Ultimate Solo Trip to San Francisco: 22 Things To Do Alone in San Francisco
Planning a solo trip to San Francisco but unsure of where to start? As an experienced solo traveler, I’ve been where you are—eager to explore the city but overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to do alone in San Francisco.
When I first visited San Francisco, I was captivated by its vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and unique opportunities for self-discovery. From wandering through Golden Gate Park to snapping photos of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Presidio, I quickly discovered that this city is a solo traveler’s dream.
In this guide, I’ll share 22 incredible activities across neighborhoods like the Mission District, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Embarcadero, along with practical tips and answers to common questions to help you make the most of your trip! This list is specifically catered to solo travelers visiting San Francisco but if you’re traveling as a couple or family–feel free to draw inspiration from this blog post!
For the purpose of structure, I will be breaking down all of the amazing things to do alone in San Francisco by area of the city to help guide you in your planning process.
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I highly recommend getting a San Francisco CityPASS to save money on museum/attraction admission!
Things to Do Near Golden Gate Park
Visit the Legion of Honor + de Young Museum
Visiting the Legion of Honor and the de Young Museum during my solo trip to San Francisco was a fantastic way to spend the day, and it’s a perfect option for art and art history lovers! Both museums are part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and what’s great is that one ticket gives you access to both on the same day!
The Legion of Honor, set on a hill overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, focuses mostly on European art and ancient artifacts. The main highlight for me was seeing Rodin’s The Thinker up close—it’s positioned right at the entrance and you can’t miss it! The museum is on the smaller side, so I personally recommend starting here before continuing onward to the de Young Museum inside Golden Gate Park.
The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park has a much more modern vibe, with its contemporary art, rotating exhibitions, and a stunning observation tower offering panoramic views of the city. I loved how different it felt from the Legion of Honor—it’s bold and vibrant, with a variety of works that range from modern paintings to fascinating textiles from around the world. Definitely a great spot to visit after the Legion of Honor, especially considering the de Young Museum feels much bigger in size and scope.
Don’t pass up a visit to the observation tower at the top of the de Young Museum! It’s an awesome opportunity to get a unique view of the surrounding area from up high. Plus, as a solo traveler I appreciated that it was included in my admission to cut back on costs for the trip so I could spend money elsewhere.
Walk or Bike Through Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is beautiful at any time of year and there is so much to see and do here, which is why it’s such a great place for solo travelers to enjoy!
There are several areas around Golden Gate Park for visitors to rent bicycles, or you can also find electric scooters and bikes for rent along the way (such as Lime scooters/bicycles). If biking isn’t your thing, Golden Gate Park is also very easy to explore on foot.
There are food stands scattered throughout the park, as well, so you can easily find someplace to stop for a drink or a bite to eat if you get hungry.
Explore the Japanese Tea Garden
One of my favorite things to do when I travel solo is to explore botanical gardens and immerse myself in nature. The biggest advantage for visiting the Japanese Tea Garden as a solo traveler is that you can set your own pace for exploring the gardens, making it a very peaceful, serene experience.
During your visit to the Japanese Tea Garden, keep your eye out for the koi ponds (my favorite feature of the gardens), the tea house, and gorgeous trees throughout the park. You can also go on a free hour-long guided tour with San Francisco City Guides!
If you’re visiting in March or April, there’s also a chance you can see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom! I highly recommend visiting the Japanese Tea Garden year-round but especially if you’re in San Francisco in the spring.
The Japanese Tea Garden is open daily from 9am to the last entry (with last entry time changing seasonally). You can also get in for free on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am to 10am!
Admission prices vary based on seasonality and age range, so make sure to plan accordingly by checking the website in advance before your trip!
Things to Do Near Presidio & Golden Gate Bridge
Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge
What better way to experience one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks than biking across it!? Seriously, this is one of the coolest things to do in San Francisco and it’s a great way to stay active during your trip.
There are several companies that rent out bikes to visitors near the Golden Gate Bridge, and there are even guided biking tours across the Golden Gate Bridge and around other areas of San Francisco.
Visit the Walt Disney Family Museum
If your solo trip to San Francisco happens to overlap with a weekend, I highly recommend checking out The Walt Disney Family Museum located in the Presidio! The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 5:30pm (with last entry at 4:30pm).
The Walt Disney Family Museum was founded by Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane Disney Miller. The museum aims to honor the incredible life of Walt Disney and showcase the innovations that inspired many of the famous Disney animated characters and stories.
The exhibitions at The Walt Disney Family Museum are top tier and extremely fascinating–from artifacts to original photographs from the early days of Disney! Even if you’re not a huge Disney fan, this museum is definitely still worth going to purely for the interesting look back in time at how one of the most iconic household names got its start in the entertainment industry.
