What to do in San Francisco, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco which includes heritage architecture and a city
San Francisco
San Francisco
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Top places to visit

1. Golden Gate Bridge

Although shrouded in mist for a lot of the time, one of the most photographed bridges in the world is still a stunning sight and something of an event to cross. It inspires awe and fires up the imagination with its size, scale and beauty. This icon of American architecture stretches 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) across the "Golden Gate", the opening of San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean.
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Golden Gate Bridge featuring a suspension bridge or treetop walkway, night scenes and general coastal views

2. Pier 39

Belching, barking and back scratching are hardly the stuff that tourist dreams are made of, unless you’re talking about the colonies of sea lions that bask in the sun and play on their floating docks at Pier 39.
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Pier 39 featuring street scenes, a city and signage

3. Golden Gate Park

The Golden Gate Park is over three miles (five kilometers) long and about half a mile (800 meters) wide. It was designed in 1871 by park commissioner William Hall, who incorporated winding walking trails that wind through more than 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of beautifully landscaped gardens, woods, and lakes. Golden Gate Park is a lush and laidback refuge from the bustle of San Francisco, stretching all the way from the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to the Pacific coast.
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Golden Gate Park featuring a garden and flowers

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

5. Alcatraz Island

For decades (between 1934 and 1963) the name Alcatraz uttered in a courtroom brought up fear, terror and visions of being sent to this austere island fortress. Even from the mainland the rocky island, now a National Park, still evokes powerful images of bleak isolation. It is a foreboding place that once held some of the country’s most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Alvin “Creepy” Karpis.
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Alcatraz Island which includes a coastal town and island views

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

7. Presidio of San Francisco

The Spanish set up camp here in 1776, and following a brief stint by the Mexicans, the Americans upheld the picture perfect outpost until 1994. This makes it the longest running military base in U.S. history. Today, it is designated a National Historical Landmark District.
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Presidio of San Francisco featuring a garden, a monument and landscape views

What to do in San Francisco

Popular places to visit

Golden Gate Bridge featuring a suspension bridge or treetop walkway, night scenes and general coastal views

Golden Gate Bridge

4.5/5(362 reviews)

Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.

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

Pier 39

4/5(364 reviews)

This waterfront attraction offers thrilling rides, innovative street performers and colorful souvenir shops, but it’s the sea lions that win the day.

Pier 39
Golden Gate Park featuring a garden and flowers

Golden Gate Park

4.5/5(323 reviews)

This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.

Golden Gate Park
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 shops 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
Alcatraz Island which includes a coastal town and island views

Alcatraz Island

5/5(247 reviews)

Escape to “The Rock,” home of the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned a reputation as a cold and unforgiving place.

Alcatraz Island
Presidio of San Francisco featuring a garden, a monument and landscape views

Presidio of San Francisco

4/5(26 reviews)

Discover history, culture, open spaces, spectacular views and the Jedi Master Yoda at this former military base.

Presidio of San Francisco
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
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

Explore areas of San Francisco

Union Square featuring a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(287 area reviews)

Fashion puts on its finest face in one of the country’s largest shopping plazas.

Union Square
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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 Chase Center 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 harbour

Fisherman's Wharf

5/5(4 area reviews)

This waterfront neighborhood dates back to the gold rush era and is a hub for tourist activities, sea lions and seafood restaurants.

Fisherman's Wharf
South of Market which includes skyline, a park and cbd

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
Financial District - Ferry Building

Financial District

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

Mingle with businesspeople in the excellent bars and restaurants of this neighborhood where there is a large concentration of corporate headquarters.

Financial District

Day trip destinations from San Francisco

Oakland

Oakland

Photo by Joshua Lefler

Atherton

San Bruno

San Bruno

Daly City

Daly City

South San Francisco

South San Francisco

Photo by Quintin Doroquez

Menlo Park

Sausalito

Sausalito

Redwood City showing street scenes and a city

Redwood City

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 kilometers away from downtown, while Union Square is 0.16 kilometers 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.