Best Things to Do in San Francisco for Young Adults

San Francisco is a fantastic place, and there’s something for everyone, especially young people. Getting around the city is also easy. The town is also small enough that it’s simple to explore so that you can see a lot in just one day! It doesn’t matter if you love food, learning about history, being outside, or seeing unique places; this city has it all!

Things to do in San Francisco for Young Adults

Here’s an easy guide to help you have the best time in San Francisco.

Go To Emporium Arcade Bar

This is the perfect spot for young adults who love games, music and drinks. It’s in the Fillmore District, inside a cool building that used to be a theatre. You will see many arcade games, like Pac-Man, Street Fighter and Pinball. You can also play air hockey and challenge your friends to Mario Kart.

The bar is just as exciting as the games. They serve all kinds of drinks, from classic cocktails to unique mixes. While you play, you can sip on the drinks and enjoy the lively music (or watch sports). It is definitely a fun place to hang out, whether you are a pro gamer or just someone who loves to have a drink.

Treat Yourself at Ghirardelli Square

Do you love chocolate? Then you need to visit Ghirardelli Square! It’s a dream for chocolate lovers. You can eat ice cream, sip on hot chocolate, and buy chocolates to take home. Order their famous hot fudge sundae. It’s enormous, sweet, and super yummy. They also have banana splits and even dairy-free choices. In winter, you can try their peppermint hot cocoa. It’s warm, minty, and feels like a hug in a cup.

Ride the Famous Cable Car

These old-timey cars climb up and down the city’s steep hills. One ride costs around $8. But if you plan to ride more than once, get the $13 one-day visitor pass. It’s a better deal. You can buy tickets online or at the cable car station. When the cable car starts moving, hold on tight! It goes up high, and you can see the whole city from the top.

Visit Haight-Ashbury

Ever wonder what it was like in the 1960s? Haight-Ashbury is a cool neighbourhood that still has those hippie vibes! Back then, people came here to make art, play music, and be free. It has colourful shops, cosy cafes, and places to grab yummy food. Here are things to check out:

Amoeba Music

This is a giant music store. You can find old-school records, CDs, and books. They even sell fun, weird stuff like band T-shirts and posters.

Tasty Street Tacos

There’s a taco stand where they make the best tacos and burritos ever! They’re fresh, spicy, and packed with flavour.

Cool Shops

You’ll find funky clothes, rare books, and unique stuff.

Chill Out at Mission Dolores Park

Mission Dolores Park is the best place to relax and enjoy the day when the sun is shining. It’s a fun spot that both locals and tourists love to visit. Bring a big blanket, some tasty snacks, and drinks you like. Sit on the grass, enjoy the sunshine, and laugh with friends or family. The park is on a hill so you can see the whole city from there. The view of the skyline is so pretty, especially when the sun sets.

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous places in San Francisco. It’s huge, orange, and stretches over the water. The bridge is exciting to explore, and you can walk, bike, or drive.

Ride a Bike Across the Bridge

Riding a bike is one of the most remarkable ways to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. You can rent a bike from shops nearby.

Take Stunning Photos

The Golden Gate Bridge is perfect for pictures. Everyone loves snapping photos of it because it’s so beautiful. You can go to places like Vista Point or Moore Road Pier. These spots are great for taking pictures with the bridge behind you.

Watch the Sunset

The bridge looks extra special at sunset. The sky turns orange and pink when the sun goes down, making the bridge glow. This is called the “golden hour,” and it’s the best time to see the bridge. You can sit and watch or take more pictures.

Take a Cruise Under the Golden Gate Bridge

Have you ever thought about seeing the Golden Gate Bridge from the water? It’s such a cool way to experience this famous landmark. You don’t just look at it; you glide right under it! It’s like seeing the bridge come to life from a new side. You get amazing views, fresh air, and some fun memories to take back home.

