The best of San Francisco

17 places

Bridges, views and long lunches: our favorite places in the city, from the Golden Gate to the Mission.

• Golden Gate Bridge

  Walk it from the south end early, before the fog and the crowds roll in.

• Palace of Fine Arts

  A Roman rotunda on a lagoon, built for the 1915 World’s Fair.

• Alcatraz Island

  Book the night tour weeks ahead. Ferries leave from Pier 33.

• Painted Ladies

  The postcard row of Victorians on Steiner Street, best seen from Alamo Square.

• Lombard Street

  Eight hairpin turns and hydrangeas. Walk down it rather than drive.

• Coit Tower

  Climb Telegraph Hill for the murals inside and the view from the top.

• Dragon Gate

  The gate into Chinatown on Grant Avenue.

• Japanese Tea Garden

  Green tea and cookies by the pagoda.

• City Hall

  Its dome is taller than the Capitol’s. Free tours on weekdays.

• Twin Peaks

  The whole city at your feet, best just after dark.

• Lands End

  A cliffside trail with the bridge between the cypress trees.

• Baker Beach

  Sunset with the bridge. Bring a jacket.

• Crissy Field

  A flat bayside walk from the Marina to the bridge.

• Bernal Heights Park

  The locals’ hill, with a view all the way round.

• Ferry Building

  Oysters, coffee and the Saturday farmers market.

• Swan Oyster Depot

  A marble counter and a line out the door since 1912.

• Tartine Bakery

  Get there early for the morning buns.