Things to do in San Francisco

Activities, attractions and tours

The Golden Gate Bridge with a clear view of the towers and cables, spanning across the water.
A row of colorful Victorian houses with a city skyline in the background.
A large neoclassical building with a prominent dome and columns, surrounded by trees and flags.
A landscaped garden with manicured bushes and hydrangea flowers.
A coastal marina with boats, a pier, and a distant ship.

Things to do

Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

P7,605
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
California Academy of Sciences General Admission

California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

P2,979
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages

Official Alcatraz Inside Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages

P5,228
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Official Alcatraz Inside Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours PLUS Night Tour

P4,255
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours PLUS Night Tour
Golden Gate Bridge at night

San Francisco Night Tour

P3,221
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Night Tour
San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour

San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour

P6,511
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour
SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission

SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission

P2,429
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission
San Francisco City Lights Cruise

California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)

P3,526
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
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Top places to visit

1. Oracle Park

Visit Oracle Park for more than simply watching a San Francisco Giants game. Tour this privately financed ballpark, known for its breathtaking views, charm and character. This is the city’s replacement for notoriously windy Candlestick Park.
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A pedestrian bridge over a river with a stadium and a boat dock in the background.

2. Golden Gate Bridge

Although cars pass over it and a constant stream of ships pass underneath it, if you’re a first-time visitor then the best way to experience what was once the world’s longest suspension bridge is on foot.
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The Golden Gate Bridge with its distinctive towers and suspension cables, set against a backdrop of hills and the San Francisco Bay.

3. Pier 39

Pier 39 is an interesting two-tiered complex which incorporates shopping, sideshows, entertainment, dining, rides and attractions, which will appeal to everyone. There’s so much going on that you’ll find it easy to spend a whole day here. The Neptune cruiser, permanently stationed in the bay offers regular cruises. Adults can indulge in a 90-minute wine-tasting cruise. Otherwise, find a spot on the waterfront and take in the beautiful views of San Francisco’s famous landmarks; the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island and the city skyline.
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A flag with 'PIERS 59' on a flagpole by a body of water with a building on a hill in the background.

4. Golden Gate Park

The Golden Gate Park is around five kilometres long and 800 metres wide. Designed more than a century ago by the park commissioner, William Hall, the park incorporates numerous meandering walking trails, perfect for hiking. The paths wind their way round 405 hectares of well-maintained and sculpted landscape gardens, rugged woods and shimmering lakes. It’s a true oasis of calm and the perfect place to unwind.
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A large white greenhouse with a dome roof, surrounded by a garden with colorful flowers and palm trees.

5. Alcatraz Island

Between 1934 and 1963 when the Alcatraz prison was still in service, the name uttered in any courtroom was enough to instil dread and fear into any person standing accused. Even viewed from a distance, the bleak island on the San Francisco skyline will send a shiver up your spine. During its time as a working prison, Alcatraz held some of the world’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz), George "Machine Gun" Kelly, Bumpy Johnson, Rafael Cancel Miranda (a member of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party who attacked the United States Capitol building in 1954) Mickey Cohen, Arthur R. "Doc" Barker, James "Whitey" Bulger, and Alvin "Creepy" Karpis.
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A coastal cityscape with a prominent island fortress, a bridge, and a hilly backdrop.

6. Presidio of San Francisco

Presidio Military Reservation has a special place in San Francisco and American history, as the Spanish originally set up camp in the area back in 1776, followed for a brief spell by the Mexicans. Of course, Presidio’s use has long since changed but it’s still the United States’ longest running military base, today having acquired National Historical Landmark District status. But its heritage explains its Hispanic name.
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The Golden Gate Bridge with its distinctive red towers and suspension cables, spanning the entrance to San Francisco Bay.

7. Lombard Street

A one-block section of Lombard Street shows the steepness of San Francisco’s hills in a unique way. The redbrick road makes eight hairpin turns as it goes downhill from Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street. See this famous spot, one of the beloved quirks of the City by the Bay.
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A scenic view of a city with a prominent bridge in the distance, lush greenery, and a variety of buildings.

8. Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is a long, beautiful beach running along the west coast of San Francisco. This stretch is often less crowded than many of the city’s other beaches. Go for a solitary stroll on the sand and watch experienced surfers take on the large waves and strong currents.
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A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and a clear blue ocean.

What to do in San Francisco

Stay near popular San Francisco attractions

A pedestrian bridge over a river with a stadium and a boat dock in the background.

Oracle Park

8.8/10 (7,978 reviews)
Oracle Park captivates with its stunning San Francisco Bay backdrop and chance for "splash hits" into McCovey Cove. Savor local cuisine while watching the Giants play beneath the iconic 24-foot wall honoring Willie Mays.
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Where to stay in San Francisco

Find the best San Francisco areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Francisco
Learn more about San Francisco
A street with shops, including a crystal shop and a crepes cafe.

Fisherman's Wharf

Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay are top sights in Fisherman's Wharf, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Jones St and Beach St Stop or Jefferson St & Taylor St Stop to see more sights in the area.

A street lined with historic buildings, parked cars, and a clear blue sky.

Nob Hill

Travelers love Nob Hill for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Washington St & Leavenworth St Stop or Washington St & Jones St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like SF Masonic Auditorium and Cable Car Museum.

A cityscape with tall buildings, a central plaza with palm trees, and a flag on one of the buildings.

Union Square

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.

A vibrant mural on a building, depicting a large figure with a heart-shaped halo, surrounded by various characters in colorful attire.

Mission District

Mission District is a destination travelers like for its bars, and you might hop aboard the metro at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to explore sights like Southern Exposure.

A cityscape with modern skyscrapers, a central park with pathways, and a few people walking.

South of Market

Oracle Park and Chase Center are top sights in South of Market, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Yerba Buena-Moscone Station or Fourth-Brannan Station to see more sights in the area.

A serene lake with a gazebo, a tall tree, and a church tower.

Oakland

A cityscape with a prominent bridge in the distance, surrounded by hills and a dense urban area.

San Bruno

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and the ocean.

San Mateo

A suspension bridge with illuminated cables, a calm body of water, and a distant city skyline at dusk.

Daly City

An aerial view of a city with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, a prominent curved road, and a large green park area.

Menlo Park

A waterfront pier with a restaurant and a building with a tower.

Sausalito

The Golden Gate Bridge spanning the San Francisco Bay with a cityscape in the background.

Millbrae

A suspension bridge with illuminated cables, a calm body of water, and a distant city skyline at dusk.

Pacifica

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.