11 Unique Things to Do in San Francisco, CA: Tips from Locals
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Located in the heart of Northern California, San Francisco is a vibrant city renowned for its iconic landmarks, breathtaking views, and rich cultural landscape. From the stunning Golden Gate Bridge to the eclectic neighborhoods brimming with history, the city offers a captivating experience for residents and visitors alike.
Golden Gate Park is a very popular attraction for both locals and tourists. Spanning over 1,000 acres, the park features museums, well-maintained gardens, serene lakes, trails, and extensive recreational facilities, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts.
“As wedding photographers and Bay Area natives, we love showcasing San Francisco’s stunning outdoor spaces to our couples—many of whom travel to our city for its breathtaking City Hall. We adore exploring the hidden redwood groves in Golden Gate Park,” says Helena and Laurent Photography. “Marveling at the rugged beauty of Sutro Baths, and celebrating with a bottle of champagne or savoring delicious Boba Tea from Boba Guys on the sand dunes near Ocean Beach at sunset.”
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2. Visit the Lands End trail
San Francisco is notable for its scenic hiking trails, and one of the most popular destinations is the Lands End Trail that offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. Located in the northwest corner of the city, the trail features historic landmarks and scenic overlooks.
“San Franciscans love to be outside and our weather allows us to explore trails and parks nearly year round. Of all the abundant protected natural spaces nearby, Lands End is my absolute favorite,” says lifestyle photographer Ashley Kaplan. “There is a 1.5 mile main trail that offers views wrapping around the coast from the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay with some vistas out toward the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. There are two secret beaches that can be explored via small side trails off of the main trail. Be sure to keep your eyes open for whales, seals, and dolphins which can all be spotted off the coast. The most beautiful flocks of pelicans soar overhead, especially around sunset.”
Photo courtesy of Ashley Kaplan Photography
3. Take a stroll through Tunnel Tops Park
Experiencing Tunnel Tops Park is one of the most unique things to do in San Francisco. The park is built on top of the tunnels that run beneath the city’s roadways and offers a lush, elevated sanctuary with panoramic views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can explore its expansive views, enjoy recreational areas, and take a stroll along its scenic pathways.
“If you’re an outdoors enthusiast or architecture admirer, the newly-opened Presidio Tunnel Tops is a must-visit. This innovative park, built atop a freeway tunnel, seamlessly connects Golden Gate Beach and Crissy Field with the Presidio,” says local San Francisco architectural photographer, Rob Calderwood. “Perfect for an outing with loved ones, it offers everything from scenic bike rides to picnics on the Presidio’s parade lawn, where food trucks abound. The breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge are the cherry on top.”
According to San Francisco-based travel company, California Pacific Excursions, a visit to the park should be on your list of things to do in San Francisco. “At times during the day The Tunnel Tops Park in the Presidio with views of the bay, islands and Golden Gate Bridge is so rejuvenating.”
4. Visit the Farmer’s Market at the Ferry Building
If you’re new to the city, you will be pleasantly surprised by San Francisco’s farmers markets, offering fresh, seasonal produce and artisanal goods. At the lively Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, shoppers can find every kind of produce as well as unique gourmet products. Beyond the shopping aspect, these markets serve as social gatherings where visitors can enjoy live music and events.
“Besides the natural beauty of San Francisco, the thing that stands out most for us is the amazing bounty surrounding us,” says The Morris restaurant, a neighborhood staple offering inventive New American dishes in Potrero Flats. “Be it fruits, vegetables, wine, beer, spirits or nature, the bay area has some of the greatest examples of each of those things in the world. We would suggest a visit to the Ferry Building Farmers Market on a Saturday. There are tons of delicious prepared foods, but also some of the world’s best fruits and vegetables.”
Chef Dontaye Ball fromGumbo Social, providing San Francisco residents and visitors savory soul food, also recommends the Ferry Building Farmers Market. “One of my favorite vendors at the market, SF ChickenBox, run by chef and owner Christian Ciscle–also has one of the only late-night food spots in the city at 464 Broadway. They do a great fried chicken sandwich at the farmers market, and at the restaurant, they do an off-the-hook fried chicken.”
“A trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Saturday mornings,” says Chef Mark Dommen from One Market Restaurant, which offers French-influenced California cuisine. “Immerse yourself in the bounty the bay area has to offer from local farmers and artisan food producers. Stop by some of the food booths like Mark ‘n Mikes to pick up breakfast, lunch or a quick snack. They have the best pastrami in the bay area.”
5. Delight in Napa Valley wines
While the city itself is not a major wine-producing area, it serves as a gateway to California’s renowned wine region in Napa Valley. Many of the local establishments offer selections from these areas year-round. Spend time exploring urban wineries within the city, offering a sophisticated environment for enjoying fine wines.
San Francisco’s year-round seasonality and proximity to wine country make it a prime dining destination with unmatched local produce. Two upscale restaurants renowned for contemporary American cuisine, Frances in the Castro District, and Octaviain Pacific Heights are centered around the signature hyper-seasonal cooking style of the Bay Area and offer housemade sourdough, local wines, and a chef’s tasting menu for those looking to splurge.
If you’re living in San Francisco and are looking for an escape from the city, make sure to take a day trip to the picturesque vineyards of Napa Valley. Chef Deborah Mullin from the Culinary Institute of America’s signature garden-to-table restaurant, The Grove at Copia, recommends that visitors start their day with a coffee at Naysayer Coffee Roasters. “Then, take in the natural beauty of Skyline Wilderness Park, perfect for a scenic trek right within the city. For dinner, head to Oxbow Market, where you will find a variety of enticing food stalls to satisfy any craving. End your day with a nightcap at Cadet Wine and Beer Bar in the heart of downtown,” says Chef Deborah Mullin.
6. Explore Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square is one of San Francisco’s historic landmarks and popular tourist attractions known for its charming shopping and dining experiences. Visitors can enjoy an assortment of local boutiques, unique restaurants, and picturesque views of the Bay.
The Cartoon Art Museum recommends visiting their museum and then heading to Ghiradelli Square. “From the famed chocolate shop to the historic Buena Vista Cafe, the beautiful view of the Bay, and the historic San Francisco Cable Cars. The perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience the best that San Francisco has to offer.”
7. Shop at the San Francisco Centre
The San Francisco Centre is a major shopping destination located in the downtown area. The mall offers a rich blend of luxury and mainstream retail, diverse dining options, and a comprehensive shopping and entertainment experience. To truly capture the spirit of San Francisco, don’t miss the iconic 102-foot-wide skylit dome on the 4th floor of San Francisco Centre. Built in 1908, this architectural gem brings a touch of historic elegance and natural light to your shopping experience, reflecting the city’s blend of old and new.
Photo courtesy of San Francisco Centre
8. Visit the Mission District’s vibrant art scene
Another unique thing to do in San Francisco is checking out the city’s art scene. Throughout the Mission District neighborhood, you will find vibrant murals that cover the walls of buildings and alleyways.
“One of the most iconic experiences in San Francisco is exploring the vibrant murals of the Mission District,” says the team at the Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art, something explaining what the business is. “These colorful artworks tell the stories of the city’s diverse communities, blending political messages with striking visuals. A stroll down Balmy Alley or Clarion Alley is like walking through an open-air gallery, offering new residents a unique glimpse into the cultural heart of the city.”
The Mission District’s restaurant scene is also a must-visit for food lovers seeking both traditional and innovative culinary experiences. Safara, an online travel agency, recommends eating Italian classics with a native NorCal twist at Penny Roma. “Think fresh pasta (made daily), raw seafood, veggies galore, and a stacked wine list of Napa classics and Italian imports. With cozy indoor seating, a quiet patio, vine-lined walls, and a familiar vibe, it may feel more like your coolest friend is hosting a dinner party,” says Safara.
9. Check out the Castro Art Walk
The Castro District is rich in artistic expression with local art galleries, public art installations, and events. Schlomer Haus Gallery recommends immersing yourself in the creative community of San Francisco by going to the monthly Castro Art Walk. “On the first Friday of every month, galleries in the Castro extend their hours and open their doors to showcase rotating art programs. From traditional galleries to unique venues, each participating business offers a distinct creative perspective, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the Castro.”
10. Find your next favorite book at San Francisco’s unique bookstores
San Francisco is a good place to live if you love literature. The city is home to a wide variety of bookstores that cater to diverse literary tastes and interests. Whether you are looking for rare finds or contemporary bestsellers, there’s something in the city for everyone.
Tucked away in the neighborhood of the same name, Noe Valley Books is a forthcoming independent bookshop opening this fall with the aid of the local community. With an emphasis on being a bookstore for all types of readers, by readers, you can be sure to find your new favorite book or converse with enthusiastic booksellers.
Another cherished independent bookstore in the city of San Francisco is Argonaut Book Shop. They specialize in the history of California and the American West, and have an abundance of old, collectible books, maps, prints, and other ephemera on San Francisco and California. You can spend hours looking at everything in there.
11. Take a photography class to capture the beauty of the city
If you’re looking to capture the essence of San Francisco through the lens, Photosprouts photography workshops offer an immersive, in-person photography experience. Participants will not only learn valuable photography techniques but also explore iconic city spots like the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, The Palace of Fine Arts, The Embarcadero Coastline and more. You can use your iphone or the camera provided during the class. All you need is your enthusiasm and a love for the art of photography. Their instructors guide you every step of the way, making the classes suitable for beginners and seasoned photographers alike.
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Unique things to do in San Francisco, CA: Final thoughts
In a city as charming as San Francisco, exploring its unique offerings can lead to memorable adventures. Even after you’ve experienced what San Francisco is known for, there is still a plethora of activities to uncover. Above all, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on The Golden City and all it has to offer. Whether you’re strolling through Golden Gate Park or grabbing dinner in the Mission District, San Francisco has something special for everyone to enjoy.
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