San Francisco is known for a lot of things, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, world-class food, and a diverse entertainment scene. When visiting the majestic bay city, it can be easy to run out of time when you’re trying to see it all. So we’ve compiled a list of the top 24 must-see attractions that will make your visit unforgettable.
1. Lift Your Spirits at One of SFGMC’s Upcoming Concerts
What do Disney, Elton John, and the Wizard of Oz all have in common? They are all on our calendar for season 45 of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus! Don’t miss out on the magic as we revive timeless classics alongside a 30-piece orchestra, touching on themes like love, LGBTQ+ pride, and family ties.
Since 1978, SFGMC has been at the front lines of the gay liberation movement, inspiring activism and empowering the LGBTQ+ community through music. Experience one of our moving performances and take part in the battle towards equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Join us this year!
2. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts
One of the most picturesque places in the entire country, the Palace of Fine Arts was modeled after an ancient Greek temple complex and is surrounded by a swan-filled lagoon and lush parklands. Located in the Marina District, it's a favorite for weekend picnics as well as a top spot for wedding photography sessions.
3. Enjoy the Biggest LGBTQ+ Events in SF
San Francisco is the undisputed capital of LGBTQ+ culture in the United States. That means that no list of the top things to do in San Francisco would be complete without a breakdown of the best of the bunch in terms of LGBTQ+ Events.
From the Castro Street Fair in October to the Folsom Street Fair in September, the Up Your Alley fest in July, to the massive San Francisco PRIDE festival and parade in June, there are world-class LGBTQ+ events all year long. For those looking for something more fringe, don't miss Frameline and the Fresh Meat Festival, both in June.
4. Take a Stroll Through the San Francisco Botanical Garden
Featuring the native flora from not just biodiverse California, but many different ecosystems around the world, the San Francisco Botanical Garden is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon in the city. And because it’s located within Golden Gate Park, the SFBG is close to many other major attractions.
5. Celebrate Black Cultures Through a Global Lens with the Museum of African Diaspora
Dedicated to telling the story of Black culture through the lens of the displacement of Africans, a visit to the Museum of the African Diaspora is one of the most unique, fascinating, and educational things to do in San Francisco.
6. Experience the Ultimate Surround Sound at San Francisco Symphony’s Film Nights
From Star Wars to Fantasia, join the world-renowned San Francisco Symphony as they play along to blockbusters and classics on the big screen. Remember that the SFGMC also does classic soundtracks, including Disney, throughout the season.
7. Dine in One of SF’s Many LGBTQ-Owned Restaurants
San Francisco has dozens of top-notch restaurants owned and managed by LGBTQ people. From Chef Kasem Saengsawang's Farmhouse Thai to Mat Schuster’s Canela Bistro and Wine Bar, choosing where to eat is the only problem you will face!
8. Indulge Your Passion for the Arts at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
One of the top things to see in San Francisco for visitors of all backgrounds, the San Fransisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a palace of creative delights. From works by masters like Picasso and Miro to top local artists, you will not be disappointed here.
9. Get to Know the Man Behind the Mouse at the Walt Disney Family Museum
Located in the lush Presidio complex, the Walt Disney Family Museum is one of the most eclectic things to do in San Francisco. Learn about the personal and family life of America's most famous cartoonist.
10. Celebrate the Impact of LGBTQ+ Trailblazers at the Rainbow Honor Walk
Follow the plaques dedicated to heroes of the LGBTQ+ movement through the colorful streets of the Castro District on the Rainbow Honor Walk. The Castro District was one of the first gay neighborhoods in the US and home to a famous gay rights activist, Harvey Milk. Today, the neighborhood remains one of the most well-known symbols for LGBTQ+ activism and hosts exciting LGBTQ+ events year-round.
Don’t miss out on this thrilling, colorful experience!
11. Visit the Heart of SF at the Golden Gate Park
One of the greatest urban green spaces in the entire country, Golden Gate Park is a verdant playground that stretches from the Haight-Ashbury district all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
This epic urban park is also home to several top things to do in San Francisco including the California Academy of Sciences), the de Young Museum, the Conservatory of Flowers, and the Japanese Tea Garden.
12. Discover a New Page-turner at City Lights Bookstore
One of the most important things to do in San Francisco for book lovers is to visit City Lights Bookstore, in North Beach. This pioneering bookshop and publisher helped launch the beat poetry movement and remains at the heart of the city's literary scene.
13. Nurture Your Child’s Imagination at the Children’s Creativity Museum
Located in the Yerba Buena Gardens, the Children's Creativity Museum is a must-stop for those with little ones in San Francisco. It offers interactive, hands-on activities for children aged 2- 12 years old that inspire creative confidence and problem-solving skills. With an Animation Studio for kids 5 and up, an Imagination Lab for younger ones, and a carousel for everyone, your children can expand their minds and enjoy San Francisco as much as you!
14. Connect to the Community at the San Francisco LGBT Center
Located on Market Street, the San Francisco LGBT Center is a non-profit that serves all members of the gay, lesbian, and transgender communities. If you’re looking to connect with the LGBT community, this business has a broad network of organizations that they can get you in touch with. Additionally, the LGBT Center has a robust calendar of events and activities of its own that you should check out.
