5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco

1. Walk the Golden Gate Bridge

Hold onto your hat! Between the Golden Gate Bridge's stunning views and high winds, you're bound to be blown away. A San Francisco staple, the Bridge offers amazing views from all angles: to the north, you have the rolling green hills of Marin; to the south, the sweeping California coastline and the San Francisco skyline; to the east, a breathtaking view of the infamous Alcatraz.

For a fun walk and some alcohol-infused enjoyment on a nice afternoon, head to Sam's in Marin for a cocktail while you gaze upon the city skyline. If it's foggy, you might want to head down to the Marina Green and grab a coffee at the quaint, one room Warming Hut. Bundle up, sip your warm beverage, and watch the fog cascade down the hills or drift over the bridge. Enjoy this quintessentially SF experience, and the first of the 5 fun things to do in San Francisco.

2. Cable Car to Lombard Street

Hit three sights at once and have the ride of your life on a famous San Francisco cable car. Still used by commuters on a daily basis, these open-air vehicles chug up and down some of the most famous hills in the city.

Hop on at Market Street, cruise up Powell Street past Union Square and the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, then climb up, up, up. If you're staying at The Huntington Hotel on Nob Hill, join the cable car crew at California and Powell. Continue north until you reach three of the most famous San Francisco attractions: Coit Tower, Lombard Street—the "crookedest" street in the world, and a phenomenal view of Alcatraz. Take a look around, breathe in that California air, and look upon the glories of San Francisco.

3. The Ferry Building

Renovated in 2003, the Ferry Building now includes an expansive gourmet marketplace, shopping facility, and numerous dining options. The building is a beautiful sight. It sits right on the San Francisco Bay, just down the street from the Hyatt Regency San Francisco, and is hard to miss. A gorgeous clock tower (modeled after the Giralda bell tower in Spain) shoots straight into the sky, keeping time for all of San Francisco.

Grab a bite or a coffee, and sit outside facing the water. Plan your visit on Wednesday or Saturday, so you don't miss the bustling Farmer's Market. The experience is one-of-a-kind, making the Ferry Building number 3 on this list of 5 fun things to do in San Francisco.

4. Golden Gate Park

Whatever kind of day you're looking to have, spend it in Golden Gate Park. This beautiful public park has fun kids activities, amazing San Francisco museums, and outdoor activities galore. Fun, relaxing, and educational? GGP can do it.

With spots like the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences, you can wander among contemporary American fine art or walk through a living rainforest. Take the family to the Koret Children's Quarter, where you can build sandcastles in the "beach" section or whiz down cement slides on squares of cardboard. Go paddle boating on Stow Lake, or rent two-person bikes and cruise through the gorgeous greenery. Watch the bison roam around Bison Paddock in the center of the park. The sheer versatility of Golden Gate Park makes it one of the top 5 fun things to do in San Francisco, so don't miss out on the fresh air and good times.

5. Haight Street
Haight Street is one of those legendary, still kickin' spots with a quintessentially funky vibe. Everyone is welcome, and you'll get a glimpse of the infamous Woodstock-era San Francisco.

Check out the colorful murals peppering the sides of buildings. Stop into Bound Together Anarchist Collective Bookstore for some mind-bending reads. Positively Haight is one-stop shopping for all things tie-dye and Deadhead-inspired. Grab a craft brew at the cozy Magnolia Pub and Brewery. Sparkle up your wardrobe at Piedmont Boutique (you'll recognize it by the blow-up, fishnet covered legs extending from the top floor window). But if you do one thing on Haight Street, check out Amoeba Music. The selection is phenomenal, the people are wonderful, and it's a San Francisco institution.