San Francisco CA is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. With so many amazing places to choose from, it can be hard to know where to go. To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in San Francisco CA based on traveler ratings and reviews. So whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway spot or an adventure playground, there’s something for everyone in this metropolis area!
The Best Place to Visit in San Francisco CA
PIER 39
- Address: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (107653)
- Phone: +1 415-705-5500
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
5 Replies to The 15 Best Places To Visit in San Francisco CA (Rating and Reviews)
Leave Reply
Top 15 Tourist Attractions in San Francisco CA
Golden Gate Bridge
- Address: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (62733)
- Phone: +1 415-921-5858
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
Its a very awesome scenic spot. Great place to take pictures. The views are awesome. Definitely worth a visit during San Francisco trip. Definitely enjoyed my visit to the bridge.
Everyone in the family can enjoy. Usually lot of people as it is a famous touristic spot.By Abhishek Sohane (2 months ago)Beautiful scenic bridge. I came in January so it was a little breezy, a light jacket would be perfect. I saw this bridge from so many different angles, unintentionally, and it was breathtaking each time I saw it. There are many paths to walk/bike, and even with hundreds of people around, you could still enjoy the area without feeling crowded. I didn’t walk the bridge because I didn’t have enough time to do so but there is a walking path if you’re interested.By Roshni Patel (10 months ago)Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most breathtaking scenic spots in the world. You can see the bridge from a variety of places. Overlooking the bay from the other side offers the best views.Few architectural feats are as iconic as this bridge. The bridge is an excellent place for taking pictures. It is much larger than it appears in the photos. You experience the ocean’s wind as you walk along the bridge.
Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, it is a very different experience.
By Arun Chandran (a month ago)Awesome bridge to walk and experience the wind from the Pacific ocean.Good view of city. Great view of water, islands, boats. Good markings along the walk path. Dedicated lines for bikes.
Information about the bridge in many places.Only downside is the vehicle passing makes lot of noise.
Good transit options to reach there and returning. Place to park, drop off from taxis.
Overall a great experience walking along the bridge.
A must visit attraction in San Francisco.
By Murali (4 months ago)Terrific sight to see!
Me and my family took a bike ride over the Golden gate Bridge and it was amazing. The weather was very good and nice and warm couldn’t have been a more perfect day to take a bike ride would greatly advise people to do that! And the view from up there was amazing you could see the beautiful blue ocean!By Askamala Time (a month ago)Golden Gate Park
- Address: San Francisco, CA, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (41847)
- Phone: +1 415-831-2700
- Website: Link
- Price Info: Free
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
Lots to see here and plenty of free 2hr parking available. Many trails for running or a nice walk. Several gardens to see (some charge a small entrance fee). Great place for group activities.By Laurel Cocilo (6 months ago)Golden Gate Park is a beautiful and complete urban park in the city of San Francisco, CA, located in an area close to the world famous gate of the same name, just separated by the Richmond neighborhood to the north. This Park is surrounded by the city and has an incredible green area that surrounds various equipment such as tennis courts, museums, polo field, football fields, trails, inner lake, picnic areas, etc. and is one of the most sought after places. for relaxation and the practice of sports by the local population. The Park has a total area of 4.12 km² with avenues crossing its areas, all surrounded by an enormous amount and variety of beautiful trees. As a curiosity, in the area next to the beach there is a place where a herd of American buffaloes live, since 1894! All in all, a great option for a city tour, and I recommend it.
Insta: viagens.comidas.diversoes.byjbBy Joaquim Braz (5 months ago)I highly recommend. It’s a nice place to go with nature, away from the busy city for a bit. There’s a lot to do, and a lot to see. If you want to rent a bike, I suggest just rent with citywide biking which is $8 an hour and located right at the front of the park. FYI there are some major construction going on, or they are getting ready for some sort of the event, so a lot of the bike routes were blocked. Keep that in mind when biking around. Overall it was gorgeous and a nice place to spend the dayBy Selena L (3 months ago)Incredible park with so much to offer! You can spends hours in the park and come out feeling like you’ve only scratched the surface, which is great because you definitely have to go here a dozen different times to truly comprehend the size and all the great things you can see and do here.Did I mention most of it is free!?
By Rahul Rajeev (5 months ago)Although I went it multiple times, this is my first reviewing it.Very nice place and lots of fun there.
Especially like the place between De Young and California Academy of Science. There are 4 fountains there and lots of chairs for you to rest.
The views are spectacular!
