- Discover the most iconic San Francisco landmarks that define the city.
- Explore the history, design, and epic experiences that make these San Francisco landmarks must-see attractions for millions of visitors every year.
- Be sure to stop by Eagle Cafe, a beloved San Francisco landmark itself, for delicious dishes and beautiful Bay views.
With so many iconic landmarks, San Francisco is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the world. In fact, in 2024, the city welcomed more than 23 million visitors. That’s a lot of people flying, driving, and sailing into famous locales.
Of course, the town has a lot going for it. There’s amazing local seafood, cultural riches, and a thriving tech scene. But what likely draws the most people to San Francisco is its landmarks. Combining natural beauty, engineering brilliance, and rich history, these icons are must-sees for first-timers and seasoned visitors alike.
So let’s dive into our top recommendations for San Francisco landmarks that everyone needs to visit.
1. Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is one of the most famous San Francisco landmarks, in part because it’s lived so many lives.
- Native American tribes used it as a place of isolation for those who violated tribal law.
- In 1855, it became home to the first lighthouse on the U.S. West Coast.
- A few years later, it became a Civil War military fortification.
- From the 1860s to 1933, the fort was operated as a military prison.
- In 1934, Alcatraz took on its most notorious role in U.S. history as a federal penitentiary.
Prison Fame
It’s the presence of the famed prison that now makes Alcatraz one of the most iconic landmarks in San Francisco. After all, this maximum-security/minimum-privilege penitentiary housed inmates that proved too much for other prisons to handle. Al Capone, “Machine Gun” Kelly, and the Birdman of Alcatraz were famous “guests” on the island.
Book your visit to this San Francisco landmark with Alcatraz City Cruises. Before you head out, catch breakfast or lunch at Pier 39’s Eagle Cafe to fuel up. You’ll want to spend two to four hours exploring the island, prison, old fort, and gardens.
2. Golden Gate Bridge
Of all the San Francisco landmarks, the Golden Gate Bridge is probably the best known.
Completed in 1937, the bridge set many records. At the time, it set the WORLD RECORD for having:
- The longest span
- The tallest towers
- The furthest distance between supports
Even as those records were later surpassed, the remarkable 1920s Art Deco beauty of the bridge, featuring stately chevron designs and decorative step brackets, continues to make it one of the quintessential iconic landmarks in San Francisco.
Experience the Bridge
Although transportation is its purpose, you can do so much more than just drive across this San Francisco landmark. Visit a vantage point like Fort Point or the Marin headlands for picture-perfect views, or walk or bike all or part of the distance across.
3. Pier 39
Next up on the list of San Francisco’s landmarks? It’s Pier 39, a favorite for families and visitors of all ages. It’s a bustling hub of delicious seafood restaurants, unique shopping, and fun-filled activities. And it’s all built around stunning Bay views.
The Sea Lions
No visit to Pier 39 is complete without checking out the resident sea lions. They’ve been sunbathing and playing on the Pier’s floating docks since 1989 and are considered an iconic landmark of San Francisco in their own right.
Sustainable Seafood
Several restaurants on the Pier serve up delicious, sustainable seafood.
- Pier Market is a family-friendly favorite.
- Crab House at Pier 39 is renowned for its roasted whole Dungeness Crab.
- Fog Harbor Fish House offers a more elevated experience.
All of these restaurants feature not just great food but also Bay views, just like Eagle Cafe!
This just scratches the surface of this San Francisco landmark. For more about the great things to do here, check out this helpful guide from Crab House at Pier 39.
4. Oracle Park
Home to the San Francisco Giants, the team’s 2010, 2012, and 2014 World Series trophies are San Francisco’s iconic landmarks in and of themselves!
But you don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy a visit to this San Francisco landmark. Built in 2000, this stadium sits right on the water and holds 42,300 fans for games, special events, and concerts. You can even book public and private behind-the-scenes visits!
5. Lombard Street
When you think of iconic landmarks in San Francisco, this one-way street surely comes to mind. Known as the “Crooked Street” between Hyde and Leavenworth, it sees upwards of 2 million visitors a year!
Insta-Famous
A picture from the bottom of the street looking up is as Instagram-worthy as it gets when it comes to capturing the crazy curves. In pics from the top, you’ll snap not just the street but the Bay, the Bay Bridge, and Coit Tower.
6. Fisherman’s Wharf
This area is a place of living history, where fishermen still work while visitors stroll around the shops, restaurants, and attractions. No visit to San Francisco would be complete without a stop at this landmark.
Whether you get around on foot or by bicycle, there’s so much to see here. Check out our detailed post about things to do in Fisherman’s Wharf so you don’t miss anything!
Another Must-Visit Site: The Historic Eagle Cafe
When it comes to iconic landmarks in San Francisco, Eagle Cafe surely fits the description. First opened in 1928 at Embarcadero and Powell, the whole restaurant was put on jacks and wheeled to its current Pier 39 location for the Pier’s Grand Opening in 1978.
Fascinating History, Delicious Food
It was Pier 39 founder and developer Warren Simmons who planned that epic move, and today his family owns and operates this landmark of San Francisco dining. Serving breakfast and lunch daily, Eagle Cafe is known for its delightful memorabilia, its unique forward-facing patio, and its fantastic food.
From Banana Pecan French Toast to classic Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl, Eagle Cafe is the place to dine on Pier 39. So when you’re taking in the top San Francisco landmarks, don’t forget this iconic eatery! Walk-ins are welcome, so stop by today.