Things to do in San Francisco

With local artisanal produce on the table and wooded mountains on the doorstep, this San Francisco Bay county combines a laid-back lifestyle with natural splendor.

Now a National Park, this rocky island was once home to one of the most feared prisons in the United States.

Wander among the majestic redwood trees, some of which are hundreds of years old, at this National Park, not far from downtown San Francisco.

Don’t drive it, walk it. Walking this 2.7 kilometre iconic bridge is a real experience, best appreciated on two legs.

This former military base makes a great day out with plenty of history and culture as well as open spaces that offer spectacular views.

Nestled in the southwest corner of the Presidio, this 1.6 kilometre stretch of San Francisco coastline offers some of the best views in the city.

Head to the waterfront for thrilling rides, captivating street performers and plenty of souvenir shops. But the main draw has to be the resident sea lions.

Built for an Expo and then made permanent, this Roman-inspired palace built early in the 20th Century houses a treasure trove of fine arts and science exhibits.

Nestled in Golden Gate Park, at the eastern side of Stow Lake, the serene Japanese Tea Garden is a tiny slice of Kyoto in the heart of San Francisco.

Sit for a while and relax among the trees, flowers and wildlife in this popular park, right on San Francisco's doorstep.

Take a tour of the America’s best-known wine-growing region for some delicious wine tasting and to buy a bottle or two.

Attracting over a million visitors every year, this academy is one of the world’s most respected scientific institutions.

Use all your senses as you explore science through dozens of interactive exhibits at San Francisco’s famous museum on Pier 15.

Spend a few hours at this famous fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park, which boasts a collection of treasures dating back to the 1600s.

Step aboard century-old ships, watch boat builders at work, browse exhibits about U.S. maritime heritage and enjoy scenic picnics at this historic waterfront district.

Bring your camera to capture the iconic, colorfully painted, Victorian-style houses and the downtown cityscape from this well-known hilltop park.

Go up to the top of this lofty peak on a clear day for unparalleled aerial views of San Francisco’s most recognizable landmarks.

Relax on the sand, spot seabirds, fly kites and enjoy other outdoor activities at this secluded San Francisco beach.

Browse high-end shops and see a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building at this fashionable lane, which was once at the heart of San Francisco’s red-light district.

Dating back to the middle of the 19th Century, this historic wharf has been through many incarnations. Today it’s bursting with fun, sea lions and restaurants.

Fashion puts its best foot forward in this vast shopping plaza.

From shipwrecks to the Sutro Baths, find adventure and plenty of photo opportunities around every corner in San Francisco’s stunning coastal park.

Enjoy sun, surf and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge in this tiny secluded cove between Lands End and Baker Beach.

Discover the man behind Mickey Mouse at this interactive museum located in the heart of San Francisco’s Presidio neighborhood. 

Admire the incredible array of blooms on display, from insect-eating plants to elaborately shaped orchids, at this well-preserved Victorian-era conservatory.

Surround yourself with inspiring nature, learn about the San Francisco Bay Area and meet its wild inhabitants in San Mateo’s sprawling waterfront park.

Learn about the old-fashioned cable cars that have transported San Franciscans for generations as you tour around a historic powerhouse and working museum.

Drive, bike or walk across the state-of-the-art bridge that connects San Francisco to Oakland and the East Bay beyond.

Go boating on Golden Gate Park’s largest lake. The placid body of water is the home of turtles, ducks and during winter, Canadian geese.  

Walk through some of the most beautiful scenery in San Francisco along Lands End’s oceanfront trail from where you can see iconic sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge.