Top 25 San Francisco Attractions & Things To Do You Can’t Miss

Last Updated on February 24, 2024 by Nikki Jain

The City and County of San Francisco have a storied history that speaks to the heart of the American West. The Californian city rose to great heights as a settlement during the Gold Rush. What was once little more than a coastal port town has grown into a bustling metropolis and tourist destination!

A mix of history, entertainment, culture, and technology makes this beautiful and highly populous city popular and loved. There are sure to be San Francisco attractions for everyone to suit all preferences and interests.

But with so many things to do in San Francisco, you might have trouble deciding which ones to add to your itinerary. To help you out, we've made a list of the 35 top tourist attractions in San Francisco. Here are the best places in San Francisco to visit during your next holiday.

Things To Do in San Francisco

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1: Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge
Dreamstime/Luciano Mortula

The Golden Gate Bridge is the crown of San Francisco, famous across the globe for its iconic orange arches.

It is named after the Golden Gate Strait upon which it stretches. Built to facilitate travel between Marin County and San Francisco, it is the city's most photographed location - and for a good reason.

The beautiful location is one of America's most impressive man-made sights! Bring your camera for some great photo opportunities.

The Golden Gate Bridge leads to numerous other places worth exploring. You'll find bayside trails, scenic recreational locations, quiet beaches, and more.

Each trail brings you somewhere new and fascinating, many of which are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. That's why it's one of the best places to visit in San Francisco and shouldn't be missed.

Address: Lincoln Boulevard, near Doyle Drive and Fort Point, San Francisco, CA 94129

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2: Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf
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Fisherman's Wharf is an iconic tourist spot and is one of the most popular San Francisco attractions.

Often called the city's Little Italy, it has various restaurants, shops, and historic locations.

The waterfront is also well-known for being a beautiful place to watch the waves or go sunbathing.

Strolling around Fisherman's Wharf opens up many enjoyable possibilities for your day.

Hop on a character or cruise, snap some photos or visit a unique museum along the way.

If you head to Pier 39 around the back, you'll have a good chance of catching a glimpse of some cute sea lions.

Address: Jefferson Street, Between Hyde and Powell Streets, San Francisco, CA 94133

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3: Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island
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Alcatraz Island, often called The Rock, is the site of the infamous Alcatraz Penitentiary.

The notorious location, fraught with a mix of good and bad history, received 1,576 convicts during its three-decade operation period.

It was reopened in 1973 after ten years of inactivity as a tourist attraction. 

Of course, there's more to Alcatraz Island than the prison itself! Here, you'll find a Civil War fortress, sites related to the American Indian Red Power movement, and the west coast's oldest operating lighthouse. There's even a bird sanctuary.

Alcatraz Island is only accessible by crossing the water to get to it. You can take a ferry with an educational audio narration feature to learn more about Alcatraz prison, complete with former guard and inmate voices.

It's a good idea to book a ride in advance, as the island is very popular!

Address: Bay Street and Embarcadero, Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, San Francisco, CA 94133

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Also Read: The Most Beautiful Cities in California

4: San Francisco Cable Cars

San Francisco Cable Cars
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If you're looking for more things to do in San Francisco, riding cable cars simply must be on your list.

The San Francisco Cable Cars were first introduced to the city in 1873. They were designed as a practical way for locals to transport themselves around the numerous hills of the city. 

Today, the cable cars of San Francisco aren't really used by locals anymore, as their routes are quite short now compared to what trains and cars can accomplish.

But for tourists, they're a great part of the San Francisco experience. It's a fun adventure for visitors, and over 9 million of them come and ride these cars annually.

In 1964, they were even declared a historic monument! Try the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason routes to get the most scenic enjoyment out of your ride.

Address: Powell-Hyde Cable Car, San Francisco, CA 94109

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5: Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park
SkyStar Wheel in Golden Gate Park | Dreamstime/Chon Kit Leong

Many great San Francisco tourist attractions are related to the iconic Golden Gate, and Golden Gate Park is one of them.

