Piers, craft beer, and iconic landmarks discover some of the best things to do alone in San Francisco.
There’s no denying that, in this modern era, San Francisco is often considered ‘the technological hub’ of America. And for a fact, it’s true – because it houses most of the tech giants like – Apple, Google, Uber, and Facebook. It’s interesting to realize how these tech platforms impact our daily lives, also knowing it all comes from one city – San Francisco.
But then, that’s not all.
Along with being synonymous with ‘tech’, San Francisco is a renowned bustling city known for its revelatory architecture, vibrant community, and art & culture. The locals live their lives to the fullest in SFO whilst ensuring enough hustle for tourists like us.
To me, San Francisco is a pure outdoor city. From touring the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz to exploring the waterfront areas, visiting the iconic Piers, and indulging in food & local experiences – the list is simply never-ending.
But, on the other hand, with so many activities & experiences to do in San Francisco – it’s often quite overwhelming for tourists to decide what to do, which places to visit, and where to eat. To make it simple, we have curated this definitive to-do bucket list for you – to discover some of the best things to do alone in San Francisco.
This guide is a bit comprehensive, covering 24 top activities in San Francisco – in addition to must-do experiences & must-see activities.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco is a year-round destination. The climate is moderate, with occasional heating months between June to October. That being said, the peak period to visit San Francisco is during July and August.
Mind you, if you plan to travel to San Francisco during this period – as you might be in for a jam-packed crowd. Hotel prices sky-rocket, attractions aren’t that cheap, plus tourist attractions are heavily crowded.
We recommend visiting Francisco in May, June, September, or October. We can’t guarantee the number of tourists flocking in – but indeed, you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy activities in San Francisco.
THINGS TO DO ALONE IN SAN FRANCISCO
The list below will help you plan a perfect trip to San Francisco, including shortlisting top places to visit, unique things to do, and other fun & unusual experiences.
1. VISIT THE ICONIC GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
The world’s iconic artificial structure is tucked away between San Francisco and Marin Country – Golden Gate Bridge. Along with being San Francisco’s trademark, it’s been declared one of the world’s marvels.
In 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge stood proudly overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. Before its actual construction, it wasn’t easy for the locals to travel across the city. They mainly used ferries to travel to the other side, popularly known as the ‘Golden State Ferry Company’.
The Golden Gate Bridge can be seen almost anywhere within the city, especially if you’re cruising past the bridge. The view gets better when you’re driving across – staring at the skylines on one side and nature. It doesn’t matter where you go or which place you visit in San Francisco – Golden Gate becomes a must-see experience.
I personally don’t think anyone who has visited San Francisco before- missed out on gazing at this marvel. It’s true of its kind, and you should add it to your San Francisco bucket-list activity right now!
2. TOUR THE ALCATRAZ ISLAND
Exploring Alcatraz is definitely one of the best things to do alone in San Francisco. It’s worth your time to take a guided tour of the island, even though you’re short on time. Often, Alcatraz is mistaken for its ‘prison tour’ only, which is not the truth. The island is much more than a guided tour, with many of our fellow readers rating it as one of the ‘stand-out’ experiences of their time in San Francisco.
Initially, Alcatraz was built considering the need of having military fortification. It was popularly known for its federal prison between 1933 and 1963. Post which, it got closed because of financial maintenance. Today, it’s become a tourist attraction – pulling in millions of visitors every year.
Note: Practically, it’s impossible to turn up and purchase tickets for your Alcatraz tour, and it’s best recommended to book them in advance to avoid any last moment hassles. If you’re interested in guided excursions, then check these fantastic excursions.
3. VIBE AT UNION SQUARE
Union Square San Francisco is a shopping paradise for tourists. Being the third-largest shopping space in the United States, one could get easily lost here, exploring the vibrancy of each shop.
It started gaining some traction in the early 1900s, as visitors across the globe started coming to see this area. Union Square has become an epicentre of upscaled shops, boutique stores, and luxury essence. Most of the shops here feature clothing, DIY products, and other artworks.
