Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

The best things to do in San Francisco: Exclusive experiences and more

Add these San Francisco activities to your bucket list

By
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Maarten van den Heuvel / Unsplash

With its stunning views, dynamic culture, and iconic sights, San Francisco is a top choice for travelers. From gourmet dining and upscale shopping to unique experiences and key attractions, this city has it all. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in San Francisco.

Fine dining experiences

dish on white ceramic plate at a restuarant
Jay Wennington / Unsplash

1. Gary Danko

Located in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, Gary Danko is synonymous with culinary excellence. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with a menu that blends French, Mediterranean, and American flavors. The impeccable service and extensive wine list make it a perfect spot for a memorable evening.

Recommended Videos

2. Atelier Crenn

Helmed by Chef Dominique Crenn, the first female chef in the U.S. to earn three Michelin stars, Atelier Crenn is a culinary masterpiece. Each dish is a work of art, reflecting Chef Crenn’s poetic approach to cuisine. The tasting menu is a journey through innovative and exquisitely presented dishes, making it a must-visit for food connoisseurs.

Related

3. Benu

Another gem in San Francisco’s Michelin-starred collection, Benu offers an intimate and sophisticated dining experience. Chef Corey Lee’s menu is a blend of Asian and American influences, presented with precision and creativity. The wine pairings and serene ambiance add to the luxurious experience.

High-end shopping

shopping mall in union square san francisco
Allen Boguslavsky / Pexels

4. Union Square

Union Square is the epicenter of luxury shopping in San Francisco. Here, you’ll find flagship stores of high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co. Plus, the square itself is surrounded by upscale hotels and renowned restaurants.

5. Fillmore Street

Located in the upscale Pacific Heights neighborhood, Fillmore Street offers a mix of high-end boutiques, designer shops, and charming cafes. Stroll down this fashionable street and explore stores like Alice + Olivia and Aesop.

Exclusive experiences

white yacht on body of water during daytime
Luke Moss / Unsplash

6. Private yacht charter

Experience San Francisco Bay in style by chartering a private yacht. Companies like SF Bay Adventures offer personalized yacht tours that provide breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline. Enjoy gourmet meals and fine wine on board while cruising the picturesque waters.

7. VIP helicopter tour

For a truly unforgettable experience, take a VIP helicopter tour of San Francisco. SF Helicopters offers exclusive tours that provide a bird’s-eye view of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, and Alcatraz Island. The panoramic views and exhilarating ride make this a must-do for luxury travelers.

8. Spa day at Nob Hill Spa

Indulge in a day of relaxation at Nob Hill Spa, located in the elegant Huntington Hotel. The spa offers massages, facials, body wraps, and more. Enjoy the serene ambiance, stunning views of the city, and access to the infinity pool and steam room.

Cultural and scenic highlights

view of alcatraz in san francisco during daytime
Filip Filipovic / Pexels

9. San Francisco Symphony

Experience world-class performances at the San Francisco Symphony. Located in the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, the symphony offers a season of classical and contemporary concerts. Opt for a VIP package to enjoy perks like premium seating, pre-concert receptions, and meet-and-greet opportunities.

10. Alcatraz Island night tour

Explore the infamous Alcatraz Island with a night tour that offers a unique and intimate perspective of this historic landmark. The tour includes a narrated ferry ride, guided tour of the cell house, and access to areas normally closed to the public. The eerie ambiance and stunning views of the city at night make this an unforgettable experience.

Nature and scenic attractions

red and green multi-layer pagoda temple under blue sky
Antonio Gabola / Unsplash

11. Golden Gate Park

While San Francisco is known for its urban sophistication, it also offers beautiful natural escapes. Golden Gate Park is an oasis with gardens, lakes, and museums. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden for a serene experience or explore the de Young Museum’s impressive art collections.

12. Muir Woods National Monument

A short drive from the city, Muir Woods National Monument offers a tranquil escape into nature. Stroll among towering ancient redwoods and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this forest. Guided tours and private hiking experiences are available for those seeking a more tailored visit.

FAQ

san francisco city skyline during golden hour
KEHN HERMANO / Pexels

What is the best time to visit San Francisco?

San Francisco is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is typically during the fall (September to November) when the weather is warm and the summer crowds have thinned.

Can I visit Napa Valley from San Francisco?

Yes, Napa Valley is about a 90-minute drive from San Francisco. Consider booking a private wine tour for a day trip to one of the world’s premier wine regions.

What is the most visited place in San Francisco?

The most visited place in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge. This iconic landmark offers breathtaking views, walking and biking paths, and photo opportunities.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Kelly Baker
Kelly Baker
Kelly is a writer who loves good books, baking homemade bread, playing the piano, and spending time with her family.
Don your best seaman’s cap and head to the most incredible lighthouse hotels in the U.S.
For ocean lovers and salty maritime souls, it hardly gets better than a stay at a genuine lighthouse hotel
View from the water of Maine's Portland Head Lighthouse at sunset

Beginning in the 17th century, as seafaring travel grew, lighthouses became vital beacons of safety, guiding mariners away from dangerous rocks, reefs, and powerful currents. By 1900, the U.S. had built nearly 1,000 lighthouses along its coasts and harbors. While modern navigation technology has since automated or rendered many obsolete, these iconic structures remain captivating landmarks.

Some have been restored as museums of playgrounds, but the most intriguing are those converted into lighthouse hotels. If you're looking for unique destinations far from ordinary luxury hotel chains, spend a night in a charming, rustic lighthouse. Here are the best lighthouse hotels in the U.S. for your next getaway.
Sitka Lighthouse - Sitka, Alaska

Read more
When you’re hiking in Death Valley, don’t do this
Taking the path less traveled is not advisable in this case.
Rugged and scenic terrain in Death Valley California

Safety should always be a top priority when visiting national parks, and this has become even more relevant than ever as the National Park Service recently had to rescue a hiker from a near-death experience at Death Valley National Park.

Just a few days ago, a hiker found himself in a precarious position after splitting up from his travel buddy and leaving the main trail at Mosaic Canyon. When these two visitors split up, one remained on the established path, and the other decided to attempt to navigate a side canyon, believing he could reconnect with the main trail further ahead. However, as the canyon became steeper, the hiker found himself trapped, unable to move forward or descend safely.

Read more
The best hidden spots in Europe for a snowy winter break, according to new data
Norway provides the snowiest escapes.
Alesund Norway

A new study by ferry operator DFDS has revealed the best hidden spots in Europe for a snowy break, perfect for travelers seeking fewer crowds and plenty of wintry charm. The study analyzed Google search data across 164 destinations, highlighting those with below-average search volume to uncover Europe’s best-kept secrets for a magical winter experience.

Topping the list is Ålesund, Norway, a picturesque town known for its snow-capped mountains, beautiful fjords, and unique Art Nouveau architecture. Rebuilt after a fire in 1904, Ålesund’s colorful buildings create a striking contrast against a blanket of white snow. Visitors can enjoy skiing, husky sledding, or exploring the town’s museums.

Read more