10 Best Things to do in One Day in San Francisco
Being born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, I was never more than an hour's drive away from San Francisco or how locals refer to it, "The City". It's been some time since I've moved away, but my fondness for the city never faded.
Despite living a state away, I still visit the city (and bay area, in general) fairly regularly. In fact, my wife and I recently discussed planning a mini-vacation there to reconnect with it and the attractions we love.
When I started thinking about it more, I thought about how many people visit San Francisco for the first time every year. The city is huge and can seem daunting to those who've never been (to be honest, I've been there dozens of times and it still feels daunting).
Then, I started thinking about those who may only have one day to spend there and if they asked, which quintessential attractions would I recommend to them, that they could fit into a one day visit.
That's who this post is for. If you only have one day to spend in the city, I'm going to recommend ten San Francisco attractions that I feel you could fit into a one day visit. I’ll also recommend several other “must-see’s” if you happen to have another day or two to spend. But first…
Should I Take My Car to San Francisco?
It's no secret that San Francisco, and California in general, has had its issues with crime in recent years. In the city, vehicle breaks ins have occurred regularly, with locals resorting to leaving their windows rolled down so thieves can just look through the car without breaking the window.
While there has been recent success with combating this problem, it can still happen without warning, whether at night or in broad daylight. Having your own vehicle to take you around to these places would be the most economical option, but you'll face this potential issue and others.
Aside from the possibility of theft, parking can be a huge headache, as it’s limited in many places and you'll likely need to pay a flat or hourly rate. That said, public transportation is readily available, as are ride sharing options.
Unless you're planning to take trips outside of the city or San Francisco is just one stop on your trip, no, you won't need your own vehicle. Everything listed below can be accessed either by ride sharing, public transportation, walking, biking, etc.
Now, let’s get to the ten things to do in one day in San Francisco…
1) The Golden Gate Bridge
I recommend beginning your day on the north side of the city, with your first stop being the iconic, Golden Gate Bridge. No first visit to the city would be complete without it, as it's the quintessential top attraction. There are two official viewpoints, one on the south (city) side and another on the north (Marin) side of the bridge.
If you'll have your own vehicle, definitely check out both, as they each offer their own perspectives of the bridge. If you do go to the Marin Headlands (north) side, there are several hiking trails and additional viewpoints you can check out, such as Battery Spencer, Kirby Cove, Point Bonita Lighthouse, Fort Baker and more.
If you're short on time or will be utilizing ride sharing, stick to the city side at the Golden Gate Bridge Pavilion. There, you'll get a decent view of the bridge, as well as access to several hiking trails, a cafe/gift shop, and more.
From either side, you'll be able to access the walking/biking path of the bridge. Keep in mind that the walking path is 1.7-miles, one way, from one end to the other. Most people walk about a third of the bridge and call it a day. So don't feel like you have to walk the whole thing.
PRO TIP: If you have extra time, I highly recommend taking a trip to Muir Woods National Monument. From the bridge, it's only a twenty minute drive outside of the city. You could easily spend a half day (or more) exploring this special place.
2) Explore Fort Point National Historic Site
Your time on the north side of San Francisco continuous at Fort Point, a highly historical, civil war-era Army fort situated under the Golden Gate Bridge. The fort was constructed between 1853 and 1861, predating the bridge now spanning over it.
Fort Point is free to enter but depending where you park, there may or may not be a fee. If you park close to the fort, you won't have to pay a fee but if you park above the fort at Battery East Vista, you will have to pay.
At the fort are several museum-style exhibits showing what life was like at the fort, as well as several examples of weaponry of the period, a gift shop, and in my opinion, one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge you can get.
If you park at the Golden Gate Bridge Pavilion, it's an easy fifteen minute walk down to Fort Point. Otherwise, it's an even easier drive down to it from there. The parking closest to the fort tends to fill quickly so if you're already parked nearby, it'll likely be easier to just walk.
3) Visit the Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is a magical place that feels like stepping into a storybook. Built in 1915, it looks like an ancient Roman or Greek ruin with grand columns, a huge dome and a peaceful lagoon often full of swans and ducks. It’s a nice spot to take photos, have a picnic or just walk around enjoying the beauty of the architecture.
One of the coolest things about visiting the Palace of Fine Arts is how peaceful it feels, even though it’s right in the middle of a bustling city. The sound of the water fountain and birds make it such a relaxing place to sit and take a break.
