What is San Francisco famous for?

From iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge to its rich and diverse culture, there are lots of places and people that make San Francisco unique.

By Seren Morris
San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most well-known and recognizable cities in the world. But what is San Francisco famous for? If you’re planning on visiting the Bay Area, check out our list of what makes San Francisco famous, including...

  • The Golden Gate Bridge
  • Alcatraz
  • San Francisco Giants
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Cable Car
  • Haight Ashbury
  • The Castro District
  • And more!
San Francisco skyline

Golden Gate Bridge

A trip to San Francisco would be incomplete without visiting the Golden Gate Bridge. It's over 80 years old and has long been one of the most famous sights in San Francisco. For a unique perspective on the bridge, take to the water on a sightseeing cruise.

This hour-long cruise takes you directly under the bridge, while your audio tour tells you everything you need to know about the sights. Or get up close and take a Golden Gate Bridge guided bike tour along the waterfront and across the bridge itself. This fully-guided, three-hour tour departs from Fisherman’s Wharf, takes you to Sausalito Bay, and brings you back to the city on a ferry. 

Getting in: 🎟️ Golden Gate Bridge Guided Bike Tour admission is available on the Go City® Explorer Pass.

🎟️ Golden Gate Bay Cruise admission is available on the Go City® All-Inclusive Pass.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz is an island in San Francisco Bay, known for being a prison that was home to notorious gangsters, including Al Capone. Escaping from Alcatraz was said to be impossible – but that didn’t stop its prisoners from trying. Learn all about the attempted escapes, as well as the prison’s history and its famous former inhabitants.

Take the Escape from the Rock cruise around the island, which gives you an insight into Alcatraz’s rich and complex history. Your narrated audio guide tells you everything you need to know as you take in a 360-view of the island.

Getting in: 🎟️ The Escape from the Rock cruise is included with the Go San Francisco All-Inclusive pass.

Alcatraz island

San Francisco Giants

Sports fans will know that San Francisco is famous for its baseball team, the San Francisco Giants. If you can, get tickets to see the Giants in action and make the most of the city's sports scene. Games take place all year round so check out the Giants website to see if there’s a game happening during your vacation.

Whether you’re a baseball fan or have been inspired by seeing a Giants game, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Park stadium. See everything from the press box to The Giant Vault.

Fisherman’s Wharf

One of the most popular areas of the city for visitors, Fisherman's Wharf is home to a plethora of attractions and sights including Ghirardelli Square, the seals on Pier 39, and more. Be sure to stop here for food – there are tons of classic San Francisco dishes to choose from, such as clam chowder bowls and crab.

Take a one-hour tour of Fisherman’s Wharf and learn all about San Francisco’s fascinating history. Remember to take your camera for amazing views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Plus, keep an eye out for the seals on Pier 39. 

Getting in: 🎟️ Admission to Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour is included on all Go City® San Francisco passes.

Fisherman's Wharf

San Francisco Cable Cars

For a uniquely San Francisco experience, take a trip on the cable cars. Cable cars were invented in San Francisco nearly 150 years ago. However, they still take locals around the city (and up and down those steep San Francisco streets) to this day. Traveling by cable car is a great way to experience the city’s most important landmarks. If you feel inspired and want to learn more, why not visit the Cable Car Museum? 

Getting in: 🎟️ Admission to the Cable Car Museum is free, cable car tickets are purchased separately.

Haight Ashbury

Haight Ashbury is one of San Francisco’s most famous neighborhoods. It is considered the birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement. Its hippie history can still be seen in the vintage clothing and music stores that line the colorful streets. Haight Ashbury was home to famous bands and singers of the 1960s, including the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin.

The neighborhood reached its peak during the 1967 Summer of Love, but its cultural impact remains. Stroll through the eclectic streets, browse vintage clothes in the thrift stores, and pick up a vinyl record or two. 

Haight Ashbury

The Castro District

Another famous area of San Francisco is the Castro District, which is considered San Francisco’s LGBTQ neighborhood. The Castro is known as a symbol of LGBTQ activism. It was also home to Harvey Milk, who was the first openly gay man voted to public office. Learn about The Castro District’s history at the GLBT Historical Society Museum and join the LGBTQ Castro District Walking Tour.

