27 Non-Touristy Things to Do in San Francisco

For many, San Francisco conjures images of cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge; loaves of sourdough and seafood-slinging fishmongers at Fisherman’s Wharf; Victorian houses and steep hills; a storied and sometimes tumultuous past full of beatniks, hippies, jazz musicians, and immigrants from all over the world—all of who helped build the city into what it is today.

After living here for more than 10 years, I’ve learned that all of those things are quintessentially San Francisco, but also that the city has a seemingly endless array of outdoor activities, a vibrant and diverse food scene, world-class museums, and plenty of quirky, smaller sights to discover (and delight), all packed into 49 square miles. On your next trip to the City by the Bay, my advice is to skip the hubbub at Fisherman’s Wharf and get down with us locals with these great things to do in San Francisco.

1. Spend a day at Golden Gate Park

• Neighborhood: Sunset/Richmond | Google Maps

Did you know that San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is larger than New York City’s Central Park? At 1,017 acres (compared to Central Park’s 843), it’s an impressive urban green space, full of things to discover. Some of the top attractions include:

• Blue Heron Lake, formerly known as Stow Lake, has pedal boats and a snack stand with local craft beers.
• The Conservatory of Flowers is an iconic Victorian greenhouse and indoor botanical garden.
• The Japanese Tea Garden is known for its cherry blossoms and for being one of several places responsible for popularizing the Chinese fortune cookie.
• Bison Paddock is a field that’s home to the city’s resident herd of bison (yes, bison).
• de Young Museum is one of the city’s largest fine arts museums.
• California Academy of Sciences sits opposite the de Young and comprises a science museum, an aquarium, and a planetarium. Don’t miss the exhibit on the infamous 1906 earthquake.

While you could head to the park with a map and a plan, it’s also fun to wander aimlessly. Cover more ground by renting a bike at the entrance of the park and pedaling the car-free stretch from Stanyan Street to Crossover Drive, which is now permanently closed to cars. Keep an eye out for sculptures, waterfalls, and other quirky, hidden sights throughout.

Lyndsey Matthews

2. Bike or walk across the Golden Gate Bridge

• Neighborhood: Presidio | Google Maps

No trip to San Francisco is complete without a trip to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. To make an adventure out of it, challenge yourself to walk or bike across the 1.7-mile-long landmark. If you decide to walk across, it’s worth the extra steps to go part way up Hawk Hill in the Marin headlands for a stellar view of the bridge and city. Crossing on two wheels? Descend into Sausalito for lunch at sustainable seafood restaurant Fish. Then take the ferry back.

3. Listen to the Wave Organ

• Neighborhood: Presidio | Google Maps

After lounging at the Tunnel Top, wander downhill to Golden Gate Yacht Club in search of the Wave Organ, a wave-activated acoustic sculpture that produces a variety of sounds. This quirky attraction was designed by Exploratorium artist in residence Peter Richards and built in collaboration with sculptor and mason George Gonzales.

Photo by Rohan Ugale

4. Picnic at the Presidio Tunnel Top Park

• Neighborhood: Presidio | Google Maps

In 2022, San Francisco added a new park to its roster, and it happens to have one of the best unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge. With a large, clean lawn, ample picnic tables and seating, food trucks, a kids’ play area, and even a working firepit—complete with lounge-worthy Adirondack chairs—you’ll want to linger. And if these weren’t enough reasons to visit, a new café serving focaccia-style sourdough pizzas and freshly made pastries, called Il Parco, opened earlier this year.

5. Party in the sun at Dolores Park

• Neighborhood: Mission | Google Maps

On weekdays, this park in one of San Francisco’s sunniest neighborhoods is a chill place for dogs and kids to run around. On weekends, especially if the sun is out, Mission Dolores Park turns into a massive party. Locals and out-of-towners gather here to sunbathe, enjoy a bit of bubbly, smoke pot, or simply people-watch.

For picnic supplies, head to Woods Cerveceria for craft beer to go, Bi-Rite Market for snacks and sandwiches (not to be confused with the also excellent ice cream shop, Bi-Rite Creamery, across the street), or Dolores Outpost for coffee, Japanese-style snacks, and a great selection of sake. The original Tartine Bakery is also nearby—but be prepared to wait up to an hour if you visit on a weekend (weekdays are much less busy).

