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As one of the best cities for Muslimah solo travelers to visit while in the United States of America, San Francisco presents lots of exciting things to do.
From relaxing at the pier and indulging in fresh Californian seafood to admiring the Golden Gate Bridge, and checking out the cultural institutions, these are just a couple of things to do in SF, CA!
Read on to know the rest Muslim-friendly things to do alone in San Francisco
Before You Go To San Francisco
Make sure you get either of these passes or bundles for maximum savings at the main attractions!
| Highlights | Best Priced Guaranteed | |
|---|---|---|
| City San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass | Low-priced Day Passes (1/2/3 or 5-days to choose from) with flexible easy access to 25+ SF attractions | Book now on KLOOK → |
| Go City: San Francisco Explorer Pass | Low-priced passes with easy admission to 2, 3, or 5 top attractions in SF | Book now on KLOOK → |
| SF: Alcatraz Ticket w/ 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Night Tour | Bundle package inclusive of flexible, at your own pace hop-on-hop-off service plus a visit to Alcatraz Island & panoramic night tour | Book now on Get Your Guide → |
| Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour | Flexible, go at your own pace tour on a double-decker bus with stops in between SF’s most famous landmarks. | Check availability on Viator → Check availability on Get Your Guide → |
Eat Fresh Seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf
Starting the list of “Muslim-friendly things to do alone in San Francisco” is none other than eating fresh seafood!
The best place to eat seafood in SF is along Fisherman’s Wharf, the city’s top seafood destination.
You’ll find plenty of seafood there, however, some establishments have alcohol served so do ask in advance prior to dining.
One great food truck pop-up for classic fish and chips is The Codmother Fish & Chips at Beach St!
Meet Pier 39’s Sea Lion Ambassadors for FREE!
One of the best free things to do alone in San Francisco is meeting its sea lion ambassadors!
These cuties have been calling out pier’s West Marina as their home since 1990—post-Loma Prieta earthquake.
Today, there are about 300 sea lions there on average. But in the wintertime, you can see the population of increase up to 900!
#MST tip: They’re super noisy!
Address: Sea Lion Viewing Area. Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Visit The Alcatraz Island
Do you fancy thrillers?
Get a real-life thrilling experience at Alcatraz, an island known as “The Rock” that once served as a federal prison for some of the country’s most notorious criminals.
These are George (”Machine Gun”) Kelly, and Al Capone, to name a few.
Here are some cruises and tours that focus on Alcatraz Island, or offer it as part of their packages;
| Tours / Bundle tours | What’s included | Great for | Best Rates Guaranteed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise | Inclusive visit inside Alcatraz Penitentiary, round trip ferry tickets & sail past SF’s waterfront with narration included | Those who wish to enter Alcatraz | Check availability on Viator → |
| San Francisco: Escape from The Rock Bay Cruise | Sail under Golden Gate Bridge, cruise around Alcatraz with narration, and view of SF skyline | Those who do not wish to enter Alcatraz | Check availability on Get Your Guide → |
| Alcatraz Island and City Tour in San Francisco | Bundle package inclusive of a visit to the island’s penitentiary, and a city tour around SF’s major sights. | First-timers in SF who want to see the best of the city, within a day. | Check availability on KLOOK → |
| SF: Alcatraz Ticket w/ 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Night Tour | Bundle package inclusive of Alcatraz Island visit, ticket, audio, and hop-on-hop-off service as well as panoramic night tour | Those who want to see the best of everything in SF, bundled up in one package | Check availability on Get Your Guide → |
Sail Under Golden Gate Bridge
Yes, you can take a photo at the vantage point for a great Golden Gate Bridge memory…
But how about sailing underneath it!
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the main things to do alone in San Francisco that’s absolutely Muslim-friendly!
This 746-foot Art-deco tall towers bridge attracts more than 10 million visitors each year and it is also commemorated as an emoji on the iPhone!
| Golden Gate Tours | Highlights | What’s included | Who is it for | Best Price Guaranteed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Gate Normal Cruise | Cruise SF’s waterfront, see bayside attractions passing under Golden Gate in comfortable sitting with narration | Open ticket with the flexibility to choose the departure time | Those with limited time in San Francisco or who would want to see the Bridge any time of the day | Check availability on Viator → Check availability on KLOOK → Check availability on Get Your Guide → |
| Golden Gate Cruise curing sunset / twilight hours | Views of the city skyline, Alcatraz. Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge during romantic hours | Those who want to experience the Bay & the Bridge during twilight and sunset. | Check availability on Viator → Check availability on KLOOK → |
Take A Tour Around The City
In the mood to explore the city on your own without the hassle of figuring out where to go and how to get there?