Then, visit the Human Rights Action store at the former location of Harvey Milk’s camera store. This neighborhood is full of interesting San Francisco history, so consider adding a visit here to your itinerary. 

Getting in: Admission to the GLBT Historical Society Museum tickets must be purchased separately. Entry to the Human Rights Action store is free.

Castro District

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®

With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your San Francisco must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off. Whichever San Francisco attraction pass you pick, you'll save while you sightsee!

☀️Compare San Francisco passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️

Seren Morris
Go City Travel Expert

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Ripley's Believe It or Not! Discount Tickets for Your San Francisco Vacation

Planning your San Francisco vacation? Looking for something different to satisfy your quirky or eccentric side? Look no further than Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium, located in the Marina District, just steps away from Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf and the Embarcadero. There are many museums in San Francisco, filled with beautiful art and sculpture. But only at Ripley's Believe it or Not! will you see displays of shrunken heads, elaborate carvings made of camel bones, and a wax statue of the man who had a real horn growing out of the back of his head. Yes, Ripley's Believe it or Not! "Odditorium" isn't for those looking for the mundane or the expected. Check out our helpful guide for visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Francisco, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Discount Tickets? We’ve got you covered – Ripley's Believe it or Not! admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. 3. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Tips for Visiting Ripley's San Francisco The museum is safe and appropriate for all ages. With that said, smaller children may find some of the displays and interactive features overwhelming. If your child is particularly sensitive or easily frightened, they may want to sit this one out. Allow enough time to visit the attraction. While not large, the museum has a lot packed into the space. Take your time, there is so much to see that if you rush through you will miss things! The museum is open later than some of the other nearby attractions. It's a fun after-dinner activity to wrap up your evening. Bring your sense of humor and fun! Ripley's Believe it or Not! is the ideal environment to ignite your sense of wonder, curiosity, mischief and silliness. Maximize your trip by planning activities near Ripley's. There are a multitude of attractions packed into a relatively small, walkable area. One day isn't really enough! Ripley's is an indoor attraction, making it an ideal activity for rainy, windy or cold days. San Francisco weather is unpredictable year-round. This means that at any time of year it can be sunny, warm and clear, or foggy, rainy and cold. Dressing in layers and bringing a hat and umbrella are always a good idea when visiting San Francisco. What to Do There The San Francisco Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium houses a unique collection of the weird and wonderful. As you make your way through the museum, you will discover that it is quite interactive, inviting you to express your own odd side. Although many of the displays have a distinct sideshow flavor, there are many that are more serious, informative and impressive. Ripley's Odditorium in San Francisco houses many unique works of art with a pop-culture edge and a local feel. For example, busts of famous musicians Jerry Garcia (a San Francisco Native), Janis Joplin and Carlos Santana harken back to the San Franciso of the 1960's Summer of Love era, and are made entirely of wire. There are many other sculptures made of found materials, trash, match sticks and other curious finds. If you have a love for art created from recycled or found items, you will enjoy these exhibits. But it's the stories that really make this place special. Robert L. Ripley had a love for people and what made them unique. He scoured the world for artifacts, yes, but he mostly sought out people who had stories to tell. Some of these were stories of outcasts or those who might have been otherwise shunned, but found a home with Ripley. At the San Francisco location, you'll learn about some of these characters and what made them special. You'll learn how a shrunken head was made -- and why. You'll see a mummified foot and learn about the elephant with two trunks. Nearby Attractions Situated along Jefferson Street, you will find a variety of other fun and funky attractions to easily fill up a day or more of your visit. Here are a few we suggest adding to your itinerary... Right next door is Madame Toussad's wax museum, the San Francisco Dungeon and is a very short walk from Pier 39. If you are interested in further exploration, across the street you will have the opportunity to board for boat and ferry rides that will take you through the San Francisco Bay. Travel around Alcatraz Island, take the Rocket Boat on a high-speed adventure or get an incredible perspective of both the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge, as well as a breathtaking view of San Francisco's beautiful skyline. Places to Eat Nearby There are a number of dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, ranging from casual to formal. A few doors from the museum is the Rainforest Cafe, always a hit with the kids. On the wharf, you will find Alioto's, a classic, family-run seafood restaurant that is a Wharf favorite. Or, dine with a gorgeous bay view at Castagnola's, one of the neighborhood's oldest and most loved restaurants. Here are more of the many cafe's and restaurants near Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium: Bistro Boudin is a popular restaurant serving tasty dishes, but the Boudin building also houses a cafe, bakery and gift shop. If you are walking around on a chilly, damp San Francisco afternoon, come on in, get warm and order a Peet's coffee. Marvel at the rows of bakery-fresh sourdough bread and breath in the delicious aromas. It's a real treat! Fisherman's Grotto #9 opened in 1935 and was Fisherman's Wharf's first sit-down restaurant. No trip to San Francisco and the wharf is complete without a visit to the Grotto! Over at Pier 39, you'll find Bubba Gump & Co., The Hard Rock Cafe, numerous seafood eateries, burger and pizza joints, coffee shops and snack spots. When it comes to dining, you might want to extend your stay a couple more days just so you can enjoy more of San Francisco's delicious, fresh seafood and sourdough bread. Need to Know Hours Sunday–Thurday, 10:00 am–10:00 pm Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am–11:00 pm *Hours are subject to change Directions & Address 175 Jefferson Street San Francisco, CA 94133 Public Transportation: F-Line to Jefferson and Taylor in Fisherman's Wharf. Or cable car to the Bay & Taylor Street terminus. Save on Tickets with a Go San Francisco Card Remember, the Go San Francisco® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Ripley's Believe it or Not San Francisco tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Lindsay Eagan
Raindrops on the windshield on a rainy day, traffic light background, San Francisco, California
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Things to do in San Francisco when it rains (Popular indoor activities)