It’s a whole new world within San Francisco to discover anything you need to buy. So, keep your wallets ready because the prices are high.
Apart from the shopping experience, Union Square is famously known for its active nightlife. You’ll find concerts, live events, and shows to keep you entertained on any given day. And this place gets better every day, thus making it one of the best things to do alone in San Francisco at night.
4. CULTURAL COMMUNITY OF CHINATOWN
You can find Chinatown in major cities across the globe, but the one in San Francisco is the oldest & most established one. There are four Chinatowns in the city, amongst which ‘Grant Avenue’ is the biggest & most popular.
From exploring the streets of Chinatown to trying out delicious dim sum and soup – it’s easy to get lost in this tiny world. The hustle of the locals starts from the Dragon Gate to China Live, where you’ll find numerous shops, stalls, and restaurants galore. You can easily spend a day here, wandering off the alleys and browsing local shops.
A fact? Chinatown pulls in more visitors each year than the Golden Gate Bridge. Interesting right? And, I don’t find it hard to believe – especially with the eclectic atmosphere the neighbourhood boasts.
Also, if you’re looking to hog some traditional Chinese cuisine, there’s no better place than Chinatown in San Francisco. Indulge yourself in various authentic dishes the neighbourhood presents and sincerely treat yourself.
5. MARVEL AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF + PIER 39
Fisherman’s Wharf is a ‘must-visit’ attraction in San Francisco. Located in the northern part of the city, this historic waterfront is a vital touristic space filled with hundreds of souvenir shops and world-class restaurants. It truly feels nice to be here, especially if you’re coming down to San Francisco for the first time.
If you’re visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 is where you need to head. It’s home to San Francisco’s dynamic environment – housing the Aquarium of the Bay, Ghirardelli Square, and fun-filled arousing arcades. And not to forget, this is the only place in San Francisco where you can ogle sea lions.
Once you’re done exploring, the most important thing you need to do is try out fantastic food at Fisherman’s Wharf. The stalls located across the stretch specialize in selling crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls. Moreover, if you’re a fish lover, I might suggest trying ‘Cioppino’.
6. ENJOY SAN FRANCISCO’S CABLE CAR RIDE
None gets unique from all the activities you do than riding on a cable car in San Francisco. More than being a world-renowned transport system, cable cars have become a symbol representing the city’s iconic culture. It’s been 150 years since its inception, yet these rides have been in tip-top shape. Sadly, only three cable cars remain to date, keeping tourists and locals happy about their service.
Riding a cable car in San Francisco is pretty simple. There are three main routes you can choose – California Line, Powell-Hyde Line, and Powell-Mason Line. These routes operate differently, offering breathtaking views of the city’s nature & cultural attractions. However, most locals residing in San Francisco will often agree that Powell-Hyde Line is best.
The route gives you better views of major attractions of the San Francisco – Bay Area, Alcatraz Island, and Coit Tower. It also passes through Union Square and Nob Hill, where the views are simply unbeaten.
If you need to purchase tickets for these cable car rides, I recommend using the SFMTA’s official ticketing app – MuniMobile. More information on ticket prices for single-car rides can be found here.
7. CITY TOUR OF SAN FRANCISCO
The best possible way to get maximum out of San Francisco is to book a guided city tour. This becomes one of the most feasible options for travellers who are short on time or don’t want to spend much effort wandering off.
I recommend doing this Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour of San Francisco – which introduces you to the city with a glance. From the comfort of your seat, marvel at the legendary attractions of San Francisco and discover fascinating history & culture whilst touring.
The tour covers all the essential key points of interest & landmarks of San Francisco – including Pier 41, Ferry Building, Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Washington Square, Palace of Fine Arts, Civic Center, Marina Neighborhood, and Lombard Street Corridor. This tour operator has several other options for you to choose from before booking any special guided tour. You even can go for the ‘Panoramic Night Tour’ of San Francisco.
8. VISIT THE GHIRARDELLI SQUARE
Lined with upscale shops, wineries, and fantastic chocolate shops, Ghirardelli Square is one of San Francisco’s premier destinations. The reason why you should visit Ghirardelli Square is its history.