Then joining a tour will solve your solo trip to SF!
Not only is it Muslim-friendly, but it is also a fun thing to do alone in San Francisco as you get to meet new people, and learn a thing or two from a local guide on your city tour!
Check out the tours in San Francisco at best rates here
Go Down The City’s Charming Lombard Street
Pretty flowers. Zig zag hilly pedestrian.
What’s more San Francisco than this?
Not only is this a great place to just pass by, it is also an inexpensive, thing to do alone for Muslim Solo Travelers in San Francisco!
Walk Down the City’s Gorgeous Staircases
Another great Muslim-friendly thing to do alone in San Francisco is to check out the various staircases in the city!
The 2-mile Hidden Stairways of San Francisco tour is a great way for you to release a bit of sweat while you explore hilly SF and its hidden gorgeous mosaic tiled steps!
Marvel at Greco-Roman Structure at Theatre Palace of The Arts
When it comes to what’s a great outdoor thing to do alone in San Francisco besides the staircases and the pier side, the gorgeous neoclassical Palace of the Fine Arts is your answer!
You can have a picnic here or just marvel at the amazing structures and lawns around.
A step into this place will remind you of the elaborate structures in Europe.
That’s because it is an extravagant palace with Greco-roman structures like rotundas, columns, and arches, all surrounded by idyllic gardens.
The palace was rebuilt in the 1960s to preserve the legacy of San Francisco, as an international city.
Sometimes, the Palace of the Arts hosts theatres. Check out their website for the latest timings.
Address: 3301 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States
Soak in the “Business Vibe” at Western America’s Financial District
If NYC has Wall Street, San Francisco has Financial District.
This is the city’s business center, so you can expect tall, towering buildings dominating the streets here.
A famous skyscraper here is the Transamerica Pyramid, a spire-topped building that is also a landmark of San Francisco.
See Breathtaking Views of San Francisco from Coit Tower!
If you want a view of the whole of SF such as the Financial District, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz and so much more, then you should consider going up Coit Tower.
This tower is not only a landmark that welcomes visitors to SF since 1933, it also has an observation with 360-views of the bay and the city!
Address: 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Operating hours: 10:00 am 5:00 pm daily
Ride A Seaplane Across San Francisco!
Ever wanted to fly on a seaplane?
Then you’re in luck!
This San Francisco City Sites Seaplane Tour lets you see the best views of the city, passing by Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and more all from a seaplane ride!
Admire Contemporary Arts at SFMOMA
Since the city is known for its diverse cultures, it’s only right that you do some “culture” sightseeing around.
If you like contemporary art, pay a visit to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).
This museum showcases modern and contemporary art pieces like photographs, paintings, installations, and more within one place!
Check out the website for the latest exhibition updates.
Address: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Operating hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Fri -Tue); 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Thu); Closed on Wednesdays
Experience SF’s Culturally Rich Vibe At Yerba Buena Gardens
Just opposite of SFMOMA is the photogenic Yerba Buena Gardens!
This is no ordinary park in San Francisco. It is literally the “Cultural Heart of San Francisco”!
It consists of several gardens, with lots of public art installations, as well as a waterfall commemorated to Martin Luther King.
On top of that, it is also surrounded by dozen of galleries and cultural museums around. Hence, topping it as one of the cultural things to do alone in San Francisco!
The best time to visit here is when Yerba Buena Gardens Festival takes place. You’ll see the gardens turn lively with performances, events, and culturally-rich programs!
Address: 750 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Operating hours: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
Shop like a local at Ferry Building
Another Muslim-friendly thing to do alone in the Bay area is to go shopping at the Ferry Building at Market Street!
This place doesn’t only house historical landmarks, it also hosts a marketplace that sells knick-knacks, fresh produce, and all kinds of artisan bargains.
