Seven San Francisco Tourist “Traps” Worth Visiting

Some travelers immediately immerse themselves in a culture and refuse to do touristy things. Though I try, I’m not really one of those people. I’m a little ashamed to admit it, but I kind of like the touristy things. I mean, I’m not traveling to just sit in coffee shops all day (just some of the day).

Of course, some tourist traps are lame. It’s not really worth the 24 euros to ride the London Eye…essentially an overpriced Ferris wheel…or battle obscene crowds just to get a drink at Temple Bar. But some tourist traps are really cool! I loved climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and you can’t go to Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower or the Mona Lisa.

Earlier this summer, I went to San Francisco for my first official trip “out west.” I was pleasantly surprised to find that the tourist “traps” in the city were actually really great. Here is my list of seven tourist “traps” that are totally worth visiting in the City by the Bay!

1. See the Golden Gate Bridge.
This one is obvious, but surprisingly difficult to do. It was so foggy when we were there that I thought I wouldn’t get to see it. On my last day it was finally clear so I hightailed it downtown for a quick glance and almost missed my flight home! Worth it.

2. Spend an afternoon in Japantown.
I might be biased because I’m fascinated by Japanese culture, but this place was great. It’s the largest of the three Japantowns left in America and makes for a great afternoon. Check out the unique souvenirs at the $1.50-store Daiso, eat some delicious ramen or udon noodles, and get your picture taken in front of the Peace Pagoda (pictured above).

3. Enjoy an Irish coffee at Buena Vista Café.
Not only was this the best Irish coffee I’ve ever had (sorry, Ireland), but you could also get it to go! The bartender will give you a to-go coffee with cream and an airplane bottle of Tullamore Dew that you can pour in once you leave the bar. The process was a little sketchy, but it was lovely to sip on a hot drink while strolling the windy streets of SF.

4. Pose outside the painted ladies.
Embrace your inner Full House fan and take a picture in the park outside the painted ladies. It’s not really the house from the show, but they are pretty none the less! Fun fact: “painted ladies” is actually an architectural term referring to any Victorian or Edwardian homes in a row with three or more different colors. Credit for that fact goes to Bay Curious—a fantastic short podcast to listen to as you drive around SF.

5. Try the sourdough at Boudin.
Before this trip, I had no idea sourdough was a San Francisco thing, but I’m so glad I found out. Swing by Boudin to see them make bread, enjoy a mai tai and lunch, or just take the quiz that tells you what kind of bread you are. (I am olive bread…naturally.)

6. Make a fortune cookie in Chinatown.
If you are a fellow fan of the podcast 99% Invisible, you may already know that SF is the mecca of fortune cookies. At the Golden Gate Cookie Factory, you can write your own fortune and then watch as an employee folds it into a delicious cookie—very cool and only $1 for two.

7. Take a stroll through the Ferry Building Marketplace.
I’m a sucker for markets, and this one did not disappoint. The picturesque building on the bay has food ranging from tea and coffee shops to upscale seafood restaurants and shops that specialize in mushrooms, honey, books, and everything in-between. Visit on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday for the farmer’s market with dozens of extra vendors set up outside the building.

Let me know if I missed any great tourist attractions in San Francisco in the comments below. I’d love to get more recommendations for my next trip west!