Things to do in San Francisco

Activities, attractions and tours

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

2. 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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Conservatory of Flowers showing a park, heritage elements and flowers

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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Pier 39 featuring landscape views and signage

4. 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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Oracle Park featuring a bay or harbor and street scenes as well as a small group of people

5. 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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Lombard Street featuring flowers and a garden

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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Presidio of San Francisco showing a bridge, a bay or harbor and heritage architecture

7. 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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Alcatraz Island which includes island images and a coastal town

What to do in San Francisco

Popular places to visit

Golden Gate Bridge showing a suspension bridge or treetop walkway, a marina and night scenes

Golden Gate Bridge

4.5/5(362 reviews)

This iconic bridge, with its distinctive burnished red colour, is probably one of the world’s most instantly recognisable landmarks.

Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Park which includes flowers and a garden

Golden Gate Park

4.5/5(323 reviews)

This wonderful park is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Come here to relax, enjoy the scenery, breathe in the air and watch the wildlife.

Golden Gate Park
Pier 39 which includes a city, signage and street scenes

Pier 39

4/5(364 reviews)

This waterfront attraction offers all the fun of a traditional pier with rides, street performances and entertainment courtesy of a colony of resident sea lions!

Pier 39
Moscone Convention Center

Moscone Convention Center

4/5(13 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the fascinating museums and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Moscone Convention Center
Oracle Park

Oracle Park

4.5/5(24 reviews)

Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.

Oracle Park
Lombard Street

Lombard Street

4.5/5(298 reviews)

Often incorrectly called the world’s crookedest street, this San Francisco roadway is an iconic spot to see, photograph and drive down.

Lombard Street
Presidio of San Francisco featuring a monument, a statue or sculpture and landscape views

Presidio of San Francisco

4/5(26 reviews)

This former military base is packed with panoramic views, history and culture and is surrounded by attractive open spaces.

Presidio of San Francisco
Alcatraz Island which includes island images and a coastal town

Alcatraz Island

5/5(247 reviews)

Home to the world’s most notorious prison, tour this famous landmark to understand why it gained its reputation as such a cold and unforgiving place.

Alcatraz Island
University of San Francisco

University of San Francisco

3.5/5(9 reviews)

Walk around the campus at University of San Francisco during your stay in San Francisco. Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this vibrant area.

University of San Francisco

Areas of San Francisco

Union Square featuring a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(287 area reviews)

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

Union Square
Default Image

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(52 area reviews)

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 San Francisco Bay 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
Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a bay or harbor

Fisherman's Wharf

5/5(4 area reviews)

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
South of Market which includes skyline, a garden and a city

South of Market

3.5/5(113 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 showing street scenes and a city

Nob Hill

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

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

Nob Hill
Default Image

Mission District

3.5/5(11 area reviews)

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
Oakland

Oakland

San Bruno

San Bruno

Daly City

Daly City

Photo by Quintin Doroquez

Menlo Park

Sausalito

Sausalito

Photo by Bob Cummins

Millbrae

Redwood City which includes a city and street scenes

Redwood City

Photo by Six Bones

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.