An arrangement of colorful, unique neighborhoods, San Francisco, California, is a city of trend-setting high fashion and famous postcard views. Within this 7-by-7-mile metropolis—you’ll find ethnically versatile areas such as the Mission District, green parks like Dolores and Golden Gate, suburban areas such as Nob Hill, and the intimidating office towers of the Financial District. However, being such a compact city, most people don’t know where to begin when roaming San Francisco for the first time. Below are 25 of San Francisco’s most eye-pleasing, cultured, memorizing gems to visit as a brand new tourist. Twin Peaks is an absolute must.You can’t visit San Francisco without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, the symbol of the city. It’s literally the first thing you see when entering!
The de Young Museum was founded in 1895. Being around for so long, it has become a favorite destination for San Francisco’s residents and visitors to visit for over 100 years. In 2005, the museum re-opened in a state-of-the-art new facility.
Better than a zoo, California Academy of Sciences is the place to go when you want to see animals in the city. There’s thousands of live animals and several exhibits of modern technology. Also, there is a “NightLife” every Thursday 6-10pm for those of you who are 21+, alcohol is involved ;).
Sutro Baths was originally built as a public bathhouse but was later burned down while being demolished. Though completely wrecked, the landmark somehow is simultaneously strikingly stunning.
San Francisco is well known for having the steepest streets in the country. Lombard Street is one of the most unique of the vertically endowed roads and is a great stop to add to any itinerary.
The Ferry Building Marketplace is the perfect place to go to choose from a variety of foods. It’s San Francisco’s marketplace for both its residents and its visitors.
You can’t get a better view of the whole city anywhere else! Whether it be during the day or night, Twin Peaks is definitely a must for sight-seeing. However, it is recommended to go at night time to see all the pretty lights!
The most romantic spot in San Francisco! Aside from all the marriage proposals and wedding ceremonies that have taken place here, it’s also the perfect place to come and enjoy the beautiful flowers.
The Legion of Honor has 4,000 years of ancient and European art in an exquisite Beaux-Arts building. It’s located in a mesmerizing setting overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
Muir Woods is the place to go for those who love nature. People from around the globe come here to visit the cathedral of redwoods.
Not to be confused with the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge is the second prized bridge of San Francisco. Unlike the Golden Gate Bridge, this bridge actually lights up at night time. It’s quite an enchanting view to see.
A beautiful row of colorful Victorian houses on Steiner street, the Painted Ladies is one of the most photographed areas of San Francisco. Be sure to visit the street during sunset, to capture a beautiful sky against the houses.
A fan of baseball? Even if you’re not, you haven’t fully experienced San Francisco unless you’ve sat and watch the city’s beloved baseball team play in its home town’s stadium!
San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is a world renowned tourist attraction! Located in a vibrant local neighborhood and commercial area, visitors get to experience world-class dining, shopping, hotels and endless entertainment opportunities.
Are you an art enthusiast? Are you interested in what modern day artists create today? San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art is the perfect place to go to explore current art. The name of the museum is self explanatory.
The Palace of Fine Arts is literally a piece of fine art. The architecture is so rustic and Victorian, it makes you believe you really are in a palace.
Alcatraz Island was once home to the most secure federal prison in America. San Francisco Bay sheltered some of America’s most tough and dangerous felons. Today it’s a very popular tourist destination.
The Japanese Tea Garden is the place to visit in San Francisco for tranquility and harmony. It’s the perfect place to come to mediate or just a simple peace of mind.
Koret Children’s Quarter is the perfect place to take your kids in San Francisco. The playground reopened in 2007 and has new features including a climbing wall shaped like waves and a rope climbing structure.
Coit Tower is a slim white building rising from the top of Telegraph Hill. It has been a symbol of San Francisco’s skyline. Its observation deck (reached by elevator) provides 360-degree views of the city and bay, including the Golden Gate and Bay bridges.
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as the oldest Chinatown in North America. This is definitely the spot to hit all your asian food cravings.
On the edge of Lincoln Park, the Lincoln Park Steps is like a stroll down memory lane. They are a reminder of San Francisco’s earlier days.
This interesting sculpture is located right across the street from the Ferry Building. It was the venue of a free concert by U2 in 1987, when lead singer Bono spray painted graffiti on the fountain and was both praised and criticized for the action. It’s definitely a historic landmark for rock n’ roll.
Union square is the heart of San Francisco. It is the most populated area each day as it is where all the main shopping centers are located. You can shop at practically every store you can imagine around this area.
Dolores Park is the place to go in San Francisco when you’re ready to take a break from everything. It’s the best place to relax, take a breather, and eat a sandwich (preferably Ike’s) on the grass. It’s the perfect way to end a day of sight-seeing and exploring.
