A cultural guide to San Francisco
From beatnik poets to dim-sum feasts and a rich arts scene, the City by the Bay’s culture is as diverse as its many intriguing neighborhoods
Your essential guide to the best things to see and do in San Francisco. Find more travel inspiration for more amazing cities here.
Some locals would argue that San Francisco isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling. It’s the clang of a cable car climbing a hill, the scent of sourdough bread baking at Boudin, the colorful murals dominating entire buildings in the Mission District. In what other city could fog—affectionately nicknamed Karl—become a character itself?
Steeped in the spirit of rebellion and innovation, San Francisco’s story begins with the gold rush of 1848, which transformed a sleepy seaside village into a booming metropolis. It became a center for the Beat Generation in the 1950s, a literary movement that celebrated non-conformity and artistic expression made popular by literary figures like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. In the 1960s, the city became a hippie haven and flashpoint for the anti-war movement; and in the 1990s, the tech boom transformed the city once again.
The city’s history is etched in its vibrant street art, historic landmarks like Golden Gate Park, and the tenacious spirit of its communities. Here you’ll savor global cuisines, visit world-class museums, and get swept up in the infectious energy that makes San Francisco a beacon of creativity and free expression.
Art & architecture
San Francisco’s silhouette is defined by rows of Victorian houses, a legacy of the 19th-century boom. Walk through Alamo Square Park for a postcard-perfect view of the most famous examples, the so-called Painted Ladies in rainbow hues, then venture over to the 210-foot Coit Tower, which offers stunning 360-degree views of the city and bay. Inside, at its base you’ll find several Diego Rivera-inspired murals that were commissioned under the New Deal in the 1930s.
Perched atop Nob Hill, the French-inspired neo-Gothic Grace Cathedral now offers a behind-the-scenes tour of non-public areas that invites you to step through secret doors and glimpse hidden passageways of the historic rooms, which store some of the cathedral’s oldest treasures. A beaux-arts gem and a legacy of the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts is a stunning backdrop for photos and a testament to the city’s artistic heritage.
Immerse yourself in art history at the renowned de Young Museum or the Asian Art Museum, while SFMOMA, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, offers a thought-provoking collection of modern and contemporary pieces. Murals depicting social commentary, pop-culture references, and whimsical creations adorn buildings throughout the city. Explore Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley in the Mission District, where the city’s most concentrated collection of murals resides.
Expert tips
The essentials
Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK), which is a short distance across the bay. BART trains can be found opposite the international arrivals level at SFO and take 30 minutes to arrive downtown. From Oakland’s airport, take the Beige N bus to Coliseum, then transfer to the blue Daly City Line or green Millbrae line to the Embarcadero stop downtown; travel time is about 50 minutes.
Getting around
Muni operates bus, streetcar, cable car, and Metro light rail services. Download the MuniMobile app to plan your trip. Consider getting a Clipper Card to use on all public transport, which can be topped up at stations or online. San Francisco is a notably bike-friendly city. Rent a ride at the Marina and cycle through Crissy Field for waterfront views of the Golden Gate Bridge. A unique way of ascending the hills of San Francisco is hopping on a cable car. The Powell-Hyde line offers the best views of the bay.
Accessibility
All street-level and subway stations on the Muni Metro are fully accessible, as are all stations on the BART network. Alcatraz is a fully accessible attraction. Take the ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island. A tram for travelers with mobility issues runs up to the prison. The Exploratorium science museum at Pier 15 offers audio tours; sign language interpreters are admitted for free, but advance notice must be given.
LGBTQ+
San Francisco has played a significant role in LGBTQ+ history, activism and culture, and is home to one of the largest and most active LGBTQ+ communities in the US. The Castro, which was one of the first gay neighborhoods in the country, has become an iconic symbol of gay culture and continues to be a focal point for the city’s LGBTQ+ life. SoMa (South of Market) is known for its inclusive nightlife.
Pride is held during June, when a parade marches down Market Street from Embarcadero to Civic Center, and celebrations take place throughout the city. The city also hosts an annual Dyke March. Visit Harvey Milk Plaza, a powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ rights, and the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, a poignant tribute to those lost to the AIDS epidemic. The GLBT Historical Society Museum offers a deeper understanding of the community’s struggles and triumphs.