15. Hitch a Ride with the San Francisco Love Tours
Jump into a brightly painted hippy bus and take a tour of the city by the bay that hearkens back to the Summer of Love. One of the most iconic things to do in San Francisco, besides checking out an SFGMC performance of course. The love tour is a blast from the past.
16. Order an Irish Coffee from Its Birthplace: The Buena Vista
Established in 1916 and located on Hyde Street, Buena Vista is famous for its creation of Irish coffee. It’s said that in the 1950s, the cafe owner and a travel writer for the San Francisco Chronicle collaborated to make the drink and tried numerous different concoctions before settling on the recipe that Buena Vista still uses today.
But that’s not all Buena Vista has to offer, it’s a great place to go for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, providing a wide array of different delicacies.
17. See One of the Most Extensive Collections of Asian Art at the Asian Art Museum
The Asian Art Museum was founded by Olympian Avery Brundage in the 1960’s and is famous for its vast collection of ancient masterpieces. With over 18,000 works of art, some being as old as 6,000 years, the Asain Art Museum is an absolute must-see when visiting San Francisco.
You can expect to see a broad range of creations, including sculptures, jades, painted landscapes, elaborate goldwork, woodblock prints, and more when you tour the magnificent building. Among these incredible treasures, you’ll find great representations of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, South Asian, Himalayan, and Southeast Asian arts.
18. Get the Complete Tiki Experience at the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
Located in the Fairmont Hotel, the world-famous Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar offers an incredible experience to everyone who’s okay with a little bit of rain! With a tiki-themed lounge and a blue lagoon, this unique restaurant opened in 1945. It’s full of lively dancing and music and features Polynesian-fusion-style cuisine with beachy rim drinks.
But keep in mind that a few times every hour, the dining venue gets a little “surprise” thunder and lightning storm.
19. Go For a Hike on the Historic Angel Island
Located in the center of San Francisco Bay, Angel Island offers great views of Alcatraz, San Francisco, the bridges, and more. But beyond its prime location and ideal hiking and biking trails, this island is a fascinating place to visit for those interested in history.
It housed an immigration and deportation facility during WWII, which detained hundreds of thousands of Japanese and Chinese immigrants. Now, you can tour the abandoned military buildings and the immigration museum itself and learn all about the conditions in which these immigrants were unfairly kept before their release.
You can get to Angel Island by the Golden Gate Ferry, which is in operation 7 days a week.
20. Attend a Show at the Iconic Castro Theatre
The Castro Theatre was built in 1922 on Castro Street and became a San Francisco historic landmark in 1976. Its located at the core of the Castro District and is a wonderful part of the lively LGBTQ+ culture. It plays a wide range of films and, in recent years, has been the site for several gala tributes to famous Hollywood actors, including Sandra Dee, Debbie Reynolds, Tony Curtis, and more.
21. Learn Something New at the Exploratorium
The Exploratorium originally opened in 1969 at the Palace of Fine Arts; however, it moved to Piers 15 and 17 in 2013. It was founded by Frank Oppenheimer, a physicist and university teacher, with the goal to teach the public about science. What he originally created as a “library of experiments” for his university students to explore science at their own pace became the model he used to open the Exploratorium.
Today, you can visit the Exploratorium and people of all ages can get hands-on learning experiences on how to build things like windmills, bottle racers, head harps, and more!
22. Strap on Your Skates and Attend the Church of 8 Wheels
Have you ever skated in a church? Well, it just so happens to be the ideal spot to get your groove on with friends.
One of the few historical relics to survive the 1906 earthquake, the Sacred Heart Catholic Church was originally constructed in 1898 but closed in 2005 due to high maintenance and refitting costs. In 2013, David G. Miles Jr. transformed the gorgeous landmark into a disco-themed roller skating rink called the Church of 8 Wheels. It provides the ultimate skating experience and weekend activity. You can’t leave San Francisco without skating amidst magnificent stained-glass windows and disco lights.
23. Take a Walk on the Wild Side at the San Francisco Zoo
The San Francisco Zoo is on 100 acres of land located in the southwestern corner of San Francisco. Home to more than 2,000 endangered, exotic, and rescued animals, this exciting destination boasts a wide variety of unique and thrilling exhibits. When you visit, you see things like the penguin feedings, lemur forest, African savannah, an open aviary, and much more.
24. Discover the History of Comics at the Cartoon Art Museum
Established in 1984, the Cartoon Art Museum is the only museum in the Western US that specializes in the exhibition of all cartoon art forms. At this fun stop, you can check out everything from old comic strips to anime to political cartoons. Finish out your trip to San Francisco with a bang by visiting this landmark for cartoon history.
No Matter What You Do in SF, Make Sure You Have Fun!
From world-class museums to raging street festivals, the bay city has it all. No matter what your interests are, there are exciting destinations that you’re guaranteed to love. And even if you don’t hit every spot on your list, you can always come back and experience the gorgeous city all over again.
Take some time when you’re planning your trip to see what events are happening so that you can make sure you’re enjoying your vacation to the fullest. For example, Pride Month is in June and San Francisco is the ideal place to go support the LGBTQ+ community!
Start your pride celebrations out strong by attending an upcoming SFGMC concert. Join us for our 45th season and experience the magic as we perform timeless Disney classics!