While here, you might as well try a Mission burrito, which is typically larger, sometimes grilled, and often includes rice. While there’s much debate among San Francisco residents about who does it best, Taqueria El Farolito, La Taqueria, and La Palma Mexicatessen are all excellent options.

Photo by Simone Anne

6. Picnic beside the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square Park

• Neighborhood: Lower Haight | Google Maps

This small, neighborhood park is popular among local picnickers and dog-owners but also a prime spot to view (and take photos of) the Painted Ladies, the row of Victorian houses made famous by the TV show Full House. For a local take, bring a picnic blanket and stay awhile, ideally with a cup of coffee from Lady Falcon Coffee Club’s vintage truck, which sells drinks in the park each Thursday through Sunday. After, walk to the Mill, a bakery known for its over-the-top toasts. Yes, there’s an avocado option—this is California, after all—though the ricotta and seasonal jam is a personal favorite.

Photo by Jessie Beck

7. Hike from Glen Canyon Park to Twin Peaks

• Neighborhood: Twin Peaks | Google Maps

As long as Karl (the city’s personified fog) is taking a break, Twin Peaks is a great spot for a view of the city. With trails that lead from the neighborhoods below up to the top, it also a fine end destination for a moderate, uphill urban hike. We suggest the 3.8-mile Glen Canyon Park to Twin Peaks loop.

8. Spend an afternoon sailing

• Neighborhood: Embarcadero | Google Maps

Thanks to high winds, cold ocean temps, and frequent fog, it’s rare to see residents here flock to the beach for a day of sunshine and swimming the way you might in San Diego or L.A. If a day at the beach isn’t in the cards, one of the best ways to get in—or on, rather—the water is with a sailboat tour, such as those run by Adventure Cat Charters.

How to go

Tours depart from Pier 39 (Fisherman’s Wharf) and cost $65 to $75 per person.

9. Kayak in the bay

• Neighborhood: South Beach | Google Maps

Looking for a more active way to get out on the water? Rent a kayak from City Kayak and paddle around the bay while enjoying views of Treasure Island, Alameda, and Oakland. (Tip: Go earlier in the day to avoid high winds.)

Photo by Eric Wolfinger

10. Learn how chocolate is made at Dandelion Chocolate

• Neighborhood: Mission | Google Maps

Ghirardelli isn’t the only chocolate game in town. One of our favorites is Dandelion Chocolate, which has become one of the most beloved chocolate makers among San Franciscans since it opened in 2010. The chocolate recipe is simple—sugar and cocoa beans are the only ingredients—but the flavors are complex. Although you can’t go wrong popping by the Valencia street café for a hot chocolate or souvenir bars, it’s worth joining Dandelion at its factory in the Mission District. Here, you can join a tour to find out how chocolate is made or participate in one of many classes and tastings, such as a whiskey and chocolate pairing.

11. Attend a drag show brunch

• Neighborhood: Castro | Google Maps

Rainbow flags fly high in the Castro, and it’s long been the center of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene. If you happen to be in town for Pride, you’re sure to find the biggest parties here (and nearby Dolores Park). Any other time of the year, one of the most fun ways to embrace the spirit of the Castro is with a drag show brunch at Beaux, the Lookout, or Midnight Sun—mimosa in hand, naturally.

Photo by Matthew Millman Photography

12. Catch an art exhibit at the SFMOMA

• Neighborhood: SOMA | Google Maps

In 2016, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) completed its 10-story expansion, making it one of the largest public collections of art in the city. For art lovers, it’s an essential visit to experience a rotating collection of art exhibits, such as the current Yayoi Kusama: Infinite Love (now–May 28, 2024) exhibit with two of the Japanese artist’s iconic Infinity Mirror Rooms, or the upcoming Art of Noise (May 4–August 18, 2024), a multisensory exhibit exploring how design has changed how we experience music.

After, grab lunch at the nearby Jewish Museum, which has an outpost of locally loved Wise Sons Jewish Deli, or drinks at Kona’s Street Market, a moody bar with globally inspired cocktails by the same team from award-winning Pacific Cocktail Haven, Kona’s sister bar.

How to visit

The SFMOMA is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Tuesday; 1 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays; and closed Wednesdays. Advance tickets are recommended and cost $30 for adults. Entry for children 18 and under is free.