By John Z (7 months ago)Alcatraz Island
- Address: San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (33405)
- Phone: +1 415-561-4900
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
I’ve lived in this city for 16 years and this was the first time I visited this magnificent island. It’s definitely more than just a prison. They landscape and bird sanctuary is quite remarkable. After the heavy rains the island is just so lush and green. There’s so much history to Alcatraz. It’s definitely worth a visit.
One recommendation is to ensure you get to the ferry 20 minutes before so you don’t get bumped to the next ferry. I got there 4 minutes before our designated time and they turned us away because the ferry was full even thought we reserved for a slotted time.
Bring your own food and picnic there if you’d like since there aren’t refreshments to purchase on the island. Enjoy!
By Cynthia Boedihardjo (10 months ago)Such a cool and unique experience. Went here on a family vacation. It’s just so interesting that you can visit this island that was made as a prison. It’s unlike any other tour. It’s cool and spooky and you learn a lot! Would definitely recommend others to try it out!By Hunter Machin (5 months ago)Overall this was a great way to experience Alcatraz. From the moment we got on the boat, to the moment we returned from the island, it was fun and educational. The tour boat itself that shuttles passengers to the island is solar powered, which is pleasant to know it’s operating with less of a carbon footprint. On the way to the island, there’s amazing indescribable views all around the San Francisco bay area. When you get to the island, it’s great that you can venture around the island at your own pace. At first it was a little strange to be offered hand held devices for the self tour, but after getting into the tour, it actually was convenient to be able to explore at our own pace. The tour was very informative and interesting when learning more about the island’s history. Before the tour, I didn’t realize there was more tied to the island other than the history of the prison. If you’re into history and exploring landmarks, this is an excellent place to visit. The costs were reasonable and the staff were very helpful. If there were ever any questions, there’s always someone nearby to help. This is a great experience for families and friends. When we arrived, we got an creepy feeling from the island. It was somewhat spooky and unsettling to be on the island, as it should be. Exploring the prison sells and different parts of the prison, it gave a feeling that’s worth discovering on your own volition. Definitely recommend experiencing this tour.By Wayne Pombert II (8 months ago)So worth going! The tour was audio and you had to hike this phone to your ear the whole time, headphones would have been nice. The island seems a lot larger in person. There’s some walking involved but it wasn’t too bad. There’s a tram in case you require assistance. Great gift shop!By Megan (a month ago)Love the history!! The audio tour was actually really good and informative. From the moment you step on the island you can feel the history. That’s something I love about old, historic locations. The boat ride was smooth and fast. The island is a walk, so be prepared for that. But, my oh my, what an experience.By Devin Ganka (7 months ago)Union Square
- Address: 333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (30452)
- Phone: +1 415-486-4800
- Website: Link
- Price Info: Free
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
A public plaza with public art pieces over a parking garage, surrounded by shops.
The center of Union Square is clean and secure. However, there are many homeless people seated on benches and steps on the outer parts of the square. Recently, there have been many police officers patrolling and monitoring the area to ensure that no brazen looters raid businesses, so you can feel secure being in Union Square. Parking and public transportation are nearby. Some parts of the square are fenced off due to construction of the Union Square Muni Metro station. Overall, it’s an iconic location that all San Francisco tourists should check out, but pay attention to your surroundings if you want the best photos and experience.
By Neal (3 months ago)Union square, being one of the major city Center attractions in San Francisco has a lot to offer. From malls, eateries to ice rink and more fun games, this place has it all. ✨ This place is packed with fun.
Union square is mostly crowded, even more during evenings and night time. ?
This place has some really great eateries to grab quick bites and to dine as well.
Union square is wheelchair accessible.
Can be a little confusing for first time visitors; don’t worry Google Maps has your back. ?You can easily expect to spend 2-3 hours here or more, depending upon your activities.
There are some budget shops to get souvenirs too.. (CVS Pharmacy & more)
Union square has a lit vibe with so much to do, and also their are several (small) live musical shows that take place.
Preferable time to visit would be evenings to savour the city lights.
Macy’s is one more highlight of Union Square.
Buses/ trams are easily available here in frequent time intervals, the connectivity is a plus.Would suggest walking around, as it helps, explore the square with more detail.