Here are all the different cruises you can try:

Morning Brunch Cruise
Sunset Cruise
Dinner Cruise

Explore the Ferry Building Marketplace

The Ferry Building Marketplace is a fun place to visit if Pier 39 feels too crowded. It’s right by the water on the Embarcadero and has tasty food, cool shops, and amazing views of the Bay. Check out the farmers market if you’re there on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. You’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, and handmade goodies. Look for unique clothes, shiny jewellery, and cool stuff for your home, all made by local artists.

Explore Chinatown

Chinatown in San Francisco is big and super famous. It’s one of the oldest in America! When you walk around, you’ll see bright lanterns hanging in the streets, loads of busy shops, and you’ll smell yummy Chinese food everywhere. Right at the entrance, there’s a huge Dragon Gate. It’s great for taking pictures, don’t miss it!

One fun stop is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Here, you can watch how fortune cookies are made.

Feeling hungry? Try dim sum at places like Good Mong Kok Bakery, or grab some tasty noodles and buns from small, cosy restaurants. For history lovers, visit the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum. You’ll learn about how Chinese people helped make San Francisco a fantastic city today.

Walk Down Lombard Street

Have you heard of the “crookedest street in the world”? That’s Lombard Street! This street zigzags like crazy, and it’s super fun to see. It’s also pretty, with flowers everywhere and fancy houses on both sides. If you’re driving, it’s tricky but fun to go through all the twists and turns. If you’re walking, take a cable car to the top, then stroll down. The view is fantastic and perfect for snapping cool pictures wildly when the flowers bloom.

After exploring Lombard Street, check out the nearby cafes. You can grab a coffee or a little snack.

Visit Alcatraz Island

It used to be a strict prison, but now it’s a cool spot to learn about history. To get there, you hop on a ferry from Pier 33. The ride is fantastic because you can see the city and the Golden Gate Bridge. When you reach the island, you can walk through the old prison cells and learn about people locked up there, like the gangster Al Capone. There are also crazy stories about prisoners trying to escape.

Don’t miss the audio tour! It’s like listening to old guards and prisoners tell their secrets. Additionally, go for the night tour if you want to do something spooky. It feels creepy but calm, and you see parts of the prison that aren’t open during the day. Make sure you buy tickets early because they sell out fast!

Explore Union Square

If you like art, you’re in luck! There are art galleries nearby and cool statues in the square. Around Christmas, the whole place becomes magical. They put up a giant Christmas tree and even have an ice-skating rink. Union Square also has tons of places to eat. Try the Cheesecake Factory on the rooftop for yummy food and great views. Or grab a quick coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee to keep you going.

Stroll Through the Palace of Fine Arts

It has a beautiful dome and a peaceful lagoon. Sometimes, you might even see a wedding happening because it’s a popular spot for couples! If you want to do something else nearby, check out the Exploratorium, a fun science museum with cool exhibits.

Take a Day Trip to Sausalito

Just across the Golden Gate Bridge is the charming town of Sausalito. It’s a short ferry ride from San Francisco with a different vibe. The city has Mediterranean-style buildings, cute shops, and fantastic bay views. Don’t forget to visit the floating homes community, where you can see colourful houses on the water. California boasts other stunning beaches, and knowing the closest airport to Huntington Beach ensures a comfortable and seamless travel experience.

Grab Drinks at The View Lounge

The View Lounge is located on the 39th floor of the San Francisco Marriott Marquis Hotel in SoMA, a calm area in the city. The inside of the bar looks stylish, with emerald green details and classy art-deco designs.

You’ll find a massive list of drinks, from cocktails like the “Espress Yourself” espresso martini to refreshing mocktails like the “Ruby Summer” (made with lychee, lemon juice, and San Pellegrino blood orange). Moreover, the food is just as good! You can try shareable snacks like a charcuterie board with local cheeses, cured meats, dried fruits, and crackers.

FAQs

Can I enjoy San Francisco at night as a young adult?

Definitely! Check out rooftop bars like The View Lounge, dance at clubs in SoMa, or listen to live music at places like The Fillmore.

How do I get around San Francisco quickly?

Use the Muni buses, trains, or cable cars: they’re cheap and straightforward. You can also rent a bike around cool spots like the Golden Gate Bridge or the Embarcadero.