Initially, the square was formerly a prestigious chocolate factory founded by Domenico Ghirardelli in 1852. He was born and brought up in Italy and worked as a young confectioner. As time passed, the founder became well-known for its coffee and chocolate-producing skills.
Eventually, he stayed in San Francisco, where the Ghirardelli Chocolate factory was set up. Today, it’s a popular fair housing fancy stores, restaurants, and ice-cream stalls.
9. EXPLORE FERRY BUILDING MARKETPLACE
Ferry Building Marketplace stands as one of San Francisco’s essential landmarks. It is known for its two-fold status; one represents historical architecture, and the other showcases the city’s culinary scene. It becomes a one-stop platform for tourists and locals to eat, share and celebrate the food culture of SF.
Since it is San Francisco’s largest farmers market – expect you to get all types of local produce & items. The stalls are packed with fresh veggies, farm fruits, meat, and frozen goods. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays – the Ferry Building Marketplace explodes with farmers and rangers selling artisan food and wine produce.
Recommended: Read more on Ferry Building’s world-class restaurants, market days, and nearby attractions in this amazingly detailed guide.
10. TWISTED LANES OF LOMBARD STREET
Visiting Lombard Street is one of the best things to do alone in San Francisco. And rightly so, because of its uniquely ‘crooked zig-zag street’.
The best way to explore Lombard Street in SF is to reach the top by taking the Hyde Street cable car. Once you reach the upper area, you can either walk down the steps or bike to marvel at the beautiful mansions surrounding the Lombard.
If you have a car, you can drive down this street for a thrilling experience.
11. WATCH THE PAINTED LADIES
There are dozens of beautiful houses – probably hundreds – found across San Francisco’s neighbourhood. Many of them are based in Cole Valley, Haight-Ashbury, and Lower Haight. But, one particular stretch that will catch your attention – is the Edwardian houses located on 710-720 Steiner Street of Hayes Street.
These decorated Victorian houses have been referred to as ‘the Painted Ladies‘. Yes, the name is a bit weird – but it makes sense considering how beautiful they look with vibrant subtle colours. Interestingly, these houses have been featured in more than 70 movies, ads, and other TV shows.
Since people live in these houses, you can’t enter them – but you can catch a great view from the hillside of Alamo Square.
12. INDULGE IN SAN FRANCISCO’S LOCAL CUISINE
San Francisco is home to some of the hottest bars, most fabulous restaurants, and iconic street vendors. Tourists have vividly praised its long, storied food scene, and the city’s been actively involved in scaling its culinary world within its neighbourhoods.
From trying out the signature Mission-style burritos and Cioppino to clam chowder bread bowl, there’s no shortage of trying San Francisco’s typical local food. Its famous Egg custard tarts, prime ribs, and Swedish pancakes have been growing in popularity for a decade, and it’s something you can’t miss on your first visit.
If hogging is your thing, or maybe you want to get introduced to SF’s famous gastronomical culture, check these must-eat dishes in San Francisco. Or find this guide to SF’s remarkable restaurants. No matter what you try, indulging in SF’s cuisine is one of the best things to do alone.
13. GAZE THE CITY FROM THE TWIN PEAKS
Many visitors who travel to San Francisco for the first time often miss out on exploring the Twin Peaks. It’s one of the most underrated, gorgeous tourist attractions, which can only be appreciated by visiting.
Elevated at 922 feet, the Twin Peaks offers breathtaking views of the Bay Area. The two peaks are adjacent, giving you full access to gaze at the city’s shimmering skylines. Most tourists often drive, walk or bike the north peak to enjoy panoramic views of San Francisco.
Initially, the peaks were known as ‘Los Pechos de la Choca’ (Breasts of the Maiden). It’s densely filled with a mix of grassland and coastal scrub. You can even expect to spot animals like lupine, coyotes, and rabbits. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see the endangered mission blue butterfly.
Travel Tip: One of the best ways to explore the Twin Peaks is to walk the 0.7-mile trail. It passes between the peaks that lead to the north point overlook. You can further continue down Twin Peaks Blvd by taking the ‘Creek to Peaks Trail‘ (1.2-mile). Stay on track and follow the rules laid on these established trails.
14. VISIT MODERN ART IN THE CITY
If exploring museums excites you, the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco will surely enhance your experience. Housing more than 29,000 pieces of artwork, paintings, sculptures, and modern architecture – the Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is the actual of its kind.
The museum is almost 80 years old, but it went through infrastructural changes in 2016. Today, it boasts a ten-story 170,000 square and 16 more exhibition galleries and ground-floor exhibits. It won’t be a surprise if you get lost in the museum, admiring every modern art piece displayed in each section.
Travel Q – How much does a ticket to SFMOMA cost?
Visitors residing in San Francisco with valid CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or EBT cards can visit SFMOMA. If you’ve purchased an annual membership ($100), admission is free and other museum-based benefits. For tourists, the general admission costs $25. You can check more details on pricing here.
15. RELAX AT DOLORES PARK
Surrounding an area of 16 acres, Mission Dolores Park is one of the most vibrant parks in San Francisco. Its energetic atmosphere matches up relatively equally with the diverse neighbourhood harbouring the park.
Mission Dolores Park in San Francisco is a perfect place to relax and unwind. Come at any hour, and you’ll seek peace, friendly locals, and bustling activities around the park. Moreover, the park is well-known for the many festivals, performances, and cultural events it boasts.
On weekends, during sunny afternoons – you’ll find all sorts of visitors enjoying a picnic with their friends and families. People walk their dogs, youth enjoy their sports, and elderly citizens gossip about their routine.
It’s not only the environment that makes Mission Dolores Park a must-visit place in San Francisco, and you’ll soon realize this park is the best place to catch the views of the downtown skyline.
16. EXPLORE THE PALACE OF FINE ARTS
Constructed in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exhibition, the Palace of Fine Arts has been a long-lasting San Francisco icon. It’s been coined as the city’s ‘Designated Landmark’ and listed under the U.S National Register of Historic Places.
The Palace of Fine Arts makes a perfect place for families to stroll and picnic around. It’s not usually crowded in the morning, but you’ll start seeing crowds late in the afternoon. Often so, you’ll see wedding shoots happening around the area. The grounds of these building has been an iconic place for couples to shoot prenuptial photos & videos.
Apart from touring the site, the Palace of Fine Arts also has a theatre – featuring musical performances, comedy acts, and live shows. You’ll need to purchase tickets for these events before their dates.
17. TRY BURRITOS IN SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco’s burrito game has been so strong that it’s still a significant ongoing debate about who produces the best in the city. To start, burritos are an integral food icon in San Francisco, and it makes a perfect go-to-lunch option for any traveller/local exploring the city. But, no matter which one you try – the best remains the ‘Mission-style burritos.’
But, nowadays, anything wrapped in a tortilla qualifies to become a burrito. It’s commonly found everywhere, almost on every street corner or a food stall. Some sell burritos in an Indian fashion (mixing spicy masalas), whereas others with other classic fusions of Filipino and Korean ingredients.
Whether you go or which place you visit – trying out a burrito in SF is a must!
Recommended: 16 Lip-Smacking Burritos in San Francisco.
18. SAN FRANCISCO BOTANICAL GARDEN
There’s nothing more relaxing and peaceful than touring the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Based in Golden Gate Park, this 75-year old garden spreads across 55 acres, housing numerous plant and flower species. Most of the flora has been collected from different parts like Asia, South America, and Central America.
Amidst the gardens, stone-laden paths and paved trails lead you to more significant parts of this sprawling area. With over 8,000 different plants, there’s much to see and study as you wander around. The garden is also home to a unique collection of magnolias.
One of the most exciting areas is the Garden of Fragrance, where visitors get a chance to sniff sweet-smelling flowers and plants like lavender, rockrose, and lemon verbena.
Visit the official website of San Francisco Botanical Gardens to get more details on tickets and pricing.
