A First Timer's Guide to San Francisco: Iconic Views & Hidden Gems

I recently spent a few days in San Francisco for a wedding — and in between celebrating at a gorgeous beach with a Golden Gate view, I packed in as much exploring as I could.

This was my first time in San Fransicso and I left with tired feet, a full camera roll, and plenty of thoughts. If you’re planning a trip, here’s what I chose to do after a lot of research – plus a few extra ideas I’d recommend if you have the time.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission — at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are my own. Please note: the information provided on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional if needed.

🌉 Golden Gate Bridge: The Best Views (and Walking It!)

You could spend an entire day just chasing views of the Golden Gate Bridge — and honestly, I wouldn’t blame you.

One evening, we drove over to Baker Beach, and it instantly became my favorite view. Barefoot in the sand, golden hour setting in, the bridge standing tall over the water — it was the kind of quiet moment you remember.

During our trip, we crossed over into the Marin Headlands to explore the overlooks. We stopped at Battery Spencer, then continued to Hawk Hill, Headlands Lookout, Vista Point, and Battery Yates. Parking here can be tricky — and if you miss your chance, the road gets narrow and one-way fast, so plan your route.

We were actually in town for a wedding at Kirby Cove, and it was such a unique spot. This little beach below the cliffs is also a campground (reserve months in advance). You can hike down, but it’s very steep — we saw plenty of red-faced hikers making their way back up — or you can drive down if you have the gate code.

And of course, I couldn’t visit without actually walking the bridge. It’s about 1.7 miles one way, and walking across gives you a whole new perspective of the bay and the city. Windy, loud, and unforgettable.

🏙️ Neighborhoods to Explore

San Francisco’s neighborhoods have so much personality — and I managed to squeeze in a few favorites.

Chinatown: I stopped at Home Coffee Roasters for a matcha latte, wandered through colorful alleys, and visited the tiny, fragrant Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to watch cookies being folded by hand. There are so many nooks and crannies, you could spend a few hours exploring!

Little Italy (North Beach): At night the whole area glowed under string lights. We went a little off-script here and had a taste of Persian food at Maykadeh, which was surprisingly delicious. Nearby is Golden Boy, a hot spot known for their sicilian style pizza. You can order slices, which is a big draw if you’re on the go! We also grabbed dessert from Stella Pastry, a cozy bakery known for its cannoli. I loved the way the crosswalks were painted in italian colors, it really set the vibe. If you’re heading there in the morning make sure to stop at Butter & Crumble bakery – a few blocks outside of North Beach. By the time I got there most of their pastries were sold out, but the one I snagged (and a matcha) was outstanding.

Japantown: I had just visited Japan for three weeks the month prior, so I was craving anything Japanese! Japantown had me so excited. It felt small and nostalgic but tucked mostly indoors. We grabbed sushi and matcha and wandered through Nijiya Market for Japanese snacks. Sadly, the Peace Pagoda was under construction while we were there, but I still enjoyed the vibe. It would be great if it was a bit bigger, but I have no regrets about visiting!

🚶 Classic Tourist Stops: Hits & Misses

We timed our trip to Alcatraz for sunset and it was one of the highlights of the trip. The self-guided audio tour was surprisingly engaging, with former guards and inmates narrating stories about life on the island. On the ferry ride back, the city lit up behind us.

I can never pass up wildlife, so of course I spent time at Pier 39 watching the sea lions — loud, smelly, and hilarious. I could’ve stayed for hours photographing them sleep, swim, and bicker.

From there we wandered to Ghirardelli Square for ice cream. It’s touristy but fun, and the walk between the two was actually really pleasant.

We also made a quick stop at Lombard Street. Honestly? A little underwhelming. It was packed, and hard to get a good photo, but it still had a fun, chaotic energy and I’m glad I saw it once. If I go back, I’ll have to drive through it!

We also made it to the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square, which felt like stepping into Full House. I’d love to come back closer to sunset and have a picnic on the lawn next time — lots of people were doing just that, with dogs and friends and a great view of the skyline.

☀️ Outdoor Escapes

We wanted to see a little more of California’s outdoors, so we took a little over 24 hours to drive to Yosemite National Park. Even with limited time, it was unforgettable.

On another day, we headed down the coast to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a rugged stretch of cliffs and beaches that reminded me of the Washington coast. The drive can get backed up if there’s an accident, but it was good to get out of the city.

Close by is the popular Muir Woods National Monument. You need to reserve a spot at least a few days in advance on the NPS website. These nature trails will take you through old-growth redwood trees. It was so beautiful and peaceful. I’ve heard that Muir Beach is worth the drive and only has a sliver of the crowds. Unfortunately, we were not able to make it there on this trip.

I’d also recommend:

Lands End Trail & Sutro Baths (closer to the city, with dramatic ocean views and ruins)
Twin Peaks (for panoramic city views)
Angel Island (take a ferry and hike or bike the island with 360° bay views)

🍷 A Taste of Wine Country

We spent one day wine tasting in Napa. We booked a trolley tour… but it broke down. (Apparently this happens a lot!) They switched us to a bus, which was actually fine. My favorite stop was Monticello — the estate was beautiful and the wine was excellent. Tastings here aren’t cheap, but it’s worth doing at least once.

💤 Where to Stay

We split our stay between the city and Sausalito, which gave us two very different experiences.

In the city, we stayed at the Beacon Grand Hotel in Union Square. I loved its old-school charm and how central it was — right across from the trolley line.

Later, we stayed at a bed & breakfast in Sausalito. It was quiet, scenic, and a little more relaxing than the city. The steep, winding roads took some getting used to, but the ferry ride back to San Francisco was one of the coolest ways to cross the bay.

Final Thoughts

San Francisco is quirky, crowded, expensive, and full of surprises — but that’s what makes it special. Some spots (like Lombard Street or the Pier restaurants) didn’t blow me away, but even those were still worth experiencing once.

Remember these tips when coming to SF

✔️ Bring comfy shoes (and prepare for hills)
✔️ Dress in layers (that fog can chill you even in summer)
✔️ Wander a little outside the main tourist spots — you’ll find your own magic moments.

And don’t forget to walk the bridge — loud, windy, and unforgettable.

Hi, I’m Amber —

A Michigan native now living in Washington with a deep love for travel and the outdoors. What started with church mission trips and traveling across the U.S. as a nurse has grown into a passion for exploring the world through hiking, food, culture, and the beauty of God’s creation. Sometimes I’m joined by my goldendoodle, Millie, but I’m always traveling with my camera. My goal is to help you feel inspired and confident that travel is possible — no matter where you’re starting from.