By Riya Mathew (5 months ago)A nice outdoor venue to eat and chill. Despite there are much homeless loitering and many constable patrol cars around, it’s still ok to go around the area. The surrounding garden horticulture and area are also clean and well maintained, except probably the pigeons area is much soiled, due to much public feeding there. There is also one Heart of San Francisco sculpture found only. Not sure where’s the rest. There is a Bistro that served decent coffee and breakfast and under the Union Square has a paid parking garage which is good for shoppers.By Pistachio Q (4 months ago)Union Square is lively block of a park sitting right before the downtown shopping district. On my errands to and from downtown this is often my middle point to catch a breath before continuing up the hills to get home. There’s a lot to admire around and despite some homeless people wandering around, which may or may not shock visitors – it’s well kept and well maintained with a lot of beautiful plants and flowers all around, and beefed up patrol since the string of incidents of theft and vandalism a while ago. We’re in a CITY, y’all.Anyways, great for people watching; there are benches, stairs and open air seating with two cafes (limited) on each end. In the middle is the square with a stage, the large Dewey statue of Nike, the Greek goddess of Victory representing the victory of the battle of Manila Bay (history peeps, this for you) host to many displays and events throughout the year: spring flowers, live music and performances, Christmas tree and ice skating rink during the holiday season, art displays and many more. Best on foot, but there’s a paid parking garage underground and the cable car passes through Powell Street. I wish people would stop vandalizing parks as it offers refuge and adds a green element to an otherwise concrete jungle. If you pay attention closely, there is so much to discover in just a little square.
By Angelica King (6 months ago)I loved being in union square. It’s big, it’s full of life but get outta there before traffic steals all the magic around 4-5:30 pmMake sure you check out the maps and the different carpooling and public transit options, they could literally save your day.
By Hadear Marzooque (a week ago)Oracle Park
- Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (23937)
The Painted Ladies
- Address: Steiner St &, Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (20053)
Mission Dolores Park
- Address: Dolores St &, 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (12672)
Japanese Tea Garden
- Address: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (11945)
Twin Peaks
- Address: 501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (11882)
Lands End Lookout
- Address: 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (7023)
de Young Museum
- Address: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (6558)
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
- Address: 1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (4714)
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
- Address: San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (4486)
Aquarium of the Bay
- Address: PIER 39 The Embarcadero &, Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (4164)
California Academy of Sciences
- Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (4153)
The best place to visit in San Francisco CA Although San Francisco CA is a large state with many amazing places to visit, these 15 locations stand out as the best according to traveler ratings and reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
You might also like
I love the hustle and bustle at this pier. Great time to spend with your loved ones. Been multiple times at this pier in different seasons. Spring equinox is a great time to be at this place. Plan to spend minimum of 2-3 hours at this place. Street parking is difficult to find, however parking garage for $15 flat fee is affordable and walking distance. Good vibes with great food, shows and music and visually appealing spots. Strongly recommend!
Must visit in SF. Musical stairs (music as you walk up and down the stairs), sea lions (>50) that you can see up close, kid and stroller friendly, carousel, magicians, rides.
Great seafood (around 10 seafood restaurants) and other food options (20+ other eateries) including 3 ice cream shops + other dessert shops. You can easily enjoy 2-3 hours here.
There are also It was also clean and had a good amount of restrooms.
Although entry is free, the big parking lot close by is about $10 per hour, effectively acting as a fee.
Great place to people watch, it’s actually entertaining at times.
There are plenty of places to eat, drink, gift shop, or shop for your self. Yes, need a new tee shirt, perhaps the sun is too much and you’re getting burned now, even though it’s a bit chilly.
Be aware of the extra fees restaurant’s are charging, they don’t have to print it on their menu, but if they want to charge they do have to show it and explain why when you ask.
So, perhaps those small vendors might be helpful after all.
Bring a windbreaker, San Francisco weather is cool.
Hop in a bike carriage $15 per person, Ferry Ride to Vallejo from the Ferry Building – mobile app $9.00 counter purchase $11.25 1 hour ride.
There are several stores that have closed unfortunately. Plenty of transportation options in S.F.
Be considerate of each other in this life, bringing forth good vibes works for all.
We all share this earth, be kind where ever you vacation, kindness spreads faster than you realize.
HAVE A GREAT TIME!
Lovely lively place, do much happening in their with lots of happy faces. Good food choices and lots of possibilities for souvenir shopping. Some street performers as well. Exceptional views to the bay, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge and so on. Close to other attractions in San Francisco. Parking right next to it is a expensive, $25 for 2 hours and $35 for 3 hours. Better to park a bit further and walk gently to it. Bring a jacket.
Super cute area to walk through in San Francisco. It’s definitely for tourists. But it’s kind of adorable for date nights as well. There is entertainment for family, couples, as well as children. Many little shops and boutiques to walk into. Mostly selling tourist items, but sometimes other goods you may want to have in your home. Places to go to buy art, eat, grab candy and chocolate, view the sea lions and ride a carousel!