19. DAY TRIP TO ANGEL ISLAND
Angel Island is a popular getaway destination from San Francisco. Many travellers who often explore San Francisco take a day trip to Angel Island for a quick off-beat experience.
You can reach the island by ferry and then take a guided tour or open-air tram to explore further. The island isn’t as lively as you might think, but with a small population of 60 people living – you can still be sure of finding interesting viewpoints and hidden gems.
Angel Island lines up fantastic cafes and restaurants. Nothing gets better than a quick lunch with a coastal view. You’ll find events and live music bustling across the island most of the time. Make sure you check an event that might be happening before your visit.
20. SUNSET CRUISE AT SAN FRANCISCO
Nothing can beat the experience of cruising past the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset, and it’s probably the thing many visitors dream of whilst spotting other nearby attractions from the cruise.
If you’re in San Francisco for the first time, never let go of this opportunity – to book a sunset cruise. There are daily departures from Fisherman’s Wharf, taking you past the waterfront areas, under the bridge, and Alcatraz Island.
As you sail through, marvel at the lively neighbourhoods of North Beach, historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, lush greenery of Presidio and Crissy Field, and the city’s breathtaking skylines as they fade underneath the sun’s sparkling rays.
21. DISCOVER SAN FRANCISCO’S BEACHES
San Francisco’s craggy coastline makes the city itself a better choice for exploring its surrounding beaches. The moody weather and beach-driven activities along the rugged stretches entice visitors to discover and enjoy their time.
Despite the modern setting of San Francisco, the beaches located here are surprisingly unspoiled, protected and preserved. While most beaches are located outside of the city, some are located within San Francisco – Ocean Beach and Baker Beach.
Suppose you feel like taking a day trip from San Francisco, head south to Half Moon Bay. It’s a popular getaway destination for residents staying in San Francisco. Even further towards the south lies the famous beaches of Pescadero State and San Gregorio.
22. EXCURSION TO JAPANESE TEA GARDENS
Japanese Tea Gardens in San Francisco feels entirely like a whole new world. The contrasting colours, the maples trees, and the cherry blossom flowers bloom brightly all add to your experience of visiting this garden.
Explore the Japenese Tea Gardens by strolling around, walking through the manicured terraces, stone paths, and cute little arched bridge. Learn more about its traditions and culture, and later head to Tea House for a cuppa.
23. GO HIKING IN SAN FRANCISCO
Hiking is an unusual thing to do in San Francisco. However, this modern metropolis arguably offers the best hiking trails in the Californian state.
San Francisco boasts dozens of hiking opportunities for you to explore. The most popular ones are the Creek to Peaks trail and Presidio’s Bay Ridge Trail, and they are simply the best to enjoy the city’s natural landscape wonders. Moreover, these paths are not strenuous as you might think but instead offers a smooth experience for visitors.
Some of the hiking spots in San Francisco, such as Bernal Heights Park, Lands End, and Buena Vista Park, rival the wilderness beauty of the modern city. If you’re in San Francisco and have the time to take an early morning hike, then do explore these trails.
24. WHALE TOURS IN SAN FRANCISCO
One of the interesting things to do in San Francisco is to take guided boat tours to watch blue whales and humpbacks. These large animals are often found near San Francisco’s coast between April and November.
Often, these tours are led by experts who are well-versed in identifying opportunities to seek a glance at these whales. If you travel during the migration period, you are ought to get a chance to witness grey whales in their natural habitat.
Further Readings & Resources
Hope you enjoyed reading our list of things to do alone in San Francisco. For other American travels, we got some exciting articles & newly-curated itineraries for you to check –
Yellowstone – Yellowstone Itinerary: How to Spend an Ideal Time in Yellowstone
Alaska – 10 Day Alaska Itinerary: Kenai & Denali Road Trip
Alaska – 9 Day Alaska Itinerary: Glacier Bay, Skagway & Juneau
Canada – Canadian Rockies Mountain: 8 Day Itinerary to the Mountains
Sedona – Phoenix to Sedona: Top Things to Do + Sedona Itinerary