It's almost akin to the Central Park of California, receiving over 13 million unique annual visitors.

With 1,017 acres to its name, the park offers a huge variety of things to do and ways to spend your time. It can take you the whole day to fully experience every detail.

At Golden Gate Park, you'll see picnic spots, sports grounds, trails, gardens, and playgrounds galore.

There are also additional attractions inside the park's grounds, some of which are worth visiting all on their own, like museums and educational structures. If you're lucky, you'll get to see some of the park's famous bison, too.

There are also some rather unusual attractions scattered about Golden Gate Park, making it ideal for those fond of the bizarre and unique. For example, there's a vintage carousel with 61 rideable beasts that date back to 1912.

There's also a druid circle made with stones sourced from a 12th-century Spanish monastery.

Address: 501 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117

6: San Francisco's Chinatown

San Francisco's Chinatown
San Francisco`s Chinatown | Dreamstime/Chris Labasco

If you're looking for more exploratory things to do in San Francisco, you can't go wrong with a walk around Chinatown.

Sure, plenty of cities have their own Chinatown locations, but San Francisco's is in another league. It's the largest of its kind outside of Asia and is also North America's oldest.

The beautiful expanse of Chinatown is filled with workshops, antique stores, theaters, temples, souvenir shops, traditional pharmacies, and more.

With teahouses, dim sum stalls, and small businesses galore, it's a majestic and awe-inspiring maze of alleys and streets.

The labyrinthine area is a thrill to spend a day in, especially during important Chinese holidays.

Address: Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94108

Also Read: Best Chinatowns In America

7: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
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The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art boasts a whopping 170,000 square feet across 10 floors of exhibition spaces.

With a focus on the art of all forms and mediums in the 20th century, it's an interesting hotspot and one of the best San Francisco attractions for art enthusiasts.

The permanent collection of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art contains more than 33,000 gorgeous pieces.

A variety of rotating exhibits provide interesting new examples of modern art on a regular basis.

There's little not to love about the bright, airy attraction. Even its gift shop and two cafes are to die for!

Address: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103

8: The Exploratorium

The Exploratorium
Dreamstime/Mathieu Le Mauff

The Exploratorium is one of the most fascinating places to visit in San Francisco. The museum is dedicated to various exhibits related to art, science, and human perception.

It was once a part of the Palace of Fine Arts but was opened in its own location in 2013.

Its new space granted it the ability to create improved, updated exhibits without leaving the hands-on, interactive, welcoming fun of its initial experimental vibe.

The Exploratorium learning laboratory showcases many different topics, including sound waves, superstitions, electricity, optical illusions, centrifugal motion, and more.

There are over 600 interactive exhibits covering geography, engineering, biology, and psychology; all spread across six main galleries.

The Tactile Dome is especially popular, allowing you to navigate through total darkness with nothing but your sense of touch.

Address: Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111

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9: California Academy of Science

California Academy of Science
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If you only have time for one thing in the Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is a must-see in San Francisco.

The multifaceted museum boasts impressive green and sustainable architecture, including a Living Roof measuring 2.5 acres.

The roof is filled with hills and native plants that create a natural, verdant appearance. It also has solar panels for electricity, a large glass structure for maximum natural light, and soil for green insulation.

Inside the California Academy of Sciences, you'll be treated to a wealth of different kinds of attractions.

It's a natural history museum, rainforest space, planetarium, aquarium, and much more! The rainforest reaches a height of four stories and is packed with various flora and fauna.

The aquarium, meanwhile, boasts over 38,000 live animals and a beautiful coral reef.

Fans of the unusual will love the massive collection of preserved reptiles and amphibians in the Herpetology Department, too. Essentially there's much to discover and explore.

Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

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10: Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks
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Over 900 feet in height, Twin Peaks is the name of a pair of uninhabited hills with stunning views of San Francisco.

When you're up here, you'll realize quickly that this is one of the most beautiful cities in the USA.