It’s also a great place to just chill around the Bay! Operating hours: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
Address: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States
Experience SF’s Historic Cable Cars: Mason & Powell
An exciting Muslim-friendly thing to do alone in San Francisco is to ride the city’s historic transportation system: the cable cars!
MST’s Take: Embark on your cable car journey from any of its turnaround centers at Powell/Mason, going upward the steep hills of San Francisco!
More information on how to get on board the Cable Car in our Ultimate Muslim Solo Travel Guide to San Francisco, USA.
Shop till you drop at Union Square
Union Square is the commercial hub of San Francisco.
This place is packed with major department stores and major hotels. So if you’re a shopaholic, this is where you should be!
The Halal Guys is also located here for that quick bite!
Explore Chinatown & Japantown
A walk away from Union Square is Chinatown.
Like any other Chinatowns in the world, you’ll get to see a street filled with the classic Asian surrounding with the dangling red lanterns and large Dragon Gate arch entryway!
From quirky finds to bargains on key chains or tea, you’ll get the gist!
Chinatown Visitor Information Center
Meanwhile, over at Japantown (2-mile away from Chinatown), there’s a plaza with its famous icon: a 5-tiered Peace Pagoda. This place is famous for its Cherry Blossom festival and Asian-style spas.
People Watch over Coffee at Haight Street
Thinking of What To Do Alone in San Francisco?
How about a quiet time sipping coffee while you watch people from any of the cafes at Haight Street?
Haight Street (Lower and Upper Haight) is known for its variety of Muslim-friendly cafes.
Most of them sell deli’s, slices of bread and pastries so it’s worth a visit for a chill session in a coffee shop while you people watch!
MST’s Tip: Be sure to double check on the Halal status prior to dining!
Pink Ladies House (As appeared in Full House!)
Any Full House fans here?
If you’re a Muslim Solo Traveler who grew up binging on Full House, then the Pink Ladies House is a must-visit on your “things to do alone in San Francisco” itinerary.
Watching the slanted stretch of these Victorian houses in front of your own eyes will surely spark those nostalgias back!
Check out the houses from Alamo Park for a postcard-worthy view!
Address: Steiner St &, Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
Meet San Francisco’s Muslim Community at The Tenderloin
While you can pretty much bump into random strangers who are Muslim in San Francisco, the chances are higher at The Tenderloin area!
This area is filled with Halal restaurants, and mosques, so you meet a fellow sister when you’re walking into any of the Halal shops or mosques there!
Make sure you’re familiar with these FAQs on Traveling alone as a Muslimah in San Francisco
Go on a Science Adventure at the California Academy of Sciences
Another Interesting thing to do alone in San Francisco for the Muslim Travelers is to visit the Academy of Sciences!
Dubbed as the world’s only planetarium-aquarium-rainforest-museum, this Academy has a range of exhibitions from a natural history museum, to a rainforest experience and galaxies observations at the planetarium!
This place is perfect for all ages.
Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
Operating hours: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (Mon – Sat); 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (Sun)
See Marine Life Living Under The Bay at the Aquarium!
If you want to see more than the sea lions of Pier 39, then head on to the Aquarium of the Bay!
This public aquarium is home to more than 200 aquatic animals from beneath and around the waters of San Francisco Bay to all the way up to the Sierra Mountains watersheds.
You can see scary-looking sharks, mysterious octopuses and more as you walk through the tunnel exhibit!
Address: PIER 39 The Embarcadero &, Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Opening hours: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
Take a Day Trip to Yosemite!
Bored of SF? Or perhaps you have an extra day to kill in San Francisco?
Then, why not go on a day trip to Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite is known for the raw and rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada.
In this private tour, you’ll get to pass by the Gold Rush Towns, hike along ancient sequoia trees, and see natural wonders like Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. With a tour, everything is taken care of, from pick up until drop off! Plus, an expert guide is there with you at all times so you can ask any questions!
Bottomline – Muslim-friendly things to do alone in San Francisco
Without a doubt, San Francisco is an intimate city that offers all kinds of things to do for the Muslim Solo Traveler.
Whether you love the arts, craving fresh seafood, or just want to experience the foggy SF, there’s certainly a Muslim-friendly activity that suits your Solo trip to San Francisco!
For an overall idea, expectations on where to stay and etc, check out our Ultimate Muslim Solo Travel Guide to San Francisco.
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