If you’re into photography or art, this spot is full of inspiration—there’s something inspirational about the way the sunlight hits the dome and reflects in the lagoon. And even if you’re not into art, just being there makes you feel like you’re part of something special.
Another reason to visit is how much fun you can have exploring the area. The Palace of Fine Arts is close to other amazing San Francisco spots like the Golden Gate Bridge and Crissy Field. You can spend the day walking, biking or just enjoying the fresh air and views.
4) See the Ruins of Sutro Baths and Hike Lands End
The ruins of Sutro Baths in San Francisco is one of the coolest places to explore. It's the site of a huge, former, indoor swimming pool complex built in the 1890s by a man named Adolph Sutro. People came from all over to swim in the saltwater pools and check out the amazing glass ceiling and decorations.
Today, even though the baths are in ruins, they’re still an exciting spot to visit and explore. You can walk around the old stone walls, see what’s left of the pools and imagine what it was like back in its glory days.
One of the best parts of visiting the Sutro Baths is the view. The ruins sit right on the edge of the ocean, and the waves crashing against the rocks make it feel wild and dramatic. You can also go up nearby trails for even better views of the coastline and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.
The adjoining Lands End trail also connects to the ruins, making it an easy add on to your visit. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just someone who enjoys unique places, the Sutro Baths and Lands End trail is the perfect post-lunch stop while visiting San Francisco.
5) Walk the Embarcadero
When you're finished exploring Sutro Baths, you'll bid adieu to the city's north side and make your way west, where the next set of San Francisco attractions are located. First up is the historic Embarcadero.
San Francisco's historic Embarcadero is a section of road packed with all sorts of things to do and discover. While the official road goes on much further, the 1.3-mile walking portion begins near the historic ferry building/Pier 14 and ends near Fisherman's Wharf.
While you could drive it, the only way to discover all it has to offer is by walking. Not accounting for stops, it'll take roughly thirty minutes to go from the ferry building to Pier 39. The entire thing is paved, well maintained and flat.
Along the way, you'll pass several piers and attractions, such as Pier 14 (which offers fantastic views of the Bay Bridge), the historic ferry building, Exploratorium, numerous shops and restaurants, Aquarium by the Bay, and Pier 33, which is where tours to Alcatraz Island leave from.
If you've never done it, I highly recommend taking a tour of Alcatraz Island, a former federal prison that housed infamous criminals such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. You'll need a whole half day (at minimum) to devote to it, but it's well worth spending an extra day for, in my opinion.
6) Admire the Infamous Sea Lions at Pier 39
Pier 39 is an infamous tourist hot spot in the city, featuring numerous shops, restaurants and even a carousel. While all of those are fine for what they are, the real attraction at Pier 39 is the massive colony of sea lions who have carved out a home at a set of nearby boating docks for that last thirty-five years and counting.
These curious, charismatic sea lions often put on a show for spectators, with their playful nature on full display. How many you see entirely depends on the time of year and food availability, but 2024 saw a record 2,100 sea lions move in.
The best times of year to see a large colony are March through May, and August through October. To find them, head towards the end of the pier and go left through the walkway going behind the structures. When in doubt, just listen for the sea lions barking and head in that general direction.
Afterwards, if you're feeling famished, look no further than Fog Harbor Fish House, located near the entrance of Pier 39 on the second level to the left. Here, you can enjoy their award winning clam chowder and for your main course, a serving of their incredibly flavorful filet mignon.
7) Take in Epic Views at Coit Tower
Coit Tower is an iconic sight in San Francisco and is a fantastic place to visit, especially if you love amazing views. This tall, white tower sits on top of Telegraph Hill and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
From the top of the tower, you'll get incredible 360-degree views of the city, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the Bay. It’s a great spot to snap some photos and really take in how beautiful the city is.
What makes Coit Tower extra special are the murals inside. These colorful paintings cover the walls on the first floor and were created in the 1930s by local artists. The murals show scenes of life in California during the Great Depression, from farmers and factory workers to busy city streets.
Another fun thing about Coit Tower is the adventure of getting there. You can take the steep, winding Filbert Street Steps, which are lined with beautiful gardens and even wild parrots if you’re lucky! The climb is a bit of a workout, but the views along the way make it totally worth it.
