10 Classic and Unique Things To Do in San Francisco
San Francisco is a unique city that has a balance of nature, cityscape, and lots of hills! This is a trip where you need to bring your best running shoes because it will require lots of walking. Thankfully many of the parks are pathed so they are accessible for everyone. As I was compiling the recap of my trip to San Francisco, I realized that many of the things I did were free or almost free. So, instead of boring you with the nitty gritty details I have created a list of things to do in San Francisco for under $30 so you can stretch your dollar next time you visit.
1. Sutro Heights
I put this as number one because I was taken away. This rocky shoreline has great hiking trails with a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Overall, it’s a great place to get those iconic San Francisco pictures, it’s well known for its stunning views and landscape. If you are lucky you might even stumble upon a whale sighting, they migrate between the months of December to February. (37.77912453062752, -122.51177915635326)
2. The Dutch Windmills
This is a great place to grab your lunch and spend it in the gardens of the mills, it is quiet, serene, and is well protected by trees from the sun! If you find yourself there in February or March you’ll be able to see the tulips blooming around the North Windmill. Another picturesque location. (37.770926618367575, -122.50946502096225)
3. Presidio of San Francisco
Google Map describes the Presidio of San Francisco as a “famous park & recreation area featuring wooded trails, historic sites & Golden Gate Bridge views.” In my opinion, it totally down plays the park. First of all the park is HUGE, there are about 4 parks and walking through them feels like an escape from the city. San Francisco because we were surrounded by trees! If you’re looking for a great picture in front of the Golden Gate Bridge, the trails of Presidio will bring you there!
If you are on the Battery E Trail, it will get you to a viewpoint that will have you smiling right in front of the Golden Gate Bridge! (37.80853874825969, -122.47296563097868)
For Disney fans, The Walt Disney Family Museum resides in the Presidio of San Francisco and general admission is $25 USD. (37.80169487740445, -122.45845306998783)
4. Alcatraz
Seeing Alcatraz is a must when visiting San Francisco, as it is one of their most famous attractions. Prepare to dedicate an afternoon or an evening, if you choose the evening tour (which is highly recommended). There are options when choosing which company to purchase tickets through, the fan favourite seems to be Alcatraz cruises, a guided tour is included in the price or you can take it on yourself and do a self-tour.
Photo by Chris Cooper on Unsplash
5. Give your feet a break, ride a Street Car / Cable Car!
The San Francisco cable car system is the world's last manually operated cable car system; the first functional cable car was built in 1873. Using the Cable cars or other forms of public transportation is a great way to get around the city but make sure you grab a MUNI passport.
6. Explore around Patricia’s Green In Hayes Valley!
When I think about having walked around this area I can hear the music, feel the sun, and smell the delicious food all around. There is a really great ambiance that this area gives and you should come hungry as you’re bound to discover a restaurant that peaks your interest (37.77631771835854, -122.42448306953082)! A couple blocks away you can visit the Painted Ladies, a row of beautifully painted Victorian houses which is a San Francisco classic. They have been made famous by Mrs. Doubtfire and Full House. Since you’re in the area you might as well check this off your sightseeing list (37.77645630351438, -122.43281997530461)!
7. Twin Peaks
The hill that trumps all hills in San Francisco, giving you a 180 degree view of the city. Twin Peaks is a 64-acre park that has some hiking trails and offers a 180-degree view of the Bay Area! You can make an afternoon of visiting this area or make it a quick pit stop along the way of seeing other sites around the city. The best part is that it's free to enter (37.75335256981356, -122.4472063279012).
8. 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
Also known as the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps is 163 steps of beautiful art made by the community. I have no idea how I stumbled upon the ‘Painted Steps’ in my research for my trip but I am very happy to have been able to witness the craftsmanship of these stairs! They are a mosaic of ceramics and I hear that they even glow in the dark. (37.756396563935695, -122.47321917345644)
9. Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge!
This one is definitely an obvious one but it definitely had to make the list, a great thing about the bridge is you can cross it. So after seeing the bridge in any and every movie/show/media that mentions San Francisco, drive across it to see it from a different perspective. Make a day out of visiting Sausalito, the small town on the other side of the bridge, and check out the historic landmarks such as the Lime Point Lighthouse.
10. Craving a sweet treat? Try Bob’s Donuts!
On my first visit to San Francisco a couple of years ago I tried a Crumb Donut from Bob’s and I have been dreaming about it since. I recommend Bob’s to anyone who is heading to San Francisco and has a sweet tooth! It’s a must try! Head to my blog post on ‘12 hours in San Francisco’ for a review of this donut! (37.79200405528122, -122.42120090229088)
If you’re heading on a road trip down the coast to Los Angeles, check out this blog post where I highlight some unique places that you should visit along the Pacific Coast Highway (a map guide is included)! Additionally if you’re looking for an alternative itinerary, check out what we got up to during our Four days in El Segundo and Downtown Los Angeles, California!
Happy travels!