Marvel at the Architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts
While exploring the Presidio, you have to visit the Palace of Fine Arts! This unique structure was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition and it’s truly an architectural marvel–it boasts a grand rotunda, colonnades, and a tranquil lagoon, making it one of San Francisco’s most iconic and photographed landmarks!
The Palace of Fine Arts site is free to enter and open daily, but I suggest visiting in the morning or late afternoon for the best photo opportunities. It’s a great spot to start your day and sip on your coffee while people watching!
It’s also a popular spot for journaling, drawing, painting, and reading as it’s extremely peaceful. You’ll likely see watercolor painters and visitors reading nearby, marveling at the impressive architecture.
Things to Do in the Mission District
Eat a Mission-Style Burrito at La Taqueria
I’m not even joking when I say that the Mission-style burrito I ate at La Taqueria is the best burrito I’ve ever had in my life. I’m still dreaming about it! If there is any food you eat while you’re in SF, please let it be a Mission-style burrito.
The Mission-style burrito, which originated in the Mission District of San Francisco, has become a cultural icon. Known for being larger-than-life size with customizable fillings, this burrito style is famous and has influenced unique iterations at dining spots across the US.
Did you know that the Chipotle burritos are inspired by those originating from the Mission District in SF?!
If you’re exploring San Francisco solo, La Taqueria is a must-visit. The casual, welcoming vibe makes it perfect for dining alone, and the experience of eating one of the best burritos in the country is worth every penny and every minute of waiting in line. It’s not just about the food—it’s about experiencing a piece of San Francisco’s history in a way that stays with you long after the last bite!
La Taqueria is located at: 2889 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110
Participate in a Street Art or History-Focused Walking Tour
Participating in a street art or history-focused walking tour in the Mission District is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s vibrant culture and rich history. The Mission is home to some of the most famous murals in San Francisco, particularly in Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley, where colorful, thought-provoking art covers nearly every surface.
Guided tours often dive into the stories behind the murals, explaining how they reflect social justice movements, cultural identity, and the neighborhood’s evolution over the decades. It’s an eye-opening way to connect with the Mission’s artistic legacy and the voices of its community! I highly recommend participating in a guided walking tour either before or after grabbing a burrito at La Taqueria. Or you could also do a food tour of the Mission District and sample even more delicious foods!
This 3-hour guided tour combines the very best of the Mission’s food scene and street art!
Hang Out and Relax at Mission Dolores Park
Mission Dolores Park is quite possibly my favorite park in all of San Francisco. The gorgeous views of the city skyline, the abundance of space to spread out, and the people watching opportunities all make Mission Dolores one of the best spots to hang out during your solo trip to San Francisco.
If time permits, you could even grab takeaway lunch from La Taqueria or another restaurant in the Mission and have a picnic-style lunch at Mission Dolores Park!
I personally love bringing a book to read or just hanging out on the hill in the afternoon. Plus, it’s free to visit and hang out here, which makes it a great option for budget travelers.
Things to Do in Chinatown, North Beach, and Downtown
Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is a San Francisco gem, and has been around since 1962! It’s one of the most unique spots to visit in San Francisco’s Chinatown and visitors can observe the traditional process of making fortune cookies from scratch, where skilled artisans shape each cookie by hand! One of the coolest parts about visiting the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is that visitors can sample fresh cookies and even create personalized fortunes!
Admission to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is free, though it does cost money to purchase fortune cookies so come prepared to support this local business!
Go on a Food Tour Around Little Italy and North Beach
If you couldn’t tell from this list already, San Francisco is a big foodie city! In North Beach and Little Italy, you’ll find some of the best Italian food outside of Italy. From pastries to coffee to pizza, there is so much to taste in this neighborhood that will blow your mind. It can feel slightly overwhelming to scope it all out by yourself, which is why I recommend going on a guided food tour.
This food tour of Little Italy and North Beach is consistently rated as one of the top food tours in the country! If you’re an Italian food-lover, I highly recommend booking a spot on this guided food tour. My only piece of advice is to come hungry and ready to learn (and eat!).
You can also check out some other great food tours of Little Italy offered through Viator below!
Checking out one of the Yayoi Kusama installations at the SFMoMA!
Posing in front of Olafur Eliasson’s “One-way color tunnel” at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art!
Spend an Afternoon at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon during a solo trip to San Francisco is to visit the SF MoMA! Modern and contemporary art are among my personal favorite art periods, so I absolutely loved visiting the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
The museum itself is located right downtown and spans multiple floors with unique, interactive exhibits. My favorite pieces that I’d recommend seeing while you’re there include Yayoi Kusama’s sculpture “Aspiring to Pumpkin’s Love, the Love in My Heart“, Kara Walker’s “Fortuna and the Immortality Garden” sculptural machine, and several works by Andy Warhol (my favorite was the portrait of Dolly Parton).
