San Francisco Visitors Planning Guide - 2025 VPG

Practically synonymous with San Francisco, these legendary attractions are not to be missed.

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE 

Stretching 1.7 miles across the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge is, by far, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. 

How to do it: Walk it, bike it or hop on a bus tour. 

Unique experience: See “the bridge that couldn’t be built” from above on a helicopter or sea-plane tour.

ALCATRAZ 

Now one of the city’s most popular attractions, this former prison once housed notorious convicts like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. 

How to do it: Ferry to the island with Alcatraz City Cruises (tours depart from Pier 33 every half hour throughout the day). 

Unique experience: Visit off-limits areas and hear lesser-known tales on the spooky Night Tour.

FISHERMAN’S WHARF 

Sunning sea lions, the cheerful clang of cable cars and steaming pots of Dungeness crab are just a few of the sights, sounds and bites found at Fisherman’s Wharf. 

How to do it: Eat your way around the neighborhood at restaurants like Cioppino’s and Fog Harbor Fish House. 

Unique experience: Get a gull’s-eye view from the 15-story SkyStar Observation Wheel.

CABLE CARS 

The world’s last manually operated cable-car system has whisked visitors up and down San Francisco’s sloping streets since 1873. 

How to do it: Simply climb aboard and ride! 

Unique experience: Learn all about the cars’ history and what keeps them running at the free Cable Car Museum.

LOMBARD STREET 

Dubbed the “Crookedest Street in the World,” Lombard’s hairpin curves, Victorian homes and beautiful gardens attract visitors from across the globe. 

How to do it: Walk the oneblock section from the top of the hill at Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street (stick to sidewalks, please). 

Unique experience: Visit at sunset for the most epic photo op from the bottom of the hill.

COIT TOWER 

Perched high on Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower is a defining landmark of the city’s skyline and offers panoramic views from the top. 

How to do it: Take a guided tour to learn about the building’s history and New Deal-era murals. 

Unique experience: Check out Telegraph Hill’s flock of 200+ wild parrots!

PAINTED LADIES 

These pastel-hued homes, standing shoulder-to-shoulder on Steiner Street, have been featured in many movies and TV shows set in San Francisco — most famously, “Full House.” 

How to do it: Grab local provisions and have a picnic in Alamo Square Park, just across the street. 

Unique experience: Take an architectural tour with San Francisco City Guides.

Lesser-Known Gems

Been there, done that? These off-the-beaten-path icons are sure to delight.

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