31 Things Everyone Should Do In San Francisco, California, Before They Die

Your guide to the City by the Bay.

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Michele Bird
Michele Bird
BuzzFeed Staff

1. Take a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, one of San Francisco's most recognizable landmarks.

2. Take a cruise across the San Francisco Bay to learn about the history of Alcatraz Island.

Prior to becoming a National Historic Landmark in 1986, Alcatraz Island was the site of a federal penitentiary.
Narvikk / Getty Images

Prior to becoming a National Historic Landmark in 1986, Alcatraz Island was the site of a federal penitentiary.

3. Order clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, a quintessential San Francisco dish, from Boudin's flagship location at Fisherman's Wharf.

4. Drive down the crooked Lombard Street, one of the most iconic and well-known streets in the city.

Lombard Street is also known as "The Crookedest Street in the World." This winding brick street is also part of US Route 101.
Photoquest7 / Getty Images

Lombard Street is also known as "The Crookedest Street in the World." This winding brick street is also part of US Route 101.

5. Visit Pier 39 and watch the sea lions sunbathing on the docks.

6. Soak up views of the city from atop Coit Tower.

7. Visit the Painted Ladies — the iconic houses featured in the opening credits of Full House — in Alamo Square.

While you can snap a photo outside, be mindful of residents who actually call the Painted Ladies home.
Masterlu / Getty Images

While you can snap a photo outside, be mindful of residents who actually call the Painted Ladies home.

8. Stop by for delicious Mexican food at La Taqueria in the Mission, which won the award for America's Best Burrito in 2014.

9. Stop by the Haight-Ashbury district — the birthplace of hippie culture in the 1960s.

Music and book lovers should check out the Grateful Dead House, Amoeba Music, and The Booksmith.
Lunamarina / Getty Images

Music and book lovers should check out the Grateful Dead House, Amoeba Music, and The Booksmith.

10. Catch a ride on one of three iconic cable car lines that traverse the city.

The San Francisco cable cars were named a historic landmark in 1964 and have been in operation for more than 100 years.
Moreiso / Getty Images

The San Francisco cable cars were named a historic landmark in 1964 and have been in operation for more than 100 years.

11. Enjoy a day of hiking at Lands End, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and soak up scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.

12. Grab a bite from the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero.

13. Sip on some beer at Anchor Brewing Company, one of the oldest craft breweries in the country.

14. Plan your trip the last weekend in June to celebrate San Francisco Pride.

San Francisco Pride festivities include a parade, a variety of parties, performers, and more throughout the weekend.
Eddiehernandezphotography / Getty Images

San Francisco Pride festivities include a parade, a variety of parties, performers, and more throughout the weekend.

15. Dine early and order a Margherita pizza at Tony's Pizza Napoletana, where only 73 of them are served each day.

16. Spend the day learning about animals at the San Francisco Zoo.

17. Sip on a handcrafted cocktail at Bourbon & Branch, a classic Prohibition-style speakeasy.

18. Spend your day exploring the stacks at City Lights, the country's first all-paperback bookstore.

19. Spend the day exploring Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in North America.

20. Wear your silliest costume and participate in the Bay to Breakers race that happens every year on the third Sunday of May.

21. Learn about the history of Disney magic at the Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio.

22. Shop till you drop at the various stores in Union Square.

23. Satisfy your sweet tooth with an ice cream cone from Bi-Rite Creamery.

24. Challenge your brain at the California Academy of Sciences, featuring exhibits like a living roof, rainforest, aquarium, planetarium, and more.

25. Check out the Folsom Street Fair — the world's largest leather event — held every September in South of Market.

26. Check out the view of the Golden Gate Bridge as you jog or bike through Crissy Field.

27. Enjoy the ocean views as you dine at the Cliff House, established in 1858, near Ocean Beach.

28. Get your caffeine fix at Andytown Coffee Roasters, Home, or Pinhole Coffee.

29. Order a delicious chocolate sundae at Ghirardelli Square.

30. Smell the flowers at the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park.

31. And finally, don't forget to treat yourself to a crab sandwich as you watch the San Francisco Giants take the field at AT&T Park.

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