Without knowing your food tastes, location and budget there are far too many restaurants to offer suggestions. You might try posting a more focused question on Dining out SF board or read some resolved answers.
As for things to do, any time you visit a new city it is always advisable to borrow or purchase a guide book or two. The books will give you info on weather, public transportation, maps, restaurant, hotel and attractions to see.
Here is my list of 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 Accademy 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. Yerbar Buena Gardens, this urban park is home to the Museum of Modern Art the Museum of The African Diaspora, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 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.Things to do, eat, and see in San Francisco?
Even though I am also from Orange County, I have been to San Francisco many times. I'm not sure what your budget is but I can make some suggestions...
The Blue Plate (American/Mediterranean $$$), Broken Record (Bar/Hole in the Wall with great food $$), Don Pistos (Mexican Fare $$), Swan Oyster Depot (Seafood/Oyster Bar $$)
Activities/Attractions: Clairon Alley (Murals on walls in small alleys), Fort Point (located under the Golden Gate Bridge with a great vantage point), Point Bonita Lighthouse on Sausalito, Sutro Baths, Go on a San Francisco Architecture Walking tour or a food tour, 16th Avenue Steps.
Just about eating out - I'd suggest www.Yelp.com for any city, when looking for restaurants. www.opentable.com is another, but yelp has all the everyday things. A lttle tip - In Westfield shopping center (Bloomingdales), just across from the cable cars, in the basement, is a ginormous food court. There's also a full grocery store. I'm not saying it's fine dining, but for a good, budget lunch it's hard to beat. One of SF's little secrets.Things to do, eat, and see in San Francisco?
Someone's already mentioned Yelp; let me second that: it's the best customer-driven review site I've seen.
Food choices really depend on your tastes, but if you like garlic, the Stinking Rose is worth visiting. Fisherman's Wharf will mostly present you with overpriced food you could get at Red Lobster. Pier 39 is the same (but if the crepe place is still there, it's worth stopping in for dessert).
Johnny rockets at the pier 39!Things to do, eat, and see in San Francisco?
= You can go in these are the fun places in San Francisco...
Fisherman's Wharf
Shops, shops, and a plethora of great seafood restaurants line the Wharf, where you still see vestiges of the old fishing crafts used by the Italian immigrants who brought the Wharf to life after the Gold Rush.
Chinatown
Home to the largest urban population of Chinese people outside China, Chinatown is so authentic, you'll forget you're in San Francisco.
Golden Gate Bridge
You've seen it in movies, television, books and postcards - now go ahead and take a walk on it! And don't forget your camera.
Union Square
The finest shopping is found here with heavy-hitters like Macy's, Tiffany's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus. Side streets hide some great surprises, too.
Cable Car Ride
Can you really say you've been to San Francisco without a ride on a clanking cable car? And nobody thought they'd work back in 1873...
Golden Gate Park
A beautiful oasis in the middle of a bustling city, you'll find museums, gardens, a lake - even a herd of bison.
Alcatraz
One visit to this foreboding island and you'll know why escape was so appealing! Notorious criminals did time here: Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly, to name a few.
Museums/Galleries
Some of the finest museums and galleries in the world reside in San Francisco, from SFMOMA to the Asian Art Museum to the DeYoung芒鈧€漚ll of them offer a stunning diversity of artistic expression.
Union Street
Amidst chic shops and restaurants, enjoy the brightly painted Victorians and secret courtyards. As much fun at night as it is in the daytime.
Broadway/North Beach
Settled by Italian immigrants, the area offers outstanding Italian food and charming, old world caf脙漏s. The effects of subsequent immigrants makes this neighborhood a fascinating melange of history and cuisine. And talk about nightlife!
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