Things to Do in San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a city filled with things to do and interesting history hence why it is considered one of the best cities to visit in the world. It is also a perfect central base for many different day trips outside the city. Whether you’re coming to San Francisco for business or pleasure, there is no shortage of activities in San Francisco to keep yourself busy with fun and leave with tons of memories!

The city of San Francisco is home to many museums and unique sites, is a culinary capital with endless delicious and varied cuisines, has a wide range of different nightlife options and is made up of an exciting patchwork of neighborhoods that are filled with character.

Nicest Vacation Rentals in San Francisco

Getting There and Around

You can get to the Ritz Carlton Club in San Francisco easily by flying into SFO (San Francisco International Airport), the busiest and largest airport in the San Francisco area. Oakland Airport (OAK) and San Jose Airport SJC also offer flights to the Bay Area. All three airports are connected to the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) which provides train transportation to the city of San Francisco. To get to the Ritz Carlton Club in San Francisco, you get off at Powell Street Station in Union Square located at Powell and Market Streets.

The dedicated Concierge at the Ritz Carlton Club can also arrange shared or private transportation directly to the resort if you prefer. Renting a car in San Francisco is generally not advised unless you are planning to do day trips outside the city as parking can be hard to find. However, the Ritz Carlton Club in San Francisco offers free valet parking so you can easily store your car at the resort and can walk around to most parts of the city from the centrally located Ritz Carlton Club or use one of San Francisco’s many transportation options including the underground BART system, MUNI system, cable cars, street cars, taxis and rideshare services, ferry or bike shares.

San Francisco Restaurants

San Francisco is widely recognized for its abundance of culinary delights. Skilled chefs from all over the world come to work in the restaurants in San Francisco and cook all types of cuisine. No matter what type of food you’re in the mood for and if you want casual or fine dining, San Francisco can offers a range of options. Known for its fresh seafood, you can find some of the best seafood restaurants in the world in San Francisco.

 

Sightseeing in San Francisco

San Francisco is full of quirky, fun sites to see ensuring you never run out of a fun things to do in San Francisco during your trip! Whether your driving your car down the zig zag road of Lombard Street, walking across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, watching the seals at Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf or browsing the shops at Ghiradelli Square, you’ll be entertained for days. You also want to be sure not to miss the many special neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury, the Mission, the Castro, Union Square, Berkeley or Chinatown. If you have time, you won’t be disappointed by a Harbor Tour to see the city from the water and learn about the Bay Area and cap the day off with lunch or drinks at the gorgeous Ferry Building.

 
Best Airbnbs in San Francisco

San Francisco Day Trips

While the city of San Francisco has no shortage of things to do and see, there are tons of other exciting places to visit that are just a day trip away from the city. If you like wine tasting, some of the best grapes in the world can be found in nearby Napa, Sonoma and Russian River. The quaint town of Napa is also home to some of the most famous restaurants in the world. Sausalito, an adorable oceanside town just on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge and is known for its Richardson Bay houseboat enclaves, built by artist squatters after WWII. The famous island of Alcatraz, was home to a maximum security federal prison on Alcatraz Island. Its easy to spend the day there learning about its fascinating history. Other interesting cities to stop by include Oakland, Carmel, and Monterrey or check out the natural wonders of Big Sur, Muir Woods in the Sequoia National Forest or Yosemite National Park.

 
Luxury Lodging in San Francisco Near a Park

San Francisco Parks

San Francisco is known for their amazing parks. Like nowhere else, can you enjoy the afternoon with a picnic in a park, people watching and looking out among the stunning city views. San Francisco has many famous parks with which you won’t be disappointed in visiting, relaxing with book and enjoying good company.

Parks worth checking out include Crissy Field, Golden Gate Park, Dolores Park, Alamo Square Park where the famous “Painted Ladies” reside, a landmark of the city and featured in the Full House TV show intro.