What to do in San Francisco: the 5 best plans to get to know the city

“I left my heart in San Francisco,” sang Tony Bennet, and over the years, many visitors to the city by the bay have felt the same sentiments as expressed by the legendary singer.

What to keep in mind as you plan your trip

There is so much to do in San Francisco, and if you are planning your first trip, you should keep a couple of things in mind.

First, though California is typically seen as a state full of sun, San Fransisco and the area around it make up a micro-climate regulated by the Pacific Ocean. As the world’s largest ocean, it is quite cold, which helps keep the temperature down in the city. It could be in the triple digits in Sacramento, just an hour and a half up Interstate 80, but 70ºF in SF. Long story short: Pack some pants and a jacket because you will probably need them.

Second, many areas of the city have experienced intense gentrification over the last two decades, and prices are steep. Accommodations and food will cost you, and your budget should be prepared. If you are looking for a more authentic experience, it isn’t a bad idea to try and find some locals at a coffee shop or other local business to point you in the right direction food-wise.

Thirdly, San Francisco is a city with urban hills of concrete. Unlike many other cities that may have one area at a higher elevation, San Fransisco is a city full of hills, which can make walking a workout. However, the city is home to one of the best public transportation systems in the US and if you purchase a Clipper card you will be able to move rather inexpensively and save your legs some stress.

The sights you won’t want to miss

Now, let’s look at a couple of the sights you won’t want to miss.

The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see for those looking to catch a glimpse of one of California’s most traditional symbols. Its unique red color contrasted against an often grey sky makes the bridge pop as it connects two small patches of green land across the bay.

Full screen

If you cross from SF, you can make it to the Marin Headlands or the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. These excursions are great for those looking to get into nature while visiting the Golden State. Additionally, Tiberon, a small city on the coast, is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city if you are looking for a more relaxed setting to come home to after exploring San Francisco.

Lombard Street

Though Lombard Steet stretches across much of the northeast quadrant of the city, one block has attracted visitors for decades. In one area, which is on a steep incline, the street twists and turns, slowing down traffic and providing a view of the city’s skyline from the car.

As you can see in the image above, the cable car that runs across Hyde Street provides a momentary view of the iconic and slightly bizarre San Francisco street. Once you wrap up on Lombard Street, you will only be a twenty-minute walk from Fisherman’s Warf, where you can find a carnival experience and the only In and Out Burger within city limits.

Delores Park and the Mission District

If you want a more relaxed afternoon, you can head to Delores Park in the Mission District. The Park is on a hill that overlooks the city and is a great open greenspace for a picnic that is easy to get to on public transportation. While in the Mission District, the historically Mexican American and Chicano neighborhoods, you will have plenty of great restaurants to pick from, and you should be sure not to miss out.

Golden Gate Park

Another great option for urban green space is Golden Gate Park, which occupies just over 1000 acres of land in the city. It also houses various museums and attractions, including the De Young Museum, the California Academy of Science, and the San Fransisco Botanical Gardens. Golden Gate Park connects the Sunset and Richmond Districts, which can be ventured into to get a feel for how many in San Fransico live as they are residential neighborhoods with their own character and local businesses.

The Castro

The Castro is the city’s historically LGBTQ neighborhood, established in the latter half of the 20th century as gay men, in particular, began to call it home. The neighborhood has its own feel and is full of shops and businesses that work to create a safe and inclusive environment for their community.