So you've planned a vacation to lovely San Francisco by the Bay and the weather forecast informs you that it's going to rain (not a big surprise in San Fran, to be honest). Now what do you do? If you're searching for some ideas, check out our list of included indoor activities, full of cultural and artistic museums, kid-friendly attractions, and much more.
Katie Sagal
California sea lions basking in the sun at Pier 39 in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
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Week in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of those places that really lends itself to longer stays. You’ll never find yourself short of things to do here: the Golden City is packed to the rafters with world-class museums, sprawling parks, top-flight shopping and nightlife and, of course, iconic attractions like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. A week in San Francisco really lets you get under the skin of the city and immerse yourself in its intoxicating vibe. Check out our suggested 7-day itinerary below. Day 1: Downtown Strolling around San Francisco’s financial district is a great way to get your bearings on arrival. It’s here that you’ll find the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), where the 30,000-strong collection of modern and contemporary art, including masterpieces by Warhol, O’Keeffe, Hopper, Richter, Kahlo (and countless others) is one of the world’s largest. Lunch options abound downtown. Head to the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero with its soaring clock tower and bustling marketplace, where artisan foodie stores hawk delicious freshly baked San Francisco sourdough, aromatic local cheeses and much more. Or try an authentic Chinatown takeaway joint for life-changing shrimp gyoza, crispy sesame balls and fluffy BBQ pork dumplings. The tiny Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory on Ross Alley is another essential component of any foray into Chinatown: watch the cookie assembly line team in action before picking up a bag of green-tea-flavored treats to go. The streets that radiate out from Union Square are a shoppers’ paradise. Saks, Macy’s, Apple, Louis Vuitton: all the big-hitters are here. Spend the afternoon giving your credit card a workout, then glam up for an evening at the stately War Memorial Opera House for world-class ballet, opera and symphonic performances. Day 2: Golden Gate Park You can easily spend a whole day (and probably more) exploring the many gardens, museums and trails in sprawling Golden Gate Park – there’s even an old-fashioned carousel with painted wooden beasts that include an ostrich, a tiger and... a dragon. Find your inner zen among the Japanese Tea Garden’s meandering paths, bonsai trees and tranquil koi ponds, get your selfie fix at the picture-perfect Dutch Windmill (particularly photogenic in spring when the tulip garden is in bloom) and snap the bison in their paddock near Hippie Hill. Golden Gate Park is also home to not one but two of San Francisco’s most impressive museums. Visit the de Young, with its burnished copper facade and striking observation tower, to admire fine art from the Americas and beyond. The California Academy of the Sciences is your place for all things living (and dead), boasting a staggering 46 million specimens across its aquarium, rainforest dome and natural history museum. And that’s not all: there’s a huge planetarium here, too! Look out for the museum’s unique roof, topped with seven rolling green hills and over two million plants. Day 3: Ride the Cable Cars No visit to San Francisco would be complete without a ride on the iconic rolling landmarks that are the MUNI cable cars. Feel the wind in your hair as your painted wooden carriage rollercoasters its way through the city’s famously hilly streets. Take the California Street line west from the Embarcadero to ogle luxury hotels and homes of the rich and famous in wealthy Nob Hill, where the Gothic confection that is Grace Cathedral also merits a visit. Or hop aboard the downtown lines for a ride up to Fisherman’s Wharf – we recommend the Powell-Hyde line for the best views of Alcatraz as