Don’t miss the very best parts of San Francisco, read these Best Things to do in San Francisco Bay Area before you go!
So are you planning a trip to San Francisco – Home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and amazing Seafood?? 😉 I’ve put together a list of the Best Things to do in San Francisco Bay Area to help you plan your trip!
My family has visited San Francisco so many times and we always have such a fabulous time! Nothing beats a sunny day down by the bay, or a seafood inspired lunch at one of the many iconic piers.
So sit back, relax, and have some fun reading about all of the fun things to do in San Francisco. After all, it’s never too early to start planning or dreaming about your next adventure…
Related:
- How to Travel for Free or Cheap! {20 Budget Travel Hacks}
Best Things to do in San Francisco
Let’s start off with my top picks for the Best Things to do in San Francisco!
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Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge!
Then get great views, including the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Fort Point and Torpedo Wharf.
Fort Point under the Golden Gate Bridge
Drive the Crookedest Street in the World!
No trip to San Francisco is complete without driving crooked Lombard Street hairpin turns. Thank goodness for power steering!
Ride a Trolley Street Car
You can catch a vintage version along the north waterfront.
Visit The Painted Ladies
Go For a Walk at the Palace of Fine Arts
Located at 3601 Lyon Street, in the Marina district, you’ll find the regal Palace of Fine Arts. It is an iconic landmark, surrounded by a peaceful lagoon, and the perfect place for a relaxing walk.
Built in 1915, this breathtaking landmark shows off intricate beauty around every corner!
Watch the Sea Lions Relax at Pier 39
Make sure to swing by pier 39 to watch the silly, slippery, barking sea lions put on a free show! Depending on the day, you may see a few… or you may see a few hundred!
Check out the infamous Alcatraz Island
If you can’t get a reservation for Alcatraz, try a harbor cruise instead. Nothing beats getting out on the water!
Tour the USS Pampanito Submarine
{FREE with National Park Pass}
Indulge in Fresh Baked Sourdough Bread
Try the sourdough bread at the Boudin Bakery at Fishermans Wharf… you won’t be disappointed!
Fill Up on Seafood at Fishermans Wharf & Pier 39
We loved the Fish Sandwich at Frankie’s Pier 43! We also enjoyed a nice view of Alcatraz while enjoying our sandwich. If you won’t be heading to Ghirardelli Square for dessert, try the beignets here, too!
Frankie’s Pier 43
Treat Yourself to Dessert at Ghiradelli Square
We shared the Brownie Sundae… yums!
Visit the Walt Disney Family Museum
It is conveniently located at the San Francisco Presidio, just blocks from the waterfront and close to the Golden Gate Bridge.
More San Francisco Things To Do:
Then… be sure to also check out even more amazing things to do in San Francisco shared by your frugal friends…
Laura said: “Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, go to Alcatraz.”
Lisa said: “Lombard, Alcatraz, Painted Ladies, Golden Gate, and take the Open Bus Top tour of the city.”
Skye said: “Lombard Street, Pier 39, Alcatraz tour”
Jessica said: “Book tickets for Alcatraz at least 2-4 weeks prior. They sell out! (alcatraztickets.com)”
Adriana said: “Definitely take the Open Bus Top tour of the city! Then you’ll know what spots you really want to go back and see…. and you will at least see all spots briefly!”
San Francisco Bay from Fort Point
Tosha said: “Ghirardelli Square is a MUST. They have the most amazing chocolate!”
Sharien said: “Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory and of course get some wonderful clam chowder in a bread bowl by the wharf.
Just thinking about it makes me want to go back it’s so beautiful there.”
Tammy said: “Get the Go Card – there are several wine tasting and winery tours which are fabulous! Alcatraz is a must! Pier 39 is awesome – lots to do for adults and kids. There is a great water aquarium there that you can walk through, and sharks swim over and under you. Have fun!”
Carrie said: “The Stinkin Rose Restaurant, Coit Tower, a Boat Tour, and a Trolley Tour.”
Andrea said: “San Francisco Zoo, Steinhart Museum and Aquarium. Both are in Golden Gate Park. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and visit Sausalito.”
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Janet said: “The Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park is also pretty cool. Lombard Street, Cable Car, the Wharf, the Presidio, Steiner Street. But a MUST is the Marin Headlands in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.”
Holly said: “Visit the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. Fun!”
Jessica said: “Chinatown.”
Lori said: “Go up the trails around Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park, there are some little waterfalls and beautiful views. Coit Tower, Lombard, Hollywood Cafe for breakfast, Marin Headlands, and Muir Woods.”
