Must-Do Activities You Never Knew You Wanted in San Francisco

Every city offers unique experiences that express the essence of the place. However, often they are not the ones you hear about in typical lists of top things to do. Instead, these experiences provide intimate glimpses into a city’s rich character. When you discover them, they will undoubtedly redefine your perception of the location forever.

World’s Most Beautiful Urban Hike

Take a scenic walk from Crissy Field to Fort Point. Facing west, you will encounter the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge, and on your return, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline. Share this picturesque pathway with local bicyclists, dog-walkers, and joggers, or take the opportunity to detour and dodge the waves along the water’s edge.

East Meets West: Chinese Funerals

Originating from North Beach’s Green Street Mortuary (Green at Columbus), Chinese funeral processions travel down Columbus Avenue and frequently pass through Chinatown’s streets. These processions, led by brass bands playing Western religious music and a convertible carrying a large picture of the deceased, exemplify a cultural contradiction that embodies the city it occurs in. Your best opportunity to witness one is on Saturday morning.

Hillside Living

Descend Telegraph Hill from Coit Tower, following the steps on the east side of the trail. You will meander through a serene wooded area, encounter homes accessible only via wooden steps, and walk through a garden filled with vibrant flowers.

Better Than the Cliff House

The Beach Chalet provides a glimpse into San Francisco’s rich history, evident in its downstairs murals. Upstairs, you’ll find a microbrewery with window tables perfectly positioned for optimal views of the rolling breakers and breathtaking sunsets.

Ellis Island of the West

Known as the Ellis Island of the West, Angel Island boasts a rich history and serves as an excellent destination for a hike or a Segway tour.

Camera Obscura and a Totem Pole

The small building behind the Cliff House is marked by the words “Giant Camera.” Inside this quaint structure, you’ll find a peculiar optical device called a camera obscura, with ancient origins. This device projects a fascinating, dream-like image onto a concave surface within. The design is based on a concept conceived by Leonardo da Vinci in the fifteenth century. Learn more about it here.

Additionally, a totem pole stands next to the sidewalk near Cliff House. Carved by Chief Mathias Joe Capilano of the Squamish Indians of Western Canada, it has been a part of the scenery since 1849.

Roaming Buffalo and Dutch Windmills in Golden Gate Park

You might assume that all buffalo roam the prairies or perhaps know of the herd on Catalina Island. Nevertheless, Golden Gate Park is home to its very own herd. It’s a surprising sight as you traverse the park, but there they are, as big as life and twice as shaggy. Moreover, the park is home to two authentic Dutch windmills. Although they once pumped as much as 1.5 million gallons of water daily, they now stand as beautiful relics.

Spiral Escalators

Even if shopping isn’t your favorite pastime, the spiraling escalators at the San Francisco Shopping Center (865 Market Street) offer a fun visual experience.

The Wave Organ

You probably didn’t know about the Wave Organ, a unique feature you won’t find just anywhere. This wave-activated acoustic sculpture is essentially a musical instrument played by nature itself.

The Thinker

Undoubtedly, you recognize the sculpture of the contemplative figure, elbow resting on his knee and chin in hand. He resides in the courtyard of the Legion of Honor Museum. While this piece may seem unique, during sculptor Auguste Rodin’s lifetime, 28 full-sized castings were created. The one you’re viewing was made in 1904. While we can only speculate on what the other 27 are pondering, given the chilly surroundings at the Legion of Honor, our subject here is likely pondering the search for a warm blanket.

Giant Sundial

Located in Ingleside Terraces, this sundial was marketed as the world’s largest sun-powered clock at its inception. Explore its history and find out how to visit.

Columbarium

A columbarium is essentially a cemetery containing niches for funeral urns holding ashes. This building is beautifully adorned, and the intricate ornaments in the tiny niches are captivating. You can discover more by visiting their website: Neptune Society Columbarium.

Go to the Museum at SFO

If time permits before your flight or during a layover, consider using the Air Train to travel to the international terminal. In addition to airline check-in desks, the departures level accommodates a certified museum showcasing a dynamic range of fascinating exhibits.