San Francisco Bucket List | 12 Must Things To Do For First Timers

San Francisco is one of the most charming cities in the United States. Home to the world’s most iconic Golden Gate Bridge and famed for its year-round fog, the city has plenty of attractions to entice visitors every time. However, if you’re planning to visit the Silicon Valley for the first time, I’ve got you covered with San Francisco bucket list to complete all the must-do things during your visit!

1) Walk over the Golden Gate Bridge

No trip to the San Francisco would be complete if you don’t walk over the Golden Gate Bridge. Visit either North Vista Point or South Vista Point and walk over the bridge. The walk from one side of the bridge to another usually takes half an hour, but it is totally worth it. You’ll come across many splendid views of the bay area, the city and the Marin County. If you’ve got more time, you can also check out some other points for the best Golden Gate views & photography.

2) Visit Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz also famed as “The Rock” is an island in San Francisco Bay and one of the most popular landmarks in the city. The island has the first lighthouse on the Western Pacific Coast and later it was a military and a federal prison from 1934 until 1963, for ill-famed convicts like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. The tour of Alcatraz Island includes ferry transfers from Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33 and a cellular jail audio tour that shows the sad lives of inmates. Apart from the cellular jail tour, the breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline is an additional perk of visiting Alcatraz Island.

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Please note that the tickets for Alcatraz Island sell quickly. So, you’ve to book the ticket in months’ advance.

3) Ride in a cable car

San Francisco’s Cable Cars are the world’s last manually operated cable car system. Therefore, a legendary cable car ride is a must for anyone visiting San Francisco for the first time. It is one of the unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States or any other part of the world. 

4) Meet Sea Lions at Pier 39

Pier 39 is a popular entertainment destination with restaurants, boutiques, and street performers buzzing with energy. However, it is also famous for California sea lions hauled out on docks of a marina. Spend some time watching sea lions and just soak the view around!

5) Take a picture in front of Fisherman’s Wharf Sign

Fisherman’s Wharf is a waterfront neighborhood in San Francisco famous for the array of restaurants, live entertainment and delicious seafood served fresh directly from the ocean. It is a nice place to hang out and enjoy the San Francisco vibes fullest. Therefore, taking a picture in front of Fisherman’s Wharf sign is totally worth it!

6) Eat ice cream at Ghirardelli Square

The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop is located at Ghirardelli Square. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the shop is a paradise. From creating your own ice creams with dozens of flavors to ice cream sundaes with fudge to custom chocolate assortments, the Original Ghirardelli shop is a perfect place to treat yourself! Plus did I mention the view of the Golden Gate Bridge on any sunny day? 😉

7) Eat Teddy Bear shaped bread at Boudin

Don’t forget to visit Boudin at Fisherman’s Wharf and try its teddy-bear shaped handcrafted bread. As soon as you’ll walk on the Wharf, you’ll be enticed by the smell of baking bread. The shop has a huge display window from where you can see bakers making bread in different shapes of animals as well as teddy bears. It is fun to watch as well as the teddy bear bread tastes incredibly delicious. I got the two teddy bear breads and finished both of them in a single day!

8) Stroll around Chinatown & eat some scrumptious dim sum

Strolling around San Francisco’s Chinatown gives you the vibe of being in China. It is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States. From its iconic dragon gate to colorful streets with eateries and souvenir shops to ornate temples, Chinatown is a nice place to see the vibrant Chinese culture. 

Plus Chinatown San Francisco also boasts some of the best dim sum joints in the entire United States. 

9) Take a bike ride around Embarcadero 

Embarcadero is one of the scenic waterfront areas in San Francisco. It is home to Ferry Building, dozens of gourmet shops and a popular farmers’ market. Embarcadero also offers some of the best views of the Bay Bridge. Rent a bike and go for an early morning ride to enjoy the view.

10) Get a photoshoot done at the Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the architectural landmarks in San Francisco. Nowhere in the United States, you’ll witness such a massive Greek & Roman-inspired architecture. The place is just perfect for a wedding/family photoshoot or fashion/travel photography. 

11) Climb 250 steps at Lombard Street

Lombard Street is famed as the “Crookedest Street in the World” with its eight hairpin turns in one block section. It is fun to watch vehicles moving less than 5 miles over Lombard Street. Climb on its 250 steps and enjoy the view from the top. 

12) Stroll at Union Square

Located in the heart of San Francisco, Union Square is a world-renowned shopping destination similar to Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles or Mag Mile in Chicago. It is home to all the famous luxury brands, restaurants, upscale dining, theatre districts, hotels and other attractions buzzing with tourists and locals. Just stroll around and enjoy the vibe of San Francisco.

You can also visit Painted Ladies located at historic Alamo Square if you’ve got time left. This is one of the most photographed locations shown in sitcoms, such as ‘Full House‘ and ‘Fuller House‘. However, I felt that it was the most overrated attractions in San Francisco. Plenty of people sitting in the park and staring at some strangers’ houses. Well, I’m not fond of that kind of attraction. I already saw the Fuller House set at Warner Brothers Studio during my Los Angles trip. So, the Painted Ladies underwhelmed me!

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If you’ve already completed your San Francisco bucket list and still have some time left during your vacation, do visit Wine Country for an ultimate wine getaway. Whether you drink wine or not, there’re plenty of activities for you to do at Napa and Sonoma Valley for a day trip.

Do share your experience if you live in San Francisco or visited there in the comments below? If not, what do you think about my San Francisco bucket list? Which attraction will be on the top of your wishlist?

Till then, Happy Wandering!
Ana

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