An Insider’s Guide to San Francisco Attractions

Story and photos by Patricia Corrigan
Patricia worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for 23 years and has written 19 books. She is based in San Francisco.
Tips on what to see, do, eat and drink on your next visit.
Every year, some 18 million people journey to San Francisco, a city with world-class attractions perched among wild places, a destination that inspires contemplation and exhilaration at the same time.
Before you hit the road, keep in mind that San Francisco has a mild Mediterranean climate, and temperatures may vary as much as 15 degrees from neighborhood to neighborhood. Stash a light jacket in the back of the car so you’ll be ready for any weather.
Now, here are places enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
View the Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge commands attention from all angles. At Fort Point, you’re almost under the remarkable structure. At Crissy Field, grab a beverage at the Warming Hut, sit on the sea wall and watch cargo ships steam under the bridge and into San Francisco Bay. At Land’s End, look back at it. To check it out from 920 feet above the city, drive to the top of Twin Peaks.
Go on an Eating Adventure
Mexican food aficionados recommend Little Chihuahua in the Lower Haight, the Mission and Noe Valley, La Taqueria in the Mission, the Taco Shop at Underdogs in the Sunset and La Corneta in Glen Park. For upscale Mexican, I like Colibri off Union Square, Padrecito in Cole Valley or Nopalito in the Inner Sunset.
Cheese mavens make pilgrimages to the iconic Ferry Building for the Farmhouse Grilled Cheese at Cowgirl Creamery’s Sidekick Café. Order rib tips at Memphis Minnie’s, in the Lower Haight, for a snack or a complete meal. All five Wise Sons’ locations serve flavorful deli fare, and don't say “no” to the rugelach.
For the best bread in town, try Marla Bakery (whole wheat) in the Outer Richmond, Jane the Bakery (fig walnut) in the Western Addition and Boudin Bakery (sourdough) at three locations. And if you reserve a table at Lovejoy’s for affordable high tea in an eclectic setting, eat the warm scone first.
Explore the Parks
Golden Gate Park, which covers 1,017 acres, is the largest of some 220 city parks. Check out the botanical garden (don’t miss the redwood grove), the bison paddock, a Japanese tea garden, the renowned California Academy of Sciences (tour the rainforest), an archery range, two windmills, a Victorian-era greenhouse, 10 lakes and plenty of picnic spots — all in one park.
At the de Young Museum in the park, take the elevator to the glass-walled top floor of the Hamon Observation Tower, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of San Francisco and beyond — for free. The museum has an admission fee if you want to view the galleries.
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which encompasses 82,000 acres across 37 park sites, includes our expansive Ocean Beach, the smaller China and Baker beaches and Sutro Heights Park. The Presidio, founded in 1776, boasts the Disney Family Museum, a fountain featuring a life-size Yoda and great hiking trails with astonishing views of the Bay.
Experiment with Modes of Transit
For a fresh perspective, board an excursion boat at Fisherman’s Wharf, hop on a cable car or book a tour on a bike, bus, Segway or helicopter.
Historical walking tours abound, and many of them are free. Some visitors seek out the city’s mosaic tiled stairways in the Inner Sunset, the Inner Richmond and the Bayview. A walk in almost any neighborhood reveals lovely sidewalk gardens.
Expect the Unusual
At Pier 39, head around back for a look at hundreds of sea lions sunning themselves on docks. At Pier 45, pop in at the Musée Mécanique, which houses more than 200 coin-operated antique arcade machines. A few blocks west is the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, where you can board historic vessels docked at the Hyde Street Pier.
In the Mission, experience chocolate from bean to bar at Dandelion Chocolate, which offers handmade candy bars, classes and factory tours. Sip a nicely spiced Mission hot chocolate and try a brownie bite flight. For the quintessential San Francisco souvenir — tie-dye socks — head for the Sock Shop in Haight-Ashbury.
Whatever you choose to do when you’re in town, you’ll quickly catch on that San Francisco is a one-of-a-kind city.
Searching for Surf and Self Along the West Coast
Riding waves renews joy and restores confidence after a bad mountain fall.
Weekend Getaway to Fresno, California
The city makes a convenient base to explore several beautiful national parks.
Weekend Getaway to Half Moon Bay
Cozy beach town is a short drive — and a world away — from San Francisco.
Family Fun Along California’s Majestic Mountain Loop
Three national parks in three days makes a great getaway.
A Traveler's Tribute to Trees
The drive from Olympic National Park to San Francisco features spectacular views of towering forests.
Castello di Amorosa: A Tuscan-Style Castle in California
You’ll feel like royalty at this unique winery in Napa Valley.
Celebrate the Seasons at Yosemite National Park
From roaring waterfalls to colorful trees, the park is a year-round spectacle.
Insider's Guide to San Francisco Attractions
Tips on what to see, do, eat and drink on your next visit.
Drive to Napa Valley for the “Other Harvest” — Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fans of “liquid gold” can set up tasting tours at wineries and shops.
Napa’s Calistoga Specializes in Stress Reduction and Small-Town Charm
A dozen spas pamper guests with mud baths, massages and mineral pools.
A San Luis Obispo County Stay, Three Ways
New California residents try camping, glamping and a destination hotel, all in one road trip.
Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway - California
Road trip continues through the northern California redwoods and on to sunny SoCal beaches.
Nostalgic Route 66 Road Trip: Santa Monica to Albuquerque
On the “Mother Road,” you’ll find welcoming smiles and the guardian angel of the trail.
Driving California’s Majestic Mountain Loop
Two Californians explore three national parks in their home state.
San Francisco: A Gateway to Yosemite National Park
An easy road trip takes you from a world-class city to a top national park.
Road Trip to Death Valley National Park
Beginning in Las Vegas, the ‘Death Valley Rally’ includes beautiful vistas and unique stops.
Friends Reconnect on a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Once stricken by grief, a world traveler returns the gift of kindness on the way to Big Sur.
Chasing the Light in Joshua Tree National Park
College friends reunite in a desert wonderland with a deepened appreciation for each other.
California Coast Inspires a Love for the Ocean
During a road trip up the coast, five residents share their passion for the Pacific.
Rediscovering California’s Eastern Sierra
A photographic journey along an iconic mountain range on the West Coast brings healing and much more.
A Multigenerational Trip to San Diego Creates Lifelong Memories
Parents and grandparents help nurture children’s interests on their family vacation.
Explore California's Redwood Coast
This scenic region runs north from San Francisco through Redwoods National and State Parks along Highway 101.
Bodie, California: A Ghost Town You Should Visit
About 200,000 people visit annually, but the buildings have no residents.
Modern-Day Prospectors
From San Francisco, Jess and Eddie take a weekend road trip to Happy Camp, California, to learn gold-panning.

Start A Reservation
Enjoy fast and easy car rental bookings from Enterprise Rent-A-Car at one of our 7,200 branches in cities, airports and neighborhoods near you.
Reserve Now
Email Offers
Don't miss an excuse to hit the road: our latest offers delivered to your inbox.
Sign Up