What are the "must do" things in San Francisco?

Instead of browsing through tons of travel sites, I thought I'd ask people who live in or have been to San Francisco, what are the top sights to see? I'm going to be in that area for something else and was thinking of taking a day trip to SF (Maybe two days, but I don't have much time!) and am trying to figure out where I should visit. I'm definitely going to go to Golden Gate Park/the Golden Gate Bridge....where else? Thanks!What are the "must do" things in San Francisco?
Two days will only scratch the surface and make you realize you have to come back for a longer stay.



Here is my Must Do San Francisco



1. Ride a Cable Car, the only moving historical landmark in the world. Stop off at the Cable Car Barn at Washington and Mason to get a full understanding of this unique form of transportation. Riding the Powell Hyde line will allow you to see Lombard Street the famous crooked street.



2. Visit Alcatraz, this former prison is the most popular destination in San Francisco. The bay cruise to and from the island will give you the opportunity to see the skyline from the water a unique perspective. It is wise to purchase tickets before you arrive as tours are often sold out http://www.alcatrazcruises.com



3. Visit Coit Tower, Beautiful murals inside, impressive bay view from the tower or Pioneer Park at the base. Then descend Telegraph hill via the Filbert Steps on the east side of the park for a unique view of how folks on Telegraph Hill live, more beautiful bay views and the chance to hear and see the famous Parrots of Telegraph Hill.



4. Golden Gate Bridge, not just a feat of engineering, this 1.7 mile span offers incredible views of The City, the bay and the Pacific ocean. Be sure to visit Ft. Point under the bridge for a different view of this San Francisco Icon.



5. Explore Golden Gate Park, this large urban park can consume a whole day. The Japanese Tea Garden, California Academy of Science, the DeYoung Art Muesum, the Arboretum, Bison Paddock, and Paddle boats are all worth a look and watch the sun go down over the Pacific over a drink or dinner at the Beach Chalet.



6. Chinatown, the most densely populated portion of San Francisco offers an abundance of shopping, food and unique architecture found outside of Asia. The best place to buy souvenirs to take home to friends and family.



7. North Beach, traditionally the Italian section of the city which has no beach but abounds in quaint shops, great restaurants and The City鈥檚 best coffee options.



8. Civic Center, the largest collection of Beaux Arts buildings in the US. Home to San Francisco City Hall, with a dome larger than the US Capital, the Asian Art Museum and the Modern San Francisco Library with its San Francisco History Room housing an eclectic collection of city artifacts and photographs.



9. Yerba Buena Gardens, this urban park is located near the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of The African Diaspora, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the contemporary Jewish Museum, and the Metreon, it will keep you entertained for hours.



10. Twin Peaks, see The City and the bay spread out at your feet. Especially captivating at night when the lights seem to go on for ever.What are the "must do" things in San Francisco?
San Francisco is one of the best cities. I've been there and I really wanna go back.
I recommend visiting Fisherman's Wharf (try their famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl!), Alcatraz (very famous prison, known to be haunted), Lombard Street, Chinatown (one of the biggest ones), the Exploratorium (best science museum in the world, proven to be true) and like what you said Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park (very nice).
Unfortunately, you don't have much time to visit this wonderful city. But if you do, you can also visit San Jose which is like right next to it. There, you can visit the famous Winchester House (known to be haunted, like Alcatraz), this humongous flea market (best during weekends)
And nearby places have the Monterey Bay Aquarium (best aquarium in the world, also proven to be true, haha), and Half Moon Bay (a very peaceful little town, very beautiful)
I know this is a lot but I do recommend them. I've been to all these places and I loved them all. But if you don't wanna spend too much, then maybe you can take out Alcatraz and Winchester from this list, but not the aquarium because it's worth it! But it is a little too far and takes too much time, so maybe not.
And I didn't take any of these out of any travel sites or brochures, this is all from me. :)
Hope this helps!
Are you adventurous? SF by day is very different from the night life. At night you are likely to see the most amazing scenes is the least expected places. I'd start a morning hustling to find a "J" and ride it to the end. There is a fabulous coffee bar on the turn-around circle. Have the apricot Danish. Walk to the beach. Go south if you would like to visit the zoo. It is a 45 minute walk. North if you want to visit "Land's End". At Lincoln, there are numerous buses. Any one of them will bring you downtown. I'd get off as near to Stanyan as possible and cruise through the Haight. If you walk the enter distance of Haight, you end up at the old mint and on the edge of the Castro neighborhood. Your day should be about ended by now. You can go west to the Safeway and catch the M back downtown or hook a right on Church Street and then catch the J and do it again.What are the "must do" things in San Francisco?
My favorites are Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown. Always liked the cable cars, too.
Alcatraz! Took the night tour! Way cool!What are the "must do" things in San Francisco?
the only -do not miss- is alcatraz. and pre-book.