Shutterstock

13. Hike Land’s End and visit Sutro Baths

• Neighborhood: Outer Richmond | Google Maps

There’s no shortage of parks and urban trails within the city’s seven-by-seven miles, but Land’s End is arguably the most iconic hike. Beginning in the outer Richmond and ending at the historic Sutro Baths (the ruins of a pool and bathhouse popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s), this moderate, dog-friendly, 3.4-mile trail takes hikers through cypress groves, past dog-friendly beaches, and by several views of the Golden Gate Bridge. End your hike with a well-earned drink at the Beach Chalet, either in its large outdoor garden or its indoor bar overlooking Ocean Beach.

14. Visit Alcatraz . . . at night

• Neighborhood: Embarcadero (Departure ferry) | Google Maps

The defunct island prison of Alcatraz isn’t exactly unknown, but for a more off-beat experience, join a night tour of the historic landmark. It is to be especially spooky.

How to visit

Ferries to Alcatraz depart from Pier 33 on the Embarcadero. Night tours through Alcatraz City Cruises cost $56 per adult and $33 per child.

15. Catch a Giants game at Oracle Park

• Neighborhood: South Beach | Google Maps

Whether a Giants loyalist or not, baseball fans won’t want to miss the chance to see a game at Oracle Park, whose waterfront location means people get to watch the action against a beautiful backdrop of the Bay.

One pro tip? The best seats aren’t necessarily in the stadium. Fans can grab standing-room-only (SRO) tickets to watch from the outfield’s veggie garden, pop in for free in the right field outfield viewing area, or kayak up to the stadium’s edge in McCovey Cove for a chance of catching a splash hit.

Foodwise/Amanda Lynn Photography

16. Go to the Saturday Farmers’ Market at the Ferry Building

• Neighborhood: Embarcadero | Google Maps

The Ferry Building is open every day of the week, but Saturdays are the most fun to visit, thanks to the expansive, weekly farmers’ market (a smaller version happens on Tuesdays and Thursdays). Come here for stalls full of fresh produce, locally made cheeses, meat, fish, and plenty of ready-made food. Roli Roti almost always has the the longest line—and for good reason. Its porchetta sandwiches are crispy, decadent perfection. But be sure to save room for all the delightful eateries inside the building too: Hog Island Oyster Company, Fort Point Beer, Dandelion Chocolate, Humphrey Slocombe ice cream, and Reem’s Arab bakery are several highlights.

17. Catch a free concert at Stern Grove (summers only)

• Neighborhood: Sunset | Google Maps

From June through August, the outdoor amphitheater at Stern Grove, a peaceful, eucalyptus-filled park in the Sunset district, plays host to a series of free weekend concerts. But don’t expect to see a no-name cover band, here. The organization hosts some surprisingly well-known artists, with past performances by the likes of Cat Power, Ziggy Marley, and LeAnn Rimes.

Nikhilesh Haval/age fotostock

18. Attend an event or admire the architecture at the Palace of Fine Arts

• Neighborhood: Marina District | Google Maps

Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition, the Palace of Fine Arts is a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture. Stroll the adjacent gardens and pond while admiring the Greco-Roman–inspired structure, most recognizable for its rotunda and Corinthian-style columns, or attend a concert, comedy show, or film screening at the Palace’s theater.

19. See a live jazz show

• Neighborhood: Civic Center / Tenderloin

In the early and mid-20th century, San Francisco was a major hub for jazz music, attracting notable artists such as Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald. The Fillmore (once known as “the Harlem of the West,”) and Tenderloin districts were particularly well-known for their lively clubs and nightlife. Although the scene isn’t quite what it was in its heyday (redevelopment of the area in the 1970s caused many clubs to relocate or shutter), the tradition lives on. Today, you can still enjoy world-class jazz music at SFJazz, a few blocks from the historic Fillmore district, or head to the Black Cat Jazz & Supper Club in the Tenderloin, whose leather seats and dark interiors channel moody vibes from a bygone era.

20. Grab a martini and piano show at Martuni’s

• Neighborhood: SOMA/Mission | Google Maps

While the downtown dueling piano shows can be fun, you’re more likely to find residents hanging around Martuni’s. Most say the establishment, which sits smack in the middle of the Mission, Hayes Valley, and SOMA neighborhoods, is the city’s only true piano bar. In operation since 1996, this LGTBQ+-friendly, San Francisco institution also serves (as the name might suggest) a mean martini.