Coit Tower closes at 4pm daily, so I recommend hailing a ride share (or driving yourself) instead of walking there from Pier 39, so you can save yourself some time. If you can help it, don't skip it. It may not have the same grandeur as the Golden Gate Bridge, but it's a culturally significant place worth visiting.
8) Drive the Iconic Lombard Street
Lombard Street in San Francisco is one of the coolest and most famous streets in the world! What makes it so special is its unique zigzag shape. Known as the “crookedest street in the world,” it has eight sharp turns packed into just one block.
Driving down it feels like being on a roller coaster, but without the speed. If you’re not driving, you can walk along the sidewalks and see the street from a whole new perspective. Either way, it’s a super fun experience that you can’t find anywhere else.
What makes Lombard Street even more amazing is how beautiful it is. The street is lined with colorful flowers, green plants, and charming houses. In the spring and summer, the hydrangeas bloom, making the street look like something out of a postcard.
Visiting Lombard Street is also really easy to fit into your day. It’s located in the Russian Hill neighborhood, close to other cool spots like Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach. After driving or walking down Lombard Street, you can explore nearby shops, grab a bite to eat, or hop on a cable car!
9) Ride a Cable Car
Riding a cable car in San Francisco is one of the best ways to experience the city! These old-fashioned trolleys are super fun and let you travel up and down the city’s famous steep hills. It’s like a ride and a way to get around all in one!
As you ride, you can hang onto the side rails (if you’re brave) or grab a seat and enjoy amazing views of the city. You’ll get to see iconic sights like the Bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. Plus, the sound of the cable car’s bell is so unique, it’ll feel like you’re transporting back to another time.
Another reason to ride a cable car is that it’s a part of San Francisco’s history. These trolleys have been running since the 1800s, and they’re the only cable cars in the world that still operate! It’s a cool way to connect with the city’s past while having fun at the same time.
You can hop on at famous spots like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square or Lombard Street and ride all the way to Chinatown and other popular neighborhoods. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’ve been here before, a cable car ride is a must-do activity that’ll make your visit unforgettable.
10) Indulge at Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco is a sweet spot that every visitor should check out. This historic square is home to the famous Ghirardelli chocolate company, so you can imagine how amazing it smells with the chocolate aroma.
You can visit the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop and treat yourself to their world-famous sundaes or pick up some delicious chocolate to take home. Watching the chocolatiers make treats right in front of you is fun for children and adults alike, and you might even get a free sample when you walk in the door!
But Ghirardelli Square isn’t just about chocolate—it’s a great place to hang out and explore. The square has charming shops, restaurants and beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay. You can grab a meal, do a little shopping or simple relax and take in the lively atmosphere. Particularly in the evening, when everything is lit up with beautiful gold lights.
In my opinion, there’s no better way to cap your one day in San Francisco than with a chocolate sundae from the most iconic chocolatier in the world. From here, simply make your way back to your hotel or rental and enjoy your well deserved rest. This concludes my pick of ten things to do in one day in San Francisco.
What to Skip (if you run low on time)
I acknowledge that this itinerary is fairly hardcore and doesn't leave much room for error. Things happen. Feet get sore, kids get tired, attractions close unexpectedly, you get stuck in traffic, you spend too much time at another attraction, etc.
If you find yourself running low on time and you need to sacrifice one or more of the above listed attractions, I suggest skipping the Palace of Fine Arts, Coit Tower and walking the Embarcadero. If you're REALLY low on time, also skip Fort Point and possibly even Sutro Baths/Lands End.
The Golden Gate Bridge is non-negotiable for a first-time visit to the city. If you have a fear of bridges or heights, you don't need to walk on it in order to enjoy it. Simply view it from one of the many available viewpoints. Either way, go see it.
Additionally, in my opinion, riding a cable car, the sea lions at Pier 39 and driving Lombard Street are also quintessential San Francisco. So I definitely recommend keeping those, along with the bridge, as part of your itinerary.
What Else to do If You Have Extra Days
I always recommend spending at least a few days in any city or destination in order to get the most out of your experience. If you’re able to carve out an extra day or two, here's a list of a few other attractions around San Francisco you should definitely check out.
Golden Gate Park
Twin Peaks
Painted Ladies (row of colorful houses from the title sequence of the Tv show, Full House)
Union Square
Haight-Ashbury
San Francisco Zoo
California Academy of Sciences
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Crissy Field
Exploratorium
Fisherman’s Wharf
