Things to do in San Francisco

Surrounded by a white picket fence and shaded by Monterey pines, the pet cemetery is the final resting place for hundreds of loyal animals owned by families stationed at the Presidio. Most of the grave markers mimic those found in military cemeteries and sometimes reflect the pets' military lifestyle—listing birthplaces including China, England, Australia, and Germany. Many markers also include family names and owners' ranks, which include majors, colonels, and generals. Others contain only a simple epitaph, such as "A GI pet. He did his time." As in many military cemeteries, there are also markers to several "unknowns".

It's no secret San Francisco loves food and drinks, which is why people seek out secret watering holes. If a secret bar is on your agenda, it's best to pick a place with no discernible sign or marking on an otherwise unremarkable street. 

Bourbon & Branch is well-known for handmade cocktails, a fine selection of bourbons and very upscale cocktails presented by knowledgeable cocktail servers in an exclusive setting with mood-lit ambiance.

Otis, lends itself to the late-night crowd and welcomes every workaholic looking for a break. If you find your self here, you know it's meant to be.

Located on a jetty that forms the small Boat Harbor in the Marina district of San Francisco is the Water Organ. Using materials from a demolished cemetery the Water Organ includes 25 organ pipes placed in various areas to create amazing sounds when water moves in and out of the pipes.

Quick Tip: The Wave Organ sounds best at high tide.

Beach Blanket Babylon

Steve Silver's Beach Blanket Babylon is the longest running musical revue in theatre history. Hailed as "a constant cascade of showstoppers" by the San Francisco Chronicle, Beach Blanket Babylon follows Snow White as she takes a fast-paced journey around the world in search of her "Prince Charming."

Pier 39

From amazing views and a sea of sea lions to chowder bread bowls and California wines, your visit to San Francisco starts at PIER 39. Kick off your visit by exploring two levels of dining, entertainment, shopping and attractions, all surrounded by unbeatable views of the city and the bay. Take it from the world famous sea lions: a visit to San Francisco starts at PIER 39.

Alcatraz

Alcatraz and history go hand-in-hand. Once home to some of America's most notorious criminals, the federal penitentiary that operated here from 1934 to 1963 brought a dark mystique to the Rock. The presence of infamous inmates like Al "Scarface" Capone, and the "Birdman" Robert Stroud helped to establish the island's notoriety. To this day, Alcatraz is best known as one of the world's most legendary prisons.

Fisherman's Wharf

As San Francisco’s most popular visitor destination, Fisherman’s Wharf offers a wide range of options for eating, people watching and having fun. A great option for exploring this northern part of the city is to rent a bike and cruise around at your own pace. Get your cameras ready for the gorgeous views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and beyond!

California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a multifaceted scientific institution committed to leading-edge research, to educational outreach, and to finding new and innovative ways to engage and inspire the public. The Academy's mission - to explore, explain and protect the natural world - extends to all corners of the institution; from a research expedition in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, to a teacher training program in a California classroom, to an interactive game on the museum exhibit floor.

Ripley's Believe It or Not

Come and experience the bizarre and peculiar show at the remodeled Ripley’s Believe It or Not San Francisco Odditorium on Fisherman’s Wharf. Featuring brand new exhibits that will make you look twice, from the giant Optimus Prime made of car parts, to a Hummer made of over 39,000 lotto tickets.

Ghirardelli Square

Named after the city's original chocolate maker, Ghirardelli Square is a popular San Francisco destination in the Fisherman’s Wharf, featuring a Ghirardelli chocolate shop, bakery, shoe shops, clothing stores, art galleries and a handful of tasty restaurants.

Golden Gate Bridge

An internationally recognized architectural icon, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is an attraction that cannot be missed. Drive, cycle or walk across one of the world’s most beautiful bridges to experience its true glory.

Fort Point

From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point protected San Francisco harbor from Confederate and foreign attack during and after the U.S. Civil War. Its beautifully arched casemates display the art of the master brick mason from the Civil War period.

Lombard Street

With seven sharp corners in just 200 yards, Lombard Street promises to be the most winding, bendy street in California, if not the whole world, zigzagging down one of San Francisco’s many steep hillsides. Start a leisurely walk down this unique street from the cable car stop close to the top of Lombard Street, which was originally built with so many curves to make the street suitable for the city's many horses.

Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US built fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes which saved the tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock—gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare.

California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a multifaceted scientific institution committed to leading-edge research, to educational outreach, and to finding new and innovative ways to engage and inspire the public. The Academy's mission - to explore, explain and protect the natural world - extends to all corners of the institution; from a research expedition in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, to a teacher training program in a California classroom, to an interactive game on the museum exhibit floor.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

From the onset, the museum has championed the most innovative and challenging art of its time, and they continue to exhibit and collect work by both modern masters and younger, less-established artists. Located just a short walk from downtown San Francisco, our landmark building features a soaring atrium topped by our signature turret and oculus skylight.

Cartoon Art Museum

From editorial cartoons to comic books, graphic novels to anime, Sunday funnies to Saturday morning cartoons, the Cartoon Art Museum has something for everyone. Located downtown in San Francisco’s Yerba Buena cultural district, the museum is home to over 6,000 pieces of original and cartoon and animation art, a comprehensive research library, and five galleries of exhibition space.

Cable Car Museum

Houses a collection of historic cable cars, photographs, mechanical displays and gift shop run by the Friends of the Cable Car Museum - a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of cable car history.

The Walt Disney Family Museum

Explore the fascinating and inspiring story of Walt Disney, whose artistry, creativity and vision helped define 20th century American culture, is brought to life in our galleries. The Museum’s collection includes some 25,000 works such as animation cells, rare film clips, concept art, scripts, musical scores, and cameras that Disney and his staff used in creating his characters and films. Walt and his family are also represented in photographs, artifacts, and home movies.

Westfield Shopping Centre

An iconic shopping destination, the Westfield Shopping Centre is just outside Hotel Zetta and home to Bloomingdale’s West-Coast flagship store, the second-largest Nordstrom in the country and 170 additional world-class boutiques and dining venues.

Ferry Building Marketplace

San Francisco is renowned for its pioneering gourmet culture, and the heart of it can be found at the Ferry Building Marketplace, where shoppers choose from a dizzying variety of locally sourced items, including fresh produce, meats, artisan cheeses and more. The Ferry Building Marketplace is open daily, but be sure to catch the Farmer’s Market every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday if you're available.

Union Square

The true center of San Francisco, Union Square and its surrounding district showcases the city’s unique character and charm with the best in fashion, dining and entertainment. Meet friends and family in Union Square to begin a day of exploring shops and boutiques, sampling any of San Francisco’s numerous gourmet restaurants, taking in a world-class play or lollygagging away a few hours in the newly remodeled Metreon.

Chinatown

At every turn, candles burn and vivid silks grace the jam-packed window fronts, where import vendors sell nearly everything, including (but by no means limited to) carved Buddhas, paper parasols and regal mahogany furniture, perfect for exotic gifts or indulgent tourist fodder.

Haight Street

The stretch of shops, referred to by San Francisco as the Upper Haight, was the center of '60s psychedelia. Despite gentrification and the proliferation of globally recognized stores, it still retains its hippie counterculture credentials, and is dotted with Victorian houses, anarchist bookstores, piercing salons and funky clothing shops.