21. Watch a modern circus troop at Club Fugazi

• Neighborhood: North Beach | Google Maps

From 1974 to 2019, Club Fugazi was home to Beach Blanket Babylon, the world’s longest-running revue. Although fans were saddened by its closure, a new (and, dare we say, just as fun?) show, Dear San Francisco, has taken its place at Fugazi. Part circus, part spoken word, the performance uses acrobatics, music, and a touch of humor to take the audience on a journey through the city’s booms and busts. For a full evening, pair your visit with dinner nearby. We love Cassava, which serves fresh Californian fare, Z & Y Peking Duck, a new Chinese restaurant known for its duck, Bodega, a natural wine bar with small bites, and old-school Italian classics like Tony’s Pizza Napoletana and Sotto Mare.

How to attend

Tickets cost $49 to $79 per person, depending on where you sit (try to get a seat on stage, if you can). They can be purchased online.

22. Catch a race down San Francisco’s windiest street

• Neighborhood: Potrero Hill

With San Francisco’s steep hills and windy roads come . . . racing. Each April, join or watch one of the city’s quirkier events, the Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race, where costume-clad adults race down windy Vermont Street on big-wheel trikes (the race began on Lombard Street but was moved to the windiest street in the city shortly after). It takes place in the Potrero Hill neighborhood—also home to one of the most popular brunch spots in the city, Plow—and we promise the race will be far more exciting than a standard visit to Lombard Street.

Photos by Alex Lau

23. Learn about Asian American history in Chinatown

• Neighborhood: Chinatown | Google Maps

Immigrants from China and throughout Asia have been an important part of San Francisco’s history from the city’s beginnings. There are few better places to learn about this community’s history than the city’s historic Chinatown, which was founded in 1848. Although easy to explore on your own, it’s worth it to join a walking tour with volunteer-led San Francisco City Tours (which does guided tours throughout the city) or a food tour with Stretchy Pants. Both are led by local experts who will share the area’s history as you visit iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory or the Dragon Gate.

However, much of the present-day Chinese and Chinese American community’s activity is centered around Clement Street in the Richmond neighborhood. Sometimes dubbed the city’s “new Chinatown,” this area is home to a myriad of Asian and Asian American shops, groceries, and restaurants, like the popular dim sum spot Hong Kong Lounge.

24. Soak and relax at a day spa in Japantown

• Neighborhood: Japantown | Google Maps

In this small enclave of Japanese and Japanese American culture, there are ramen restaurants and quirky shops, of course—but one not-to-miss highlight is Kabuki Springs. In operation since 1968, this day spa is similar to the sentos (public bathhouses) found throughout Japan, complete with hot and cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms.

Related: Is This San Francisco’s Most Underrated Neighborhood?

25. Shop independent and local

• Neighborhood: Various

Malls and big brand names cluster downtown around Union Square, but it’s the smaller neighborhood shops that truly showcase the creative flair of the city. From shops slinging handmade leather goods (Ian James) and vinyl records (Amoeba Music) to small batch ceramics (MM Clay) and inclusively sized clothing (Curator), these are some of the best streets to wander for an afternoon of shopping for indie and artisan goods:

1. Valencia Street (Mission)
2. Hayes Street (Hayes Valley)
3. Haight Street (Haight-Ashbury)
4. Clement Street (Richmond)
5. Chestnut Street (Marina)
6. Divisadero Street (NoPa)

Jessie Beck

26. Embrace your inner beatnik at City Lights Bookstore

• Neighborhood: North Beach | Google Maps

Considered one of the best bookstores in San Francisco, City Lights is a must-visit for any bibliophile—but especially those with a love of beat literature. In addition to the usual sections, it has an entire floor dedicated to beatnik books and poetry, including some hard to find prints and works by lesser-known writers. Afterwards, head next door to Vesuvio Cafe to open your new book alongside a beer or cocktail in what was once a popular beat hangout.

27. Enjoy a cocktail with a view at Top of the Mark

• Neighborhood: Nob Hill | Google Maps

End your adventures with a cocktail at Top of the Mark, a historic, high-end cocktail lounge established in 1939 on the 19th floor of the Mark Hopkins Hotel. Although its history is fascinating (in WWII it was a known spot for soldiers to have one last drink before shipping out; during the Korean War, soldiers began the “squadron bottle” tradition, sponsoring a bottle of bourbon to be kept behind the bar until their group returned), most people come here for the 360-degree, panoramic views of the city below. It may not be the hippest bar in town, but it’s an institution worth visiting at least once.

This article was originally published in 2023 and most recently updated on May 1, 2024 with current information.