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

Golden Gate Bay Cruise Service: sail around Alcatraz!

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

€34
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions

Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions

€95
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
California Academy of Sciences General Admission

California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

€48
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoia Tour

San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour

€180
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour
City Sightseeing San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

€48
per adult
City Sightseeing San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Golden Gate Bridge at night

San Francisco Night Tour

€46
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Night Tour
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

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

€61
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tours PLUS Night Tour
See all activities in San Francisco
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

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

2. Pier 39

First-timers taking a stroll along Pier 39 might be surprised by the strange sounds creeping up from its adjacent floating docks. But follow the fruity barks and deep groans to the source and you’ll immediately see what makes this pier a much-loved destination for visitors and locals alike.
Learn more
A flag with 'PIERS 59' on a flagpole by a body of water with a building on a hill in the background.

3. Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge connects the city of San Francisco with Marin County to the north and marks the point where the bay meets the ocean. Consisting of a single span of 2.7 kilometres, it took four years to build and was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1937. Its exposed location called for a robust design that would withstand high winds and extreme weather, yet its elegance and beauty have made it one of America’s most photographed landmarks, as well as a genuine architectural icon.
Learn more
The Golden Gate Bridge with its distinctive towers and suspension cables, set against a backdrop of hills and the San Francisco Bay.

4. Golden Gate Park

Take a breather from the city heat in over 400 hectares of natural parkland stretching from the Haight-Ashbury district to the Pacific Ocean. Opened in 1871 as a rural retreat for city-dwellers inspired by New York’s Central Park, Golden Gate Park made its indelible mark on popular culture during the Summer of Love in 1967, when San Francisco’s flower children spread their message of love and peace to the world. Half a century on, the hippie legacy lives on in the Janis Joplin tree, a notorious spot for illicit marijuana smokers said to be just large enough to conceal a girl and her guitar within its branches.
Learn more
A large white greenhouse with a dome roof, surrounded by a garden with colorful flowers and palm trees.

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.
Learn more
A scenic view of a city with a prominent bridge in the distance, lush greenery, and a variety of buildings.

6. Presidio of San Francisco

The longest running military base in US history dates back to 1776, on a site which is now a National Historical Landmark District. Today the strict discipline and tough exercise regimes of military life have given way to more leisurely pursuits. The Presidio is the place where the locals go to let off steam in the picturesque shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Learn more
The Golden Gate Bridge with its distinctive red towers and suspension cables, spanning the entrance to San Francisco Bay.

7. Alcatraz Island

The ghosts of Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Alvin “Creepy” Karpis still stalk the abandoned corridors of one of the world’s bleakest and toughest prisons. But since the maximum security facility closed in 1963, Alcatraz Island has been welcoming “guests” of a different kind. This rocky outcrop in San Francisco Bay is now a National Park, with thousands of people every year making the short ferry ride across the channel that separated the most notorious criminals of their day from the bright lights of the city.
Learn more
A coastal cityscape with a prominent island fortress, a bridge, and a hilly backdrop.

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.
Learn more
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.
See properties

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. SOMA Pilipinas 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 Chase Center – 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 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

A white building with a dome and arched windows, surrounded by trees and a clear sky.

Belmont

A suspension bridge at sunset with city lights in the distance.

Burlingame

Brilliant sunset in local Arastradero Park. Hiking trails up and down hills lined with eucalyptus trees.

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

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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia