14 Must-Do Experiences in San Francisco

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San Francisco has so many things to experience. Check out these 14 Must-Do Experiences in San Francisco that you won’t want to miss out on while visiting this great city.

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When crooner Tony Bennett sings the infamous “I Left My Heart In San Francisco“, I can finally say that I can totally relate to a love affair with this amazing city by the bay. Truth be told, the last time I visited San Francisco was 36 years ago. I was in eighth grade. So as a teenager just about to start high school, my appreciation for this wonderful city just wasn’t there. Well, I got a do-over and revisited this wonderful city last week with my mom and brother while we attended a family wedding. 

San Francisco has so many things to experience. Unless you live there, it will be impossible for you to experience it all in a short amount of time. From experiencing the Golden Gate Bridge, to watching the fisherman bring in their load, to catching a game at Oracle Park, San Francisco has so much to see and experience.

The next time you visit, consider these 14 Must-Do Experiences in San Francisco that you won’t want to miss out on while visiting this great city.

The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is obviously the most iconic structure in the San Francisco bay area. Up until 1964, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, stretching across the bay for one mile. If you’re visiting the San Francisco area, it won’t be right to skip traveling across this red giant.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the city’s busiest tourist areas on the waterfront. Check out Pier 39, where you can indulge in some of the best seafood in the city. There are countless places to eat, neat places to shop, and also great street performers.

You might even run into several sea lions that are resting near the docks. Stick around for a chance to watch fishermen bring in their catch of the day.

Golden Gate Park

If you’re looking for a great place to relax and get away from the crowded touristy areas, Golden Gate Park is a great way to stretch your legs and take in your surroundings. Not to mention, Golden Gate Park is the perfect opportunity to take as many pictures as you can! It is such a beautiful park.

Alcatraz Island

This famous island prison is located 1.25 miles off the shores of San Francisco and was an active prison until 1963. Al Capone himself and other notorious criminals spent time as prisoners on the island. Taking a tour of Alcatraz Island will be a fun experience to learn about the history of this prison.

Head to Chinatown

Chinatown in San Francisco is one of the oldest communities of its kind in the United States. There are dozens of blocks and streets with eateries, herb shops, and bakeries. You can even watch them make fortune cookies at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.

Ride a Cable Car

San Francisco is the first city that ever used the cable car system, dating back to 1873. Today, it’s the only city that still has running cable cars that you can ride. Make sure you take one of these cars down the steep, hilly streets of the city.

See a Giants’ Game at Oracle Park

Come cheer on the San Francisco Giants, 8-time winners of the World Series. Oracle Park is located right on the San Francisco Bay, where hundreds of baseballs have found their way into the ocean bay from some amazing home run swings.

Aquarium of the Bay

The Aquarium of the Bay is home to over 20,000 sea creatures, including sharks, jellyfish, rays, octopus, sea otters, and much more. Located on Pier 39, this aquarium will be an underwater experience that not only children will love, but you as well.

The Palace of Fine Art

The architecture of The Palace of Fine Arts is incredible on its own. It houses some of the most distinguished art in the state. This won’t be an experience that you want to pass up.

Walk along Ocean Beach

Walking along the soft sands of Ocean Beach is a relaxing way to spend the day. Many people enjoy surfing the waves of the ocean. Visitors are encouraged not to swim here, due to the strong currents that have a mean undertow.

Muir Woods National Monument

You don’t want to miss the humbling experience of standing next to California’s Redwood trees. Muir Woods National Monument is flourishing with them, and there are also great hiking trails all throughout the park.

Enjoy Craft Beer

Interested in a tasty brew? San Francisco is one of the Craft beer capitals of the US. Of course, this means that there are some really delicious adult beverages are in the surrounding area. You will not only enjoy local but also regional brews from the local restaurants, there are also great breweries with delicious eats as well. Come out and enjoy San Francisco’s Craft Beer Tours, which is certain to be a light-hearted and enjoyable time.

Great Places to Eat

Did you know that some of the finest foods and the world’s best chefs can be found in San Francisco? Seriously. The city is known for its fine food just as much as with the Golden Gate Bridge or their cable cars. Here are some of the Best Restaurants in San Francisco that will complete your San Francisco experience, leaving you satisfied. 

Walt Disney Family Museum

The Walt Disney Family Museum features the life and legacy of Walt Disney. The museum is located in Golden Gate Bridge, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco. The 40,000 square foot space in the main museum building features the newest technology and historic materials and artifacts to bring Disney’s achievements to life, with interactive galleries that include early drawings and animation, movies, music, listening stations, and a 12-foot diameter model of Disneyland.

San Francisco Travel Essentials

Don’t forget to pack these items before you leave

Backpack

Packing Cubes

Portable Battery Charger

Camera

San Francisco Map

These are a number of things that you need to do the next time you visit San Francisco. Which of these do you think you and your family will enjoy? If you’ve already visited many of these great places, tell us about your experience.