San Francisco is at the heart of culture in California. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island to the Japanese Tea Garden, there is something to fulfill all of your travel desires while stopping through. So, without further ado, here are 23 must-sees in San Francisco!

San Francisco

Must-Sees in San Francisco

Have a weekend to spend in the city by the Bay? Here are a few great ideas. Some standard tourist stuff (they’re crowded for a reason) and other local fare. Such a good city to eat and walk. Bring a coat, especially in summer, or you’re gonna end up with one of those tourist SF fleeces!

San Francisco, CA, USA

Quick Trip: San Francisco Favorites

Explore this map, I made as the ultimate California guide, to get inspired and discover the places that will become the highlight of your next trip. Many of the places in this map will have helpful booking links and/or links to social media posts with more inside information. 

I see all my Guide Maps as perpetual works in progress and will do my best to add to and update them as my knowledge expands.

Use my Klook promo: ACKUGARTE for 10% off for new users and 3% off for returning users.

Los Angeles, CA, USA

California, USA

South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA

California Ultimate Guide Map +300 Places

Ready for a weekend getaway to the San Fransisco bay area, check out this guide for how to make the best of your trip. Some of the standard tourist stops are included as well as some of our personal favorites from our visit. 

Check out some of the best places to eat, things to see and do, places to shop at and how to get around the city. Over 100 recommendations and links included! San Fransisco is made up of over 19 neighborhoods with activities for all types of travelers to enjoy. Depending on what you'd like to focus on, you can base your main location out of one spot to easily get around. 

This complete guide includes:
🍽️ Tons of great food options by type
🛣️ Things to do and see
Famous Houses 
🚙 Travel information 
🌉 Golden Gate Bridge Crossing tips
🏚️ Safety tips 
Nearby Day Trip Options

Oakland, CA, USA

A Weekend in San Fransisco, California

Heading to San Francisco? This guide covers everything you need to know to experience the city like a local. Whether you're looking to explore, unwind, or capture the picture perfect shot, I’ve curated a list of must-see spots and hidden gems that showcase the best of San Fran’s laid-back charm and coastal beauty.

Click the map icon for location pins and directions that connect directly to your phone's Google or Apple Maps🗺️

Baycation Mode: The Perfect San Francisco Travel Guide 🌁 

Welcome to my completely unorganized but oh-so-helpful map of San Francisco! An absolute smorgasbord of my own travels and research, suggestions from friends and strangers, and many treasures found along the way, this is where I compile all things SF for my future trips and yours. Things I particularly love that you’ll find a lot of:
☕️ Coffee shops & bakeries
🌮 Local cuisine
🏛️ Museums of all kinds
🌳 Gardens & parks
🛏️ Boutique hotels
🍕 Small regional chains with good reputations

All my guides in this category are $5 per 100 places included, but since I add to these constantly, you can lock down the lowest price today and gain a lifetime access!

San Francisco CA

A designer's guide to SF - 80+ curated, trendy + tried&true restaurants, shops, cafes, bookstores, attractions, and bars.  I've lived in the Bay for 7 years and this list will be continuously updated! 

How to be hip in SF: a local's ultimate collection

An urban getaway stretching through the western end of San Francisco with 1,017 acres of bucolic lakes and meadows. Golden Gate Park has something for everyone！

Golden Gate Park: A Brief Guide

Calling all wanderlusting families and curious explorers! 

San Francisco has snagged a permanent place in my heart (and probably yours soon too!), captivating my family for over 20 years with its charm, vibrancy, and endless discoveries. 

From foggy mornings on the Golden Gate Bridge to sourdough feasts bursting with history, we've unearthed hidden gems and iconic must-sees alike. 

👀 Ask me anything – navigating cable cars like a pro, finding the best picnic spot in Golden Gate Park, or uncovering secret alleys with the most vibrant murals – and let me be your personal guide to unlocking the magic of San Francisco for your unforgettable family adventure! Buckle up, it's going to be a rollercoaster of fun, food, and unforgettable memories.

Also follow me on social media @goldenstatefamilyadventures


San Francisco with kids

Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the entire United States. You can find beautiful stone arch bridges, walkways, an island and, of course, a Japanese pavilion. This garden is actually free for an hour in the morning, check their website for the best times to visit! Take some time and escape to California’s version of Narnia.

The tranquil Japanese Tea Garden San Francisco has an arched drum bridge kiddos love to play on, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, and beautiful koi ponds. After trekking the 5-acre garden, relax at the tea house. Situated in the middle of the Japanese Tea Garden, you can sample a variety of teas and popular Japanese refreshments. 

The San Francisco Japanese Tea Garden was so peaceful. I loved walking through the trees, ponds, and pagodas. I grabbed some tea at the teahouse and just enjoyed the calm vibe in the middle of Golden Gate Park.

This 3.5 acres of manicured garden reflects the zen and tranquility of Japanese landscaping. Stroll along the koi pond, and enjoy a tea break at the cafe. 

Admission is free for veterans and SF residents.

Popular gardens with a Japanese teahouse & narrow paths winding past koi ponds, pagodas & a bridge.

Japanese Tea Garden

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