Where to Eat in San Francisco:
Sarah writes: “Getting Shrimp Louis on the Fisherman’s Wharf is delicious.”
Terrie writes: “Pinecrest Diner. Sanraku has some great lunch specials, it has Japanese food, Sushi, and my favorite Sanraku Chicken.”
Tammy writes: “Stop and have lunch at one of the Pier 39 restaurants that overlooks the seals sunning themselves.”
Jim writes: “Look on Diners Drive-ins & Dives map for great spots to eat!”
With all the time spent outside down by the waterfront and exploring all over town… you just might be needing a caffeine fix! There are so many Starbucks locations all around the San Francisco and the Bay Area, so check this out…
Starbucks Money Saving Hacks
Save BIG when you use my frugal Eat Out Cheap Ideas. Making a trip to your favorite restaurant is about to get a whole lot more fun!
Things to Do Near San Francisco California:
- Hike through Muir Woods
- Walk around the Floating Homes in Sausalito
- Ride the Roller Coasters at Six Flags Theme Park
- Take a Jelly Belly Factory Tour
How To Visit San Francisco On A Budget:
So You’re Planning a Trip to San Francisco? To keep your vacation budget-friendly, you’ll need to plan ahead. One of the first things you’ll want to do is start stashing cash away for your ‘San Francisco Trip Fund’. Need to increase your travel fund stash? One of the easiest ways is to make extra money on the side in your free time! Here are my favorite tricks for ramping up the vacation budget…
25+ Side Hustles Ideas
How to Get Cheap Flights To San Francisco and Northern California:
Wondering how to get cheap flights? My favorite trick is to load up on free mileage points and airline gift cards, then use them to dramatically cut the cost on airfare! I’ve scored so many free flights this way! Are you ready to start earning your free airlines miles and gift cards? Here’s what you need to do…
Best Travel Hacking Credit Cards! {How I Get FREE Flights and Hotel Nights}
35+ Southwest Airlines Hacks! {What To Know BEFORE You Fly}
25 American Airlines Flight Hacks {Weird Tricks Everyone Should Know}
23 Delta Airlines Travel Hacks {Savvy Travel Hacking Ideas}
Where to Stay in and around San Francisco:
Wondering how to plan the perfect hotel stay for your next vacation? It’s so much easier than you think! Don’t book your next hotel without knowing these secrets shared by Hotel Staff and Frequent Travelers…
75 Hotel Hacks Everyone Should Know
In addition to hotels, I also recommend staying at a VRBO when visiting San Francisco to save BIG on your trip. VRBO has so many vacation rentals listed by owner, and they can be such a great way to find nice lodging that is way less expensive than the hotels. I’ve personally stayed at multiple VRBO’s, and loved every one. Not only were they often significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came fully stocked with convenient amenities that saved us SO much money!
Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO? These little known hacks will save you SO much money! Check this out…
How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO
More Budget San Francisco Vacation Tips:
20 Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars and Rideshare
How To Save On Gas {20 Genius Hacks}
Military Discounts for Travel
How to Travel for Free or Cheap {20 Brilliant Budget Travel Hacks}
What To Pack for Your Trip to San Francisco:
19 Carry On Must Haves for your next flight
Be sure to leave extra room in your suitcase to bring home some souvenirs!
Dreaming of more California vacations?
Have even more fun on your California vacation with these fun tips below…
21 Santa Barbara Travel Tips {Find The Hidden Gems}
32 Yosemite Travel Tips {what to know before you go}
34 Los Angeles Travel Tips {What You Can’t Afford to Miss}
38 San Diego Travel Tips You Need to Try!
62 Disneyland and Disney World Travel Tips
Knott’s Berry Farm Tips – Top 10 Things To Do
Inside Medieval Times Tips
SeaWorld Top Attractions – Top 10 Tips
39 Fun Things To See and Do In Portland Oregon {Family Vacation Ideas}
52 Seattle Travel Tips + Fun Things to do in WA!
20 Road Trip Must Haves for your next Vacation
Top 10 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations
10 Most Spectacular National Parks you NEED to Visit!
101 Frugal Travel Tips and Best Kept Secrets
So don’t miss out! Be sure to keep up with all the fun Frugal Girls Travel Tips, Recipes and more right here…
So… have YOU ever been to San Francisco before?
What are some of your favorite places to see, food to eat, and things to do, etc?
Leave a comment & share!
Faylinn says
Every time I visit San Francisco, I always take a trolley street car and eat at Fisherman’s Wharf. However, I have never been to Alcatraz Island and may want to consider doing that. However, do you actually go onto the island or are you only allowed to see it up close?