Things to do in San Francisco

Activities, attractions and tours

San Francisco
San Francisco which includes a city, skyline and a house
San Francisco which includes a city and heritage architecture
San Francisco which includes street scenes, a garden and flowers
San Francisco

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What to do in San Francisco


Popular places to visit

Areas of San Francisco

Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a bay or harbor

Fisherman's Wharf

This waterfront location is steeped in history dating back to the days of the gold rush. Today, visitors come here for its vibrant atmosphere and great food.

Fisherman's Wharf
Union Square which includes a high rise building and a city

Union Square

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Packed with a treasure trove of upmarket boutiques, designer labels and department store, shoppers will love this huge shopping plaza.

Union Square
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Downtown San Francisco

4/5(1 area review)

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Chase Center are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown San Francisco
South of Market showing central business district, skyline and a garden

South of Market

3/5(2 area reviews)

From baseball games to top-notch art exhibits, find endless entertainment in one of San Francisco’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

South of Market
Nob Hill featuring street scenes and a city

Nob Hill

4/5(1 area review)

Examine architecturally significant buildings, visit the Cable Car Museum and enjoy magnificent views of greater San Francisco in this affluent district.

Nob Hill
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Mission District

With vibrant street art and a freakishly sunny microclimate compared to the rest of foggy San Fran, everything seems brighter in the Mission District.

Mission District

Frequently asked questions

Is San Francisco worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in San Francisco is explore Pier 39. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then discover more of this area's views and dining.
How do I spend a day in San Francisco?
After you've visited major attractions like Pier 39 and Union Square, spend some time experiencing San Francisco's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Francisco?
Pier 39 is one of the top tourist attractions in San Francisco and deserves a place on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Francisco?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Pier 39, Union Square and Ocean Beach with a three-day trip to San Francisco. On average, most travelers plan three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Oakland.
Is San Francisco a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in San Francisco. Several attractions, including Pier 39 and Union Square, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of San Francisco's best neighborhoods, Downtown San Francisco is 0.32 kilometers away from downtown, while Union Square is 0.16 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in San Francisco with kids?
Deciding what to do in San Francisco with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're traveling with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly sights to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in San Francisco for adults?
Winery Collective and Van Ness Avenue are just a couple of the things to do in San Francisco. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in San Francisco?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in San Francisco is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Pier 39 is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.