Family
The whole family can walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge for stunning panoramic views. Head to Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf to visit the resident sea lions and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum, then take a ferry to Alcatraz for a historical tour of the former island prison. Museums like the Exploratorium and Children’s Creativity Museum let kids unleash their inner artist through interactive exhibits.
Food & drink
Whether you’re craving a classic cioppino (fish stew) by the bay or a Michelin-starred dining experience, San Francisco’s culinary scene reflects its varied neighborhoods and global influences. Head to Chinatown for dim sum at City View Restaurant, where savory and sweet steamed buns are the stars of the show. The bustling Ferry Building Marketplace is a foodie paradise, with local vendors offering fresh fruit and veg, artisan cheeses, and prepared foods from around the world; or shop like a San Franciscan at Gus’s Community Market, with five locations around the city selling locally sourced produce.
The city’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean means some of the freshest seafood you can find, and Popi’s Oysterette in the Marina serves everything from classic clam chowder to the Dungeness crab roll in a firebrand brioche, while Little Shucker in Pacific Heights is a destination for oysters and wine. Sweet tooth? Try Tartine for its famed morning bun or chef Tyler Florence’s Miller & Lux Provisions in North Beach with its viral soft-serve croissant cone.
The Mission District has also become a haven for foodies. Combine cuisine with culture at Foreign Cinema, where California-Mediterranean dishes are matched with foreign and independent films. If you’re in the mood for Italian, try the woodfired pizza or handmade pasta at Flour + Water, where the menu changes daily. For a nightcap, head to The Beehive, a swinging ’60s-inspired cocktail bar.
Music
Music is a living, breathing part of the city’s soul and each neighborhood has its own musical identity, from Haight-Ashbury’s 1960s psychedelic rock legacy, to Hayes Valley’s SFJAZZ, which showcases the biggest names in international music.
The annual Stern Grove Festival is a summertime tradition, with free classical music concerts and a festive outdoor atmosphere in a natural amphitheater nestled amidst towering eucalyptus trees. Outside Lands is a multi-genre music festival held in Golden Gate Park, featuring a diverse lineup of popular headliners across rock, pop, indie, electronic, and hip-hop, as well as comedy acts, art installations, and interactive experiences.
Also held in Golden Gate Park, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a free, three-day festival for bluegrass music lovers held in October, while the Illuminate LIVE series hosts over 125 diverse free concerts through mid-November.
7 iconic cities, endless family fun
Sports
Home to three major league teams, San Francisco is all about sports. Catch an NBA game at the Chase Center, baseball at Oracle Park, or football at Levi’s Stadium in nearby Santa Clara.
Want to get active yourself? Golden Gate Park is a sprawling urban oasis that offers ample space for running, biking, or picnicking. Play a game of frisbee on Crissy Field, reserve a court for pickleball, or even train for the Bay to Breakers race, a quirky 12K run or walk held annually in May. One of the race’s highlights is the sea of creative costumes.
This trendy, revitalized neighborhood is close to the Theater District, and known for its upscale boutiques, inventive restaurants like Monsieur Benjamin and Nightbird, and several galleries that showcase contemporary art. Serving as a central gathering space, Patricia’s Green features a children’s playground, public art installations, and a farmers’ market most Sundays.
With its towering skyscrapers, the Financial District has both luxury and budget accommodations. One of the newest is The Jay, a boutique hotel within walking distance of Chinatown, North Beach, and the waterfront. While you’re there, check out The Third Floor Restaurant, which serves California cuisine with Asian influences.
Famous for its status as a center of LGBTQ+ culture and activism, the Castro is an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the city’s history. Castro Street is lined with cafés, shops, and landmarks like the Castro Theater. Dolores Park (aka Castro Beach), is a popular green space offering stunning views of downtown and the Bay Bridge.
Danielle Bauter is a freelance writer and editor based in Southern California. Her work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, Westways Magazine, and Fodor’s Travel, among other publications.
Hotel deals in San Francisco
