Things to do in San Francisco

Activities, attractions and tours

San Francisco featuring a bay or harbor and a bridge
San Francisco featuring a bay or harbor and a bridge
San Francisco
San Francisco featuring a city and heritage architecture
San Francisco
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Top places to visit

1. Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge stretches 2.7 kilometres across the opening of San Francisco Bay out to the Pacific Ocean, otherwise known as the “Golden Gate”. As one of the most photographed bridges in the world, it never fails to inspire both visitors and locals with its sheer size and beauty. Although often covered in mist, it’s worth waiting for a clear day for your own photo opportunity, although crossing it on foot shouldn’t be missed whatever the weather.
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San Francisco which includes a bridge

2. Pier 39

The star attraction at Fisherman’s Wharf is the noisy colony of sea lions that live and play on the floating docks of Pier 39. Barking, belching, playing and sleeping, these amusing creatures are a big hit with both locals and visitors.
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Pier 39 which includes signage and landscape views

3. 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

4. Alcatraz Island

Between 1934 and 1963, the prison on Alcatraz Island housed criminals such as the likes of Al Pacino, Alvin Carpis and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Standing on the mainland and gazing out to the rocky island, it’s not difficult to see why Alcatraz law-breakers of the day were filled with such dread at the utterance of its name, with its stormy weather and bleak isolation.
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Alcatraz Island which includes island images and a coastal town

5. Golden Gate Park

Designed in 1871 by park commissioner William Hall, the Golden Gate Park is over five kilometres long and 800 metres wide, and a favourite spot for residents and visitors to walk, meet, relax and picnic. Over 405 hectares of landscaped gardens and walking trails through woods and lakes make the park a green oasis in one of the USA’s most vibrant cities. Starting at the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood, the park runs all the way down to the Pacific Coast.
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Conservatory of Flowers showing a garden, flowers and outdoor art

6. 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

7. Presidio of San Francisco

The longest running military base in US history, Presidio Military Reservation was set up by the Spanish in 1776. After a brief occupation by the Mexicans, the Americans held the outpost until 1994. Today, it’s a National Historical Landmark District.
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Presidio Military Reservation featuring a bridge, a bay or harbour and heritage architecture

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What to do in San Francisco

Popular places to visit

yerba buena gardens complex

Moscone Convention Center

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

Moscone Convention Center
Golden Gate Bridge which includes a bay or harbour, night scenes and a marina

Golden Gate Bridge

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

Golden Gate Bridge
Pier 39 featuring signage, street scenes and a city

Pier 39

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.

Pier 39
Oracle Park featuring a bay or harbor and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Oracle Park

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

Oracle Park
Alcatraz Island which includes island images and a coastal town

Alcatraz Island

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

Alcatraz Island
Golden Gate Park which includes flowers and a garden

Golden Gate Park

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

Golden Gate Park
Chase Center San Francisco Skyline Aerial Photography

Chase Center

Catch an event at Chase Center during your trip to San Francisco. Amble around this vibrant area's Chinatown or experience its fascinating museums.

Chase Center
Lombard Street featuring flowers and a garden

Lombard Street

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 Military Reservation which includes landscape views, a monument and a garden

Presidio of San Francisco

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

Presidio of San Francisco

Areas of San Francisco

Union Square showing a city and a skyscraper

Union Square

4/5(287 area reviews)

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

Union Square
Fisherman’s Wharf which includes a bay or harbour

Fisherman's Wharf

5/5(4 area reviews)

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.

Fisherman's Wharf
Downtown San Francisco featuring railway items

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 Warfield Theatre 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 which includes a city, a park and skyline

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 a city and street scenes

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
Mission District which includes outdoor art

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Lake Merritt featuring a pond

Oakland

San Francisco Panoramic Views as seen from San Bruno Mountain Top. San Bruno Mountain State Park, San Mateo County, California, USA.

San Bruno

Pigeon Point Light House San Mateo, California

San Mateo

condensed view of houses in Daly City, San Francisco

Daly City

Burlingame Caltrain Station, California

Burlingame

Aerial view of commercial and residential areas of Menlo Park, California toward Palo Alto along El Camino Real Road near Middle Avenue. Backdrop distant San Francisco Bay and mountains

Menlo Park

Sausalito which includes general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Sausalito

#beachbound cali style. 😎

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 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.

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