The SF MoMA is open daily (except Wednesday) during various hours (check the website for more details). You can also find information about ticket prices at their website, too!
Things to Do Near Fisherman’s Wharf and Embarcadero
Take the Ferry to Alcatraz Island
During my solo trip to San Francisco, visiting Alcatraz was definitely a worthwhile experience. The ferry ride from Pier 33 offered great views of the city and the Bay, and arriving at the island itself was like stepping into the past.
I’d say my top recommendation for visiting Alcatraz is to do the audio tour—it guides you through the cell house with detailed stories from former guards and inmates, making it easy to picture what life was like on “The Rock” (for better or for worse). The tour is self-paced, so it’s ideal for solo travelers who want to take their time!
If you’re planning a visit to Alcatraz, I also recommend booking your tickets online before you arrive; they sell out quickly, especially during busy seasons. Bring water if it’s a warm day, as there’s little shade on the island and quite a bit of walking involved. The combination of history, views, and the ferry ride to get to the island made it a memorable and low-key activity that fits well into a day of exploring San Francisco.
Also, if you’re up to it explore some of the trails at the water line on Alcatraz. On a clear day, you can get great views of the San Francisco skyline and the bridges! Plus, there is some gorgeous flora along the waterline to check out!
Explore Onboard the SS Jeremiah O’Brien, a WWII Liberty Ship
If you’re a history buff like me, this is a great activity to enjoy for a few hours. The SS Jeremiah O’Brien is a Liberty ship built during WWII that is moored at Pier 35 in San Francisco for visitors to tour and learn about its history. Technically, it’s fully seaworthy and sometimes makes voyages out into San Francisco Bay during special occasions. The SS Jeremiah O’Brien is also the only active Liberty Ship in its original configuration!
Plus, a little known fact about the SS Jeremiah O’Brien is that some of the engine room scenes from the movie Titanic were filmed on the SS Jeremiah O’Brien! During the self-guided tour onboard, you’re able to go down below deck and see these areas for yourself. You’ll immediately recognize which spots were used in the filming of the blockbuster film, but if you can’t seem to find them simply ask a staff member to show you the way!
The SS Jeremiah O’Brien is open to visitors from 10am to 4pm except on major holidays (check their website for specific details). Also, check the website for additional admission categories and rates including pricing for military members and children if that applies to you!
See the Sea Lions at Pier 39
This is definitely one of the more touristy things to do in San Francisco but I still think it’s worth it! I loved watching the sea lions jump up on the floating K-Dock and swim in the water. Plus, it’s free to visit K-Dock and watch the sea lions up close.
You can also talk to staff from the Sea Lion Center (on the second level above K-Dock) and ask questions about San Francisco’s sea lions! This is a really fun opportunity to learn more about marine life and see them firsthand.
Grab Coffee and a Bite at the Iconic Ferry Building
The Ferry Building is a great spot to spend a morning as a solo traveler because there is so much to see and do without having to worry about transportation. On specific days of the week, you can wander around the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays). There are also several shops and food vendors inside the Ferry Building, and I highly recommend grabbing a bite to eat for breakfast or lunch here during your solo trip to San Francisco!
If you’re interested in learning about the history of San Francisco and the iconic Ferry Building, consider going on a free walking tour! I loved participating in this tour when I visited San Francisco for the first time because I felt like I gained a much deeper appreciation for the history of the city and of the Embarcadero area. You can learn more about going on free walking tours around San Francisco here.
See San Francisco From the Water on a Bay Cruise
Get a unique perspective of downtown San Francisco from the water by going on a bay cruise underneath the Golden Gate Bridge! This boat cruise combines sightseeing and history with an accompanying audio tour feature available through your mobile device. It’s also an inexpensive way to get out on the water and enjoy San Francisco Bay!
As a solo traveler who loves getting out on the water, this activity was right up my alley and I’m so glad I did it! If you’re planning to do the tour out to Alcatraz, though, I would skip this boat tour because you get similar views on this tour.
The San Francisco Bay Cruise is one of the activities included in the San Francisco CityPASS!
Things to Do in Outer Sunset
Grab Breakfast and Coffee at Outerlands
The Outer Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco definitely feels more residential compared to other areas like Fisherman’s Wharf and Downtown. If you’re wanting a chill day during your solo trip to San Francisco, I highly recommend spending it in Outer Sunset!
Head to Outerlands in the morning for breakfast and coffee. Outerlands is a cozy and stylish neighborhood café that’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients and hearty portions–try the Dutch pancakes or the biscuits and gravy!
Relax on the Shores of Ocean Beach
After grabbing coffee and breakfast at Outerlands, you can easily walk to Ocean Beach and hang out on the shore. It’s a fun spot to people watch and see wind surfers catching waves. You can also choose to walk down the beach to Golden Gate Park or the Camera Obscura!
