is never more than a steep climb away, so be sure to pack your walking shoes. From the rugged cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the green summits of its many parks, every vantage point reveals a new perspective on the peninsula.
San Francisco’s best-known landmark offers unparalleled views. On one side, you can see the rolling hills of the Marin Headlands, while on the other, you’re greeted by the city’s skyline and Alcatraz Island in the distance. Even being suspended between the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean and the expanse of the bay feels special.
Image by Lane/stock.adobe.com
San Francisco’s cable car system is the world’s last manually operated system of its kind and the vintage wooden cars have become a symbol of the city. There are three lines:
To skip the queues, we suggest buying a Visitor Passport, which is available for one, three or seven days and gives you unlimited rides on the cable cars and other Muni transport during that time.
Image by Dave G. Houser / Getty Images
The dual summits of the Twin Peaks offer 360-degree views of the Bay Area, rising almost 1,000ft above the city. These grassy hills sit near the geographical centre of San Francisco, and so provide a vantage point where you can trace Market Street all the way to the downtown skyline. On a clear day, the vista expands even further, capturing the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. We’d suggest taking a jacket –coastal winds sweep over the slopes, lending a touch of drama to the experience (we won’t judge if you pretend you’re in a film…).
If you want a quieter moment but without missing out on the views, head to Tank Hill in place of the Twin Peaks hills. While you won’t get a panorama, it’s not as well-known as other viewpoints, so you may get it all to yourself even on the sunniest of days. And you’ll still be able to see downtown San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. You can reach the hill via a wooden staircase on Twin Peaks Boulevard.
The SkyStar Wheel was installed for Golden Gate Park’s 150th anniversary. The 150ft observation wheel has enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas, where you can take a smooth rotation above the tree canopy. Views of the city skyline unfurl as you ascend, making for magical views that complement the city’s eclectic charm.
You won’t struggle to find things to do in San Francisco; it’s a city where every corner holds a new curiosity. Whether you want to climb the hills in search of those sweeping views, wander through the districts to take in the bustling atmosphere, or dine on delicious food (though we think you’ll want to do it all), this destination will capture your imagination and keep you coming back.
Image by Oleg Podzorov/stock.adobe.com
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