San Francisco in a Day: 19+ Best Places to Visit

“If you’re going to San Francisco" (as Scott McKenzie sings!), we bet that you’re keen to tick off as many bucket-list activities as possible. If so, it won’t be possible to tick off absolutely everything.

Photo: Blue and Gold Fleet

The city of San Francisco is one of our favorite places on the northern California coast. We’ve visited the city a few times, sometimes just for a day but also for longer stints.

San Francisco's city center is chock-a-block with landmarks, attractions, and museums. Here are the best places to visit in San Francisco's city center in a day.

Golden Gate Bridge

It was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it was completed in 1937. Today, over 100,000 vehicles cross it every single day. You can take in mesmerizing city views by walking across it.

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Palace of Fine Arts

Today, it hosts different art exhibitions plus theater and music events. It’s a lovely spot to stroll about - the lagoon in front is peaceful.

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Lombard Street

You’ll catch views of landmarks like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge as you walk or drive down this street. There’s also a cable car that lets you gawk at the street from above.

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The Embarcadero

A 10-minute walk from the bottom of Lombard Street will take you to the Embarcadero. This wide seaside street and promenade run along much of the city’s eastern shore.

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Fisherman’s Wharf

Ignore the tacky souvenir shops and stop for some delicious Dungeness crab. Smile instead at the sea lions that hang out on the dock at Pier 39.

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Photo: Big Bus San Francisco