Twink Peaks are the city's only ones that are still in their original, untamed state and haven't been built over.

They're the second-highest point in San Francisco and grant you views of various downtown scenes, the Bay Bridge, and more. If you'd like a little exercise, you can opt to hike the trails that go over both peaks.

Address: 501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94114

11: Yerba Buena Gardens

Yerba Buena Gardens
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The Yerba Buena Gardens provide the perfect opportunity to relax and bask in the lovely culture and weather of San Francisco.

Encompassing 5 acres of well-manicured lawns filled with water features, flowers, trees, and art, it's a sight for sore eyes.

The landscaping is designed to appeal to people of all ages and even kids will love them! Plus, the gardens are filled with various individual attractions, including museums, eateries, theatres, and memorials.

With that being said, the biggest draws of the Yerba Buena Gardens are the gardens themselves.

The Cho-En Butterfly Garden, for example, is filled with native plants and butterflies in various stages of growth. The Sister City Gardens and Upper Terrace Garden are decorated with flora from the 18 Sister Cities of San Francisco.

There's also the Reflection Garden, which provides oral traditional performance space and is a tribute to the Ohlone people.

Finally, check out the East Garden, which is packed with cool water features and beautiful sculptures!

Address: 750 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103

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12: Legion of Honor Museum

Legion of Honor Museum
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The Legion of Honor Museum is an impressive, stunning institution housed in an amazing, beautiful Neoclassical Beaux-Arts structure.

It was a gift from Alma de Bretteville Spreckels, a philanthropist, art aficionado, and socialite who loved various Parisian things. That's why the museum is a great replica for Paris' exquisite Palais de la Légion d'Honneur.

Located in Lincoln Park, the Legion of Honor Museum is home to many different pieces of European works.

This includes paintings, decorative arts, and sculptures, as well as Near East and Mediterranean antiquities. There are more than 4,000 years of history within those jaw-dropping walls.

You'll get to see works by Picasso, Rembrandt, and Monet alongside over 90 sculptures by Rodin. There's also a bronze casting of the famous statue The Thinker and several Ansel Adams photographs!

Address: 100 34th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121

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13: Palace of Fine Arts

Palace of Fine Arts
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The Palace of Fine Arts was part of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition.

The exposition was a huge feat of temporary design and showcased technological and artistic innovations and creativity. Each building was classically-inspired, as the Palace of Fine Arts is. 

The palace is the only remaining structure from that event and is, fittingly, on the National Register of Historic Places.

It has been extensively restored and is home to numerous performances and exhibitions. With over 1,000 seats, it's no surprise that the palace is one of the most stunning attractions in San Francisco.

Address: 3601 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123

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Looking to visit other amazing places in California? Check out our lists of things to do in Sacramento & things to do in Los Angeles!

14: Ferry Building Marketplace

Ferry Building Marketplace
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The Ferry Building Marketplace is one of the best spots in San Francisco for foodies and shopping enthusiasts.

The public food market is packed with all sorts of snack stalls, little restaurants, grocery shops, and stores of all kinds.

Variety is impressive and quality is top-notch, whether you're looking for a meal, some food souvenirs, or even groceries!

Located on the waterfront, the Ferry Building Marketplace is as impressive as it is bustling.

You'll see staples like burgers, seafood, coffee, Mexican fare, and Japanese fare. You'll get to shop at dairy and cheese bars, empanada stands, and nut shops.

Street food, rare drinks, and much more await! There are sit-down restaurants, too, if that's more up your alley, but you'll arguably have much more fun buying street snacks to eat as you stroll.

Address: 1 Ferry Building, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105

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Also Read: 15 Tallest Buildings in San Francisco

15: Mission District

Mission District
Dreamstime/Mathieu Le Mauff

The Mission District is the haven of the young, bohemian crowd of the city.

It's home to many different San Francisco attractions and has maintained much of its authentic Mexican ambiance.

It's a vibrant, fun neighborhood that's popular for walking tours and laid-back enough for a break from the most touristy spots in the city.