your carriage crests the hills, plus you’ll also get a peek at the hairpin bends of Lombard Street as you wobble past. In the evening, trade the clanging bells and rattling wheels of the cable cars for a sunset cruise out to Alcatraz Island where an atmospheric tour of America’s most notorious former prison awaits. Day 4: Chill in The Mission Soak up the hipster vibe of The Mission on a stroll round its buzzy streets. This virtual art gallery of a neighborhood has colorful murals adorning almost every available surface, particularly in and around Clarion and Balmy Alleys. Follow the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee to the roasteries on Valencia Street and grab a cup to go, then browse the wild variety of independent stores along this eclectic strip. Expect vintage thriftstore fashions, pre-loved vinyl records, second-hand books, trendy tattoo parlors and – genuinely – a supply store for wannabe pirates. Eyepatch and stuffed parrot duly secured, make for the local taquerias. Both Taqueria La Cumbre and Taqueria El Faro claim to have invented the legendary Mission Burrito – an obscenely large steamed flour tortilla that’s absolutely crammed with farm-fresh meat, salsa, rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole and shredded lettuce. We’re talking around 2lbs of Mexican goodness here. Take yours up to Dolores Park and eat slowly while enjoying superb views of Downtown and the Bay. Day 5: North Beach Confusingly, there’s no beach in buzzy North Beach. But don’t let that put you off: the heady mix of Italian flavors, literary counterculture and scenic strolls more than makes up for it! Grab a drink in the Vesuvio, the retro-tastic bar close to Jack Kerouac Alley, where the author used to hang out with beatnik pals Ginsberg and Cassady in the 1950s. Pick up a copy of On The Road from the legendary City Lights bookstore then its straight to the Italian bakeries by leafy Washington Square for some of the best cannoli in town. Actually, best get a bagful – you’re going to need the energy for what’s coming next. Suitably fortified, you’re now ready to take up the challenge of the Filbert Street Steps. There are around 500 (mostly wooden) steps from the bottom to the landmark Coit Tower up top. Dedicated climbers reap rich rewards, taking in widescreen Bay views and meeting raucous red-and-green Telegraph Hill parrots along the way. Footsore pilgrims will be pleased to learn that, once inside the 210-feet-high Coit Tower, there’s an elevator to take you to the top. Phew. Day 6: Fisherman’s Wharf Taking in the whole of San Francisco’s northern waterfront, Fisherman’s Wharf is the traditional seaside day out writ large, and so much more besides. Here’s where you can say hello to sea lions basking in the sun on Pier 39, meet celebs and former presidents (in wax form) at Madame Tussauds, board a WWII submarine and savor zingy fish tacos as you watch the boats shuttle passengers to and from Alcatraz. There are arcade games, thrill rides and street performers too, as well as one of San Francisco’s very best museums. The Exploratorium on Pier 15 is an art and science extravaganza, with dozens of interactive exhibits designed to educate and entertain. If you’ve ever wanted to step into a tornado, dance with your own shadow or see San Francisco’s skyline modeled from a staggering number of toothpicks, this is the one for you. Day 7: Golden Gate Bridge You can’t spend a week in San Francisco and not set foot on the Golden Gate Bridge at least once. Sure you’ve seen those iconic rust-red towers from a thousand different angles over the last seven days. But can you truly say you’ve been to San Francisco until you’ve experienced the (often fearsome) Bay winds and taken in the sweeping views from bang in the center of the bridge? No, we say, you cannot. Spend a leisurely day exploring the Presidio – home of the Walt Disney Family Museum, Palace of Fine Arts and more – before walking the entire length of the Golden Gate and rewarding yourself with dinner in downtown Sausalito. Save on attractions in San Francisco Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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