10 things to do in San Francisco

Are you in San Francisco and don’t know where to start? Too many things to see and too little time? Don’t worry, we recommend the 10 things to do in San Francisco in 2 days!

We finally arrived in San Francisco, after a long journey from Los Angeles! This city is decidedly more on a human scale than the metropolis we left behind. San Francisco has that charm that immediately puts you at ease! If you’re planning your first trip to San Francisco, you probably try to see everything possible (and in San Francisco there are things to see and experience), but you don’t know where to start! Don’t worry we will give you some advice on the 10 things to do in San Francisco!

Golden Gate Bridge

First stop, especially if it’s your first time in San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge! One of the most photographed bridges in the world! If you arrive by car at the bridge, the free parking is the one in the area of Fort Point (when we went, unfortunately it was closed for work), alternatively on the road leading to the bridge there are some paid parking certainly more comfortable as closer to bridge (the closest is Battery East). Park your car and walk to the bridge, but watch out for cyclists who will try to run over you while you are distracted to take pictures! The characteristic of San Francisco is the fog that comes from the Ocean, but it is not the best while trying to photograph the Golden Gate. Arm yourself with patience and wait for the fog to clear to be able to take a complete photo of the bridge.

by bike

You can also opt to start directly from Fisherman’s Wharf by bicycle, you will find many bike and segway rental shops. Some of these shops also offer the opportunity to take a guided bike tour. If you choose to ride a bike, we advise you to get to the bridge, stopping at the various viewpoints for the photos, cross the whole bridge and go back from Sausalito with the boat that takes you directly to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Lombard Street

The second stop you can’t miss in San Francisco is definitely Lombard Street. In reality, the Lombard is a very long road that goes from Pier23 in the bay of San Francisco to the Presidio. It became world famous for a part, the Russian Hill, only a few meters long. You will certainly have seen this road in hundreds of movies and TV series, but when you get there you will have difficulty finding it without a navigator! There are two options to enjoy this place: to do it in the car (from top to bottom because it is one-way) or take 250 steps on foot.
If you decide to do it in the car, we advise you to park at the well and better once you get to the bottom to be able to take decent pictures. Police are tolerant enough for wild parking in this area.

Twin Peaks

If you are lucky enough to have a nice sunny day, don’t miss the opportunity to see all of San Francisco from above! To get to Twin Peaks it takes a few minutes by car and the view from up here is really priceless: you can see the whole San Francisco Bay! On one side the Golden Gate Bridge, on the other the Bay Bridge and Oakland in the background! Mandatory to go up!

Union Square

Union Square is one of San Francisco’s main squares, you can park in the underground car park and start touring San Francisco on foot. This part of the city is the most experienced, there are far fewer tourists than the Fisherman’s Wharf area and it will be easy to meet Californians who go to work or go shopping. Not far from here is China Town with the famous Dragon Gate; you can easily walk to Grant Ave. If you love shopping, in this area it is full of shops where you will surely find something!

A ride on the Cable Car

Also near Union Square, on Powell Street is the terminus of the San Francisco Cable Car! You can sit comfortably on the tram and take you to Fisherman’s Wharf or take some photos without paying the ticket price! The ticket price is 7 $ “one way“, that is for a single one-way trip. If you plan to return, you will have to buy a second ticket.

Fisherman’s Wharf e Pier 39

Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 are San Francisco’s most famous attractions, second only to the Golden Gate Bridge! The whole area of Fisherman’s Wharf is very touristy and full of small shops. I suggest you look for a hotel to stay in this area. It is the most central and the hotels have excellent value for money. In this area there are also the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Mechanics Museum and the USS Pampanito.

If instead it is time for dinner and you want a typical San Francisco dish, you will certainly find what you are looking for on Pier 39.

Eat Lobster

In the Fisherman’s Wharf area you can enjoy an excellent typical dish! What we feel to recommend are absolutely shellfish, especially Lobster! If you want to spend a little less don’t miss the Crabs! They are excellent and you can find them cooked in every way, you will surely find the one you like best!

A photo with the Sea Lions

With a full stomach take a walk around the shops of Pier 39 and don’t miss the chance to take a picture with the Sea Lions! Immediately behind the pier there is a barge where the Lions are looked after and let themselves be photographed at any time of day!

Alcatraz

Alcatraz is probably not an excursion for everyone, but if you have time, you should definitely visit the prison at night! The Tour costs $ 44.25 for a full adult ticket, but worth every penny!

Painted Ladies

At Alamo Square Park, a little out of the tourist spots, there is a series of Victorian houses all colored in different colors. Just call The Painted Ladies! The contrast they make with the modern skyscrapers in the background deserves a jump in this area.

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