One of the best things to do in the Mission District is to check out the bright street art scattered about the area.

There are countless murals that serve as the backdrop to many different festivals and exhibits.

The Clarion Alley Mural Project is especially rewarding, with more than 700 different murals stretching across a single street.

Address: Mission District, San Francisco, CA

16: Union Square

Union Square
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Union Square is a great neighborhood and is likely San Francisco's most visited of its kind!

Right in the center of the downtown rush of the city, it's packed with a mix of locals and tourists, all making their way through the huge skyscrapers and busy, bustling streets. 

Union Square has numerous fancy hotels, retail stores, galleries, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife hotspots.

If you're lucky, you'll be here during a live event or festival that further adds to the vibrancy of this packed locale.

The square is also a park of sorts, dotted with palm trees and little grassy areas with seating areas among works of art.

Address: 333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Also Read: Most Famous Streets of San Francisco

17: City Lights Booksellers and Publishers

City Lights Booksellers and Publishers
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City Lights Booksellers and Publishers is a bookshop that was founded in 1953 by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, a poet and artist.

It is here that Howl and Other Poems, the famous and groundbreaking work by Allen Ginsberg, was first published.

It's no surprise, then, that City Lights was central in the rise of the Beat Generation and has been a beacon of radical ideas and free speech.

Until now, City Lights Booksellers and Publishers remain a hub of indie-literary voices and various progressive forms of politics.

It's one of the coolest things to do in San Francisco for activists, bibliophiles, and history lovers alike.

It has a big, impressive inventory filled with various forms of fiction and nonfiction across both new and used books. There are some pretty rare books here, too!

Address: 261 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

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18: Asian Art Museum

Asian Art Museum
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The Asian Art Museum is an extremely important museum. It opened in 1966 and was built around the donated former-private collection of Avery Brundage.

Brundage hoped that the museum would help to bridge the gap between the West and the East - and it has, significantly so!

At the Asian Art Museum, you'll find works spanning over 6,000 years from Iran, Korea, India, Japan, China, and various Asiatic countries.

You'll see jade carvings, sculptures, ceramics, architectural pieces, pottery, bronzes, metalwork, paintings, and more.

The museum is expanding even more impressively, with plans for a new pavilion in place!

Even the gift shop at the Asian Art Museum is impressive! You'll see hand-woven baskets, tea sets made from copper, handcrafted furniture, jewelry, and calligraphy brushes made from goat hair and bamboo.

The cafe is pretty cool, too, with Asian-inspired dishes and an amazing authentic selection of Asian teas and alcoholic beverages.

Address: 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102

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19: Presidio of San Francisco

Presidio of San Francisco
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The Presidio Of San Francisco was once a military base. Today, it is home to over two square miles of beautiful views, ocean air, and verdant swaying eucalyptus trees.

The National Park was set up in 1994 and is filled with attractions like museums and art installations.

The biggest beauties of the Presidio Of San Francisco are the trails and scenery. There are 12 hiking trails that have different difficulty levels.

The most popular is the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, which is probably the most challenging. It's also the shortest, though, which makes up for the difficulty as you explore the undeveloped western shore of the Presidio. 

Another popular trail is the California Coastal Trail, offering stunning Pacific Ocean panoramas across its three miles.

The Bay Area Ridge Trail, running 2.5 miles, is interesting too, with woodland coast sights littered throughout.

Address: 1750 Lincoln. Blvd. San Francisco, CA 94129

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20: Lands End

Lands End
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Lands End is a beautiful location, with a difficult set of winding trails that lead you through cliffs of jagged rock.

Each arduous step is worth the effort, rewarding you with gorgeous views that appear and disappear along the way.

A golf course, several monuments, a labyrinth, and historic sites galore add to the variety of this awe-inspiring area. 

Lands End also hosts numerous more unusual San Francisco attractions that make it popular among hidden gem explorers.

The aforementioned labyrinth is very much a loved feature of the location created out of a rock to form a classic seven-circuit Chartres labyrinth.

