Best things to do in Nob Hill San Francisco 2024
Make like the hills and roll
As someone who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I know a thing or two about the best places to visit. So let me take you beyond the Golden Gate Bridge and put you on to Nob Hill, one of most popular neighborhoods in The City. First of all, it's right in the heart of San Francisco. So there's no excuse for skipping. Not only does it have some of the best views, but it's also full of hidden gems you won't want to miss. It's easy to get to being just north of the iconic Union Square, south of North Beach, and tucked between Chinatown and Pacific Heights (or "Pac Heights"). So add these top picks to your bucket list.
Cable Cars
Everyone knows about Union Square in the Financial District. So you'll undoubtedly find yourself there at some point during your visit. Once you're finished checking out all the shops and holiday decor, head on over to Nob Hill which is already in close proximity. It's a short drive, but most parking garages are near Union Square. So leave your car there and instead take a cable car. They are easily the most fun way to enjoy the hilly streets of San Francisco. There are 3 main lines: the California cable car line, mason cable car lines, or the Hyde cable car lines. You could purchase a ticket from a nearby ticket booth or get a Clipper Card, an electronic payment card for BART and Muni. Some locals don't even know they work on the cable cars. Clipper Cards are available at Muni and BART stations and most convenience stores. With the Clipper Card, you can just tap to ride. You can also load more money onto the card at the station or through their website.
Now get ready to ride. There's nothing quite like hopping onto a cable car for the first time. They're called Cable Cars because they're run by actual cables. That's how they can get up all those steep hills. There are no doors or windows, so you can really take in the fresh air and get a good look at all the sights. The hills are steep, so hang on or get comfy in your seat. It's cool seeing how the mechanics work just as they did back in the day. In a way, they're sort of like a time machine.
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
If you can't get enough of the cable cars, there's good news. SF has a free museum dedicated to them. To visit, get off at the Washington Street and Powell Street stop. Established in 1974 by the Friends of the Cable Car Museum, you can learn all about the rich history of the cable car which is really the history of San Francisco. The black-and-white photographs, models, and life-size displays tell an inspirational story of innovation and resilience. You're sure to get a better picture of why Cable Cars are considered a treasure to San Franciscans. From there, continue on to the giant engines and wheels that make the operation work throughout the city. And check out the three different antique cable cars that show how they've evolved throughout the years. Don't forget to bring home a piece of memorabilia from the museum shop. They've got postcards, books, and clothes so you can show off your cable car love.
California Street
Lombard Street isn't the only famous street in SF. While riding the cable cars, one of the most spectacular views you'll get is from California Street. Because it's so steep, you'll feel almost like you're going straight up a wall. It's a unique experience with a view that leads the way to the ocean. It's so impressive that the street has been featured in multiple movies. If you really want to savor the moment, take some time to walk around. There are plenty of dining options and local businesses to explore. You can alway hop back onto the cable car or continue walking toward some of our next spots on the list.
Always give yourself Grace
Grace Cathedral
Right on California Street, you'll find one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks and the perfect spot for those who appreciate architectural wonders. This episcopal cathedral is home to a warm and welcoming congregation dedicated to community and social justice. You can come for prayer or join one of the many events hosted there. They have something for everyone whether it's art, music, yoga, or sound baths. It's a great way to spend the day.
The first thing you'll notice is the grand staircase, part of the cathedral's historic architecture. The gothic arches and twin spires, rise up toward the sky. At the center is a circular stained-glass window. Below that are two massive bronze doors modeled after Lorenzo Ghilberti's "Gates of Paradise" at the Florence Baptistery in Italy. The details are immaculate with each panel depicting a biblical scene cast into the metal. As you enter the cathedral, you'll feel a sense of awe at the high ceilings and towering columns. If you're visiting during the day, you'll see the sunlight filter through those stained-glass windows in all different colors. The space is usually decorated with ribbons draping down from above. Have a seat on the wooden pews and listen to the organ player playing songs from the alter. You'll soon see why Grace Cathedral is such a big part of San Francisco history.
Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
Just a short distance from Grace Cathedral is the Fairmont, a historic hotel known for its decadent white and gold interiors. During the holidays, the lobby filled with festive decorations like a gorgeous tree sparkling with silver and gold ornaments. There's also a giant gingerbread house your whole family will love. But the hotel's bar and restaurant is on another level.
The Tonga Room will transport you to a tropical paradise. You might have to remind yourself you're still inside. Created by a Hollywood set designer, the string lights, Tiki statues, and palm trees make the ambiance top tier. Most special of all, is the lagoon where The Island Groove band plays on a real boat. At 7pm every night they sing covers from top hits, both past and present. Occasionally, tropical rain pours down along with lightning and thunder effects. Don't worry, you won't get wet.
As for the drinks, they're equally colorful. Grab a Mai Tai or one of their many flavorful concoctions at the Hurricane Bar. Served up in a Tiki mug or coconut, you'll be dancing the night away. If you get hungry, they have a full dinner service. This Hawaiian inspired menu will have your tastebuds tingling with poke, sweet onion beef, and desserts like Mango Panna Cotta and Chocolate Banana Tart. It makes you wonder if all luxury hotels have secrets as good as this one.
Tony Bennett Statue
Ready for more notable landmarks? You'll find one right in front of the Fairmont Hotel that'll pull on your heart strings. Tony Bennett was a legendary Italian-American vocalist known for songs like, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." This hotel is the historical setting where he first performed it in 1961. The city constructed the eight-foot-tall bronze statute to pay tribute to the late great singer. He meant so much to a generation of fans around the world. His legacy as a solo artist was astonishing, but he was also famous for his collaborations with singers such as Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga. Local ice cream shop, Humphry Slocombe even named a flavor after him called "Duet." What better way to celebrate one of the greatest vocalists of all time than visiting the Tony Bennett Statue.
Top of the Mark
The Intercontinental Mark Hopkins is one of the most famous hotels in heart of the city. Their top floor bar is a great place to go for breathtaking views of the city. Take the elevator all the way up and enjoy a 360 look you can't get anywhere else. Get a window seat and order from any number of craft cocktails like the Mark Old Fashioned or have yourself a wine tasting. They've got a lot of tasty bites to compliment your drinks from Kaluga Hybrid Caviar to Margherita Naan Flatbread. Fancy, right? The space has a classic luxury feel too, so you're going to be wowed by the experience day or night. Also, check their schedule for live music. A lot of amazing acts come through.
SF Masonic Auditorium
The Masonic is a Bay Area institution. They have a track record that goes back 50 years with some of the best performances happening right here. So if you're really in the mood for live music, you should definitely attend a show. It's an intimate concert hall that fits 4,000 people in the auditorium. That means you can get up close and personal with whoever you came there to see. Buy tickets to watch some of the most talented people do their thing from comedy giants to musical geniuses. There are even lectures and discussions hosted there, if you're deep like that. Go to their website or Live Nation to see who's playing next.
Final thoughts
Come on down to Chinatown
Polk Street has a ton of delicious restaurants like Swan Oyster Depot, Lord Stanley, and Cordon Bleu. You can also wander over to Hyde Street at the top of Nob Hill for Elephant Sushi or Hot Sauce and Panko. Another one of my favorite spots is Ryoko's in Lower Nob Hill. If you're looking for more fun things to do, there's also a beautiful park called Huntington Park, which is the perfect place for nature lovers. And another one called Woh Hei Yuen with a pagoda inside. The San Francisco Opera is also nearby. Your best options after exploring Nob Hill is to visit Chinatown on western edge of Nob Hill. There's all kinds of vibrant shops and bakeries. Then head to Russian Hill and North Beach for some of the best pizza around. You can also climb Telegraph Hill to see Coit Tower. That view is stunning. Alternatively, take the cable car to Fisherman's Wharf. If none of that is your vibe, go south instead toward Mission District. The night life is amazing and so are the taquerias. You'll see murals from local artists and beautiful architecture around every corner. Hopefully this list has given you more ideas on what to do in Nob Hill and then some. Because Golden Gate Park, Alamo Square, and The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art are great. But there's a lot more out there to discover. So keep on wandering and look out for more tips to come.