San Francisco Visitors Planning Guide - 2025 VPG

Nature and culture collide in San Francisco’s largest urban park, while the Sunset District offers cute shops, cozy restaurants, sandy beaches and laid-back surfer vibes.

SEE & DO

Golden Gate Park, a 1,017-acre green rectangle on the city’s west side, is a destination that merits a full day of exploration. The park’s pedestrian- and bike-friendly lanes wind past exquisite gardens, pastoral scenes and some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences and the Conservatory of Flowers. South of the park, marvel at majestic animals at the San Francisco Zoo before catching a tangerine-colored sunset from unspoiled Ocean Beach.

EAT & DRINK

What’s a seaside neighborhood without great seafood? Drizzle habanero-carrot hot sauce over your fish tacos or ceviche from Hook Fish Co., two blocks off Ocean Beach. Just down the street, Palm City is a wine bar that serves excellent sandwiches and snacks, like a shrimp-salad hoagie crowned with a layer of salt-and-vinegar potato chips. Yuanbao Jiaozi is sure to satisfy any dumpling cravings. Fiorella Sunset is your spot for elevated Italian, while New Eritrea Restaurant tops soft injera with berbere-spiced curries.

WHERE TO STAY

If you’re coming for the surf culture, SeaScape Inn is a short distance from Ocean Beach. Otherwise, the neighborhood has plenty of short-term rentals to pick from.