But that's not all to see! There are shipwrecks at Lands End that haunt the area, with three visible ships above the water among 300 sunken vessels.

There's also the Octagon House, an old watch house established in the wake of the discovery of gold in the Sacramento hills.

The house is currently awaiting a restoration project and sits, eerie and quiet, looking out over Lands End.

Address: 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121

21: Ruins of the Sutro Baths

Ruins of the Sutro Baths
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The Ruins of the Sutro Baths are technically a part of Lands End. But they're so interesting and fascinating that they deserve their own spot among things to do around San Francisco.

Before they became ruins, this took up three acres of land with six seawater pools fed by the ties. Its construction required 10,000 cement barrels, a million dollars in 1896, and 1.7 million gallons of water!

Once upon a time, this was the site of a huge public bath structure, enclosed by glass, at Point Lobos.

They were created by former SF mayor, gold-rush engineer, and millionaire Adolf Sutro. He sought to provide entertainment at a wholesome, low-cost level to the whole city.

Sutro decorated it with various curiosities that he found during his travels. There were bleachers with 3,700 seats and 500 dressing rooms.

Sadly, the baths fell into neglect due to the cost of maintaining the building. It burned down in 1966 after it was already scheduled for demolition when it caught fire suspiciously.

Now, all that remains of them are rusted, twisted steel support bars and low walls of concrete and stone. It's an eerie site to explore, but it's a fulfilling and fascinating one for those who like unusual attractions.

Address: 1004 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121

22: Coit Tower

Coit Tower
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Coit Tower has been one of the attractions in San Francisco since 1933. It is named after its wealthy benefactor, Lillie Hitchcock Coit, and stands at a whopping 210 feet in height.

The tower sits on Telegraph Hill and features a stunning observation deck, where you'll be treated to 360-degree views of the city!

The base of the tower features multiple interesting socialist murals completed by over 25 artists.

Coit Tower is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Designated Landmark of San Francisco.

It gets pretty crowded later in the day, so you'll want to come early to avoid crowds.

Address: 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133

23: Japanese Tea Garden

Japanese Tea Garden
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The Japanese Tea Garden is famous in San Francisco for being the oldest public Japanese garden in America.

Beautifully ornamented with vibrant beauty, it was created as a one-acre feature for the 1894 Midwinter Exposition.

It has since been expanded, now encompassing 5 gorgeous acres of land with manicured landscapes, stunning pagodas, and authentic Japanese motifs.

The Japanese Tea Garden features a stunning original Drum Bridge arched perfectly over a pool of water.

There is also a zen garden perfect for meditation and a Tea House where fortune cookies are served and delicious authentic teas are poured.

Exploring the gardens is a treat in general, allowing you to view cherry blossoms, maples, and more.

Address: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

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24: The Walt Disney Family Museum

The Walt Disney Family Museum
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The Walt Disney Family Museum is a haven for any avid Disney fan.

The museum focuses on the history of Walt Disney and the Disney franchise and industry, following the creator's childhood and his legacy throughout his life.

You'll learn about Disneyland and its construction, the many achievements of Disney World, and more.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is packed with interactive displays that keep things engaging and interesting.

Rotating exhibits allow you to learn more about animators and artists who inspired and offered their talent in creating various classic characters.

There are 40,000 square feet for you to get your fill from, often featuring historic Disney items and artifacts.

These artifacts include a 12-foot Disneyland replica, 248 Disney awards, and some of the earliest drawings of the company.

There's even a theater inspired by Fantasia that showcases Disney classics every day!

Address: 104 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94129

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25: San Francisco Botanical Garden

San Francisco Botanical Garden
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San Francisco Botanical Garden is one of the most gorgeous San Francisco attractions.

It was planned for creation all the way back in the 1880s and opened at last in 1940, continuing to grow and change since then.

With more than 8,000 different types of flora, you'll be thrilled by the many plants, flowers, and trees across its 55 acres in Golden Gate Park. Plants come from Central America, Southeast Asia, and South America, too.

