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

California Academy of Sciences General Admission

California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

RM199
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour

San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour

RM436
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour
Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages

Official Alcatraz Inside Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages

RM350
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Official Alcatraz Inside Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages
SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission

SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission

RM163
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

RM509
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

San Francisco 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

RM285
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
San Francisco 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
Bridge 2 Bridge Tour: Golden Gate Bridge to Bay Bridge

San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)

RM195
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
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Top places to visit

1. 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.

2. 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.

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

The Golden Gate Bridge with its distinctive towers and suspension cables, set against a backdrop of hills and the San Francisco Bay.

Golden Gate Bridge

9.4/10 (27,256 reviews)
This iconic orange suspension bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait with engineering brilliance and unmatched views. Walk it for panoramic vistas of San Francisco's skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the Pacific Ocean.
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Where to stay in San Francisco

Find the best San Francisco areas 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

Travellers love Fisherman's Wharf for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Jones St and Beach St Stop or Jefferson St & Taylor St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay.

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

Nob Hill

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from SF Masonic Auditorium to Cable Car Museum – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.

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

You might enjoy the bars while in Mission District. San Francisco Public Library is a notable sight, and you can get around town at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to see more of the city.

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

South of Market

Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to San Francisco Bay – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.

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

Oakland

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

Daly City

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 coastal landscape with a prominent rock formation, a calm sea, and a sunset with clouds.

San Carlos

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods, Downtown San Francisco is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Union Square is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre 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 travelling 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 neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Pier 39 is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.