10 Exciting Things to Do in San Francisco

According to estimates, roughly half a million Filipino-Americans live in California's Bay Area. In San Francisco alone, nearly five percent of the city's population of around 800,000 claim Filipino heritage. 

It made sense, therefore, for United Airlines, one of the biggest carriers in America, to launch direct flights from San Francisco to Manila and vice versa. The inaugural flight last October 30 was the first nonstop for a US-based airline in over 30 years. It's a significant move, especially for Filipinos with extremely limited options when traveling between the two cities.

Many of the travelers on this route are, of course, Filipinos in the Bay Area and elsewhere in the U.S. looking to visit family back in the Philippines, but the direct service also presents an opportunity for those coming from Manila to fly more conveniently to the West Coast and then onwards to other cities in the continental U.S. It's also a way for travelers to rediscover the sights and sounds of arguably one of the most dynamic cities in America and fall in love once again with its unique charms.

Although the city has been in the news recently for supposed increased crime and perceived safety and security risks, most locals argue that the reports are exaggerated and that there is still plenty to love about San Francisco. One proof is that business news outlet Forbes named San Francisco the third-best city to live in, just behind Sacramento and San Diego (first and second) and ahead of Los Angeles and San Jose (fourth and fifth). 

If you're planning a trip to San Francisco anytime soon, here's a quick guide to things to do, places to visit, and food to eat in The Golden City:

Also read:
This U.S. Airline Now Has Direct Flights From Manila to San Francisco
This Luxury Airline Is Flying from Manila to San Francisco This December
This SF Filipino Resto Makes It to the New York Times' 2022 Restaurant List

Here are 10 things to do when headed to San Francisco, California:

Take a love tour in a hippie van

San Francisco was, of course, ground zero for the hippie culture in the 1960s that culminated in the so-called Summer of Love in 1967. Today, arguably, the best way to see the city, especially if you're a first-timer, is onboard a hippie bus driven by a fast-talking, joke-spewing local. You'll get to visit the most important sightsTara is one of the tour guides of the San Francisco Love Tour—Lombard Street, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, Haight-Ashbury, and many more—all from a groovy Volkswagen kombi van. Bonus points for classic rock anthems from the '60s and the '70s blaring from the speakers as you make your way around town, which really takes the experience up a notch. At times, you become the attraction as people on the street point their cameras at you and the van. 

Eat at Chotto Matte

If Japanese-Peruvian (or what they call Nikkei cuisine) is your thing, Chotto Matte is a must-stop. The rooftop restaurant and bar just opened in mid-October and offers amazing views of the San Francisco skyline. The view of your plate isn't bad, too. Start with their signature cocktails (the kakigori is a winner), order spicy tuna sushi, or torched aburi, the black cod aji miso, salt and pepper crispy squid, ceviche, and wagyu beef. Finish with the passionfruit crème brulee

Go on a sunset catamaran cruise on San Francisco Bay

San Francisco has arguably one of the most beautiful bays in the U.S. and the world. The best way to see it is aboard a catamaran at sunset. Head to Pier 39, look for the sunset cruise service, walk past the seals sunning themselves on the pier, and jump onboard the catamaran for a truly memorable way to spend the afternoon. You'll sail past Alcatraz island, head to the Golden Gate Bridge, and sail underneath it, all while enjoying the wind in your hair and slight salt sea spray on your face. The city is famous for its fog, but if you're lucky and blessed with a clear day, you'll see the bridge and the bay bathed in golden afternoon light. The boat crew is extra friendly and may even let you take a photo sitting on the captain's chair wearing the captain's hat— if you ask nicely. 

Eat at Abaca

You might not exactly be craving Filipino food if you've just come from Manila, but if you are, make a beeline for one of the absolute best restaurants serving Filipino cuisine not just in the city, but possibly in the U.S. Abaca is the brainchild of Chef Francis Ang, who was born in San Francisco but grew up in Manila. Order the unbelievably crispy squash fritter okoy served with spicy vinegar, lobster noodles (like pansit but with lobster), wagyu skirt steak salpicao, a whole fried rockfish, and the restaurant's specialty: sisig fried rice. It's a slightly elevated taste of home that'll have you filled up and asking for seconds or thirds.

Stay at the Beacon Grand (the old Sir Francis Drake Hotel)

Many hotels are at different price points in the city, but if you want to get the full San Francisco experience, check into the Beacon Grand. Located just off Union Square, the hotel has been there since the 1920s and has a long and proud history parallel to the city itself. The hotel closed for major renovation during the pandemic and reopened under a new name in mid-2022. Today, it still retains a majestic old-world charm, with a stunning marble staircase and lobby, high-ceilinged function rooms, and quick access to many of the city's best areas for shopping and sightseeing. You can even see the famous San Francisco cable car rumbling past the hotel entrance along Powell Street.

Have lunch and check out the sights at the Presidio

Eat at House of Nanking

A visit to Chinatown is a must in San Francisco, and if you happen to be there during mealtime, stop by House of Nanking for some Cantonese and Shanghainese cuisine. Founded by Chef Peter Fang and his wife Lily, House of Nanking is now also run by their daughter Kathy. Amid simple interiors and walls covered with photos of the owners with Keanu Reeves (he shot a scene here for The Matrix 4), you can sample the fried calamari, shrimp cake, won ton soup, broccoli with beef and shrimp, and many others. If Chef Peter is there, you won't even need a menu as he might just decide to serve you what he thinks you'll like. 

Visit Alcatraz Island

Go on a food tour of the Mission District

Catholic missionaries traveled widely back in the 1700s in this part of California, and one of the areas in which they settled ended up being called the Mission District, or simply The Mission. Today, it's a hub for many different peoples, cuisines, and cultures. Some groups offer walking food tours of the neighborhood so you can get a feel and appreciation of one of the most culturally diverse areas of San Francisco. In addition to the food and drink stops, guides can tell you stories about the Mission District and offer suggestions on stops you can revisit after the tour.

Go museum hopping at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Asian Art Museum, Legion of Honor, and more:

San Francisco is a paradise for art enthusiasts, offering a vibrant museum scene. Start your adventure at SFMOMA, a seven-story haven of contemporary wonders with a handy app as your artistic sidekick. For a cultural journey, swing by the Asian Art Museum, showcasing a diverse range of Asian treasures and hosting live events to spice things up. Finally, the Legion of Honor, a French palace lookalike, houses European masterpieces with breathtaking views. Skip the usuals and spend a day reveling in art at these special spots.

How to get to San Francisco, California