At the San Francisco Botanical Garden, you'll see huge prehistoric ferns basking gently in the sun.

Native redwoods tower overhead and rare giant orange passionflower bloom in all their majesty.

Deadly nightshade and hemlock whisper their poisonous promises and a huge collection of international magnolias creates a heavenly sight. There's even a Garden of Fragrance filled with sweet-smelling flora.

Address: 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122

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26: Oracle Park

Oracle Park
Dreamstime/Krista Parham

If you're looking for more things to do in San Francisco that truly define the city, watch a baseball game at Oracle Park.

The stadium is the home of the San Francisco Giants and has been since 2000. It's also one of the country's most aesthetically picturesque baseball parks, due in part to its location along the bay. 

Not keen on seeing games, or just not there at the right time? Go on a cool 90-minute tour of the park.

You'll learn about its history, see some behind-the-scenes locations, and learn about the park's architecture.

Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107

27: Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze

Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze
Dreamstime/Yuval Helfman

Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze is easy to miss at first! It's situated inside a rather unassuming-looking building in Pier 39. 

Within, you'll find yourself in a convoluted and disorienting labyrinth, a dungeon-like expanse of mirrors, columns, and rave music with flashing neon lights and blacklight glow.

Sure, it's just a mirror maze - but the overall effect is pretty spectacular and is a lot of fun to explore and make your way through!

Address: Pier 39 O-11, 0-11 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94111

28: Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay
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Aquarium of the Bay is one of the most unforgettable San Francisco attractions, especially for kids and marine life lovers.

Get up close and personal with local marine life while the aquarium carries out its mission to protect the wildlife of the bay area.

There are more than 300 feet of tunnels with clear glass that you can walk through at this great institution.

The tunnels contain a total of 700,000 gallons of water, with a whopping 20,000 animals within.

You'll get to see creatures of all sorts, like jellyfish and leopard sharks, as you make your way through the aquarium.

Address: Pier 39 The Embarcadero &, Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133

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29: The Wave Organ

The Wave Organ
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The Wave Organ is an impressive acoustic sculpture created by artist Peter Richards.

Built in 1986, it can be found on a jetty in the bay of San Francisco. It's a natural instrument of sorts, designed to amplify wave sounds that lap against it.

The Wave Organ's jetty is made with carved marble and granite, all sourced from a demolished cemetery.

Pieces of it create an irregular shape with terraced seating where you can relax and watch the ocean.

But what about the organ itself? It's made with 20 different pipes of concrete and PVC, each one reaching down into the water at different levels of elevation.

When waves hit the pipe ends with the tide, the pipes sing with gurgling, ebbing, low liquid notes.

It's a great reflection of the different tide levels and really encapsulates how restless and unpredictable the ocean can be.

The effect is similar to that of a conch shell. If you want the full performance, make sure to be there when it's high tide in the area.

Address: 83 Marina Green Dr, San Francisco, CA 94123

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30: Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

The Tonga Room is one of the best things to do in San Francisco for those looking for iconic local bars! It opened all the way back in 1945, capitalizing on the South Seas craze when tiki bars were the epitome of luxury.

San Francisco's closeness to the Polynesian islands is part of why it participated in the tiki bar trend so quickly.

With the intense appeal of the exotic appearance of islands throughout the Pacific, local Americans wanted to emulate them.

The Tonga Room is outfitted with all the typical decor that you'd see in a tiki bar.

Think tiki figurines, bamboo, seashells, wooden dance floor, and pseudo-Polynesian decor of all types. But its main draw is its pool, right smack in the middle of the restaurant.

A boat floats in the middle, where a house bandstands and plays music. It's quite an impressive appearance. You'll also see other fascinating features, like indoor rainstorms from the sprinklers with artificial thunder.

Address: 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108

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31: Angel Island State Park

Angel Island State Park
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If you're wondering what to do in San Francisco that isn't too touristy, try heading to Angel Island State Park.