Camera Obscura is a unique, camera-like attraction that uses mirrors and lenses to project real-time, 360-degree panoramic images of the surrounding ocean onto a viewing surface inside a darkened room. It’s located next to the Cliff House along Ocean Beach!
Things to Do Around Central SF
Snap a Photo of the Iconic Painted Ladies at Alamo Square Park
The Painted Ladies in San Francisco are an iconic row of Victorian houses located along Steiner Street, directly across from Alamo Square Park. These gorgeous homes are renowned for their distinctive architecture and vibrant colors, making them a popular landmark in San Francisco. In pop culture, these homes are most famously pictured in the opening credits of the tv show “Full House”!
Other than viewing them from Alamo Square Park, there isn’t necessarily an attraction to visit here. The homes are private residences so it’s best to keep your distance and not go up too close to the homes. However, it’s still a fun thing to see when you’re wandering around Central San Francisco during your solo trip!
One of the several entrances to Japan Center Mall in Japantown
Salmon and Salmon Roe Donburi Bowl at Nande-Ya in Japan Center, Japantown in San Francisco
Taiyaki ice cream from Uni Time Dessert at Japan Center in Japantown
Spend an Afternoon Exploring Japantown
San Francisco’s Japantown is the oldest and largest of the three remaining Japantowns in the United States (alongside LA’s Little Tokyo and San Jose’s Japantown). Spanning six city blocks, this vibrant neighborhood offers a glimpse into Japanese culture, cuisine, and shopping experiences. You can easily spend a whole day here eating and exploring the unique shops.
I highly recommend spending time wandering around the Mall in Japantown and stopping by the Peace Pagoda in the center of the Peace Plaza! The food is also heavenly, so make sure to come hungry and save time for a couple meals while in Japantown.
You can also take a self-guided audio tour of Japantown to learn more about the history of the area and its residents.
FAQs About Planning a Solo Trip to San Francisco
Is San Francisco a safe city for solo female travelers?
As a solo traveler visiting San Francisco, I’ve personally never had any issues or felt unsafe while visiting. However, it is important to practice situational awareness and caution in any city you’re visiting solo.
As a general note of precaution, I’d avoid wandering around at night alone if you can help it. Certain areas have a higher rate of crime and break-ins, so it’s best to not leave any valuables in vehicles, on your person, or within plain sight. I’ve stayed in the Tenderloin before and, in the daytime, it’s really not as bad as most people claim. However, I would not advise walking around the Tenderloin alone at night to avoid confrontation with anyone looking to cause issues.
What’s the best way to get around San Francisco alone?
Getting around San Francisco as a solo traveler is both convenient and affordable, especially if you use the city’s extensive public transit system. The BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is a quick and cost-effective option for traveling to and from the airport or exploring areas like downtown and the Mission District.
Within the city, Muni buses, light rail, and cable cars are the most budget-friendly ways to get around, with a $5 day pass providing unlimited rides. While public transit is generally safe, it’s a good idea to avoid empty stations late at night. If you’re traveling after dark or through unfamiliar areas, using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft might be a safer and more reliable choice, even if it’s more expensive.
Do I need a car to explore San Francisco solo?
No, you don’t need a car to explore San Francisco. In fact, I’d actually highly advise against getting a car in San Francisco! Parking is atrocious and expensive, and break-ins aren’t uncommon around areas throughout Downtown. Trust me, it’ll be a lot less stressful if you enjoy your solo trip to San Francisco car-free!
Even if you wanted to do day trips to nearby Muir Woods, Sausalito, Yosemite National Park, or California’s Wine Country you won’t need a car because there are plenty of day trips for solo travelers out of San Francisco!
Are there affordable accommodations for solo travelers in San Francisco?
Overall, San Francisco can be on the pricier side when it comes to hotels and accommodations. Instead of searching hotels by price, I highly recommend choosing an area you want to stay in first and then searching for an affordable accommodation within that area. A lot of the cheaper accommodations might put you in a less desirable part of town farther away from where you want to hang out.
Safety is a huge concern for me when I solo travel, and by searching for accommodations in San Francisco using this method you’re less likely to run into any issues!
Are there any guided tours that cater to solo travelers?
San Francisco is a great city to visit solo, especially if you’re hoping to go on guided tours within or around the SF area. Whether you’re looking for food tours, history tours, or day trip tours outside of San Francisco, there are plenty of options to explore! I recommend checking sites like Viator or GetYourGuide for the best guided tours that cater to solo travelers.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do While Solo in San Francisco
After visiting San Francisco multiple times, I’m convinced that SF is truly one of the best cities to visit solo. There’s so much to do and see, and it’s truly a foodie’s paradise. Whether you’re wandering through the SF MoMA, snapping a photo of the Painted Ladies, or savoring a freshly made fortune cookie in Chinatown, there is no shortage of unique things to do on your next solo trip to San Francisco.
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