Things to do in San Francisco

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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.
Learn more
Pier 39 which includes signage and landscape views

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.
Learn more
Conservatory of Flowers showing heritage elements, a park 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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
Lombard Street featuring flowers and a garden

6. 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.
Learn more
Alcatraz Island showing a coastal town and island views

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.
Learn more
Presidio of San Francisco featuring a bay or harbour, heritage architecture and a bridge

What to do in San Francisco

Popular places to visit

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

Golden Gate Bridge

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

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

Golden Gate Park

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

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

Pier 39

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
Moscone Convention Center

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 notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Moscone Convention Center
Oracle Park

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
Lombard Street

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 of San Francisco featuring landscape views, a park and a monument

Presidio of San Francisco

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

Presidio of San Francisco
Alcatraz Island showing a coastal town and island views

Alcatraz Island

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
University of San Francisco

University of San Francisco

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 city and a high-rise building

Union Square

4/5(287 area reviews)

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

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 showing 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 city and a park

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)

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.

Mission District
Oakland

Oakland

Coyote Point Park featuring a garden

San Mateo

Daly City

Daly City

South San Francisco

South San Francisco

Photo by Quintin Doroquez

Menlo Park

Sausalito

Sausalito

Photo by Bob Cummins

Millbrae

Photo by Mallikarjun Mudagall

Foster 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 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