Accessible only by boat, the island is a delightful escape away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The location has served many purposes: a cattle ranch, a hunting spot, a missile base, and an immigration station before becoming a park. A 25-minute ride on a ferry will bring you right to it.

Angel Island State Park is San Francisco Bay's biggest natural island. From here, you'll see impressive panoramas of the bay around you, but the trails are what really bring in visitors.

These trails are carefully groomed for ease of travel and some lead you all the way up 788 feet to Mount Caroline Livermore.

Along the way in your exploration, you'll find 11 campsites, lots of beaches, five picnic spots, and a cafe for the peckish.

Address: Tiburon, CA 94920

32: San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco Zoo
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The San Francisco Zoo is among the best San Francisco tourist attractions for animal lovers.

With 99 acres of land to its name, it can be found in the southwest part of the city, shaded by cypress trees.

It's made up of different habitats, each designed to be a good recreation of the natural habitats of the animals that they house.

You'll see pocket gardens and tunnels sprawling between each area, with something interesting on every corner.

The African Savanna is an especially popular part of the San Francisco Zoo. It's home to six different species of animals from the continent of Africa, including giraffes and zebras.

Going through the 3-acre space, you'll get to the Lumr Forest, America's biggest outdoor lemur habitat.

There are also attractive gardens, like the Prehistoric Garden with various ancient flora and two life-size dinosaur statues.

Address: Sloat Blvd &, Upper Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94132

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33: Audium Theatre of Sound

Audium Theatre of Sound
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The Audium Theatre of Sound is one of the most unique attractions in San Francisco.

It's the only theatre on the planet designed specifically for sound movement via environmental composition.

It was created by professional musicians as a way to create sound through its own construction. It's even called a sound-sculptured space!

The Audium Theatre of Sound is composed of three different locations.

The first is the foyer. The second is the main performance area. And then, finally, there's the sound labyrinth, which is essentially a building inside of another building.

It was built for this unique form of sound creation thanks to the National Endowment for the Arts.

Shows are put on here every night on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

There's space for 49 listeners, with concentric circle seating that is surrounded majestically by sloping walls and speakers.

Each performance is live and made by a conductor who directs sound through v176 speakers.

Address: 1616 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94109

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34: Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square
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Ghirardelli Square is situated in Fisherman's Wharf, within a restored factory location.

The square was named properly in 1964 and was designed as the first of several projects to refurbish various factory complexes. It is filled with eateries, shops, and galleries galore.

Once upon a time, this was a chocolate factory. But now the red-brick building is designated for more!

A haven for entertainment, recreation, shopping, and art, it's a beautiful place. Plus, it hasn't forgotten its routes, continuing to offer chocolate treats from numerous shops.

Ghirardelli Square also has a lovely belfry, which was finished in 1916. The belfry was based on the stunning French Château of Blois.

There are also a number of terraces, fountains, and a relaxing rose garden! If you need a place to stay, you'll find quite a few hotels here, too.

Address: 900 North Point St Suite F301, San Francisco, CA 94109

35: Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum

Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum

If you're looking for some distinctly adult destinations in San Francisco, check out the Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum.

Originating as medical tools way back in the Victorian era, vibrators need no introduction. Their more modern, less medical variations were invented in 1902 and, well, the rest is history.

The Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum showcases different vibrator models from earlier times.

This includes some more unique configurations as well as some that may look familiar in construction to ones we see on the market today.

You'll also get to see some old advertisements for these toys, many of which are surprisingly chaste in appearance.

Address: 1620 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109

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San Francisco is a thrill for locals and tourists alike, so as a visitor, you're sure to appreciate the gems that it has to offer. The city teems with life, vibrancy, and history that add up to an enchanting and enjoyable experience.

The attractions in San Francisco are diverse and engaging, with something for pretty much everyone. Whether you like natural verdancy, historic museums and sites, science and technology, or art and creativity, you'll find things to do in San Francisco that speak to you!

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