San Francisco Tourist attractions like Golden Gate Bridge draw 15.54 million visitors yearly. Estimated 26.2 million people come to S.F.

In this article, we present you with a collection of right spots that you need to discover after going to the city.

The 7 Distinctive S.F. Tourist Places At Glance:

  1. California Academy of Sciences
  2. Muir Woods National Monument
  3. Cable Cars
  4. Legion of Honor Museum
  5. San Francisco Zoo
  6. Lands End
  7. Golden Gate Bridge

1. California Academy of Sciences



California Academy of Sciences is a research institute.
California Academy of Sciences is a research institute.( Source : calacademy )

California Academy of Sciences is often cited as non touristy things to do in San Francisco. However, it is a perfect place to start the tour of S.F.

The academy is filled with pre-historic animal skeletons. There are 40 thousand plus aquatic creatures and 1600 live plants.

Natural history museums aren't only for science lovers. So, you needn't hesitate to explore the history of mother earth.

The place has Exhibits & Galleries with different themes.

  • Steinhart Aquarium
  • Morrison Planetarium
  • Kimball Natural History Museum
  • Osher Rainforest

You can find $3 public transit on the way to the academy. If you have a private vehicle, it also has an underground parking facility.

Ticket prices vary from $33.50 - $ 43 according to age group.

Location: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

Opening Hours: Mon–Sat: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

2. Muir Woods National Monument

The place has Golden Gate National Recreation Area too.
The place has Golden Gate National Recreation Area too.( Source : nps )

What not to do in San Francisco? Probably climb to 260 feet high coastal redwood in Muir Woods National Monument.

Other than that, the Redwood forest is safe to travel. It has one of the world's oldest [1200 years] and tallest trees.

It is open 365 days a year, and the timings are 8 AM - 8 PM.

Things To Do:

  • Hike through Bohemian Grove (30 minutes - 8 hours)
  • Kids Junior Ranger Activities
  • Collect Virtual Passport Stamp

Entry is free for children, whereas adults above 16 must pay a $16 ticket fee.

3. Cable Cars

In S.F. it is considered an easy way of transportation.
In S.F. it is considered an easy way of transportation.( Source : instagram )

Cable cars in S.F. are the first ones launched in the world. It passes through busy streets and steep hills to make riders fun.

The car covers a longer range from North Range to Embarcadero. The operated lines tourists can choose from are:

  • California Line
  • Powell-Mason
  • Powell-Hyde

The lines operate from morning 7:00 to night 10:00. These cars stroll around most of the city's parts to encaptivate people.

But with beauty comes danger, you might think.

What parts of San Francisco should I avoid? Parts of Mission district are considered unsafe at night.

However, it's impossible not to walk in a good mood here in San Fran and walk its exciting slopes!

A lifetime ride costs $8 for a single-ride ticket, but under five-year-old children do not have to pay. You can plan your trip from their website.

4. Legion of Honor Museum

Painting of Spanish Roma Woman viewing a lady; a likely mirror image captured.
Painting of Spanish Roma Woman viewing a lady; a likely mirror image captured.( Source : facebook )

Legion of Honor Museum is a must-visit place for fine arts lovers. The place provides guided educational tours for Kids and families of collections.

If you are staying nearby all inclusive resorts in California for families such as Airport Marriott Waterfront, it's 28 minute's drive away to reach the place.

The good thing is must visit bars in San Francisco like Charmaine's Rooftop Bar & Lounge is nearby the museum.

What To Do?

  • Explore the interior courtyard
  • Click pictures of Lincoln park in background
  • Tour the Hall
  • Grab something in the gift shop

Address: 100 34th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121

Timing: 9:30 AM - 5:15 PM (closed every Monday)

Ticket Price: $15

5. San Francisco Zoo

A Grizzly bear curiously looks at people in S.F. Zoo.
A Grizzly bear curiously looks at people in S.F. Zoo.( Source : facebook )

Top tourist attractions San Francisco CA S.F. Zoo has 800,000 annual travelers. Comprising more than 2000 species, it is spread over 100 acres of land.

It takes around 1 hour to discover the place fully. Fear Not! S.F. Zoo has a miniature puffer train, so your legs won't hurt strolling for 60 minutes.

It's exciting to see Indian Peafowls and Chilean Flamingos roam freely inside the space.

You can click pictures with animals or know more about them through the experts. The place is good for spending time learning about endangered creatures.

Things To Do:

  • Eat with Grizzly Bear
  • Feed Giraffe
  • Touch the Animals
  • Walk into Penguin Island

Location: Sloat Blvd &, Upper Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94132

Timing: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Ticket Price: $25 for adults

You can walk straightly to Golden Gate Park or Ocean Beach after visiting the zoo so it's located in a convenient place for travelers.

6. Lands End

Lands End is one of the free activites to do in the city.
Lands End is one of the free activites to do in the city.( Source : dailyherald )

Lands End is situated in the northwestern corner of the city. It is also named as "Point Lobos" in Spanish.

The place is popular for its shore, windy trails, and stunning view of S.F. and the 90 years old stunning Suspension bridge.

You can do forest walks or hiking on the trails of Golden Gate National Recreation Area after visiting this place.

Major Attractions:

  • Cliff House
  • Rocky Cliffs
  • Picturesque of Golden Gate Bridge
  • Ocean's Horizon Sunset

Address: 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121

Timing: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Everyday

Ticket: Free

7. Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate bridge is #1 tourist spot in San Fran.
Golden Gate bridge is #1 tourist spot in San Fran.( Source : facebook )

Here comes the Golden Gate Bridge, a 1.7 miles long place every new tourer who comes to S.F. won't miss. This is a must to visit for everyone.

The human-made wonder is 746 feet skyward and was the only one at its creation. This bridge revolutionized transportation.

More than 2 billion times people have crossed this bridge. It's also listed as the seventh wonder of the modern world.

So, won't you pack your bags and go?

Things To Do:

  • Take A Thrilling Walk
  • Do Cycling
  • Boat Tour in Pier 39
  • Take a Gift in the Shop

The world's most beautiful bridge is open 24 hours, 365 days a day - until it has maintenance.

More Tourist Attractions in San Francisco

Pier 39 is a seal spot in the coastal city.
Pier 39 is a seal spot in the coastal city.( Source : facebook )

More tour sights in S.F. are:

  • Golden Gate Park
  • Pier 39
  • Alcatraz Island
  • The Exploratorium
  • Twin Peaks
  • Ferry Building Marketplace
  • The Walt Disney Family Museum
  • Presidio Tunnel Tops
  • The Castro
  • San Fransisco's Chinatown
  • Fisherman's Wharf

Some FAQs

How many tourist visit San Francisco each year?

Nearly 26.2 million tourists visit the city each year.

Is San Francisco worth visiting?

Definitely, San Francisco is worth visiting because it has 40 widely-popular tourist spots.